Propose To My Girlfriend

When you’re going to propose to your girlfriend, any romantic spot will do, if everything else is perfect. Most cities and towns throughout the world have beautiful, romantic spots, from restaurants, to scenic views of the city lights, sunset, or ocean. If you’re fortunate enough to live in or near the following cities, you really have it made. If not, you can always propose during a trip to one of the places below. They are truly some of the top romantic places to propose in the world. Apologies to any that have been missed. If you have had a spectacular proposal experience in one of them, or want to suggest one that’s been left off the list, please give your comment.

Portland Rose Gardens (not the basketball arena) – Portland OR
Portland, OR is one of the gems of the Pacific Northwest. With majestic Mount Hood keeping watch, Portland has a number of great spots to propose to your gal, but none more scenic or romantic than the Rose Gardens. Located in Washington Park, between the Japanese Garden and Hoyt Arboretum, she’ll be smitten with over 10,00 different rose bushes, each more beautiful than the last. There are more than 550 different kinds of roses, creating a perfect landscape for her to say “Yes!”

Butchart Gardens -Victoria, BC
Another fantastic, and famous Pacific Northwest garden spot, Butchart Gardens in Victoria was once a private, 55acre estate, but is now a National Historic Site of Canada. They didn’t make it one for nothing! A top ranked destination by many different travel publications, the gardens offer numerous little romantic hideaways for you to pop the question.

In the summer, they even have fireworks every Saturday night. Propose to her as the shells are bursting. From the U.S. it is an easy, and super scenic ferry ride from Seattle or Port Townsend (another quaint town she’ll love). For some extra excitement and unbelievable scenery, you can take a 45 minute seaplane ride there from Seattle on Kenmore Air.

London Eye – London, England
Not your father’s ferris wheel. The London Eye is one of the most romantic spots in a city full of great proposal locations. Propose to her at the top of the eye. You just can’t get a better view (on a clear day) and that’s only one of the reasons men from all over Britain and the rest of the world propose to their girlfriends at the Eye. Take their Pimms flight for a glass of sparkling Pimms and priority boarding for you and your girl.

Trevi Fountain – Rome, Italy
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and indeed the Trevi Fountain took about 300 years to complete. With a timetable like that, you know that it is something special, and it really is. Spectacular doesn’t begin to describe this wonder of water and stone. The way the water cascades over the rocks at feet of the statues of Oceanus, Abundance and Salubrity, and the light plays through the pool waters is a sight to behold.

One caveat; the fountain is so beautiful it draws quite a crowd, so you may not be proposing alone. Then again, it is a world renowned romantic location, so you’ll get plenty of support from the crowd, if there is one.

Buckingham Fountain – Chicago, IL
The 134 water jets and 824 individual lights that make up Chicago’s Buckingham fountain are just part of what makes the water feature such an amazing sight, and such a great place to propose. If you want to get down on one knee in front of something she’ll never forget, the fountain surely fits the bill. Wowing awestruck Chicago visitors and locals alike since  1927, the Buckingham Fountain has been consistently ranked near the top of the country’s most romantic places since it was completed. If you plan to ask her in the winter though, you’ll have to choose another location. The fountain is only open April through October, weather permitting.

Lyon Street Steps – San Francisco, CA
A walk up San Francisco’s Lyon Street steps encompasses just about everything, from affluent, urban to wilderness. Known to San Francisco locals as a killer workout spot, you’ll probably not want to run the stairs, but instead just admire the beauty of the view from the top. As the marina stretches out before you,  the Presidio birds sing, and the forest lays at your feet, you can drop to one knee, safe in the knowledge that you’re asking her to marry you at one of the most breathtaking (in more ways than one) spots in one of America’s most beautiful cities.

Land’s End Park  – San Francisco, CA
If anyplace is more romantic in San Francisco than the Lyon Street Steps, it’s got to be looking out over the Ocean at Land’s End Park. What’s the end of the continental U.S. may be the start of a whole, new relationship for the two of you. A spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge only ands to the beauty of this wonderful spot. Head to the Seacliff side, for a vista not to be missed. It’s about 500 feet down to the Pacific ocean, and an eternity from the city you just left. Go ahead, ask her….

Dallas Arboretum – Dallas, TX
Partake in a home made desert in the DeGolyer Mansion cafe’, surrounded by one of the finest examples of urban landscapes anywhere. After your desert, head out to McCasland Sunken Garden into the Arboretum Gazebo. Adjacent to the huge mansion, and nestled in the McCasland Sunken Garden, The Gazebo is also the site of many weddings throughout the year, so you know it is steeped in romance. She’ll enjoy the Arboretum’s many individual gardens, and you’ll relish the fact that the girl of your dreams finally agreed to marry you.

