Vacation Ideas

10 Best Babymoon Destinations In California USA

California has a mix of relaxation and adventure, perfect for babymoon. (Photo By: Amy Vosters)
Source : unsplash

Babymoon Destinations In California USA include the desert resort city of Palm Springs and the breathtaking Lake Tahoe. Some prefer a resort, whereas others explore a new city.

Babymoon meaning is a relaxing getaway for parents-to-be before the baby is born, meaning it helps couples focus on one another and unwind before their lives eventually change.

It has become a tradition among expectant parents as it is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together. 

The best time for a babymoon is the second trimester which is between 14 to 28 weeks. This is when the mom-to-be is energetic, the morning sickness is decreased, and there are hardly any signs of unusual cravings and lethargy.

It all depends on the expectant mother's comfort, but make sure that you don't travel too early or too late in the pregnancy. If you plan the trip too early, you could experience morning sickness and tiredness, whereas if you plan it too late, you could be uncomfortable, or there could be the risk of an early delivery. 

There are many affordable vacation spots in California for family as well as couples. USA has wide range of destinations suitable for couples. Similarly, there are many locations for pregnant couples for babymooning too.

Below is the list of the ten best babymoon destinations and activity ideas in California, USA.

10. Marin County - Nothern California

Marin County, located in Northern California, is a true outdoor wonderland. It is settled between Napa Valley and San Francisco.

Just an over away from San Francisco, this countryside paradise makes a perfect NorCal visit. Whether you are looking for adventurous activities or a more relaxed vibe, this city has it all.

Best Things To Do In Marin County On Your Babymoon

  • Spend a day at the Point Reyes National Seashore or Stinson Beach.
  • Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse and catch a glimpse of the wildlife, including whales, Elephant Seals, and Tule Elk.
  • Hike around the Muir Woods National Monument and see majestic redwoods and scenic hiking trails. Angel Island State Park is also a great hiking place, and you can see amazing views of the Bay Area.
  • Book a spa day at Cavallo Point.
  • If you love golf, Marin County is sure to impress you. There are many public as well as private courses here, including Peacock Gap Golf Club, StoneTree Golf Club, and San Geronimo Golf Course. 
  • Go fishing at McNear's Beach in San Rafael.
  • Drive to West Marin, as it is about cheese tasting, oysters, and lovely goat farms. 

Where To Stay?

The Inn Above Tide, Acqua Hotel Mill Valley, Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa, and Sandpiper Lodging at the Beach make for some great stays in Marin County.

Dining And Food:

Pizzeria Picco, Picco Restaurant, and Due West are some must-try here. Hog Island Oyster Company, Cucina Paradiso, Scoma's of Sausalito, Sax's Joint, and Sushi Ran are some eateries just outside Marin County.

Marin County offers a calming atmosphere along with amazing food. (Photo Credit: @visitmarin)
Source : instagram

9. Santa Catalina Island - Southern California

Santa Catalina Island, aka Catalina, is southwest of Long Beach, Los Angeles. It is an excellent babymoon destination because of the warm weather and picturesque beauty.

Best Things To Do On Your Babymoon In Santa Catalina Island

  • Take the Glass Bottom Boat Tour to see crystal clear water and marine nature preserve, including colorful sea creatures and kelp forests.
  • Book a day at the Catalina Sea Spa or Island Spa Catalina for some couples massage.
  • Visit Catalina Island Museum and Catalina Museum For Art & History to see some unique artwork and learn more about the area's history.
  • Make pottery with your partner at Silver Canyon Pottery.
  • Swim, sunbathe, and have a relaxing day at the South Beach, Step Beach, and Middle Beach.
  • Play miniature golf at Golf Gardens Miniature Golf.
  • Metropole Market Place is about shopping with extraordinary boutiques, jewelry shops, and art galleries.

Where To Stay?

Catalina offers a mix of charming and modern hotels. Bellanca Hotel, Hotel Atwater, The Avalon Hotel, Autots Hotel, and Catalina Island Inn are some of them.

