Romance is in the air, and in the Monterey Bay along California’s Central Coast it may just lead to a marriage proposal.
A new study has named the seaside enclave ground zero for couples popping the question.
After analyzing Instagram and TikTok hashtag volume, along with average Google Maps user ratings for waterfront landmarks, lakes, and harbors across the U.S., travel experts at BoatBooker found that the region, famed for its white-sand beaches and coastal bluffs, is America’s number one waterfront proposal spot.
With numerous camera-ready locations, from Carmel-by-the-Sea to the rocky shores of Big Sur, the region boasted a 4.80 Google Maps rating alongside a strong social media presence—753,000 Instagram and 49,900 TikTok posts.
California dominated the national rankings overall, with Big Bear Lake and Marina del Rey also landing among the country’s most popular places to propose.
Romantic spots in the Monterey Bay
Walking on the beach while holding hands and watching the sunset is a timeless romantic ritual and few places deliver the experience quite like the Monterey Bay.
For a leisurely stroll on a coastal trail that takes you through white sandy beaches and rocky tidepools with sea anemones, sea stars and other fragile marine life, there is Asilomar State Beach, a scenic one-mile stretch of coastline in Pacific Grove.
Driving south on Sunset Drive from Asilomar State Beach, you will get to another romantic locale: the 17-mile drive at Pebble Beach. The scenic drive is famous for its “17 Points of Interest,” including the famous 250-year-old ‘Lone Cypress’ perched atop the jutting cliffs. There is also Cypress Point, a popular lookout spot—and proposal location?
While not a beach, Pebble Beach Golf Links, named one of the most beautiful public golf courses in the world is worth a stop on your romantic tour. If your beloved is a golfer, you can begin your happily ever after with major bonus points.
Point Lobos Natural Reserve, considered the “crown jewel” of the California State Parks, is a coastal wonderland with headlands, coves, and rolling meadows. Take your sweetheart by the hand and embark on a romantic jaunt that you will treasure for years to come.
The name says it all—Lover’s Point Park and beach in Pacific Grove is a scenic spot worthy of consideration for a romantic excursion. Small wedding ceremonies are not uncommon at the park, which overlooks the ocean.
The small beach cove feels almost Mediterranean, and while it can get busy with locals and tourists alike, it is in a prime location with nearby hotels, restaurants, and the paved coastal trail that you can walk or bike all the way back to Monterey.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: This California coastal area is America’s No. 1 proposal spot
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Salinas Californian
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
