It’s the summer, and nothing is hotter than a romantic marriage proposal along the beach! Whether you’re a fan of the Atlantic or the Pacific, proposing with the soothing crash of waves and the sun freckling your faces is pure magic.

No matter what city you’re in, The Heart Bandits can help you plan romantic proposal ideas. Take a look at a few of our favorite hidden gems across the U.S.

1. Folly Beach, South Carolina

Located 10 miles from the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina, Folly Beach is playful and laidback–the perfect place for an intimate proposal! It’s a 12 square mile barrier island, which means you’ll have plenty of restaurants for a candlelit dinner along with miles of sand for the perfect Folly Beach marriage proposal.

2. Carmel Beach, California

Catching rays in Monterey? Carmel Beach is located on the southern end of the Monterey Peninsula, which boasts breathtaking views of the California shoreline on all three sides! Carmel Beach is known for its white sandy beaches and vivid sunsets, so there’s no better place to pop the question.  

3. Rialto Beach, Washington

Do you and your girlfriend love state parks and beaches? Rialto Beach proposals offer the best of both worlds! Located in Olympic National Park, you’ll be surrounded by scenic rocky beaches, rugged sea caves, and otters when she says “yes” to spend her life with you!

4. St. Augustine, Florida

As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine is historic, family-friendly and charming. If you’re planning a St. Augustine marriage proposal along the water, try setting sail on a cruise boat at sunset, a romantic sailboat, or an adventurous pirate ship!

Romantic beach at sunset to be used for proposal idea

5. Ocracoke, North Carolina

Looking for an East Coast proposal spot that’s secluded and intimate? Ocracoke is the most southern island in the Outer Banks, and you can only get to it by ferry, private boat or plane. If you want a magical getaway to pop the question, Ocracoke is as authentic as it gets.

6. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Located just south of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard proposals are known for being captivating and fairytale-like. With lighthouses, quaint churches, and miles of sandy beaches, Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect mix of sophistication and relaxation.  

7. La Jolla Cove & Shores, California

Is she an active adventure seeker? When you plan a La Jolla marriage proposal, you’ll be surrounded by exotic San Diego reefs that are known for snorkeling, swimming and diving. Propose in the cove with views of native sea lions before beginning an afternoon of adventure in La Jolla Shores!

8. Padre Island, Texas

If you imagine your proposal under the stars with glasses of chilled champagne and flannel blankets, you can’t go wrong with the solitude of Padre Island. Less touristy than South Padre Island, this is the ideal spot for intimacy–it’s also the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world!

As you plan an intimate marriage proposal at your favorite beach, work with The Heart Bandits to capture the romance of the moment. Don’t forget to keep your ring safe with a skinny engagement ring box from Ring Stash!

Romantic and calm beach

If this article has made you decide you do want to propose on the beach but you are not sure how, we can help.  Check out our Best Beach Proposal Ideas here.

Emily Barge