Dining And Food

Steve's Steakhouse, Bluewater Avalon, The Lobster Trap, Avalon Grille, Antonio's Pizzeria & Cabaret, and Maggie's Blue Rose offer fantastic local, Mexican, American, and Italian cuisines.

Catalina is an ideal island getaway for babymoons. (Left Photo: Blue skies of Catalina Island & Right Photo: Island Spa Catalina)
Source : instagram

8. Encinitas - Southern California

Encinitas is a gorgeous beach city located north of San Diego. With a mild Mediterranean climate, this place has a healthy outdoor lifestyle and award-winning cuisine. 

Best Things To Do In Encinitas On Your Babymoon

  • Go to the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve to explore some coastal wetlands. 
  • Sunbathe and swim at Moonlight State Beach, Swami's Beach, and Cardiff State Beach.
  • Visit the beautiful San Diego Botanic Garden, where you can see tropical rainforests, desert gardens, and bamboo groves.
  • To know more about the local history, visit the San Dieguito Heritage Museum.
  • Catch a movie at the La Paloma Theatre.
  • Cal Pacific Orchid Farm and Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens will get you all calm and relaxed.
  • Spend a day at the Leucadia Farmers Market.

Where To Stay?

Alila Marea Beach Resort, Inn at Moonlight Beach, Brisa Pacifica Hotel Encinitas, and Surfhouse Boutique Hotel are some great hotels in Encinitas.

Dining And Food:

Q'ero Restaurant, Honey Bistro & Bakery, Pacific Coast Grill, Le Papagayo, Union Kitchen and Tap, 101 Diner, Las Olas Mexican Restaurant, and Cicciotti's are some outstanding restaurants and eateries in Encinitas.

You can surf, stay, relax and feed your soul at Encinitas.
Source : instagram

7. San Diego - Southern California

San Diego, located in Southern California, embodies the perfect laid-back California. It makes an excellent babymoon location because of the crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and a serious food scene.

The city is kids-friendly and a pure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and makes a great destination for family spring break in USA.

Best Things To Do In San Diego On Your Babymoon

  • Take a city cruise around the city to witness some wildlife as well as the city. You could also have a romantic dinner on the cruise.
  • Check out some red pandas and over 650 other species at the San Diego Zoo.
  • Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Beach, and La Coronado Beach are some of the favorite beaches to spend a day here.
  • Enjoy a cultural event and arts at the World Beat Center.
  • USS Midway is surely a must-see, and you can also combine it with the city cruise.
  • Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden Tea Pavilion to see some Japanese architecture.

Where To Stay?

Bahia Resort Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, Hotel Circle, and Paradise Point Resort & Spa are some hotels for your relaxing stay.

Dining And Food:

From Mexican, Italian, and Japanese to the Mediterranean, San Diego has everything and is heaven for foodies. It has Michelin Star restaurants as well as outstanding cheap eats.

Smallgoods Cheese Shop & Cafe, Dockside 1953, Oceana Coastal Kitchen, Ambrogio15, Parma Cucina Italiana, and The Mission - East Village are some must-try.

Mission Beach in San Diego. (Photo By: Sean Mullowney)
Source : unsplash

6. Montecito - Southern California

Montecito, located in Santa Barbara County, has a calming and laid-back vibe, perfect for expectant parents. This town has exquisite landscapes, stunning architecture, and good weather all year.

Best Things To Do In Montecito On Your Babymoon

  • Book pampering packages for you and your partner at the Mobile Spa Infinita.
  • Spend a day sunbathing at Butterfly Beach and Miramar Beach.
  • Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a great hiking trail if you want to go on a little adventure.
  • Shop at some local stores, William Laman, Julianne, and Leagcy Montecito.
  • Go on Santa Barbara Electric Bike Tour to see more of the town.
  • Ganna Walska Lotusland is a beautiful must-visit botanical garden here.

Where To Stay?

Rosewood Miramar Beach is a luxury resort, whereas Carla's Cottages and Orzi De Montecito, Montecito Inn, and Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara are great options.

Dining And Food:

Jeannine's Bakery & Cafe, Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch, East Beach Tacos, Tre Lune, Stella Mare's, Bella Vista, and  Bree'osh are great places to dine. Michelin-star restaurants include Caruso's, Pearl Social, and Los Agaves.

