Best Places to Propose in Long Beach

If you live in or near Long Beach, California, then you know that it is full of picturesque places that are ideal for a memorable proposal. But with so many choices, how can you narrow down your options? Furthermore, how can you come up with a creative proposal idea for a given location?

Well, we’ve got you covered. Let’s go through what we think are some of the best proposal spots in the Long Beach (or nearby) areas. We'll also provide a few ideas for how you can propose to that special someone.

Catalina Island

Why It's a Good Option: Catalina Island is a beautiful island location that feels like a vacation getaway. Taking a boat to reach this location already makes it a bit of an adventure, and once you arrive you’ll find that there are plentiful scenic spots that are perfect for a proposal. You can choose from beaches, hiking trails, or the downtown area, depending upon what you and your partner like to do together.

Proposal Ideas:
Beach: Arrange a private beach picnic with a local restaurant. Many of these services will set up tables, comfortable cushions, flowers and other decor for you in advance. After a delicious meal and a bottle of wine, pop the question as the sun sets.
Hike: Plan a hike on one of the trails and just when you’ve reached a scenic spot, drop to one knee and propose with the ocean in the background. Just be careful not to damage that ring on the remainder of your hike with all that rocky terrain!
Adventure: There are endless adventurous options on Catalina. You can go scuba diving, zip lining, parasailing, paddleboarding, or explore the botanical gardens. When your adrenaline is really pumping, find a scenic (and safe) spot to propose.

Naples Island Gondola Ride

Why It's a Good Option: A gondola ride through the canals of Naples Island is automatically a romantic setting, perfect for a proposal. It gives you the feeling of being in Venice, Italy without the long flight and extreme expense.

Proposal Ideas:
Twilight: Take a sunset gondola ride and propose just as the sun is peeking below the horizon, with a spectrum of colors across the sky.
Musical: Arrange for a violinist or guitarist to be part of your gondola ride and serenade you with “your song” as you propose.
Holiday: During the holidays, Naples is lit up with Christmas lights all along the path of the gondola ride. It’s a gorgeous sight and the light makes a beautiful backdrop for a romantic holiday proposal.

Proposal on the Beach

Why It's a Good Option: A beach proposal is romantic and timeless. It also assures that you’ll get great pictures of the event. Long Beach specifically has some great, iconic backdrops such as the Queen Mary, that can make for memorable photos.

Proposal Ideas:
Sunrise: Ask your partner to join you for an early morning walk on the beach and write your big question in the sand before dropping to one knee and pointing them in the direction of your question. With the sunrise in the background, who could say no?
Picnic: Set up a picnic on the beach yourself, or ask a family friend to help you. Arrange for your partner’s favorite cuisine and some comfortable blankets and cushions. Pop open a nice bottle of champagne and then pop the question.

Lions Lighthouse at Shoreline Aquatic Park

Why It's a Good Option: You can spend the afternoon walking along Shoreline Park and stop at the arcade, enjoy some of the ever present live music, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants before walking over to the lighthouse for a beautiful view of the city and ocean.

Proposal Ideas:
Sunset: Around sunset, the park is typically less crowded and offers picturesque views for a memorable proposal.
Photo Shoot: Arrange a couples photo shoot with a professional photographer and arrange with the photographer beforehand so he knows your plan and can signal to you the best time. During the photoshoot, get on one knee and propose, all while getting pictures for memories of this special moment.

Waterfront Restaurant at Hotel Maya

Why It's a Good Option: Why not enjoy a delicious meal while also asking the love of your life to marry you–all against a stunning view of Long Beach?

Proposal Ideas:
Dinner : Reserve a table by the water and coordinate with the restaurant to bring out a dessert that asks the question for you, along with a chocolate box that opens with the ring inside.
Fireworks: Time your proposal with a fireworks show (think July 4th, New Years Eve, etc.) and propose as the sky lights up.

Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach

Why It's a Good Option: The Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach is a quiet and beautiful spot in the middle of Long Beach with koi ponds, bridges, and flowers galore.

Proposal Ideas:
Bridge Proposal: As you’re walking across one of the bridges, drop to your knee and pop the question.
Cherry Blossom: When the Cherry Blossoms are blooming, plan a visit to the garden and propose with the ultimate floral backdrop. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic on the garden grounds.

Long Beach Museum of Art

Why It's a Good Option: For the art enthusiast, the Long Beach Museum of Art offers an elegant setting for a proposal.

Proposal Ideas:
Gallery: Get in touch with the museum to arrange a private guided tour and stop in front of your favorite art piece to propose.
Ocean View: Step outside onto the museum's terrace and propose with the ocean in the background.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Why It's a Good Option: The Aquarium of the Pacific is a whimsical setting for animal lovers and a beautiful backdrop for a unique proposal.

Proposal Ideas:
Diving: If you have diving experience, ask the aquarium if it’s possible to arrange a private dive, where you can propose underwater.
Exhibit: Propose in front of your favorite exhibit and coordinate with the aquarium staff and a photographer to capture the moment.
Behind the Scenes: The aquarium offers a special proposal opportunity for animal lovers. You can arrange with the aquarium to be part of their Animal Encounters program, which allows for behind the scenes interaction with animals. You can even arrange to have one of the animals deliver your message to your loved one. If your partner is enamored with your proposal, you can also hold your wedding at the aquarium!

Long Beach and its surrounding areas have plenty of options for a memorable proposal. A few of our favorite options are Catalina Island, Naples Island, the beach, Lions Lighthouse, Long Beach Museum of Art, Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach, or the Aquarium of the Pacific. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices, as they each offer a romantic setting that your partner will never forget. Take your time and do some research so you can plan the perfect proposal that speaks to your relationship.