Picking a location to pop the question is a big deal. You want to pick a location that is meaningful to you and your loved one so the ambience sets the perfect mood. Lucky for you, San Diego offers numerous beautiful, dreamy locations that are ideal for getting down on one knee with a sparkly engagement ring. With all of these options, it’s hard to say which spot is the best place to propose in San Diego. But we do have a few favorites. Here are our top 10 proposal ideas to help make your engagement the best day of your life (besides your wedding day, of course!).

Propose at Balboa Park 

Century-old Balboa Park is easily the most popular and iconic attraction in San Diego. The spacious areas, lush green gardens, and masterful architecture provide beautiful scenery for a memorable proposal. But keep in mind, Balboa Park is a tourist attraction so there may be crowds. If you desire a more intimate setting, venture off into one of the more secluded areas of the park. Try to find a beautifully hidden section in one of the magnificent gardens or a spot in your favorite museum that is tucked away from the rest of the crowd. If you do choose one of the more popular spots in the park, like the Botanical Building or El Prado, go early/late in the day or opt for a weekday so there will be less people. Scope out Balboa Park before your big moment- this will allow plenty of time to find the perfect spot to surprise your significant other with a sparkling ring. The options are truly endless here, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Creative proposal ideas are always the most meaningful and memorable.

Pop the Question at Sunset Cliffs

Ask any San Diegan where the best place to watch the sunset is and they are sure to say Sunset Cliffs. The ocean breeze, the calming sound of the crashing waves, and the spectacular view are a fantastic way to set the right mood. Find the perfect spot among the cliffs or climb down to the beach and get cozy on the warm sand. We absolutely adore the idea of taking a stroll or simply admiring the stunning coastline while popping the question right as the sun dips below the horizon. You can even ask a friend or hire a photographer to find a discreet place on the cliffs to capture your special moment. How romantic!

Enjoy a Gondola Ride Through the Coronado Cays

Coronado is a quaint island in San Diego County right across the bay from downtown San Diego. While there are many charming locations all throughout Coronado, there is one hidden gem that is even more unique. Transport your loved one to Italy with an extraordinary gondola ride! The Gondola Company offers multiple packages for their cruises, but the Sunset Cruise is the best option for a proposal. A private and intimate ride for two people, the Sunset Cruise allows you and your special someone to enjoy a twilight cruise through the Coronado Cays. Drift along the waterways cuddled up in a blanket and revel in the peaceful vibe and gorgeous scenery.  Wine glasses are provided, so tuck away a bottle to toast to your love after the ring is on your SO’s finger. This is one of our favorite ideas because it’s sure to make a lasting impression.

Torrey Pines State Beach Engagement Idea

You can never go wrong with a beach proposal. If you’re looking for a visually striking spot to pop the question Torrey Pines State Beach is an excellent choice. Waves breaking against the rocks and a panoramic view of the seemingly endless coastline provide truly remarkable scenery. The beautifully staggered shoreline is something of dreams, making it an amazing spot for a photographer to capture the moment without ruining the surprise. While Torrey Pines is absolutely gorgeous, there are many other beautiful beaches to choose from in sunny San Diego. If there is a specific beach that is special to you and your loved one, go there! Sentimental engagements are always appreciated as a way to pay tribute to your unique love story.

Spend a Romantic Evening at Bertrand at Mr. A’s

If the special moment you envision includes fine dining, an incredible view, and a romantic atmosphere, Bertrand at Mr. A’s is the place for you. Breathtaking ocean views combined with exceptional French-influenced cuisine atop the rooftop terrace makes Bertrand at Mr. A’s an astonishing location for a proposal. Warm lighting, liberally placed tables, and an irresistible perspective of the entire city help to create a sensual ambience. It will feel like the two of you are the only ones in the room. Don’t forget to call and make a reservation! If you let the staff know of your intentions, they will gladly help to make your evening one you both will cherish forever.

Propose at One of the Many San Diego Wineries

This idea is a bit more traditional, but its beauty is irrefutable. Express your passion with a lovely day spent wine tasting and mingling among the vineyard. Find a private spot in the green grass and twisting vines to uncork your love. With great wine, fantastic food, and a beautiful setting your engagement will forever be ingrained in your memories. You might even fall in love with the vineyard so much you decide to have your wedding there! Some of the more popular San Diego wineries include Espinosa Vineyards and Orfila Vineyards and Winery, but there are many other choices as well. Most San Diego County wineries are about an hour from downtown San Diego, so you’ll probably need to plan a full day. Enjoy the ride home together basking in your love and dreaming about your future.

Get Down on One Knee at Petco Park

Are you and your special someone huge Padres fans? Is baseball your favorite pastime? Popping the question at a ballpark may not seem very romantic, but if you enjoy baseball as a couple it’s perfect! Some people aren’t all about the glitz and glam and would totally appreciate the thought behind the gesture. A hotdog, a beer, and a Padres win would be the perfect way to end your simple and sweet engagement. Pull the right strings and you might even be able to propose on the diamond or make it on the Kiss Cam!

Surprise your S.O. with an Engagement Ring at Seaport Village

Known as a “great date place” in San Diego, it’s very common to see couples strolling hand in hand along the Seaport Village boardwalk. With waterfront dining and entertainment, the atmosphere at Seaport Village is always lively and thriving. Enjoy a day/evening of shopping and fine dining before dropping to one knee with a marvelous backdrop of the marina. This location can be especially meaningful if you or your loved one is in the military, as it’s adjacent to the Embarcadero and the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. Reenacting the famous “Unconditional Surrender” statue is a cute and fun way to commemorate your engagement. Imagine what a gorgeous photo that would be!

Propose at Mount Soledad

San Diego is home to thousands of active duty military and veterans, so it only makes sense that another one of our suggestions is a beacon of freedom. But you don’t have to be in the military to appreciate this incredible landscape. Views overlooking the entire La Jolla shoreline and the monumental Mount Soledad cross allow you to embrace your spiritual side. Try to choose a day with clear blue skies and the sun shining full force for an even more memorable moment. You’re in San Diego- that won’t be too hard. An even more spectacular idea? Hire someone to fly a drone overhead and capture an image of you down on one knee in front of your loved one. That photo will be instantly framed and cherished for a lifetime.

Nature Proposal

If you and your loved one enjoy all things outdoors, why not pop the question in your favorite element? To suit your active lifestyle, consider taking a hike on one of San Diego’s gorgeous hiking trails. Cedar Creek Falls and the trail from Lake Poway to Mount Woodson (Potato Chip Rock) are fantastic options as they set the perfect background for an amazing photo. You could even ask some friends to head up before you and set up a cute little spot with a blanket and some candles. Pack a light picnic to enjoy after you hear the magic three letter word. Maybe even include a celebratory bottle of champagne! To make the moment even more romantic try to make it to your desired destination by sunset. Just imagine how beautiful that would be!

So, what’s the best place to propose in San Diego?

These locations are some of the best places to propose in San Diego. But the best of our ideas is the one that makes you and your loved one happy. With the right person, the perfect ring, and a meaningful location, your special moment will be unforgettable. And if you purchased your engagement ring from us, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Facebook! We’d love to see the beginning of your happily ever after.

Still looking for an engagement ring San Diego?

If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring, visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on San Diego Avenue. Our collection of new, vintage, and antique engagement rings will blow you away. The ring is the center of attention during a proposal- who better to help you find your loved ones dream ring than the best jewelers in San Diego? Our experts are here to guide you to the most exquisite ring that will make your special moment pure magic.