The best places to propose in the USA

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 the 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.

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.

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 LA, for dinner before or after you pop the question.

The Hawaiian island of Maui is a paradise, with mountains, waterfalls, and picture-perfect beaches (like the black sand at Waianapanapa). The winding road to Hana is dotted with waterfalls and scenic vistas, but pack ponchos if you plan to propose along the way; it tends to rain in these parts. Propose above the clouds at Haleakala National Park or underwater on a snorkeling trip to Molokini; just don’t drop the ring!

Check out: The massive banyan tree in Lahaina. It gets lit up for Christmas, making it extra remarkable if you’re on a holiday trip to Maui.

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.

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.

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. Or surround your dog-loving sweetie with puppies (perhaps one has a ring dangling from its collar?) at the Down Dog Bar & Yoga Studio. 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.

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.

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.

If you and your s/o can think of nothing better than shredding powder, Vail is the perfect place to pop the question. Hide the ring in your snow pants or ski jacket, and when you’re at the summit of a magnificent ski run, muster your courage to ask for forever. Then slide into the rest of your life together with a plunge down the hill. For something a little less thrilling, opt for a cozy ski lodge as your locale. Romance is all the thrill one requires, after all.

Check out: Vail Nordic Center, where you can escape the downtown crowds and snowshoe to find the perfect proposal spot amongst the snow.

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 Cafe 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.