Tips for Cheap Dates in the San Francisco Bay Area

My husband once told me that he was happy to be married and out of the dating pool. I asked him, "Why? Is it because you're thrilled to have met someone as fabulous as me?" Unfortunately, he claimed that wasn't the reason, and instead replied in a sarcastic tone, "No, because dating is expensive and I can finally save some money." Of course, I didn't find any humor in his remark, but once I came down off my high horse, I realized that he did have a point.

Dating can be very expensive, particularly for those trying to impress their date. A movie will now set you back a good $18-$20, and a lot more than that if you intend to hydrate and feed your mate theater-quality vittles. With minimum wage being $6.75 in the state of California, a poor teenage boy (and let's be honest, some men) will have to work at least three hours to impress the young lady of his dreams. This leads me to ponder the question, "What can one do in the Bay Area that's fun, yet cheap?"

After searching the Internet, and reminiscing about my own experiences with cheap dates (sorry fellas, but some of you were cheap), I came up with the following list of inexpensive activities in the Bay Area that will make for an exciting date, without leaving one broke and penniless.

1. Lake Elizabeth at Central Park
40000 Paseo Padre Parkway
Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: (510) 790-5541

Lake Elizabeth is a beautiful park where you and a date can partake in some great, outdoor activities. With four playground areas, 10 reservable picnic sites, and a dog park, this location is great for the young at heart. Show a date your playful side by heading to the basketball courts or softball field available on site. You can also utilize the vast amount of grassy, open space to fly a kite, or set up your own volleyball and badminton court. If you're looking for something more romantic, take advantage of the trail that circles the lake and enjoy the two-mile walk by foot, bike, or on roller skates. Love birds can also get an up-close view of the lake while sitting cozy in a paddle boat, available for rent for only $10 per half hour.

2. Musee Mecanique (The Mechanical Museum)
Pier 45 Shed A at the end of Taylor Street
Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 346-2000

The Mechanical Museum in San Francisco is a place where you can view and sample a variety of antique arcade machines. There are fortune telling machines; a machine that you can arm wrestle with (my favorite); machines that play music; and some that recount major, historical events, like the one offering slide show photos of the earthquake and fire that ravaged parts of San Francisco in 1906. Sure, you'll need a few quarters to really enjoy yourself, but that's nothing compared to spending tens and twenties!

3. The Oakland Artisan Marketplace at Jack London Square
Broadway & Embarcadero Street
Oakland, CA 94607

Every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Farmer's Market comes to Jack London Square, drawing large crowds to its fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, and other delicious offerings. Yet, just a few feet away is the Oakland Artisan Marketplace (open 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m.), a place where artists display their paintings, jewelry, pottery, and other creative inventions. If you're the intellectual type, you and a date will enjoy browsing through the many works of art available at the marketplace. Plus, with it being located on the waterfront, you'll be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the bay, as you stroll along the water's edge.

4. Telegraph Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704

Anyone familiar with the city of Berkeley knows that they don't call it "Bezerkley" for nothing. Home of one of the best universities in the state, Berkeley is laced with characters from all walks of life who gravitate toward Telegraph Avenue, making it one of the most popular streets in the city. With several shops lining both sides of the street and wacky outdoor vendors displaying their unique creations, you and a date will have a ton of things to talk about while walking up and down the sidewalk. Stop inside the Berkeley Hat Company (2510 Telegraph Avenue) and amuse your date by trying on one of the many unique designs they have to offer. Then, grab a bite to eat at either Fat Slice (2375 Telegraph Avenue) or Blondies (2340 Telegraph Avenue), where you can get a large slice of pizza and a soda for as little as $3.00.