What\u2019s your goto cheap date in SoCal?<\/p>\n
Guest: Damona Hoffman, dating coach, host of the \u201cDates and Mates\u201d podcast and author of the book \u201cF the Fairy Tale: Rewrite the Dating Myths and Live Your Own Love.”<\/p>\n
Dating is not cheap, especially in a place like greater L.A. And costs are rising.<\/p>\n
The overall average date is running $189, according to a BMO Real Financial Progress Index<\/a>. That\u2019s up 12.5% from last year. We asked listeners of AirTalk<\/a>, LAist\u2019s daily news show, to share how they find ways to date without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n Head outdoors<\/p>\n A number of listeners said hikes are their go-to cheap date.<\/p>\n Keep up with LAist.<\/p>\n If you’re enjoying this article, you’ll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less. <\/p>\n \u201c\u200aI like going into an area where you get into a canopy, a lot of trees, so you don’t get too warm,\u201d Adrian in Corona said.<\/p>\n There might even be some science behind Angelenos\u2019 love of hiking dates. Dating coach Damona Hoffman said there are benefits to doing something active while on a date.<\/p>\n \u201cIt boosts your endorphins\u2026\u200awhen you do something physical, you can sort of transfer some of those feelings of excitement to the person that you’re with,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Kiz in Beverly Hills recommended Los Leones Canyon in Pacific Palisades \u2014 which is open<\/a> after the Palisades fire \u2014 where he went on an early first date with his wife, adding that it\u2019s also kid-friendly.<\/p>\n LAist host Austin Cross pointed out this may not be the best idea for a first date though.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the conversation’s not hitting, but you’re two miles into this hike, you still gotta walk back with them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Take advantage of the arts<\/p>\n Heidi in Los Feliz recommended taking an art class, specifically at Heavy Manners Library in Echo Park.<\/p>\n