High Museum of Art – Atlanta, GA
The High hosts many different, world class art exhibitions from around the world, and is getting a well deserved reputation as one of the premier art galleries on the East Coast. They have a great selection of modern art exhibits, if that’s what floats your boat. The High is renowned for their exhibits on loan from other museums as well. Currently they have an exhibition on loan from The Louve in Paris. At least if you can’t go to the romantic bastion of Europe, you can get a taste of it here in Atlanta. Be aware that the High sometimes has rather large crowds, so if you’re looking for something secluded, avoid the peak times.

Hay-Adams Hotel rooftop terrace – Washington DC
Right on the Lafayette Square, at 16th & H Streets NW, in Washington DC, the Hay-Adams is pinnacle of traditional luxury. You can propose at the place frequented by visiting dignitaries and heads of state. The location is fantastic, and up on the rooftop terrace you’ll be treated to spellbinding views of the White House, our national monuments and the Capitol building. Top top it off, the restaurants at the Hay-Adams are renowned for terrific food.

Mulholland Drive lookout point(s) – Los Angeles, CA
In LA? Do you want to propose at a place with unparalleled views of the city? Then take a drive up the road that’s immortalized in legend, song, and screen. To get there, take the Mulholland Drive turnoff heading west off Cahuenga Boulevard (near the Hollywood Bowl).

Trying to find the Mullholland drive exit off Highway 101 is an exercise in frustration. As you head up into the hills, you’ll find numerous “perfect spots” to pull over and pop the question as you gaze out over the city. Hint: Do it at night and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city lights, unencumbered by the oft-present smog of LA. You’ll also avoid the hellish LA traffic by waiting until after rush hour to make your trek.
An aside: If you’re a fan of sports cars and driving, you could hardly do better than this road.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens  – Miami, FL
“a Must See”, “Fantastic”, and “an Oasis” are just some of the comments left by awestruck visitors to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in downtown Miami. Located on the bay, directly across from Key Biscane, you’ll find it a sight to behold. It is a spectacular mansion that was once the winter home to James Deering of International Harvester.

The Vizcaya cost a reported $20 million to build in 1914, so imagine what it would cost to duplicate today?  The answer, of course, is that it is impossible to replicate today at almost any cost. The artisans that made the exquisite interior just don’t exist any longer. The gardens surrounding the old mansion are as beautiful as the home itself, and originally encompassed 180 acres.

You could hardly find a more breathtaking setting for a marriage proposal, so if you’re in Miami, or plan to be, that’s the pick of the south east for proposing. You’ll just have have to take the guided tour through the inside of the unbelievable home if you want all the details (if you want to just wander through, sans guide, you can do that as well), but sneak away outside and pop the question while enjoying the view of Biscane Bay.

Lumahai Beach – North Shore, Kauai, HI
Nestled between  Haena and Hanalei Bays on the North Shore of Kauai, this spectacular beach is one of the world’s most beautiful, and the perfect place to propose to your future wife. In fact, it is so spectacular it was chosen as the location for filming parts of the movie South Pacific.

The beach is unprotected bey reefs, so you see some truly spectacular wave action, but swimming here can be extremely dangerous. The way the emerald forest rises abruptly behind the beach, and the expanse of sand, bordered by rock outcroppings that frame it like a gorgeous painting make this one of the best, and most romantic places to propose. Be advised, there are no facilities, and the road in is dirt, so be prepared.

Puu Ualakaa State Park  Lookout – Oahu, HI
If you’re staying in Honolulu and what a spectacular proposal spot just minutes from downtown, this is a great candidate. Not only do you get a fantastic view of downtown, Waikiki  Beach, and the Pacific Ocean, but the sight of Diamond Head jutting out into the ocean is spectacular from this lookout too. To get there, take Round Top Drive off Makiki Street. You’ll be there in a flash and she’ll never know what you have up your sleeve (or in your pocket!). Take her out to the viewing platform off the wayside. As the two of you gaze out over one of the country’s best vistas, you’ll find it’s the perfect time to ask her to marry you.

Makalawena Beach,  Kekaha Kai State Park   – The Big Island, HI
One of the last unspoiled wonders left on the big island, the white sand beach here is true beauty. There are plans afoot to turn this into a condo development one day, so get here while you can, you’ll be glad you did. Thankfully few people do get there, thanks to the 20 minute hike required.

You can ditch the hike and rent a Jeep, which is a great way to have a bit of fun and exhilaration on the way to your proposal site. She’ll be hanging on for dear life, so when you ask, it will be totally out of the blue. Actually the drive in is a bit more than most people will be used to unless they’re from Alaska or Montana, but it’s sure a lot easier to bring in the picnic basket by Jeep than on foot.

