If you've already secured the ring and you're researching a spectacular place to pop the question this Valentine's weekend, check out the list of US cities best suited for creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Cloudwards' data-driven analysis of the country's 100-largest cities yielded a definitive "Top 10" based on the factors that matter most for a perfect proposal: "Romantic Experiences & Ambiance," "Shopping for Proposals & Special Moments" and "Photogenic Proposal Spots."
At the top of Cloudwards' list of the "Best U.S. Cities for a Romantic Proposal in 2025" stands New York City, followed by Jersey City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago, Miami, Santa Ana, Anaheim and San Francisco.
New York City: The Big Apple excelled particularly in photogenic proposal spots (1st) and romantic experiences (2nd). The city's diverse range of proposal locations spans from the timeless romance of Central Park's Bow Bridge to the modern sophistication of Top of the Rock, Brooklyn Bridge Park and One World Observatory. The city's strength lies in its versatility and the sheer number of iconic locations that can serve as backdrops for a memorable proposal.
Whether couples prefer the urban energy of Times Square or the elegant atmosphere of high-rise restaurants, New York City provides endless possibilities for creating that perfect moment, supported by its high concentration of professional photographers who know exactly how to capture the city's magic. Couples considering New York City for a proposal can check out the #NYCproposal hashtag for inspiration.
Jersey City: This surprising second-place finisher earned a first-place ranking in shopping amenities and boasts outstanding photogenic backdrops. While it may not have the traditional romantic reputation of its across-the-river neighbor (NYC), it compensates with practical advantages like the highest density of jewelry stores, gift shops and chocolate shops. Jersey City's proposal hot spots include Liberty State Park, Exchange Place Waterfront, Newport Waterfront and Hamilton Park — offering stunning views of the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
Los Angeles: The City of Angels demonstrates balanced strength, ranking third in both romantic experiences and photogenic spots, reflecting its status as a city that combines natural beauty with urban sophistication. The city's proposal-worthy locations range from the iconic Griffith Observatory, offering panoramic city views, to the architectural marvel of Walt Disney Concert Hall, the nostalgic charm of Santa Monica Pier and the scenic Hollywood Bowl Overlook. What sets Los Angeles apart is its unmatched access to professional photographers and diverse proposal settings. The city's perfect weather and stunning natural light make it ideal for capturing the perfect moment.
San Diego: This Southern California city impresses with its second-place ranking for photogenic locations — this includes the highest number of TikTok hashtag views — and 10th place for romantic experiences. The city's most popular proposal spots reflect its coastal charm, with Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Cove and Hotel del Coronado offering stunning backdrops that combine ocean views with architectural beauty. The city's year-round perfect weather and abundant outdoor spaces make it particularly appealing for couples planning an outdoor proposal.
Las Vegas: This vacation hotspot ranks first in romantic experiences and ambiance, which aligns perfectly with its reputation for luxury hotels and entertainment. The city's most iconic proposal spots, including the Bellagio Fountains, Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower, High Roller Observation Wheel and Red Rock Canyon, offer a range of options from classic Vegas glamor to natural desert beauty. The city's expertise in creating magical moments means couples can find professional help with proposal planning, from photographers to special packages at major hotels.
Chicago: The Windy City shows particular strength in romantic experiences (5th) and photogenic spots (5th). The city's architectural beauty provides an impressive backdrop for proposals, with popular locations including Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), Lincoln Park Zoo and Navy Pier, each offering unique perspectives on the city's grandeur. The city's seasonal changes add an extra dimension to proposal planning, with each season offering distinct romantic possibilities. Winter proposals can take advantage of magical snow-covered settings, while summer offers vibrant park and lakefront options.
Miami: The Magic City ranks in the Top 15 across all categories, with impressive showings in romantic experiences (6th) and shopping (8th). The city's array of proposal spots reflect its diverse character, from the scenic South Pointe Park and historic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens to the lush Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and modern Brickell Key. The city's year-round warm weather and vibrant culture create an energetic, yet romantic, atmosphere perfect for proposals and stunning photo opportunities.
Santa Ana: What makes this city unique is its combination of historic architecture, cultural attractions and modern amenities, all while maintaining a more intimate feel than larger cities. Santa Ana ranks 2nd in shopping, and its high concentration of specialty shops and services makes it practical for proposal planning. The city's charm lies in its historic downtown area, with notable proposal locations including Bower's Museum Gardens, Santiago Park and the Downtown Artist's Village.
Anaheim: Located just north of Santa Ana, Anaheim ranks strongly in shopping (3rd) and photogenic spots (9th). The city's proposal hotspots reflect its unique character, led by Disneyland's iconic castle, which provides a fairy-tale setting for countless proposals each year. Other noteworthy spots include Adventure City, Pearson Park and the charming Center Street Promenade. The city's high ranking in shopping amenities means couples can easily find everything they need for the perfect proposal, from rings to flowers.
San Francisco: The City by the Bay boasts a remarkably balanced performance across all categories, ranking 9th in romantic experiences, 11th in shopping, and 12th in photogenic spots. The city's iconic proposal locations include the majestic Palace of Fine Arts, the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, the scenic Crissy Field and the serene Japanese Tea Garden, each offering unique views and atmospheres. What sets San Francisco apart is its combination of natural beauty, historic architecture and urban sophistication. The city's famous hills provide countless spots for panoramic views, while its diverse neighborhoods offer everything from elegant gardens to urban parks.
Rounding out the Top 20 are Orlando, Irvine, Long Beach, Dallas, Honolulu, Houston, Scottsdale, Atlanta, Norfolk and New Orleans.
Cloudwards collected online data on a variety of factors to assess the proposal-friendly nature of each city. Each was evaluated using a 100-point system designed to capture both emotional and practical aspects. Here's how the points were allocated…
(40 Points) Romantic Experiences & Ambiance were rated by the number of romantic restaurants per 100K population, romantic activities, romantic hotels, nature and parks, and days of sunshine.
(30 Points) Shopping for Proposals & Special Moments were based on the number of flower shops, jewelry shops, chocolate shops and gift shops per 100K of population.
(30 Points) The Photogenic Proposal Spots rating was based on the number of photographers based in the city, along with total TikTok views per hashtag and Instagram proposal posts.
Cloudwards is best known for providing in-depth reviews, comparisons and guides on various cloud-based services.
Credits: AI-generated image by The Jeweler Blog using ChatGPT and DALL-E 3. Map graphic courtesy of Cloudwards.