This is part 2 of 3 in a series on malls that are about more than just shopping, providing a “night-out” solution for the frugal person. Part 1 focused on Orange County and Part 3 will focus on the inland empire.

The Pike – Long Beach
The Pike is not that big, but it is lots of fun and close to many features that Long Beach has to offer. The Ferris Wheel is only $2 and there is also an arcade. There are a few benches, but a lot of people sit on the wide stairs leading to the second level. The best place to relax is along the railing of the bridge connecting the two sides of the Pike.

The south side is mostly restaurants, but it is very nice to walk around, and if you follow the sidewalk past the marina, you will reach a beach. Nearby from the north side is also a lighthouse and mini-park, a pond with paddle boats in front of the hotel, the convention center, the aquarium, and more. A short walk (or free bus ride) up Pine Avenue and you will find yourself amongst more nightlife. There is often something going on here. Head west on Ocean for the East Village Arts District, which has a free art walk once a month.

The only setback about the Pike is the parking. Long Beach is notorious for limited parking spaces and high parking fees. The Pike has a large parking structure, but only the first five minutes are free without validation. However, you can get your ticket validated at Gameworks without purchase, which will provide you with 90 minutes free.

The Americana at Brand – Glendale
This one has a nice large fountain and a trolley going through the area. There is a stage and big-name artists such as Vanessa Carlton and Ashley Tisdale have performed free concerts there. There is also a Rite-Aid, and Thrifty ice cream is the frugal dream with their dollar scoops. There are lots of parking structures nearby, each giving 90 minutes free, more with validation.

Third Street Promenade – Santa Monica
This is a street near the pier, flanked on the east by a mall. The Starbucks on this street has a Listen lounge and the Edwards has an IMAX. What makes this worth visiting, though, are the people you can find at night, stationed between the neatly trimmed topiary. You can find break dancers, open-air debates, a man with a iguana, and more. This is my favorite place to people watch, as you get a wide array of all types. There are several parking structures that display how many open spaces it has. During the day, the first two hours are free, but if you enter after six, there is a flat rate of $3.

I have not been to the following but I hear these two are worth visiting.
The Grove – Los Angeles
Citadel Outlets – Los Angeles

Did I miss anything? What is your favorite place to hang out in LA? Let me know in the comments!

Bookmark It (click to see sites)

Hide Sites

One way to save money and still have fun is to hang out at malls and shopping centers. More malls these days are not just about shopping, but the entertainment they can provide the shopper. Of course, for the frugal person, a night of shopping will only end in guilt and remorse. The following is a list of places to people watch, window shop, and more. Many have music playing in the common areas, often with visual accompaniment, and sometimes you will find live entertainment.

Word of caution: leave your wallet at home or in the car so you are not tempted to splurge. Impulse buying is detrimental to the frugal lifestyle.

GardenWalk – Anaheim
This one has the feel that is a mix between an outdoor and indoor mall, as the buildings are close together and there is an upper level around the edges. It doesn’t have as many trees and foliage as one would expect with such a name, but it’s not lacking in the greenery department either. There are plenty of benches scattered amidst the occasional statue or waterfall. There is also a small stage for live events. Parking in the adjacent structure is free for two hours.

Downtown Disney – Anaheim
Downtown Disney is almost the complete opposite of GardenWalk when it comes to building spacing. There is a huge walkway between the two rows of buildings, which is necessary because it can get pretty packed. There is live entertainment, water fountain, and the whole place looks great at night. The shops are big and many fun to play in (Rainforest Cafe, Lego Store). Parking in the adjacent lot (be sure it is marked Downtown Disney, and isn’t Chip & Dale or Lion King, which are for the theme parks) is free for the first three hours.

It’s also a great place to watch the Disneyland fireworks from. The benches fill up quick in the actual Downtown area, but many people watch by sitting on the ground in between the Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure gates. That point is past the bag check, though, so even though you aren’t in the park, no outside food or drink is allowed.

The Block at Orange – Orange
The block is probably the biggest one on this list. It’s not a square, but the word block refers to a city block. It does have a feel of strolling through a mini city. There is live entertainment, a fountain, a large decorative circle in front of the AMC with modern benches, and various benches scattered throughout. If you do want to do some shopping, there are some outlet stores here. A bit of trivia: the Virgin Megastore was featured in Borat. There is plenty of free parking in the large lot surrounding the Block. There is just one section that costs, the valet parking in the back for the day spa.

The District – Tustin
This one is my favorite. It is much like the others, with lights, a fountain, stage, and plenty of benches. However, there is also a trackless train for kids, and video screens on the walls. The parking is not only free, but close to the shops. The seating is not only more abundant than the other malls, but there are sections with tables not assigned to any one store, and fireplaces, which is great for winter nights. It may not get that cold here in southern California, but we generally don’t want to be sitting outside at night. This solves that problem.

Irvine Spectrum – Irvine
Many of the other malls are compared to this “outdoor lifestyle center,” as it is the largest and most extravagant. It is very popular and boasts many stores, Dave & Busters, a theater (including an IMAX), and even a Ferris Wheel and Carousel. I don’t have a lot of frugal experiences with this one, although I image it’s not a difficult task, with it’s size and architecture.

The parking structure is impressive in its own right. Not only is it free, but there are sensors so the number of open spots are posted at the entrance. Also, the valet parking has car detailing while you shop. It may not be frugal, but I admire the fact that it exists.

Did I miss anything? What is your favorite free place to hang out in orange county? Please let me know in the comments!

Bookmark It (click to see sites)

Hide Sites