9 Beautiful Babymoon Destinations Right Here in the U.S.
Pre-pregnancy, a 12-hour flight to paradise might’ve seemed like a fair trade-off. But now that you’re actually with child (as your grandma says), the idea of coping with morning sickness in a tiny airplane bathroom already has you feeling claustrophobic. Don’t worry, mama-to-be. You can still get your wanderlust on at one of these stunning locales right here in the U.S. Bon voyage, bébé!
WATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND
A long weekend in the Hamptons would have been lovely, if it didn’t require being stuck on the Jitney for hours, which, honestly, might be worse than being on a plane. Give Watch Hill a try instead for equally pristine beaches, delicious restaurants and plenty of adorable little shops selling the cutest pint-size clothes for your future New England prepster. You can even stay in a Lilly Pulitzer-designed hotel room at the Watch Hill Inn to round out your East Coast fantasy vacay.
SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON
If you’re itching for an island getaway, you can’t do much better than the San Juan Islands. Yes, you can relax in on the beaches or in one of the many spas, but you can also shake things up with a whale-watching experience that guarantees at least one orca sighting. Try out a food-and-farms-themed excursion instead of your typical winery tour for a look into Washington State’s fruit packing industry and the chance to shuck oysters right on the beach.
SEDONA, ARIZONA
This mesmerizing red rock region is sure to fill you with good energy, whether or not you believe in the healing power of the rocks. Take a walk around town to check out the local public artwork and dine alfresco with a crisp, cool breeze in the evening. And don’t even think about leaving before visiting the Mii Amo spa for out-of-this-world views and a restorative body wrap.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Leave wine country for another day and instead settle in for a weekend in the big city. Get your modern art fix at the new SFMoMA, take a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge or enjoy a tour of all the spots featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Vertigo. San Fran also has some of the best restaurants in the country so don’t forget to pack your stretchiest maternity pants to accommodate the food baby alongside your real baby.
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
Time to break out those cowboy boots hiding in the back of your closet and head out to the dude ranch. Embrace your inner cowgirl with an afternoon at the rodeo and don’t forget to save at least one day for touring the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve. There, you’ll have a chance to see buffalo, elk, eagles and moose living at their home on the range with a backdrop worthy of an Ansel Adams photograph.
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
It doesn’t get more glamorous than this, folks. Shopping, spas and stunning pools reign supreme in an area perfect for pampering and resting up before you have to endure the pains of childbirth. Enjoy a dip in the luxurious hot springs at Two Bunch Palms and make a reservation for dinner at Sopa for a meal from a Michelin star rated chef.
OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA
Want a beach weekend without the huge crowds? Rent a beachfront cottage and you’ll be able to read, relax and watch the surf right from your very own deck. And if you want to mix some of your beach bumming up, book a dolphin watching tour or wild horse safari before heading to Donutz on a Stick, where you can indulge in warm doughnuts with over 35 toppings to choose from.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Bring on the fried chicken, grits and biscuits! This quaint southern city is all about the food, but hey, you’re eating for two, so why not go all out? There’s no better place to walk off all those good eats than with a stroll along Rainbow Row and on through the French Quarter. And be sure to visit Blue Bicycle Books to pick up a few bedtime reads for your little one before you head home.ASPEN, COLORADO
ASPEN, COLORADO
Visiting the ski capital of the country when you’re pregnant? We say yes. The views alone will bring all the “serenity now” you could ask for. But there’s also the fact that you can do some serious credit card damage at over 200 boutiques in town, enjoy leisurely walking trails in the summer or take part in a mountaintop yoga session complete with a gondola ride to the top and gorgeous sweeping views.