Known as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego offers a mix of perfect weather, laidback locals, and over 60 miles of white-sand beaches. The city has an abundance of fun activities for visitors of all ages, and a long list of great attractions. It’s no wonder why many people flock to America’s Finest City for romantic getaways. Whether you and your loved one are passionate about American history, animals, wine, or Mother Nature, San Diego holds a plethora of proposal spots that’ll make that milestone moment more meaningful. We’ve curated a list of our favorite proposal spots in San Diego to get your engagement and wedding planning off on the right foot!
Out and About Proposals
SoCal TacoFest
Don’t ask us how we know this, but your S/O definitely wants you to take them to the annual Taco Festival in San Diego. Passionate about music, margaritas, and many tacos at once? What better way to propose!? The San Diego TacoFest is a food, music, and cultural celebration of all that makes San Diego America’s Finest City. Enjoy live music all around, live Lucha Libre wrestling, Chihuahua races, a Chihuahua beauty pageant, a bumpin’ Margarita tent, and more. Indulge in a nice hotel the night-of to celebrate!
Pearl Hotel Dive-In Theater
The Pearl Hotel presents the “Dive-In Theatre,” a free weekly cinema social combining eclectic film selections, food and drink, and light conversation. The event takes place at the poolside lounge and theater. It’s located outdoors and connected to the amazing EAT at The Pearl. The scheduled films are projected onto a large screen with full sound, overlooking the iconic vintage oyster-shaped swimming pool. You are invited to enjoy a range of classics, blockbusters, foreign, and independent features from The Pearl’s private library! Showtime is usually around 8:00 PM, and food is served until 10:00. But don’t worry, the bar stays open until 11:00! We suggest booking the space for you and a group of friends. Propose after the movie; whether you’re a film buff or just like popcorn, this proposal spot is sure to please.
Classic City Proposals
Balboa Park and The Prado
The 1,200-acre Balboa Park is one of the most classically beautiful proposal spots in all of SoCal. Featuring 16 museums, concert venues, lush gardens, and walking trails, it’s the ideal proposal location for couples with a passion for culture, science, or nature. Every corner of the park is overflowing with beauty and intrigue, but the areas with the most romantic ambiance include the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Zoro Garden, which was crafted to support the lifecycles of butterflies, and the Botanical Building and Lily Pond, which features more than 2,100 plants such as cycads, orchids, and palms. After you’ve chosen your perfect proposal in Balboa, celebrate at El Prado within the park. The charming restaurant is located in a charming hacienda, filled with rich colors and eclectic décor, and surrounded by manicured gardens. El Prado offers an elegant setting and the historic vibes for which San Diego is known and loved. You could also incorporate it into your proposal: get a surprise bottle of champagne or call the restaurant ahead of time to make a game plan.
Sunset Cliffs
One of the most romantic hiking trails in San Diego weaves through Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a stunning 68-acre park that spans 1.5 miles of Point Loma. For your proposal, hike to one of the dramatic cliff formations that feature some of the best ocean views of the Pacific. If you’re proposing between December and April, keep an eye out for gray whales when you reach the cliffs. When accessing the park from the corner of Ladera Street and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, in the Hillside part of town, you’ll quickly find stairs leading to a wonderland of tide pools and the path that winds along the coast. As this is such an expansive area, do a reconnaissance mission before the proposal to scout out the perfect San Diego proposal spot. And be sure to have a photographer on hand for your epic moment.
Proposals with a Beautiful View
La Jolla Coast Walking Trail
This grassy La Jolla park is a favorite sunset spot among locals and visitors. The crowds often stick to the paths, so stay on the grassy spaces and prepare a romantic summer picnic. Or, consider making reservations at the famous George’s at the Cove. Whatever the time of year, the views at this park will wow you — you may even forget what you came for!
Potato Chip Rock
Not only does this spot have an adorable name, but it’s got an incredible view too! Potato Chip Rock is an iconic rock formation in San Diego County where everyone grabs a photo of themselves perched out on the rock, over the oblivion. Propose on the rock, or find a secluded spot along the way for more privacy.
Best Restaurant Proposals
Herringbone
Dine in the company of 100-year old olive trees, while watching your food being prepared in an open-concept kitchen. That sound good to you? Head over to Herringbone with your S/O for a night to remember. You’ll find inventive seafood from chef Brian Malarkey, beautiful decor, and $1 oysters during happy hour — all inside a dramatically renovated 1930s-era warehouse. Propose here over their “Perfect Pairing” combination: unique and beautifully paired wines alongside an array of fresh oysters. Then, celebrate with dessert at the restaurant or take a walk by the Cove!
Bertrand at Mr. A’s
Bertrand at Mister A’s Restaurant is arguably the most romantic restaurant in San Diego, so make a reservation to get the best outdoor seating. Supreme service and French-inspired American cuisine make this award-winning fine dining eatery a must for those proposing to a foodie. Their dress code only elevates the romance factor! With elegant glass flower vases and provincial printed china, the European flairs are woven into Bertrand at Mister A’s sophisticated ambiance. The restaurant sits atop a 12-story building in Banker’s Hill, so your proposal at this chic location is set with the backdrop of one of the most exquisite views of downtown San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter.
