If you're planning a romantic proposal, the possibilities abound in San Francisco. With dozens of well-known landmarks, romantic waterfront destinations, and breathtaking views, the City by the Bay will capture your heart
Along the water
The famous "Bay to Breakers" race in San Francisco is so named because it begins on the eastern side of the city along the San Francisco Bay and ends on the western side, at the Pacific Ocean. This means that you have plenty of coastline to choose from when planning where you'll propose.
Along the Pacific, take a walk along Ocean Beach. The cold and fog are staples along the coast, so bundle up and prepare to get cozy in order to keep warm. Ask her to close her eyes for a moment and write, "Will you marry me?" in the sand.
On the San Francisco Bay, choose from a number of lovely spots. Watch the adorable sea lions at Pier 39, ride the carousel, or visit the aquarium. Each one makes provides a picturesque backdrop for a proposal. Or make sure you catch the photo opp on film. Walk to the classic Musée Mécanique at Pier 45 and play antique games, then pop into an old-fashioned black-and-white photo booth. Take out a box with the diamond engagement ring in it after the first flash goes off, and capture her excited reaction.
From up on high
The world-famous Top of the Mark sky lounge crowns the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. From the 19th floor, you can enjoy live music and take in views of some gorgeous San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The Top of the Mark offers a special package for your creative proposal, including a bottle of bubbly and a Top of the Mark chocolate ring box.
Twin Peaks is known for having some of the most magnificent views in all of San Francisco. Take a drive at night and park the car so you can admire the lights of the city.
Coit Tower sits atop Telegraph Hill and is a well-known landmark in San Francisco. Consider climbing the steep Filbert Steps from the bottom of the hill. Upon arriving at the top, out of breath and marveling at the view, drop to one knee and propose. This creative proposal is for active types only!
With a delicious meal
San Francisco is famous for its incredible cuisine, from gourmet Michelin-star restaurants to homey and hearty taquerias. Plan an indulgent day filled with her favorite foods: whether that's oysters at the Ferry Building, a foodie picnic in Dolores Park, dim sum in Chinatown or a tasting menu at a new hip hotspot. Pop the question when you're both basking in the glow of a beautiful meal, and celebrate with a decadent dessert.
Surrounded by San Francisco landmarks
You'll find a variety of romantic spots in Golden Gate Park, including the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden and the Japanese Tea Garden. Walk with your partner hand-in-hand through the Conservatory of Flowers, a greenhouse and botanical garden that features a beautiful collection of plants. As your partner stops to admire a flower that catches their eye, get down on one knee and present the striking diamond engagement ring.
The Palace of Fine Arts is lovely by day and gorgeous by night, when its rotunda lights up the pond by which it sits. It's the perfect place for a romantic stroll that culminates in a proposal.
If your bride-to-be is adventurous, a San Francisco cable car is the perfect place for a creative proposal. Look at the route in advance and select an area of the city that suits her (Nob Hill and Ghirardelli Square are two possibilities). She'll already be giddy from cruising up and down the hills, and she'll be ecstatic when you pop the question. Ask your cable car driver to ring the bell in celebration of your engagement, and don't be surprised if your fellow passengers applaud!
And the Golden Gate Bridge always provides a beautiful view. Jacob and Shelby met in college and started dating after spending a whole year with mutual secret crushes on each other. When they decided to move to San Francisco together, Jacob planned a romantic proposal with the dramatic backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Proposal pictures and story sponsored by Paparazzi Proposals When booking, enter code mytriorings$100 to receive $25 off the standard proposal photography package and $75 off a photo voucher for prints.