Bar Harbor, ME
Photograph: Shutterstock/Natalia BratslavskySunset over picturesque Bass Harbor lighthouse on Mt Desert island, Maine
Photograph: Shutterstock/Natalia Bratslavsky

The best places to propose in the USA for a guaranteed 'yes!'

We picked out the best places to propose in the U.S., so start practicing your best “Will you marry me?”

Emilee Lindner
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When you’ve found The One, don’t rush into proposing. If you’re trying to craft the most epic moment, first consider some of the best places in the USA to propose.

Even if you think your S/O will say “yes” no matter what, it doesn’t hurt to engineer that heart-fluttering romantic memory. After all, how many times in your life do you get to make grand gestures? (There’s a right answer, by the way: ALL THE TIME.)

From a gorgeous Hawaiian beach with actual heart-shaped coral to the sinfully fun opportunities of Las Vegas, there’s a perfect proposal spot on this list for anyone. If you’re outdoorsy, trek to Bar Harbor and hike to a majestic summit in Acadia National Park. If you’re more of a Disney couple, get Mickey Mouse to help you pop the question in Orlando.

Feeling inspired yet? Check out the best places in the USA to propose below and get planning. Oh, and mazel tov!

RECOMMENDED: The most romantic honeymoon destinations in the U.S.

Best places to propose in the USA

A New York proposal is a no-brainer. You can probably name a few great spots even if you’ve never been, like the Empire State Building or a rowboat in Central Park. But even beyond the obvious, New York is full of great places to pop the question. When it’s warm, there’s the beach and boardwalk at Coney Island (and don’t forget the Wonder Wheel!), and in the spring, the cherry esplanade at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is unforgettable. Or if winter is more your speed, the Rink at Rockefeller Center offers proposal packages. Then there’s the High Line or Brooklyn Bridge if you want a romantic stroll, and The Cloisters and Wave Hill offer quiet, spectacular gardens.

Check out: The most romantic restaurants in New York, all of which would also make an excellent setting for a proposal.

Do you ever dream about a Stars Hollow proposal? For Gilmore Girls fans, the best bet isn’t Connecticut; it is actually the Warner Brothers Tour in California. The studio backlot is just one of many perfect proposal spots in L.A. Ride the Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier or hike through Griffith Park to the observatory or the iconic Hollywood sign for a proposal with a spectacular view. If you prefer water to land, the retired 1930s British Ocean liner the Queen Mary is a truly elegant setting. Or you could take a gondola ride in Marina del Rey!

Check out: Perch, a rooftop restaurant in Downtown L.A., for dinner before or after you pop the question.

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If your relationship has been one big party, honor it with a trip to the Big Easy. Proposal locations are aplenty in this town, but it’s the atmosphere you’ll cherish. Declare your love in Jackson Square in front of the St. Louis Cathedral; be sure to hire a photographer to capture the magic moment. Present your luvvie with a ring and a beignet at Café du Monde (who could say no?), charter a boat for a romantic cruise on Lake Pontchartrain at sunset, and then finagle your way on stage for a grand, public proposal at a jazz club. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with going for it on Bourbon Street too. There’s nothing like celebrating your engagement with the friendliest strangers!

Check out: Paradigm Gardens offers romantic dining under string lights. Take in the luscious aromas of good food and beautiful plants as you gaze at your sweetie.

Sin City might be better known for its bachelorette parties, but you best believe Vegas is shimmering with romance. But where to pop the Q? In front of the Bellagio Fountain? Or perhaps on top of the High Roller, the tallest Ferris wheel in the U.S.? Or maybe you’d like to hire a magician to help choreograph your big moment? Either way, right after you get engaged, you can solidify the deal by tying the knot at one of Vegas’ many chapels. Hey, maybe Elvis will even show up. What could go wrong?

Check out: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, where you can hike or take a scenic drive, giving you a dramatic backdrop for your special proposal.

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The Hawaiian island of Oahu is a no-brainer for any proposal. Take your beach babe to the silky shores of the Pacific Ocean in time for a gorgeous sunset and a stroll in the powdery pure sands. Halona Cove may be the most famous of the many romantic spots in Oahu. It’s where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr shared a smooch in the 1953 classic From Here to Eternity. Celebrate with an island tour, swim at the bottom of Waimea Falls, or hike around Diamond Head Crater to make once-in-a-lifetime memories as a couple. And only after you’re finished with all that can you call your family and share the good news!

Check out: Heart Coral Cove. Lovers offer up their heart-shaped coral finds in the rocks between the From Here to Eternity Beach and Sandy Beach Park. The spot is basically begging for a proposal moment.

By day, Niagara Falls glistens in the sunlight. At night, the natural wonder is illuminated with multi-hued lights. Depending on your vibe, either setting could be the perfect place to set up the rest of your life. Heck, if you get a "no" in the morning, maybe try again once the sun has gone down? For adventurous couples, board the Maid of the Mist, Jim-and-Pam-style. For the more upscale types, kiss on the Crows Nest observation deck and hire a limo to take you from winery to winery on the Niagara Wine Trail. Bordering two countries, the U.S. side of Niagara Falls offers cozy hotels and fine dining, not to mention stunning views of the Falls. There is a reason why Niagara Falls is known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World. Why not channel some of that magic in your proposal?

