Where to Propose in San Diego
Despite being the second largest city in California, San Diego is still a town with charm and character, and is an ideal choice for a proposal vacation. With miles of stunning coastline and pristine beaches, as well as fabulous restaurants and historic landmarks, there plenty of places for you to ask that all important question.
Proposing With a View of the Ocean
If you’re looking for a beautiful ocean front spot, La Jolla Cove, often said to be the most photographed place in San Diego, could be the right choice. The small beach is located along the coast north of San Diego near Scripps Park. The calm, ecologically protected waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Although you’ll be able to take a romantic picnic, alcohol is not allowed on the beach so no post-proposal champagne. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the area if you want to celebrate there.
If you’d like to propose closer to downtown San Diego, but still with an amazing ocean view, you could consider Coronado. Coronado is a small beach community with fabulous beaches, hotels, restaurants, and views over Glorietta Bay, San Diego Bay and the San Diego Coronado Bridge. The Coronado beach resort was built in the late nineteenth century, and the beautiful red turrets of the Hotel Del Coronado give the area a nostalgic, romantic feel.
Another great choice for an ocean view proposal, particularly if you’re planning to pop the question as the sun goes down, is Sunset Cliffs in the Point Loma area of San Diego. With the Pacific Ocean pounding on one side and Ocean Beach on the other side, there are spectacular views all around and you can walk to a secluded spot if you want a little privacy for the big moment.
Park Proposals in San Diego
The most famous park in San Diego, located just minutes from downtown, must be the Balboa Park, and there are plenty of possibilities for romantic proposal spots. The park is more than 1000 acres and combines a variety of unique gardens such as the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Rose Garden, with fifteen museums and other art and culture centers. The El Prado area, with its early twentieth century architecture is particularly romantic.
The Kate Sessions Park, north of San Diego in the Pacific Beach area, was named after the horticulturalist that was responsible for creating much of the natural beauty in Balboa Park. The beautiful and tranquil park has walking paths to the top of a hill where you have 360 degree views over San Diego and the ocean. In summer there are free concerts in the park which add to the atmosphere.
Iconic Proposals in San Diego
When people think of San Diego, the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter with its Victorian buildings and bustling nightlife often springs to mind. Iconic locations in the Glaslamp Quarter such as the Yuma Building, or the Gas Lamp sign could be a possibility for a truly San Diego themed proposal. Alternatively there are plenty of restaurants in the area where you could propose over a romantic dinner.
One of the most iconic buildings in San Diego is the California Tower in Balboa Park, a bell tower with a 100-bell carillon that chimes every 15 minutes. It was built for the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-1916 celebrating the completion of the Panama Canal and is a true San Diego landmark.
A visit to the Point Loma area is always worthwhile, and the Cabrillo National Monument Park is a perfect place to spend the day. For iconic proposal locations the monument itself is well known but can get quite busy. Instead you might want to consider the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which is far more romantic.
