San Diego is the city that California keeps to itself. Visitors go to Los Angeles and San Francisco. The people who live there know about San Diego: the weather is better, the crowds are smaller, and the coastline is one of the most beautiful in the country.
For a proposal, that translates directly. La Jolla Cove is famous enough to have a name, small enough that it doesn't feel like a tourist trap. Balboa Park is 1,200 acres in the middle of the city, with gardens, museums, and shade. The Gaslamp Quarter has the restaurants and the evening atmosphere. The choice is between which version of the city suits her.
San Diego Proposal Ideas
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 are 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 Gaslamp 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.
Romantic Restaurants in San Diego
San Diego is well known for its varied cuisine and Mexican influences are inevitable given its location. You can also find excellent French, Italian, and of course American restaurants in the area, and seafood plays a prominent role on most menus.
Bertrand at Mr. A's is a great choice for high quality modern American cuisine in the downtown area of San Diego. The fantastic views and the wrap around balcony, as well as the inviting decor, make eating there a complete experience.
Il Fornaio Coronado is a real taste of Italy for couples staying in the Coronado area. The menu features housemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and grilled seafood, with a solid wine list to match. The heated patio at the Ferry Landing looks across the bay to the San Diego skyline. Arrive before sunset for the light on the water.
Peohe’s is also ideal for dinner following a Coronado proposal. It sits right on the water at the Ferry Landing, with tiered seating so every table gets the view across the bay to the downtown skyline. The menu is tropical, with Pacific Rim seafood and a sushi bar, and you can eat outside in the dockside courtyard. Why not take the ferry across from downtown to start the evening.
George’s at The Cove is worth a visit if you’re proposing north of San Diego around the La Jolla Bay area. Incorporating two romantic restaurants, California Modern and Ocean Terrace, both of which serve only the best local seasonal ingredients, you’re sure to have a great evening.
The Melting Pot is ideal if you like fondue, and is a romantic choice as you’ll be sharing your meal with your new fiancée. The Gaslamp District location is the place whether you want a four course meal or just to finish your evening with a decadent chocolate fondue.
Romantic Activities in San Diego
Keep the romantic theme going throughout your proposal vacation by including one or two of these memorable activities in your trip.
- Take a hot air balloon ride over Temecula Wine Country
- Ride in a horse drawn carriage along the waterfront downtown
- Head out of San Diego for a day trip to Julian in the Cuyamaca Mountains
- Ride one of the iconic red San Diego trolleys
- Visit the amphitheater at the top of Mount Helix
- Take a stroll around the world famous San Diego Zoo
- Catch live jazz at Panama 66 in Balboa Park
- Book a San Diego harbor cruise to see whales or sea lions
Where to Stay in San Diego for Your Proposal Trip
San Diego has a superb selection of hotels whether you’re looking for a luxury coastal resort or a quirky boutique hotel in the bustling downtown area. There are also a few unusual choices to make your stay particularly memorable.
Luxury Hotels in San Diego
The Pacific Terrace Hotel is a luxury hotel with an enviable position right on the Pacific Ocean at the north edge of Pacific Beach. As well as the stunning view, the hotel provides little special touches to add to the romance such as silk ceiling fans, hand carved furniture, Jacuzzi tubs and a fantastic outdoor pool and spa.
The iconic red Victorian turrets of the Hotel Del Coronado, located on Coronado Beach aren’t the only reason to stay here on your proposal vacation. Modern luxury is combined with enchanting romance in the newly renovated Victorian guestrooms which have stunning ocean views.
For a luxury hotel in downtown San Diego the Westgate Hotel is hard to beat. A picture of refined elegance and classic decadence, the lobby features exquisite antique furnishings and a Steinway grand piano, while the rooms include every modern indulgence. The fountain terrace high above the city is a wonderful place to unwind.
Boutique Hotels in San Diego
For couples looking for a downtown location, the Andaz San Diego is a progressive and ultra modern hotel located at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The striking lobby is a great place to chill out and the rooms feature rich textures, daring architecture, platform beds, glass enclosed bathrooms and flat screen TVs. The rooftop pool and bar offer amazing views over the city.
Another beautiful boutique option in downtown San Diego is Alma San Diego, formerly the Hotel Palomar, ideally located for theatres, restaurants and shops. A recent redesign gave the rooms modern furnishings and standalone tubs, and the attention to detail is superb. The hotel has a spa and a rooftop pool with views over downtown.
La Jolla is such a popular proposal spot that it’s worth mentioning a fantastic boutique hotel in that area. At the heart of La Jolla Village, the Grande Colonial has taken guests since 1913 and keeps the character of that era while running as a modern four-diamond hotel. The rooms are quiet and a short walk from the cove, and the hotel’s restaurant, NINE-TEN, is in the Michelin Guide if you want dinner before or after the big moment.
Novelty Hotels in San Diego
If you want a true taste of San Diego, why not ‘sleep over the Ocean’ at the Crystal Pier Hotel. You can spend the night in one of the original cottages on the pier which were built in 1936 and which have been fully restored. Benefit from your own terrace, kitchenette and living area as you listen to the waves crash around you.
Make your San Diego stay something special with The Keating in the downtown Gaslamp Quarter. Designed by Pininfarina, the designers of Ferrari and Maserati, and made over by Gordon Ramsay, you know you’re in for a treat. The hotel has a number of signature packages, many of which are designed for couples and include couples’ massages and intimate dining experiences in the privacy of your own room.
