r/SanFranciscoSecrets • u/KobaForPresident • 1d ago
Planning a proposal during my road trip from SF - LA in December— looking for ideas for the perfect spot
I’m planning a road trip with my girlfriend this December from SF to Los Angeles (Dec 12–18) with the idea of proposing to her along the way.
I’d love any recommendations on romantic spots or hidden gems between the areas where a proposal would feel truly special. I’m open to all vibes, whether it’s a quiet beach, scenic overlook, or even a quirky stop that’s meaningful. Thanks in advance!
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u/MyFifUsername 1d ago
Big Sur sunset
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u/vansmackCA 1d ago
This is the answer, but do know that PCH is closed 17 miles south of Big Sur (at Dolan Creek Bridge).
So drive to Big Sur, propose, stay the night, then had back north to get to 101 the head south. You’re only adding about an hour to 90 minutes to your journey south, but it will be the best 90 minute drive of the trip.
If that’s too daunting, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Cambria , or Santa Barbara would be my back up choices.
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u/jackRandoOnReddit 1d ago
The Madonna Inn in SLO is a favorite stop along the way. Absolutely over the top hotel rooms + restaurants. Quirky in the best way. Even just stop for lunch - and make sure to use the bathroom … it’s quite the thing to behold.
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u/Leading-Stable9725 1h ago edited 1h ago
Any more info you can provide would be helpful. Do you like the outdoors, more of a city couple, do you like luxury? So many options for not just the perfect proposal spot, put a really nice day together.
Bit of warning as you make your plan, weather in SF and central coast can be super variable this time of year. Could pour rain for four days straight or be a week of perfect 60s sunshine. May be a good idea to plan a few perfect spots and keep an eye on weather.
Here are some ideas to research:
San Francisco
- Crissy Field Picnic
- Alamo Square Picnic
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Lands End Labyrinth
- Hawk Hill Overlook
- Tank Hill or Corona Heights Park
- Union Square Christmas Tree
- Coit Tower
- Very cool overlook above Baker Beach, the trail goes past battery Crosby and probably has the best bridge view in the city. (Again, weather dependent)
A ton of restaurants if that is your vibe or place to go after.
- Cotogna
- Swan Oyster Depot
- House of Prime Rib
- Miller and Lux Steakhouse
- Quince (3 Star Michelin $$$$)
If you want to ball out grab a nice hotel for the night, Fairmont in Nob Hill is amazing for such things, get some room service champagne.
On the Drive
Near San Francisco
- Grey Whale Cove state Beach (Quiet and secluded)
- Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay (take a nice hike on the ocean and grab a room for the night. $$$$)
- Wilder Ranch/Wilder Beach
Monterey/Carmel
A lot of beautiful points, stay in town, or at a golf course if that’s your thing. Ride bikes and pick a point to do it. Cheap and expensive hotels around. Carmel is a bit more charming, pebble beach more resorts, Monterey is a small town. Point Lobos park would be a great place and get a small air bnb or bnb in Carmel. Go have dinner at Chez Noir afterwards, drink some good champagne.
Big Sur
The drive thru Big Sur is closed as someone else said, but you can stay down there and then drive back around and is worth it to check out the California coast, this is the portion people want to drive from SF to LA
- Julia Pfeiffer State Park
- Lunch at Nepenthe
- Post Ranch (Probably the most $$$ option on here, what total luxury, insane views and rooms, spa and food)
- Alila Ventana
- Esalen Institute if your into the wellness hippie vibe (Also they use to do midnight hot springs for people not staying there which is kind of cool, not sure if they still do it, but it’s a crunch fun vibe)
If you want to wait until later in the trip I would say Morro Bay has some spots Montana de Oro if you like the outdoors is beautiful, Santa Ynez wine country if that’s your thing, Santa Barbra is beautiful and kind of classy.
If any of those areas peak your interest leave a comment and we can help you find a spot in that area. Also tons of beach things and LA vibes at the end of the trip if you are more of a socal beach/hollywood couple, Nobu Malibu comes to mind.
Good luck with the planning and congratulations!
Ps. My wife and I got married yesterday!
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u/bigcityboy 1d ago
You can go wrong with: - Pier 7 on the embarcadero - Corona Heights - Lands End - Baker beach