Last week we shared engagement ideas for our blog readers in San Francisco. Today we’re going to stay in the Golden State, but move down the coast! For our SoCal couples, here are ten of the best proposal places in Orange County.
Orange County is made up of many cities, from Irvine, to Laguna Beach, to Costa Mesa and Yorba Linda. Because of the expansive space, there are plenty of unique ways to get engaged if you’re in the area.
Water-Themed Proposal Ideas in Orange County
If the proposal of your significant other’s dreams involves some form of water, Orange County is where you want to be!
Draw a heart in the sand at Treasure Island Beach. One of the hidden ‘treasures’ of Laguna Beach is Treasure Island Beach. It’s a great place to enjoy spending a laid back day at the beach, swimming (or even snorkeling) in the waves, and taking in the views of the large bluffs. It’s managed in partnership with the city and Montage Resort so is incredibly clean and inviting. Walk hand in hand around the tidepools and then find a spot to draw a heart in the sand with the big question. To continue the celebration, go for drinks at The Loft at the world-renowned Montage Resort. Recommendations recommended if you plan to visit the Montage afterwards. Learn more.
Throw a message in a bottle together off of the Seal Beach Pier. If you travel east of Los Angeles, you’ll find Seal Beach between Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Enjoy a beautiful drive down the Pacific Coast Highway and head to Seal Beach. The beach is home to the second-longest wooden pier in the state and makes for one of the best proposal places in Orange County because of its cozy vibe and beautiful views. Finish up a day at the beach at sunset by writing out your love story, together. Roll it up and put it in a bottle to throw out to sea. Once you’ve launched it into the stratosphere, add to the next chapter in your love story by getting down on one knee. This would be a great way to commemorate a special dating anniversary, and ‘seal’ the engagement moment into your memories forever. (See what we did there…) Learn more.
Get engaged on a bench in Ruby Street Park. If you want the ocean to be in the background of your proposal (without getting sand in your toes), Ruby Street Park in Laguna Beach is a great option. Enjoy the fresh air and towering trees. Then walk along the narrow path which will lead to a single bench which overlooks the ocean. The bench will likely be the best spot to propose. Just remember that since it’s a small park, it might be best to visit when it’s not a peak time of day or year (because of other tourists.) Learn more.
Charter a yacht or sailboat to make romantic memories on the water. Because of the affluent OC communities built on the water, there are many local businesses that provide the opportunity to rent varied forms of aquatic vessels for an on-water engagement experience. Depending on the vibe you’re hoping for, there are different ways you can do this. Either go on a sunset tour, rent a party boat with a large group of your friends, hop on a gondola ride, or pair up with a local professional or group willing to take you around on a small sailboat. Pack up a light picnic, pop the question when the moment feels right, and then do your cheesiest ‘Titanic-Jack-and-Rose pose.’ (Our favorite spot for a water proposal is Newport Harbor.) Reservations will be required. Do your research in advance to find a reputable company. Learn more.
Propose over dinner and drinks at Silver Trumpet Bar. If lakes feel more true to who you are as a couple, the Silver Trumpet Bar is one of the best proposal places in Orange County. Located in the Costa Mesa Theater and Arts District, this award-winning restaurant is known for their gourmet dishes, incredible cocktails, and fantastic views from their outdoor patio. Enjoy a matinee show together and then end the night with yummy food and drinks before creating the proposal of their dreams. Recommendations recommended. Learn more.
Unique Ways to Get Engaged in Orange County
Say ‘cheers’ during a dining experience at the Hobbit restaurant. If your significant other is a lover of all-things-wine, the Hobbit located in Orange has one of the best wine cellars in Orange County. The restaurant is known for their award-winning 4-hour dining experience which is the perfect backdrop for an extravagant proposal. You will enjoy multiple courses paired with champagne and wine, and can even request a tour of their wine cellar (home to over 1,000 bottles!) The Hobbit Experience is $118/person plus tax. Reservations required. Learn more.
Show off your green thumb and big heart at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. If you envision a garden proposal, Casa Romantica in San Clemente is worth considering. As a Spanish Colonial landmark, get immersed in the Spanish architectural influences, year-round cultural programming and events, and lush botanical gardens. And since it spans across 2.5 acres, there’s enough room to walk around and find a spot for a private moment—without feeling overwhelming. (Yes, it actually has the word “Romantic” in its name…what more proof do you need as to why this makes our list for the best proposal places in Orange County?!) General admission is $5.00 plus taxes and fees. Check their calendar in advance. Learn more.
Feel like you’re on top of the world at the Top of the World Park. If hiking is a shared interest and you live in, or are visiting, the Laguna Beach area then consider this for your marriage proposal. It’s actually called “Alta Laguna Park” but is well known by the locals as “Top of the World Park'' because of its expansive hiking trails with 360 degree panoramic views. (And depending on the route that you choose, you may have visibility to the coast line!) Make sure to plan your route in advance for the desired distance and views. Learn more.
Make the memories of a lifetime at the OC Fair. If you want to bring some more innocent fun to your engagement, get transported back to your years as a youngster and consider proposing at the annual OC fair! You could get engaged sky-high on a carnival ride, have the ring given out as a prize from one of the carnival games, given at one of the local art exhibits, or shouted out during a performance taking place in the amphitheater. This is not your traditional way to propose over a dim-lit dinner, and might be just what you need! Keep in mind that the fair can be visited during the summer (July-August) so make sure this timing lines up with your desired marriage proposal. Adult tickets range from $12-$14 depending on the day. Learn more.
Create a thrilling proposal memory on the Great Park Balloon at the Orange County Great Park. If you and your significant other are thrill-seekers, the Great Park Balloon in Irvine is something you should look into! The helium balloon is 118 feet high and travels up 400 feet in the air! If you want something fun, but a little more ‘down to Earth,’ the Orange County Great Park has year-round activities, including Farmer’s Markets and art exhibits, to staple rides like the Great Park Carousel. Learn more.
Book a Photographer in Southern California
We’re hoping this article helped inspire you with some of the best proposal places in Orange County. For more SoCal inspiration, check out our recent article with engagement ideas for couples in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. (This list included some OC locations, like Disneyland Park!)
Want to get your engagement documented? We have local SoCal pros ready to help capture your big moment! And right now, if you book a wedding package with Joy Photo and Video then you can get a free engagement session. Get the details here and see other Californian love stories here.
Choose Joy,
The Joy Team