Posted: Tuesday, Oct 29th, 2024
Affordable and Budget Friendly Dates in Ventura
Written by Ali Kay
Ventura is a treasure filled with some charming places. There are so many romantic hideaway spots to go to — if you know where to go.
If you are looking for affordable and budget friendly dates in Ventura, there are some great ones tucked into the city. You just have to know where to look. Whether you’re married, engaged, going on a first date, or looking for a friend date, there’s plenty to do.
Free and Affordable Outdoor Dates
If you want a nature date outdoors with that special someone, but you are giving your wallet a break, there are plenty of open wide spaces to go to.
Serra Cross at Grant Park
Completely free to visit, Serra Cross at Grant Park is wonderful and offers gorgeous sunset views, with the scent of fresh Lavender and flowers blooming. This is a romantic place to take in the wonder of the city high above the mountain. You can look out onto the ocean, hold hands, and watch the sunset on a beautiful day in Ventura.
Ventura Botanical Gardens
You can also take a walk in the Ventura Botanical Gardens. Members, children 18 and under, and EBT cardholders are free. Fridays are also free, plus special holiday free days (check their website). This gently graded dirt path winds along the hillside of the Ventura Botanical Gardens within Grant Park. The trail is known for offering beautiful ocean views. There are benches along the way too, to stop and take in the view, or rest. You will also find flowers that are in bloom regularly along this walking path.
Surfers Point
Surfer’s Point is a favorite local spot for watching waves, eating a burrito or just taking a walk. If you want to be romantic, this is the place to go. You can walk along the promenade holding hands, or you can take a walk on the sand, looking for seashells. This is a perfect place for a date and to watch an orange glowing sunset.
Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor is another perfect place to go on a date. You can walk around for free and just take in the sights of boats and smell the scent of the ocean. If you want to eat, there are plenty of restaurants and some bars where you can have a drink. If you really want something unique, you can rent the paddle boats and ride in a swan, duck, dragon, or flamingo boat. At night, these boats light up and are really something to see.
Cheap Fun Dates
Moby’s On Main
Moby’s On Main, in Downtown Ventura, is a brand new space that offers video classic arcade games (about $0.50 cents per game) like Pac-Man, Galaga, Donkey Kong, and even tabletop Centipede. Start up some friendly competition in a doubles game on your date. Grab a scoop of iconic Thrifty’s Ice Cream for about $3.50 and some local brews once you’re done gaming.
Golf n’ Stuff
Embrace the nostalgia and head to Golf n’ Stuff. You can play classic arcade games and air hockey before going outside to play mini golf — all while listening to throwback 80s music. Classic video games like Galaga, Ms. Pac Man, and Donkey Kong are about $0.25 cents, while pinball machines are about $0.50 cents a game. Choose between two courses for mini golf at $18 per person. Once you’ve built up an appetite, you can hit the snack bar for soft drinks and mouth-watering favorites like Pizza, Hot Dogs, Nachos, Corn Dog Bites, and other foods.
Skating Plus
Here’s another throwback date: Skating Plus is a great place to go on a date or even with a group of friends where you can skate and groove to some fun jams. Wednesday night is Cheap Skate Night from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm ($9.50 per person plus skate rental). The fun continues into the night for 18+ with a DJ playing old school tunes from 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm ($14.00 per person).
Dessert Date Places
For those with a sweet tooth who want to indulge in a delicious dessert with that special someone, there are some great places to go. Sharing a decadent dessert with someone can be romantic and really fun.
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery in Downtown Ventura offers unique flavors of ice cream. You can try flavors such as Brown Sugar Banana, Cinnamon Toast Cereal Crunch, Honey Lavender, Milk Chocolate Chunk, Root Beer Float, Serious Dark Chocolate, and Vegan Tropical Wild Berry. At $6.75 for a single scoop and $8.75 for a double scoop, indulging in quality ice cream will bring your date to the next level.
Cafe Fiore
Cafe Fiore is about as romantic as it gets in this city. This Italian-themed restaurant serves delicious food, but really great desserts. You can eat in a booth inside and get cozy or outside in their charming patio. Order the Canoli Siciliani -Ricotta, chocolate chip and pistachio dipped for about $13.00, or their Torta Di Cioccolato- Rich molten chocolate cake, mascarpone cream & candied orange peel for about $13.00 or try their decadent Torta Di Formaggio- Double baked cheesecake with a sour cream topping & raspberry sauce for about $13.00. There’s also Creme Brulee, Tiramisu and other luxuriously good desserts.
Budget Friendly Restaurants
Having a delicious meal can be expensive for two, but if you are looking for something budget friendly, there are plenty of places around the city and downtown.
Corrales Mexican Food
Corrales Mexican Food offers super delicious food. You can get warm burritos, sit outside on the outdoor seating, and get to know each other while you eat with your date. The prices range from about $9.00 and up for a burrito. Don’t forget to ask for their salsa on the side — it is what makes the burrito truly spectacular.
Beach House Tacos
Beach House Tacos on the Ventura Pier is a great, affordable place to eat on a date. It’s located right on the Ventura Pier and you can look out at the waves over San Buenaventura State Beach.
You can order tacos such as their classic Beach House Taco for about $7.50. You can also try the Baja Taco with fish or shrimp, grilled or fried, chipotle tartar, cilantro, lime slaw and corn tortilla for about $7.50, or their Crispy Potato Taco with crispy potatoes, cheesy pasilla chile, salsa roja, chile lime crema, cabbage, mixed greens, guacamole for about $7.50.
They offer street tacos and other kinds as well as burritos, drinks, and cocktails. When you’re done eating, walk onto the pier and really take in the views of the ocean and catch a glowing sunset.
Ventiki Lounge & Lanai
Ventiki Lounge & Lanai is a truly romantic getaway right here in the city. You can experience a tiki-themed, cozy spot with that special someone. The Ventiki Mai Tai for $14.00 is a fan favorite as well as their Hurricane ($16.00) or the Scorpion for $17.00. For food, try their Potstickers for $13.00, Coconut Shrimp for $18.00, and many other entrees that will make up a delicious dinner for two.
Finney’s Craft House
Finney’s Craft House is in a great spot. You can eat inside or outside and really experience the charm of Downtown Ventura. Treat yourself to classic starters such as Grilled Cheese & Soup, a Bavarian Pretzel with cheese, Avocado Egg Rolls, Onion Ring Tower, and sliders starting at about $11.00. Entrees at Finney’s start at around $13.00 for meal staples like pizza, hot wings, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Grab a pint from local breweries or order hand-crafted cocktails in a casual, fun setting at Finney’s.
So if you’re looking for affordable and budget friendly dates in Ventura, try any of these places. Taking in a nice meal, walking along the Ventura Pier, or just getting dessert with that special someone is completely doable on a budget in Ventura. You can find romance with an ocean breeze right here in this special city.
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