OC on the Cheap: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day usually brings to mind expensive dinners, expensive gifts, and expensive entertainment. But romance doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. With a little creativity, you can impress your partner and enjoy your Valentine's Day on the cheap in Orange County.

Outdoor picnic

One of the best things about Orange County is our unseasonably warm weather. Take advantage of it by planning a romantic outdoor picnic the weekend before Valentine's Day (complete with wine and your partner's favorite foods). Pick one of OC's scenic spots, like Crystal Cove State Park (voted best picnic spot in 2010 by OC Weekly) or Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea, where there are plenty of private grassy spots with views of the lake. Don't forget to hike to the Coastal Redwoods that sit on a ten-acre grove! Parking is only $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends, making this a great option for a cheap Valentine's Day meal.

Plan a day of activities 

Instead of blowing all your cash on one big dinner that will only give you an hour of entertainment, plan a full day of activities that both you and your partner enjoy. Take advantage of the free and cheap things that OC has to offer:

• Animal lovers: Head to the Cabrillo Beach Aquarium (Free with a $5 suggested donation, $1/hour parking) or the Orange County Zoo (admission $2, parking $3).
• Outdoorsmen: Go mountain biking through the Fullerton Loop or take a hike in one of these great Orange County locations.
• Movie buffs: See a film at one of Orange County's cheapest theaters like the Picture Show at Mainplace ($1.75 all day), La Mirada's Starplex Cinemas ($2), or Irvine's Starplex Cinemas ($2).
• Local foodies: Hit up an OC favorite like Jerry's Dogs, where most dogs are under $4 

Spend a day or night at the beach 

There's nothing like the beaches in Orange County! Take advantage of the romantic scenery this Valentine's Day and head to Balboa Beach for a walk on the pier, a ride the ferris wheel, or a bonfire after sunset.

Hit up a Jazz Club 

Start with dinner at home to save some money, then head to one of OC's hottest Jazz Clubs like Steamers Jazz Club in Downtown Fullerton. Having already eaten, you'll only need to spend money on a couple of cocktails (most nights have no cover charge, but check their website to be sure).

Go wine tasting 

For a little romance, conversation, and good wine, consider spending a couple of hours wine tasting this Valentine's Day. You can head down to Temecula where wineries abound; one of our favorites is the South Coast Winery where tastings are only $7.50 for 5. 

Grab a free balloon ride 

At Orange County's Great Park, the Great Park Balloon gives free rides every Thursday-Sunday. Head down the Saturday or Sunday before Valentine's Day and take in a romantic night-time view of Orange County between 7 and 10 p.m. The balloon holds up to 25 to 30 passengers at once, and soars up to 400 feet above the surrounding landscape.