30A is so many things – scenic, charming, laid-back, luxe, quaint, cool. And also romantic. If you’re feeling the feels, it’s a place where love can blossom, memories are made and a view of the sunset makes you feel like anything is possible. Plus, every backdrop looks like something straight off of a Pinterest board. Truly a 30a proposal is a beauty. Whether you’re planning a grand surprise or an intimate moment, this slice of Florida is filled with dreamy places to pop the question.
It’s been awhile for us, but it’s still just as sweet. Hunter proposed outside Bud & Alley’s in Seaside back in 2010, and I can still picture that moment—just the two of us, on the way to enjoy a beachside beverage, the glowy post-sunset sky, the sound of the waves nearby, and the magic of Seaside wrapped around us. It was also the site of our second first date (a story for another time), making it extra sentimental. If you’re scouting your own unforgettable engagement story, here’s my guide to the best proposal spots on 30A.
Of course, being prepared goes a long way, but this is also the kind of place where winging it will be fine and it will all be special in the end. One tip: be sure to check the sunset time because it fluctuates quite a bit depending on the time of year and since that’s prime time with endless photo sessions, you may want to either aim for that time or avoid that time based on the season or your style o.
Without further ado, here are a few inspired spots to pop the question.
1. Beachside near Bud & Alley’s
Seaside
Vibe: Coastal charm with a side of nostalgia.
Best Time: Sunset, of course, dressed in a chic beachy ensemble..
This iconic waterfront spot is perfect for a classic 30A proposal– not that I’m biased. With panoramic Gulf views, the sound of waves rolling in, and the glow of twinkle lights from Seaside’s central square, it’s pure magic. If you want a quieter setting, walk along the boardwalk known as Gracie’s way or wander toward the pavilion to step onto the sand just below for a more intimate moment.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to grab a rooftop table, and celebrate after with a glass of champagne or one of Bud & Alley’s famous crab cakes.
2. The Trails at Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach State Park
Vibe: Serene, private, and surrounded by nature.
Best Time: Golden hour or early AM for a quiet, intimate moment.
If you and your partner love the outdoors, the trails at Grayton Beach offer a secluded, enchanting proposal setting. These winding paths take you through lush coastal forest, past still lakes, and under the iconic towering pines you can see from 30A, creating a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.
Fun Fact: The trails lead to some of the most undisturbed coastal dune ecosystems in the state. It feels like another place and another time when you’re on the trail, making it a timeless setting for a nature-loving couple’s engagement.
3. Eden Gardens State Park
Point Washington
Vibe: Southern charm meets fairy-tale romance.
Best Time: Late afternoon when the light filters through the moss-draped oaks.
If you’re dreaming of a classic Southern-style proposal, Eden Gardens is the place. This historic estate looks like a postcard with its white-columned mansion, sprawling green lawns, and ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. It’s straight out of a storybook – or a Nicholas Sparks novel.
Insider Tip: The gardens are open until sunset, but if you want the full romantic effect, plan a picnic proposal near the reflection pond.
A chic white top is always a good idea.
4. Western Lake Bridge or Dock
Watercolor
Vibe: Sweet, peaceful, and stunningly scenic.
Best Time: Sunset, when the lake reflects the sky.
Western Lake is one of 30A’s rare coastal dune lakes, and the bridge that extends over the water is a thoughtful spot for a proposal. Think lily pads, a wooden bridge, an organic feel and style that blends nature and artistry. The way the sky changes colors and reflects in the still water makes for a breathtaking moment.
Fun Fact: Coastal dune lakes like Western Lake exist in only a handful of places around the world, making this a rare and unforgettable proposal location.
5. Under the Palms
Seaside
Vibe: Breezy, beachy and beautiful.
Best Time: Late afternoon or early evening when the blue skies and palms.
If Seaside feels like home to you, proposing under the palms in the amphitheater or near the shaded pathways lined with white picket fences is a picture-perfect moment. It can be done in a quiet, tucked-away spot that still captures the magic of Seaside or front-and-center where it might be easier to keep it a surprise. Angle one way for a background view of the post office or swing the other way for the Coleman pavilion to be seen in photos. I actually love the morning vibe, but anytime the palms are swaying would be pretty perfect.
Insider Tip: If you propose near the amphitheater, grab a sweet treat afterward, snap an “after” pic in Adirondack chairs or take a celebratory stroll through town to document the day.
Order your own souvenir map.
6. Alys Beach Sidewalks
Alys Beach
Vibe: Elegant, minimalist, and oh-so-scenic.
Best Time: Just before dinner at Citizen or Oku for a celebratory toast.
Alys Beach is the definition of a luxury-meets-coastal dream, with its clean white walls, palm-lined streets, careful pops of color and stunning sidewalk strolls leading to and from the beach. Keep in mind many of the areas are residential and you don’t want to be in someone’s front door for your most special moment, but there are plenty of sweet spots to pick throughout town, with pop-up parks and mini green spaces you can consider. Either way, a 30A proposal here will feel like you’ve stepped into a coastal European fairytale.
Fun Fact: Alys Beach’s architecture was inspired by the whitewashed buildings of Santorini, making it one of the most visually striking spots on 30A.
7. Western Green near The Pearl
Rosemary Beach
Vibe: Upscale and on-the-radar.
Best Time: Sunset, with a celebratory cocktail waiting at Havana Beach.
For a proposal that feels like a movie set, the gorgeous green space in front of The Pearl is hard to beat. Imagine a beautiful bustling main street in the background, the chic black and white hotel standing tall, a grassy lawn where you can mostly pick your prime spot, and a post-engagement toast at one of the most beautiful hotels on 30A.
Insider Tip: Make dinner reservations at Havana Beach rooftop bar to end the night with champagne under the stars.
8. Sunset Cruise with Capt. Hunter of Florida Boy Adventures
on the Choctawhatchee Bay
Vibe: Private, peaceful, and 100% unforgettable.
Best Time: Sunset, of course!
If you want a one-of-a-kind 30A proposal experience, book a private sunset cruise with Capt. Hunter of Florida Boy Adventures. The calm waters of the bay, the golden glow of the setting sun, and the quiet of being out on the water make for the most magical setting to pop the question. Plan for dinner or drinks afterward at The Bay or Farm & Fire. Book a charter cruise here.
Insider Tip: Let Hunter in on the plan—he can take you to the best secret spots for a private moment, and he may even help capture the big moment on camera.
9. On the Beach – Anywhere Along 30A
Vibe: Classic, timeless, and effortlessly romantic.
Best Time: Sunset or sunrise for the most breathtaking views.
Sometimes, the best proposal spot is simply where the waves meet the shore. Whether it’s a secluded stretch of sand in Grayton Beach, the pristine white dunes of Seagrove, or the lively shores of Inlet Beach, the Gulf’s emerald waters and sugar-soft sand create the perfect natural backdrop.
Insider Tip: For a more private moment, plan a sunrise proposal when the beach is quiet, or set up a sunset picnic with candles, champagne, and a cozy blanket.
Which Spot Feels Like Your Perfect Proposal?
Whether you love the classic charm of Seaside, the quiet beauty of Western Lake, or the exclusivity of a sunset cruise, 30A has a proposal spot for every love story. This place holds so many special memories for me, and I can’t wait for it to become the backdrop to more magical moments for other couples.
Tell me—which of these spots is your dream proposal location?
Leave a Reply