If you’re an expectant mama (or the partner of one), you’re probably scouting for the best babymoon destinations.
A babymoon is a getaway for expectant mothers to take a well-deserved break before their new little roommate moves in with them. Many couples, or sometimes friends or other relatives head off on a trip as a “final” holiday before they transition into a family.
In today’s blog post, I list down the 10 best babymoon destinations in the US and some suggestions for activities you can do while there. You’ll also learn some tips on how to plan the best babymoon for you and your partner.
The Best Babymoon Destinations
Staycations
Your idea of a relaxing vacation may involve simply staying in and getting plenty of sleep and maybe a massage or two.
Here are a few babymoon destinations where you can do just that.
1. Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, California
Ojai is a beautiful city nestled in Ojai Valley known as a wellness destination. The city is famous for its boutique hotels, recreation opportunities, its local art scene, and its local businesses (there are no chain stores here, by city ordinance).
Ojai Valley Inn is a five-diamond, award-winning luxury resort offering various amenities, such as a golf course, tennis courts, multiple pools, and exquisite dining places.
Most of all, Spa Ojai provides a variety of experiences meant to relax and rejuvenate visitors.
Use the code BABYMN to get their babymoon package that includes luxury accommodations, a one-hour Expectant Mother’s massage, daily breakfast for two, and a throw from Barefoot Dreams.
When to visit: Practically all year round but most scenic views and perfect temperatures are from September to October
More information: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
2. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a multicultural city known for its historical sites, outdoor activities, and modern shopping and culinary delights.
It’s also a great babymoon destination if you want a staycation with a view.
Just outside the city center in the Catalinas’ warm shade is a tranquil resort and spa catering especially to those who want to focus on their overall well-being.
Miraval Arizona is a lavish resort and spa offering plenty of amenities all geared toward overall wellness.
Miraval Arizona offers wellness workshops, nutrition consultations, mindfulness programming, and pampering spa treatments specifically for mothers-to-be. The goal is for future moms to leave the resort mentally and physically ready to build a loving, supportive environment for the new addition to their lives.
If you’re up to it, take a sightseeing road trip to Mount Lemmon via the Catalina Foothills and through the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway. Stop for a bit on Rose Canyon Lake, one of our picks for the best lakes in Arizona.
When to visit: Practically all year round but the months of April to May and September to October have the best weather and best prices
More information: Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa
Beaches
Sand and sea more like your idea of paradise?
Here are a few beach destinations perfect for your babymoon.
3. Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel is a secluded location a half-hour drive away from the busier Fort Meyers, Florida.
It’s a perfect place to find peace and quiet ahead of the clutter and commotion when your bundle of joy joins you.
Barefooted walks, sunset gazing, and simply hanging out and enjoying each other’s company are great activities to do here.
And who can resist collecting Sanibel Island shells?
Bonus: If you live in a state with miserable winter, this place is perfect to escape blizzards and snow days.
When to visit: December to April
More information: Sanibel Island, FL
4. Montauk, New York
If your idea of the perfect beach vacation is one with bonfires and sweaters instead of sun and bikinis, you may prefer Montauk.
Eat an early leisurely seafood dinner, followed by a long, brisk walk, and end it with a cup of hot chocolate.
You can also take in the scenery and history at Montauk Point State Park.
Look out at the waterfront to see where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Block Island Sound, and check out New York State’s oldest lighthouse.
When to visit: May to October
More information: Montauk Chamber of Commerce
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod extends into the Atlantic Ocean from a corner of Massachusetts that has pristine, uncrowded beaches, majestic lighthouses, and city amenities with a small-town feel.
Have a leisurely stroll down one of the many beaches, or if you can handle a ferry ride, visit Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.
The towns of Sandwich, Chatham, and Hyannis all have their own individual charms and attractions.
Sandwich is home to the Sandwich Glass Museum and the Dexter Grist Mill. Chatham has its historic lighthouse and the Atwood House. And Hyannis has the Cape Cod Maritime Museum and the John F. Kennedy Museum.
We like Cape Cod so much that we placed it on our list of destinations of the best weekend getaways and best beaches in Massachusetts.
When to visit: All-year round
More information: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Mountains
If salty air doesn’t do it for you, maybe the fresh mountain air will.
Here are the best babymoon destinations in the mountains.
6. Estes Park, Colorado
The mountains are a great place to unwind. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the forest and wildlife scene.
There are plenty of mountain lodges blessed with views of Rocky Mountain National Park, complete with modern amenities, such as hot tubs and wood-burning fireplaces.
If you’re up to it, you can go on the riverwalk, a path along the Big Thompson River where you can also find great shops and restaurants.
Bonus: Loved Stephen King’s (or Stanley Kubrick’s) The Shining? The hotel that inspired this story, The Stanley Hotel, is in Estes Park.
When to visit: Practically all year round
More information: Estes Park
7. Stowe, Vermont
There’s no lack of mountain views in Stowe, especially if you stay in the renowned Stowe Mountain Resort, which boasts lovely views, world-class amenities, and easy access to restaurants and shops in Stowe.