Once you make the journey, you’ll be happy you did. Beautiful, warm, unspoiled beaches are so rare these days, you owe it to yourself to propose at this one. The way the beach is formed by a series of sandy coves and the solitude you’ll find there is nothing short of awe inspiring.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, HI
On the windward side of Oahu you’ll find this gem. Not only do you get a fantastic beach, you also get views of two islands just offshore. This beach is nestled away behind the dunes, and  has the softest, white sand you’ve ever felt between your toes. That, and the beach’s sheer beauty makes it well worth the trip. You’ll find it at Kailua Beach park, and many who have come there claim it is the best beach they’ve ever been to. Really, it is that good!

Unfortunately, even with the less than straightforward access (but only about ½ hour from Honolulu), and complete lack of facilities this beach’s attributes have made it extremely popular. It used to be a  little less traveled, but now, on many occasions you’ll find it full of people. Such is the price for success. It is a great place to get engaged. Even if you weren’t asking her to marry you there, you’d never forget it.

Empire State Building – New York, NY
What can you say about this? Since it was built in 1931 it has been one of New York’s most popular landmarks. For years it was the tallest building in the world, and the observation deck has seen it’s share of proposals. Once you go up there you’ll know why, too. Can you ask for a better view of the city? No, you really can’t, and  even if you could, you wouldn’t find one.  If it’s good enough for King Kong……..

One important note; Be sure to check the forecast. You want to enjoy the view, not get showered with rain or enshrouded in a fog bank, although at this altitude, they call them clouds. Aim for a clear day, so you can make sure she’s taken in by the view. The elevator is open from 8:00am until 1:15am, and don’t even think about taking the stairs.

Carriage Ride in Central Park – New York, NY
Nothing says romance like a carriage ride, and how could you imagine a more romantic one than through New York’s Central Park? What this lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in romance. There’s a reason it’s been used as a proposal spot by thousands of guys before you, isn’t there? If you’re in, or going to be in New York, in autumn, when the leaves are turning their beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red, grab a carriage and head into your future. You don’t even have to reserve one. They’re lined up like taxis, along Central Park South, between 5th and 6th Avenues.  Bring $35 for the ride, plus tip.

Ferris Wheel at the Tuileries  – Paris, France
Sure the Eiffel tower is a great spot, but every would be groom brings his girl there. You’re different, aren’t you? Sure, so why not try this spot for your proposal? Paris is the city that is known more for romance than any other, and there are many terrific places to propose here. The Ferris Wheel at the Tuileries though, is notable because it is not there all the time. The place is like a carnival, with the wheel rising majestically above it, and delivering spectacular views of the city. In winter, it’s gone, so you’ll have to find a different place to propose, which isn’t altogether difficult in Paris.

Jules Verne Restaurant, Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
One such place would have to be Eiffel Tower, Paris’ most famous landmark. The tower is an amazing piece of engineering, especially consider when it was constructed. It is positively huge! You could fit an entire football stadium between the 4 base posts.

One thing you’ll notice is lover’s graffiti on the tower from all over the world. People come from just about anywhere to visit the tower, and many people propose there every year. The views are stunning.  It seems most of Paris is made up of buildings only 9 stories tall, and this stretches for miles. You have a real sense of being above it all, which in fact you are for the most part.

The 2nd level houses the Jules Verne Restaurant. Although from pictures you may not think it is high enough for a spectacular view, rest assured it very much is. The food is very good, but not the best. It is the view and the setting you’re there for. Make sure you confirm your reservations multiple times, since reports abound of them getting lost.

Il Cielo Restaurant  – Beverley Hills, CA
If you don’t want to travel to Paris, you can find plenty of romantic restaurants in which to propose right in the U.S. of A. one of the finest must be this favorite in Beverly Hills. Diner comments include “one of the most romantic restaurants in L.A.“, “Not sure I’ve seen a more romantic restaurant in LA “, and “Charming and romantic setting, the food was excellent, and the service was outstanding “. Reviewers have heaped lavish praise on the Il Cielo as well. As noted it is the height of romance and has been visited by countless Hollywood royalty. If she’s a romantic and loves Italian food, you’re almost assured of a big yes by taking her here. Eat outside on the terrace, under the stars for the perfect, romantic place to propose.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride, Gaslamp Quarter – San Diego , CA
If you want an exciting, fun place to propose that’s romantic at the same time, get to San Diego’s Gas Lamp Quarter ASAP. The early Victorian architecture is fairly rare in a west coast city. If you enjoy this style of architecture, you’ll really appreciate the old buildings, many of which date to before the turn of the 20th century. The Gas Lamp Quarter district is geared more toward young people and those who love to eat and be entertained.