Check out: Red Coach Inn, a historic bed and breakfast that allows you to fall asleep to the rush of the neighboring falls. Their complimentary breakfast is top-notch.

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7. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Few places in the U.S. are as awe-inspiring as the Grand Canyon, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic proposal. If you’re not afraid of heights, the Skywalk (a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway 2,000 feet above the ground) is a stunning place to get down on one knee. Or go even higher with a helicopter ride to a secluded plateau. If you’d prefer to stay on solid ground, hike back to Havasu Falls, where the aqua-blue water jumps out of the red rock formations. Camp overnight or book a room at the Havasupai Lodge.

Check out: El Tovar Hotel, located directly on the rim of the canyon, for spectacular views to cap off your romantic day.

At Big Sur, the soaring cliffs, crashing waves, mysterious mist, and swaying trees are enough to put you on a higher plane. Channel that otherworldly ether into the rest of your life with your s/o. Get down on one knee on a coastal beach or trek deep into the redwood forest to stand amongst the ancient giants as you propose. Rent a cozy cabin or dine at one of the high-class restaurants the area has to offer. You’ll never forget it.

Check out: Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, where you can stay in a welcoming room and dine amongst flowering trees at the intimate, award-winning restaurant.

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What could make for a more magical proposal than The Most Magical Place on Earth? Disney World is full of picturesque spots to pop the question. Take your boo-boo-bear on a safari or a trip to Europe (the Eiffel Tower at the France Pavilion and the English gardens in the UK Pavilion both make excellent spots), or for Jedi Couples, step into a galaxy far, far away. Or for a literal fairytale proposal, there’s the iconic Cinderella’s Castle, of course. Disney also offers engagement packages to help make your day especially memorable.

Check out: The Wishing Well at Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Have your special someone drop a coin in the fountain to make a wish while you get down on one knee.

Nothing says “I want to spend the rest of my life with you” like getting lost together in the woods. The Estes Park region of Rocky Mountain National Park offers unique treks, although you may have to break your hand-holding for some of the tougher climbs. Find a secluded spot to smooch, set up a picnic, and dip your toes into the crisp, cool lakes. Once you get back into town, hitch a sleigh ride, peep a few masterpieces at the Art Center, or treat yourselves to a spa day. There are so many tranquil spots to get engaged here; during a mountain tour, a snowshoe journey, or a candlelit dinner.

Check out: Eldora Ski Resort, where you can take a ski class together and then warm up at the Timbers Taphouse with Colorado microbrews, tasty margaritas, Bloody Marys, and handmade gourmet pizza.

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Even if you don’t plan on proposing in Asheville, you might want to at the end of the trip. Here are a few options; watch the sunset from a Blue Ridge Parkway lookout before professing your love. Sweep your loved one off their feet with a waterfall proposal at one of the many gorgeous spots in the area. Even if hiking is not your thing, the roadside Dry Falls in Nantahala National Forest involves minimal walking, and the trail takes you behind the falls for a truly unique place to pop the question. Perhaps you’d like to go back in time and propose marriage like a Vanderbilt while walking arm-in-arm around the historic Biltmore mansion. Celebrate your impending nuptials at one of the various craft breweries and dessert shops here. What says love like devouring masses of chocolate?

Check out: The Montford rooftop bar offers glowing views of the city and a luxurious selection of wine and cocktails.

Las Vegas, New York, Grand Canyon… sure, those places are Proposal Central. But if you and your sweetie are a little less conventional, may we float the idea of Maine for your special moment? Drop the big Q on Cadillac Mountain, where you can watch the very first sunrise in the U.S. There’s nothing like seeing the start of the day as you start the rest of your life together! (Just make sure to make a vehicle reservation first!) After locking it down in Acadia National Park, trek down to West Street, and find a fancy place to toast. Or hit up Ocean Trail for gorgeous views of the sea… as if you can focus on anything else!

Check out: The West Street Hotel is a luxury experience with Maine’s only rooftop pool.

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If you suspect your partner has been dreaming of an extra-special proposal since the day you met, go to Miami. Simply taking them to a nice dinner in your hometown will not suffice. Check their schedule, buy those plane tickets, and plan some romantic Miami couples activities. With waves lapping against the sandy shore, a breeze in your hair, a nice charcuterie platter enjoyed on a picnic blanket—after all, you PLANNED AHEAD—a beach proposal is not one to be forgotten. Stroll hand in hand at Bayfront Park to build up to the perfect moment. Or, if you want an air of vintage Gatsby luxury, visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and look out at the sea as you plan your life together.

Check out: You’ve decided to get engaged in Miami! This town is all about getting dressed up and celebrating life, so consider dining out at one of Miami’s best vegan restaurants. Spend the next day relaxing at the Standard Spa in Miami Beach.

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