A Wild & Windy Love Story: Surprise Proposal at Cabrillo National Monument Tidepools
Where the Ocean Crashes—and the Question Hits Even Harder
If you're dreaming of a surprise proposal in San Diego that’s raw, cinematic, and wildly romantic, keep reading.
Most people think of beaches and wineries when planning their engagement moment. But what if you could say “Will you marry me?” on dramatic cliffs, with waves crashing below and the entire Pacific stretching out behind you?
A surprise proposal at the tidepools of Cabrillo National Monument offers a moment that feels powerful, primal, and deeply intimate. It’s one of San Diego’s most under-the-radar gems for couples who want a little edge and adventure built into their love story.
We haven’t captured a proposal here yet—but we’re ready to. And to make it happen, we’re offering 30% off to the first couple who books this exact location with us. So if you're reading this and picturing your person standing on those cliffs with wind in their hair and emotion in their eyes, this might be your moment to make the story real.
Image Courtesy of D. Zeller
Low tide at Cabrillo tidepools in San Diego—an epic backdrop for your surprise proposal. Book with us today.
Whether you're popping the question at golden hour or celebrating your “Yes!” with a romantic session, we’re here to make it unforgettable. Explore our proposal and engagement photography packages—designed to capture every real, emotional moment.
👉 Explore Packages
📍 About Cabrillo National Monument Tidepools
Location: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Official site: nps.gov/cabr
Located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument is part lighthouse, part national park, and part coastal wonderland. Just past the main visitor center, a winding road leads down to the tidepool access area, which opens up to sweeping cliffs and rare, rocky shorelines.
🌿 Why It’s Perfect for a Surprise Proposal
1. It’s visually stunning and unique.
You’ve got layered rock formations, crashing waves, wild wind, and an untouched natural backdrop. It feels like Big Sur meets San Diego.
2. It’s off the beaten path.
Most proposals happen at beaches or downtown rooftops. This one? It’s wild, raw, and unexpected. Your person will think you’re just going on a scenic adventure.
3. You can make it feel like a private moment.
With the right timing (usually weekday afternoons or golden hour near closing time), you’ll have stretches of cliffside space all to yourself.
4. The photos will look like a dream.
Think long, windswept shots with ocean mist in the air. The tidepools create layers and textures that pop on camera. It's editorial, emotional, and totally your vibe if you’re looking for that non-traditional edge.
🥾 Does It Require a Lot of Hiking?
Surprisingly—not really.
There’s a short downhill walk from the parking lot to the tidepool area (about 0.5 miles). The trail is paved at first, then transitions to rocky terrain. You don’t need to be a hiker, but sturdy shoes and a bit of balance help.
This isn’t a full-on hike—but it does feel like an adventure.
🕰️ Best Time to Go:
Golden hour: The cliffs glow warm and golden about an hour before sunset.
Low tide: That’s when tidepools are fully visible and safest to walk near.
Weekdays: Fewer people, more space for intimacy and clean shots.
📸 What We’ll Capture for You
If you're the kind of couple that values raw emotion over perfection, windblown hair over polished poses, and wild coastlines over crowded restaurants—this is your scene. Here’s what we’ll capture:
Candid walking shots down to the cliffs
The exact moment you drop to one knee—shot wide for drama and close for emotion
Reactions, tears, laughter
Post-proposal portraits along the rocks and cliffs
A cinematic engagement reel you’ll never stop watching
📅 Book Your Wild Coastal Proposal With Us
We're looking for one adventurous couple who wants to help us bring this location to life. If you’re ready to create something unforgettable—and don’t mind a little ocean spray—we’ll give you 30% off your full surprise proposal package to make it happen.
📍 Book Now
📧 booking@lastminutephotoshoot.com
📱 951-384-5273 call or text
Let’s take your love story off the beaten path—literally.
