Looking for the best proposal places in San Diego, California? Whether you live in the area or are passing through, read this article before getting down on one knee!
We love both NorCal and SoCal but San Diego County has a special place in our hearts. It ‘screams’ all of the things that make the state so wonderful. With 70 miles of beaches and 18 unique incorporated cities, there are plenty of options for a dreamy engagement moment.
Outdoor Engagement Ideas for San Diego Couples
One of the best things about San Diego is how beautiful it is outside all year round. Because of this, we’ve made sure to include outdoor options on our list with the best proposal places in San Diego.
Get engaged at sunset at the Sunset Cliffs National Park. If you’re a couple who enjoys a good hike with expansive views, this is an engagement moment to consider! The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park covers 1.5 miles across the shoreline of the Point Loma peninsula. You will see the ocean against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs—which can be incredibly romantic. Park on the corner of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Ladera Street and look for the stairs that will lead you to tidepools. There’s plenty of space here to get down on one knee. Learn more.
Walk hand in hand on the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail. When you’re in La Jolla, you will feel like you were transported to a destination that’s worthy of being placed on a postcard! The Trail will allow you to trek across the shoreline while delivering on views-galore: from the water, to native birds, and sea lions! Enjoy walking hand in hand until you find a moment that feels right to pop the question. To celebrate after the “Yes!”, make a reservation at the very well known restaurant “George’s at the Cove.” Learn more
Take in the views at Embarcadero Marina Park North. If the outdoor proposal of their dreams involves riding bikes together, enjoying a picnic, sitting at a fishing pier, or taking in waterfront views from a gazebo, then this is a great spot to get engaged. With the sprawling greenery and light that dances off of the water during different times of the day, the marina will give you both an afternoon of respite from the busy downtown San Diego. Learn more.
Create a private proposal memory at Windansea beach. There are many beach or waterfront proposal spots in SD, but some can be packed with tourists if at peak seasons. If you’re looking for a beach proposal idea that feels more intimate, consider Windansea beach in La Jolla. Walk hand in hand and stop near the water's edge when the moment feels right. Hand your significant other a shell with the ring positioned carefully inside of it, or write “Will you marry me?” in the sand. Take in the expansive views and enjoy making new memories together while watching the locals surf. Celebrate afterward at the historic Windansea Surf Shack. Learn more.
Pop the question on the Petco Park scoreboard. If you’re hoping to create a unique engagement moment that genuinely surprises your sports-loving significant other, this is one of the best proposal places in San Diego! Imagine cheering on the Padres together, enjoying a warm San Diego evening with a hot dog, and then having them look up at the scoreboard for a special surprise. By planning in advance, you can have a customized marriage proposal message (of up to 120 characters) appear on the scoreboard during the game. Propose when the message appears and the crowd will roar after your significant other accepts! Book at least 48 hours in advance and keep this disclaimer from Petco Park in mind when selecting where to sit. “These announcements will appear on the right field LED board, not the mammoth HD scoreboard. You will not be able to see the ribbon board from your seats if located in Right Field odd sections 129-137 or 227-235.” Learn more.
Food and Drink Engagement Experiences in San Diego
From world-class Mexican to fresh seafood, and yummy wines, there is a variety of ways that you can get engaged over food and drink in San Diego.
Create an A+ engagement moment at Mister A’s restaurant. If you search online for “Best Proposal Places in San Diego”, one of the top 10 ideas that you will see over and over again is Mister A’s restaurant in Bunker’s Hill. (It also often tops the lists with the best restaurants in the area!) Topping off the award-winning food and cocktails along with panoramic views of the city at nighttime help to make for an incredibly romantic setting. Reservations recommended—and make sure to ask for a table with a view! Learn more.
Take your engagement over the top at The Top of the Hyatt. Looking for a rooftop bar that’s worthy of a proposal? Traverse to the Top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt for some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean from 40 stories high. Take in the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Coronado Island and downtown, and you’ll have the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. Order a signature drink with appetizers to share, then ask the big question. Learn more.
Propose over tacos at the SoCal Taco Fest. One of the things that helps to amp up the festivities in San Diego are its many festivals. From visual arts to film festivals and even seasonal ones, there seems to be something year-round for everyone to enjoy. But we’re biased for their well-known culinary festivals! While these aren’t typically the first type of a setting where you’d find proposal recommendations, they can be very meaningful. You can enjoy a day together enjoying local food at the SoCal Taco Fest, live music, and tons of culturally-rich activities. It’s laid back and will definitely catch them by surprise! (Is there anything better than a baja taco, margaritas, and an engagement ring?!) Continue on with the theme and give a nod to tacos throughout your wedding activities, or plan an exotic honeymoon in Mexico. Check their calendar in advance and get tickets online. In 2022, the festival will take place on May 14th. Learn more.
Create an enchanting engagement memory at the Briar Rose Winery in Temecula. Take an hour-long road trip to Temecula wine country and you’re bound to find a wine tasting experience with idyllic views for your proposal. Here’s one of our favorite spots. If your significant other would love the opportunity to feel transported to the life of a Disney princess, the Briar Rose Winery is made up of replicas of the cottages from Snow White. Enjoy wine tasting outside amidst vibrant rose bushes and you will literally feel like the scene has been (gracefully) ripped from the pages of a fairytale. Start a weekend long getaway here, boldly ask the marriage proposal, and then celebrate all weekend long! Reservations are required. Learn more.
Experience dinner, a movie, and a ring at the Cinema Social at The EAT. This proposal moment combines both an outdoor experience along with food. Visit EAT at The Pearl hotel in Point Loma to enjoy some yummy food and drinks. Then sit poolside and watch one of their films projected to the big screen. This isn’t the “drive-in-theater” experience that you already know, this is called a “dive-in-theater”! Check the schedule in advance to pick a movie that feels right. Either place the ring box in the popcorn during a key scene, or propose after the credits have rolled. Book a room at the hotel for the night to turn this into a special weekend memory, and the cinema show will live on as a meaningful movie for years to come. Reservations recommended. The swimming pool is available to hotel guests for no charge, or for the price of one drink. Learn more.
Propose a toast at El Prado in Balboa Park. If you’re looking for the intersection of culture and charm, El Prado is one of the best proposal places in San Diego. Order a Sangria at this award-winning restaurant and then propose before you say “Cheers!” The best part? Since the 150-year old Balboa Park is home to the San Diego Zoo, 17 museums, and lush gardens, there are plenty of activities to do before or after the meal-time engagement. Reservations recommended. Research the park in advance so that you can find out about the upcoming attractions. Learn more.
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[Photoshoot in the spotlight: Megan and Tyler in San Diego, Ca]
Choose Joy,
The Joy Team