The Best Places to Get Engaged in San Diego

Omicron isn’t the only thing in the air. That’s right, love is the latest thing to infect the lives of many San Diegans. As we inch closer and closer to Valentine’s Day, many men may be asking themselves, “where should I pop the question?” I wholeheartedly hope that if you’re reading this, you’re either just intrigued about some romantic spots in SD or you’re scheming ahead. If not, best of luck my dude!

With that being said… San Diego is home to miles of beach, beautiful foothills, and copious amounts of fancy places. How the hell are you supposed to narrow that down?! That’s where we come in to help. Check out our picks for the best places to get engaged in San Diego!

Mr. A’s

Mr. A’s is a San Diego icon. Standing tall on Banker’s Hill, this restaurant is the unofficial welcoming party for travelers flying into San Diego International Airport. I know that getting engaged inside of a restaurant isn’t really en vogue nowadays, but you have to give credit to the OG place in San Diego.

Mr. A’s has it all: SPECTACULAR views of Downtown, an amazing menu, and prices that will make your future fiance´ blush. You’ll also be serenaded by the aforementioned planes landing at the airport, creating an exciting atmosphere that will add a level of danger to your evening 😏.

Recently, Mr. A’s was sold to a longtime employee, ensuring the same traditions are enforced, while bringing the restaurant into the new age with some much needed upgrades to the atmosphere and menu.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

If stuffy restaurants with all eyes on you aren’t your thing, you’re in luck! One of the best places outdoors in San Diego is Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve… and it’s a kickass place to get your knee dirty. Known mostly as a place for families to go on an easy hike together or San Diego InstaThots to take adventurous pictures without having to get too sweaty, it may be the best place to get those coveted engagement pics.

One of the best things Torrey Pines has to offer is its size. This place is huge. With so many trails and nooks to explore, you won’t (usually) be overrun by tourists from Milwaukee getting pictures of your for their family vacation scrapbook. Intimacy is key to a great engagement and Torrey Pines has that in spades.

If you choose this place to take the plunge, make sure you check on the essentials: weather, tide charts, sunset time, etc. The last thing you want is your bride (or groom) to be cold and trudging through the high tide in the dark.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is San Diego’s proof that not all beautiful parts of the city feature an ocean view. Built over 100 years ago, Balboa Park features a mix of Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that is guaranteed to make your engagement pictures look fly as hell (my Prom pics from here still hold up, even if my suit style did not).

At Balboa Park, you have endless areas to set up the engagement of your dreams. From hidden gems to popular spots, you can’t go wrong with the following areas of the park:

• Spreckels Organ Pavilion
• California Tower
• Spanish Village Art Center
• Botanical Building (currently being rebuilt)
• Alcazar Garden
• Japanese Friendship Garden
• Palm Canyon
• Museums (the art ones are DOPE)
• El Prado

Hotel Del Coronado

Coronado is pretty much the catch-all for everything nice in San Diego. Need a fancy dinner? Coronado. Need to feel boujee for a night? Coronado. In the mood to Karen watch? Coronado. All jokes aside, Coronado excels in providing an amazing atmosphere for a night (or day) you’ll never forget.

The Hotel Del, in particular, offers up some great spots for one simple question. From their world-class restaurants to stunning oceanfront views, the Hotel Del would encourage even a stranger to say yes to you.

The Hotel is undergoing some massive renovations and changes as we speak, so expect this place to have an even bigger facelift over the next few years.

Sunset Cliffs

I’ve written in the past at-length about Sunset Cliffs and its affinity for providing excellent sunsets. This, obviously, translates well when you’re planning on the best way to pop the question in San Diego.

With a couple miles of prime oceanfront to choose from, Sunset Cliffs provides the perfect backdrop for your engagement set up. Whether you trek down toward the beaches or set up shop on the cliffside, you’re bound to find a great spot for pictures. Be warned, over the past few years, Sunset Cliffs has become riddled with luxury “picnic services” that set up pillows, mini tables, and other posh shit for birthdays, engagements, and more. So there’s a high likelihood of running into these which might ruin the atmosphere.

I hope this list helps! Like I said, I hope you’ve put in a ton of preparation, but if not… I respect it. Go off vibes only. I get it.

If you need any other tips, check out our previous posts about the best places to catch a sunset, beach beaches in San Diego, and more!