LEO CARRILLO STATE PARK

Leo Carrillo feels like Malibu in its most honest form—rocky coves, salty air, and pockets of quiet that make it easy to forget the rest of the world exists.

What I love about this spot for proposals is how many moods it holds in one place. You’ve got dramatic rock formations for that windswept coastal feeling, softer stretches of sand for something more intimate, and a little meadow tucked nearby that glows at sunset.

If you’re the kind of couple who wants options (and maybe a little post-proposal wandering while the adrenaline wears off), this place gives you room to explore.

Getting there:  Park in the lot across from the beach and follow the trail under the bridge down to the sand.

Best season:  Year-round, but spring and fall are quieter with softer light.

Things to note:  A photography permit is required.

POINT DUME

Point Dume is for couples who want that  wow  moment.

At the bottom, there’s a sweeping beach framed by cliffs. At the top, the ocean opens up in every direction and you instantly feel smaller. The overlook is one of those places where people naturally go quiet for a second—which is exactly the kind of energy you want when you’re about to propose.

The walk up is short and a little steep, but that climb almost helps. It gives you a minute to breathe, steady your nerves, and take in the view before everything changes.

Getting there:  Beach parking is $3 in the evening and $8 in the morning. The path to the top is short but steep. Limited free parking exists at the summit if you get lucky.

Best season:  Beautiful all year. Late spring through early fall tends to be warmer with seasonal flowers.

Things to note:  Dogs aren’t allowed on this beach.

MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK

If the beach isn’t your thing, Malibu Creek is where you go for golden hills and big sky.

This park feels expansive and cinematic—oak trees scattered across rolling landscapes, mountains layered in the distance. In spring it’s green and alive; by late summer it turns warm and earthy. Either way, it photographs beautifully.

It’s perfect for couples who feel more at home on a trail than on the sand. There’s something grounding about proposing surrounded by open land instead of crowds.

Getting there:  Parking varies depending on the trailhead. Expect a short to moderate walk on dirt paths.

Best season:  Spring for color, fall and winter for warm tones.

Things to note:  Dogs are restricted on most trails. A photography permit is required.

PADRE SERRA CROSS

This overlook is a local favorite. From the top, you can see the Ventura coastline stretch out beneath you, with mountains behind and ocean ahead. At sunset, the sky softens and the city lights begin to flicker on.

It’s simple and accessible, which makes it a great option if you want something meaningful without a long hike or complicated logistics.

Getting there:  There's a decent size parking lot at the top of the lookout.

Best season:  You can't go wrong here, but it can get a little chilly when the wind picks up on colder evenings.

Things to note:  This spot can get a little busy so plan for a weekday or sunrise proposal if you want privacy!

A SAILBOAT IN VENTURA HARBOR

Proposing on a sailboat feels like stepping into your own little world. Once you’re out on the water, everything else fades—it’s just the two of you, the sound of the waves, and the coastline drifting by.

It’s intimate in a way land-based locations can’t quite replicate, and sunset on the harbor is quietly stunning.

Getting there:  Most sailboat charters leave directly from Ventura Harbor. You’ll usually park in the harbor lot and walk a short distance to the dock where your captain meets you.

Best season:  Spring through early fall offers the calmest water and warmest evenings, but winter sunsets on the water can be incredibly pretty if you don’t mind a little chill.

Things to note:  Boats move with the wind and waves, so plan for a flexible timeline and wear something comfortable. Sunset charters book up quickly, so reserving in advance is key.

MEDITATION MOUNT

Meditation Mount overlooks the Ojai Valley and is known for its famous “pink moment,” when the mountains glow in soft rose tones just before sunset.

It’s serene and intentional—a place that invites you to slow down. If you want your proposal to feel reflective and deeply romantic, this is a beautiful choice. Reservations are required, but the experience feels special from start to finish.

Getting there:  Parking is available on-site with a short walk to the main lookout spots.

Best season:  Beautiful year-round. Spring and fall tend to have the clearest skies, while summer evenings are warm and glowing.

Things to note:  Reservations are required and spots are limited. The atmosphere is intentionally quiet and reflective, so it’s best suited for couples who want a calm, intimate proposal.

CARPINTERIA BLUFFS

Carpinteria Bluffs feels open and peaceful in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re standing there. Wide grassy fields roll toward the ocean, and at sunset the whole place turns honey-gold.

It’s a beautiful option if you want a proposal that feels private without being isolated. There’s space to spread out, to walk and talk afterward, and to let the moment sink in. If the tide cooperates, you can wander down to the beach below for a completely different backdrop.

Getting there:  A small roadside lot leads to a short trail onto the bluff.

Best season:  Spring is especially pretty with green grass and wildflowers, but it works year-round.

Things to note:  Beach access depends on tide conditions.

A Few Honest Proposal Tips

After photographing a lot of couples in this exact moment, here’s what I’ve learned:

Pick a spot that feels like you, not just what looks good online. The best proposals aren’t always the most famous viewpoints. They’re the places that already mean something to you as a couple or match how you naturally spend time together.

Build in a buffer of time. Traffic happens. Parking takes longer than you think. Give yourself extra time so you’re not rushing into one of the biggest moments of your life out of breath.

Think about where the sun will be. You don’t have to obsess over it, but try not to face directly into harsh sun. Soft side light or backlight near sunset is your friend and makes everything feel calmer and more cinematic.

Have a simple cover plan. A casual walk, watching the sunset, or exploring a trail gives you a natural reason to stop in the perfect spot without raising suspicion.

Decide in advance if you want privacy or an audience.  Some couples love a cheering crowd. Others want a quiet moment. There’s no right answer, but knowing your preference helps you choose the right location and timing.

Plan what happens right after.  A dinner reservation, a bottle of champagne, or meeting friends afterward gives you something to look forward to once the adrenaline settles.

Let the moment breathe.  After they say yes, don’t rush. Stay there for a minute. Laugh, hug, take it in. Those quiet seconds right after are often the most emotional part.

Expect a little imperfection.  Wind, nerves, unexpected people walking by. None of it ruins the moment. Most of the time, those unscripted pieces are what make the story feel real.