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Updated Mar 06, 202510 Romantic Places to Propose in San Jose You’ll Love
Celebrate your love in The Golden State.
For Northern California couples, there are plenty of beautiful places to propose in San Jose. Whether you call The Golden State home or are planning a vacation for a California proposal, San Jose has some beautiful spots that are perfect for a romantic proposal. Whether you and your partner love exploring the city's many hiking trails, gardens and parks or enjoy the history and fine dining the city has to offer, our San Jose proposal ideas are the perfect starting point for planning a memorable engagement.
One of our top proposal planning tips is to take advantage of The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find vendors such as proposal photographers, proposal planners and proposal packages. You can search local vendors and filter by service, as well as read reviews from couples.
How to Decide Where to Propose in San Jose
When checking off the boxes on your proposal planning checklist, one of the most important things to consider is where to propose. The decision of where to propose is a personal one, and it varies for each couple. While some couples love going to fancy restaurants and checking out new hotels for weekend staycations, others are happiest when enjoying the great outdoors together. Luckily, San Jose has a wide range of proposal locations that cater to every kind of couple.
The Best Time of the Year for a San Jose Proposal
While San Jose is lovely year-round, the best times to propose are in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourist crowds. This time of year is perfect for enjoying scenic outdoor locations before some of them close for the season. Spring and autumn may also be less expensive times to visit if you are traveling to San Jose from out of town.
10 Proposal Locations in San Jose
Once you've decided San Jose is the city where you want to propose, it's time to fine-tune the details. Below, we've rounded up our top 10 favorite proposal spots in San Jose for every kind of couple.
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1. Municipal Rose Garden
What once was a prune orchard is now a lush rose garden that boasts 3,500 plantings and 189 varieties. The 5.5-acre garden is thought of as one of the most beautiful, and it draws thousands of visitors each year. The beautiful blooms are a romantic and photo-ready backdrop for a San Jose proposal. The Municipal Rose Garden is in bloom from April through November.
2. Testarossa Winery
Located just outside of San Jose in Los Gatos, Testarossa Winery is a proud producer of premier California pinot noir and chardonnay. Stroll the romantic venue to pop the question and celebrate with plenty of wine afterward. This charming spot also doubles as a wedding venue.
3. The GrandView
The GrandView is a classic steakhouse with scenic views of the Santa Clara Valley. Their expert team can help coordinate your on-site proposal, and afterward, you can celebrate with a gourmet meal. Seasonal produce is grown right next door at Grand View Farms for a true seed-to-table experience.
4. Lick Observatory
San Jose's Lick Observatory is a unique proposal spot that's especially fitting for couples who love astronomy. The historic site has been advancing astronomy and technology with its research since 1888. The observatory's outdoor public areas are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily—so you can catch the perfect golden hour proposal if you plan the timing right!
5. Hayes Mansion
Combining historic charm with modern comfort and amenities, Hayes Mansion makes the perfect spot for a weekend getaway proposal. Honored on the National Register of Historic Hotels, Hayes Mansion once belonged to a wealthy iron ore mining family that moved to San Jose in 1887. The beautiful historic grounds would be the perfect setting for a surprise proposal. Afterward, wine and dine on California-inspired cuisine at the elegant restaurant and bar, then turn in for the night in one of the charming guest rooms.
6. Alum Rock Park
Founded in 1872, Alum Rock Park is one of California's oldest municipal parks. The park spans 720 acres along the foothills of Alum Rock Canyon in the foothills of the Diablo Range. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, bicycling or just taking in the natural beauty of the park. This would be the ideal setting for a romantic picnic proposal in San Jose.
7. Winchester Mystery House
Winchester Mystery House is an architectural wonder and historic landmark located in San Jose. After personal tragedy, Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester moved to San Jose and began to build the mansion continuously from 1886 to 1922. While visitors today speculate that the mansion is home to paranormal activity, it also serves as a wedding venue and proposal location in San Jose for couples with an affinity for the spooky landmark.
8. Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden is said to be "a living symbol of the sister city relationship between Okayama, Japan and San Jose." Traditional Japanese architecture, koi ponds and lush gardens come together to create the ultimate oasis tucked away in San Jose. This tranquil spot is the perfect backdrop for your proposal. Please note that photo shoots must be booked in advance during the morning non-visiting hours, so please call ahead if you plan to bring along an engagement photographer.
9. Coyote Creek Trail
Situated along Coyote Creek, this scenic trail is the perfect proposal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It extends from the bay to the city's southern boundary. Whether you propose in spring while the trails are green and lush or in the fall when the trees begin to turn, this scenic spot is the perfect proposal location for couples who love to hike together.
10. Alamitos Vineyards
Nestled within the hills of historic New Almaden, these historic vineyards are situated within the "English, Spanish, and Hacienda villages that were once inhabited by miners in the 1800s". Take a romantic sunset stroll through the vineyards to pop the question for an unforgettable and picturesque moment. Then, celebrate by uncorking a bottle—or two—of Alamitos Vineyards' renowned local wine.
