Simple to classy: budget dating
San Diego
Natalia Van Stralen, Assistant Features Editor
Issue date: 8/27/07 Section: Dating & Romance
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Massive buildings with ancient architecture complement a series of colossal palms. The aroma of Italian food infiltrates the air and sets a desirable atmosphere for a romantic - yet inexpensive - date at The Prado Restaurant at
That's right, inexpensive. The Prado Restaurant, located at 1549 El Prado, has free parking, stunning architecture and flavorsome foods, all at reasonable prices. Its ambiance provides something for new and old couples alike to enjoy.
And, it's just one of the many places around San Diego that allow for an unforgettable dating experience that won't require you to stay in for the next three dates because you spent so much on the first.
Dating on a budget is a tough balance - between satisfying your own standards of a date, impressing your significant other and keeping expense in mind.
One of the most important things to focus on when dating on a budget is to pay special attention to admission prices. Don't spend your money on high entrance fees; instead, save for a splurge on dessert later or a gift from a museum shop. Some admission-free date options include
The park boasts 19 museums with something for every interest, from art to science to model trains. The admissions to the museums vary because most of them are independently managed.
However, memberships are available and many museums offer free admission during the week.
If you're looking for something else to entertain you, the park's eight performing arts centers make choosing one performance difficult. Admission prices vary but many offer group rates - for group daters - and student discounts. The theaters' artistic talents range from dance and puppetry to symphonies and plays.
If a museum walk or a seated play isn't of interest to you, there are enough attractions to turn this article into a book. There are botanical gardens, a miniature railroad ride and an IMAX theater as well as hiking and biking trails.
Every Sunday there are open houses from noon to 4 p.m. that display the different international customs. At 2 p.m. on Sundays, from March through October, the cottages showcase music, dance, traditional costumes, arts, crafts, and ethnic foods - all for free.
To see all that
If you're looking for an atmosphere that's more simple than symphony,
The Belmont amusement park has 11 rides to choose from and a Wild West Photo shoot option that will provide you with an entertaining dress-up experience and a picture memory of your date at the park - at low prices.
The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster is a classic favorite that's been entertaining daters since 1925. The speedway bumper cars or the Krazy Kars are also fun date options. Each of these rides won't cost you more than a pair of movie tickets.
Shopping is also available at the park including Sun Diego Boardshops and Henna Heaven where you and your date can get henna tattoos that aren't nearly as pricey or as long-lasting as a real tattoo.
There are also several restaurants and food options including the popular WaveHouse and Canes Bar & Grill, as well as the Sweet Shoppe - a sure inexpensive stop at the end of your date.
If you are looking for a night of movies with a bit of a twist, Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 is located at
If you want to bring dinner with you to the movie, try the South Bay Drive-In, open seven nights a week, year-round, and at $7 per person for two movies it is an inexpensive date must.
Located under the starry sky in
The romantic restaurant setting and picturesque after-dinner scenery may be your idea of an ideal date. It may also be a day of swimming at the beach, riding on Krazy Kars and topping it off with a bag of candy and an ice cream cone.
Being on a budget doesn't mean you have to also be limited on your dating options. Romance is capable of arising in any atmosphere - be it a fancy, inexpensive dinner or the starry sky at a drive-in movie.
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