There are many fantastic eateries and a vibrant night scene, with a great variety of restaurants and clubs throughout the district that ensure you’ll never lack for something to do. If you like jazz and blues, there’s a House of Blues that showcases acts from around the country. For a taste of Ireland without getting on a flight across the pond, check out the Dublin Square Pub.

When it comes time to ask her the question of the evening, go on over and catch a carriage ride. It has all the romance of a ride through Central Park with a bit more vigor and excitement.

Williams Tower and Waterfall – Houston, TX
Actually the Williams waterfall is a fountain, not a natural waterfall at all. This 65 foot high horseshoe, with water cascading over it like a miniature Niagara falls. Like the famous New York Landmark, the Williams Tower and Waterfall is a perfect place to propose to her, especially if you’re in Houston when the mood strikes. There have been weddings there too, so when she says yes, maybe you can make arrangements for the ceremony as well. The magnificent, 64 story Williams Tower is a pretty spectacular sight also.

Hotel del Coronado – Coronado Island, CA
Enchanting doesn’t even begin to describe the setting for this 120 year old hotel. Known by locals as simply “The Del”, the Coronado may be the most romantic hotel on the west coast, never mind California. You feel like you’re in another country when you set foot on this magical island property. There is an impressive stretch of broad, white sand beach fronting this hotel and a beautiful marina behind it.

If you plan on staying at the hotel, be prepared to cough up some serious coin, as rooms start at about $300 per night, and that’s for the no view variety. Rooms with a view and suites can cost multiples of that figure. Enjoy a sunset dinner at the 15oo Ocean Restaurant, the views as the sun sinks into the Pacific are out of this world. That would be the perfect time to pull out the ring.

Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church, Dublin, Ireland
Dublin has many great attractions. If you’re there you should see as many as possible. However, if you’re there to propose, the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church Church is your destination. Why, you ask? Well, because the Church houses the relics of St. Valentine, and what could be more romantic than that?

Hotel de Paris, Monaco
Monaco is one of the most beautiful seaside locations in the world. It is tiny, at only 485 acres, but don’t confuse quantity with quality. The Casino, built in 1878, and a sight to behold. To give her the perfect proposal however, you’ll want to head for the Hotel de Paris. It has unparalleled harbor views.

Take the elevator up to the LeGrill restaurant on the hotel’s 8th floor. The views are amazing, and the food is a gastronomic experience not to be missed; pure culinary excellence. Is it the romantic place you’ve been looking for to propose to your girlfriend? Well, once she sees the gorgeous harbor views under the night sky (the roof slides back to leave you two alone under the stars!) she’ll almost have to say yes!

The Space Needle, Seattle, WA
Tis world famous symbol of the 1960 World’s Fair has a lot going for it when it comes to romantic proposal locations. It gives spectacular views of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, the surrounding mountains (on 2 sides), Elliot Bay, and Lake Union.

The restaurant is one of the city’s best in a city of great culinary treats.To ensure you see all those sights and more, the restaurant actually rotates, but don’t worry, it goes so slowly that you barely notice it, unless you set your drink on the railing! You can choose the perfect backdrop for your proposal, just wait for the dining room to get around to it.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, WA
This hotel was operated by the 4 Seasons, but is now the Fairmont. This is considered by many to be the finest hotel in the Pacific northwest, and possibly the entire west coast. It fairly drips of old world luxury, and if you didn’t know better, you might think you were in one of Europe’s or the Eastern U.S. Best establishments. It originally opened in 1924, and has occupied a prominent place in the Emerald city ever since. The Italian Renaissance theme takes you way to another place. Actually, for the price of some of the rooms at the Olympic, you could get a flight to Europe. The service is beyond reproach at the Fairmont. Once you pamper her there, she’ll be spoiled for life.

One guest even said she finally had her wedding fantasy here. Now, that’s romance. If you’re in Seattle, this is a perfect place to propose.

Lover’s Key State Park, FL
With a name like Lover’s Key, you know it is a romantic location and this western Florida park certainly doesn’t disappoint. Once you could only enjoy this spectacular wildlife habitat by boat, but now there is a gorgeous board walk that gives access to the beach for romantic walks at sunset (it faces west). She’ll love it. If you don’t want to walk to the beach, there is now a tram shuttle as well. However you get there, the beach is just the spot for your proposal.

If you know of some great spots I missed, please  leave them in the comment section. If you asked her at one of these, drop a line too.

Tags: Places to Propose, travel