Victor planned the perfect misdirection: a weekend bike ride with friends over the bridge and along the coast, as they’ve enjoyed doing in the past. Unfortunately, he “injured” his leg (don’t worry… 100% pretend!) and told his girlfriend Karen that he’d have to sit this one out. But in reality, he had been preparing to propose at Black Sands Beach for months. That morning, he headed out early to meet up with us, trek to the end of the beach, then tuck himself out of sight… with the ring burning a hole in his pocket. [ read more … ]

Black Sands Beach is a serene, peaceful beach nestled at the base of the Marin Headlands just north of San Francisco. Despite its beautiful, fine sandy composition, its perfect position right at the inlet to the San Francisco Bay, and its great view of both the city and of nature, this beach is one of the quietest in the Bay Area. It’s a sizable beach, but has a relaxed, intimate feel because of how empty it usually is. I didn’t even know about this place until Spencer told me, and I’m very glad he did! [ read more … ]