The town of Stowe, Vermont is in a valley surrounded by Mount Mansfeld as well as other peaks of the Green Mountains to the west and the Worcester Range to the east.
You can choose to go on any of the guided tours of Stowe, or if you want to do it yourselves, you can simply go for a long walk on the Stowe Recreation Path.
Craving for ice cream? Take the 30-minute guided tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory.
When to visit: June to February
More information: Visit Stowe, Vermont
8. Whitefish, Montana
Nestled in the northern Rockies, the mountain town of Whitefish is consistently rated one of the best mountain towns in the US for its beautiful scenery and great weather all year round.
Here, you can find some of the most unspoiled nature, including snow-capped mountains and a gorgeous lake.
If the great outdoors doesn’t really appeal to you, downtown Whitefish is great for a stroll. Check out the local art and food scene while strolling down Central Avenue, or simply marvel at the architecture and history at the Whitefish Depot, which is also home to the Stumptown Historical Museum.
Of course, if you’d rather chill, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is a luxurious resort beside Whitefish Lake provides first-class accommodations and luxurious spa services.
When to visit: All-year-round
More information: Explore Whitefish
Food And Culture
Immersing in the local culture is not a bad way to spend a babymoon.
Really taking in the culture and history of a place is going to be a rarity when you travel with kids.
Plus, you’ll want to indulge in different dining experiences while out and about in a new city.
When the young ones come, you’re going to have to learn the fine art of eating quickly and getting out in record time, so now’s the time to savor every bite and every new dish.
Here are some babymoon destinations to sink your teeth into.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is one of the best babymoon locations in the US, not only because of the warm climate but also for its rich history and delicious local food.
Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest and busiest port cities and was once the state capital.
Find out more about Southern culture in the Charleston Museum, which is the oldest museum in the US.
The city also offers delicious food. She-crab soup, shrimp and grits, po’boy sandwiches, and roasted oysters are just some of the local dishes they’re proud to serve. Top these off with a large glass of sweet tea as only Charleston can make it.
What to do: Historic tour, food crawl, beach side trip
When to visit: March to May, September to October
More information: Charleston.com
10. Nashville, Tennessee
Scientists still debate whether music can make a fetus smarter, but they agree that fetuses do respond to music.
With this in mind, how about going to the Music City for a babymoon?
Country, bluegrass, and rock ‘n’ roll all trace their roots to Nashville, as well as Southern gospel and the blues.
If you’re a big fan of these genres or just music in general, you’ll have a great time exploring the museums dedicated to music or any of the concerts playing on any given night.
If food is your game, Nashville won’t disappoint. Local offerings include meat and threes, hot fried chicken, and fried catfish with sides like fried green tomatoes and collard greens.
Combine your love for music and food by hitting up honky-tonks in downtown Nashville or the more hipster-type restaurants in East Nashville.
What to do: Walking tour, honky-tonk crawl
When to visit: April to October
More information: Nashville.gov
Tips For Planning an Awesome Babymoon
Now that you have an idea of babymoon destinations, here are some tips when planning your babymoon.
1. Get your doctor’s approval first.
First and foremost, you need to get your doctor to sign off on your trip as well as any activity you plan to do that can affect both mother and baby.
This includes your mode of travel, physical activity, massage treatments, aromatherapy, and other such actions.
2. Take the stress of planning into account.
Aside from the physical stress of traveling, there’s the emotional and mental load of planning out an itinerary, making reservations, packing, and all the other necessary preparations before traveling.
Communicate openly and make sure both of you are up to it.
3. Consider the timing.
If you’re flying, the usual safe window is sometime after 12 weeks and before 36 weeks (mostly the second trimester of pregnancy).
This is also the window when pregnant moms-to-be feel at their best. Morning sickness is generally gone by this time, they can do some light walking and exercise with minimal discomfort, and they generally have their appetite (never mind how weird the combinations are).
4. Plan for convenience and comfort.
You’re likely going to have to stop for bathroom breaks quite frequently throughout the trip, plus you won’t want to stray too far from medical facilities in case of an emergency.
Consider the weather and temperature, as everyone does need to be comfortable.
5. Focus on the well-being of the mom-to-be and the baby.
The wellness, happiness, and enjoyment of mother and baby should be the priority. If you’re the mom-to-be, speak up. If you’re the partner, listen.
Don’t hesitate to do something that’s not in the itinerary (as long as it’s not harmful) or to leave something out if it’s going to make mommy and baby happy.
Have the Best Babymoon!
Babymoons have been on the rise in recent years, and as with anything that becomes viral, there are those who say babymoons are a waste of time and money.
But you can think of a babymoon as a positive experience; a chance for you (or your expectant partner) to relax and pamper yourselves, as well as reconnect and rekindle your relationship before your baby joins your family.
As long as you consult your doctor beforehand and take reasonable precautions to keep you and your baby safe, there shouldn’t be a reason not to go on an awesome babymoon.
Which of these places would you want to go on your babymoon? Or is there any other place you’d like to go? Help other mommies-to-be planning their babymoons and share it in the comments!
