Known for beautiful weather almost all year long, the Bay Area includes so many gorgeous locations. From sights of the Golden Gate Bridge to giant redwoods, lighthouses, mountains, and cityscapes—the Bay Area offers a little bit of everything, making it easy to accommodate any couple’s style. And to help you find the perfect spot to get engaged, take engagement photos, or even just visit a new favorite place, I’m sharing seven of the prettiest places in the area. Find your daily dose of inspiration for your Bay Area engagement below.

1)  The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an amusement park with oceanfront views. Right on the beach, the boardwalk features tons of traditional rides such as bumper cars and the log ride, and includes lots of quirky features too, such as a pirate-themed recreation-center with mini golf and arcade games. The entire space is filled with bright pops of color, the smell of tasty snacks, and the breeze of the sea.

2) Your Favorite Local Team's Stadium

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In the Bay Area, we’re very proud of our sports teams—The Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, and the San Jose Sharks to name a few. And if you’re a big sports fan, getting engaged or taking photos at your local stadium is such a fun idea. This is a great way to get really personal in a fun way—celebrating the love of the sport that you and your soon-to-be husband/wife share together.

3) The Palace of Fine Arts

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Originally built in 1915 to exhibit works of art, The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco still stands strong today and features some of the most iconic architecture around. The structure features a rounded top and an endless amount of intricate details, making it a work of art itself. It also includes many walkways and a lagoon. Trust me, it’s so full of beautiful details. You’ll be mesmerized by something new every time you gaze up at the structure.

4) Any Beach in Half Moon Bay

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Half Moon Bay is a coastal town in San Mateo County that features a number of gorgeous beaches. It has mild weather throughout the year, and endless spots to enjoy the soft sand and views of the sea. It’s the perfect site for photos whether you want the style to be casual, romantic, or dressy.

5) Chinatown

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Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest Chinatown in the country—featuring countless restaurants, shops, and architectural marvels. Spend the day roaming the shops, heading to the fortune cookie factory,  tasting teas and other delicacies, and gazing up at colorful lanterns and other buildings. You may even be lucky enough to catch a local attraction such as a cultural lion dance.

6) Redwood Regional Park

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Located in the hills of Oakland, Redwood Regional Park is home to the largest remaining natural stand of Sequoias in the East Bay. The area features coastal conditions without actually being by the coast—and has 40 miles of park trails where you can enjoy horseback riding, picnicking, hiking, and more. It’s the perfect spot for any couple who loves the outdoors and who marvels at the sight of 100+-year-old redwoods.

7) Point Bonita Lighthouse

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Views of the sea, cliffs, and even a shipwreck can be seen from the Point Bonita Lighthouse in Sausalito. A suspension bridge allows access to the old brick lighthouse, which also makes for stunning photos itself. For the couple who loves lighthouses or just the sea itself, this is a beautiful, historic spot to pop the question. Just keep in mind that it’s accessible to the public during limited hours and on limited days—so you’ll want to check open times beforehand.

Whether you’re looking to capture the very moment you ask her to be your wife, or are ready to shoot your engagement announcement photos, I hope my picks of these beautiful Bay Area locations have inspired you. Capturing this most special time in your life is so important and I can’t wait to help you take the most special of photos that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out a few of my other recent posts including 10 Amazing Locations for your California Engagement and Authentic Memories & Epic Moments. And as always, feel free to contact me with any questions, ideas, or suggestions you may have so we can make your photoshoot everything you’ve ever wanted.

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