The view of Rosewood Miramar Beach, a five-star resort and spa in Montecito.
Source : instagram

5. Mendocino - Northern California

Mendocino is a scenic town surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Known as an artists' colony, it has beautiful New England-style architecture.

Best Things To Do In Mendocino On Your Babymoon

  • Relax and sunbathe at the Mendocino Headlands State Park's two beaches, Big River Beach and Portuguese Beach.
  • Visit Mendocino Theater Company, Ford House, Kelley House Museum, and Mendocino Art Center.
  • Explore the fascinating shops here, including Prentice Gallery, Rubaiyat Beads, and Gallery of the Sense.s
  • Go on a guided tour of the Point Cabrillo Ligh Station.
  • Mendocino Massage has a special prenatal massage as well as a couples massage.
  • Just two miles north is Russian Gulch State Park, a perfect place for swimming, skin diving, rock fishing, and bicycling.
  • Visit Mendocino Coastal Botanical Gardens to see beautiful flowers bloom.

Where To Stay?

Some lovely and homely bed and breakfasts are Joshua Grindle Inn, Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa, Inn of Mendocino, and Sea Rock Inn.

Dining And Food:

Goodlife Cafe and Bakery, Cafe Beaujolais, Luna Trattoria, Trillium Cafe, Patterson's Pub, Frankie's Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor, MacCallum House Restaurant, and Harvest at Mendosa's are some can't-miss spots to dine and feast in the town.

The beautiful view of the clear water in Mendocino (Photo By: Simon Hurry)
Source : unsplash

4. Santa Barbara - Southern California

Santa Barbara is located on a south-facing section of the coastline and lies between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. This coastal city is a perfect resort destination 2 hours north of Los Angeles.

Best Things To Do In Santa Barbara On Your Babymoon

  • Visit historical sites such as Old Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and State Street Underpass.
  • Sunbathe and swim at Refugio State Beach.
  • Walk through the beautiful Shoreline Park and Stearns Wharf.
  • Do not miss MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation, to see some interactive displays of science and galleries.
  • Santa Barbara Zoo has over 160 species, including giraffes, gibbons, gorillas, and snow leopards.
  • Explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to see native plants and colorful beauty.
  • Explore Salt, which is an underground Himalayan salt cave, for an exceptional wellness experience. Some treatments here are hot stone massages, salt massages, and salt scrubs.

Where To Stay?

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara, Harbor House Inn, The Eagle Inn, Santa Barbara Inn, Blue Sands Inn, and Palihouse Santa Barbara are excellent hotels in this coastal city. It also has some cozy vacation rentals if you want the comfort of your home.

Dining And Food

French, Italian, European, Seafood, Mediterranean, Japanese, you name it, this city has it all. Some popular eateries are The Black Sheep, Toma Restaurant and Bar, Bouchon, Kanaloa Seafood, Zaytoon, and Arigato Sushi.

The view of Downtown Santa Barbara. (Photo By: Jackie Chou)
Source : unsplash

3. Monterey - Northern California

Monterey, located on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, has an abundance of marine wildlife and history. It is a mix of natural beauty and cozy elegance right on the California coast.

Best Things To Do In Monterey On Your Babymoon

  • Have a lovely picnic and relax at Monterey State Beach. 
  • Go on a scenic drive at the 17-mile drive to see the Monterey/Pacific Grove.
  • Walk around at the Coast Guard Pier and Old Fisherman's Wharf, where you can spot sea lions and otters.
  • The Spa on the Plaza offers couples symphony massages, aromatherapy, ocean, and stressbuster packages. They also have couple's packages, such as a sweetheart special, a couple's aromatherapy bliss, and a de-stress-connect perfect for a babymoon.
  • Some must-visit historic sites include Cannery Row, Colton Hall Museum, and Pacific House Museum.
  • Visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium to see enormous tanks filled with colorful marine life.
  • Browse through art galleries and specialty shops such as the Monterey Museum of Art and Cannery Row Antique Mall.
  • Take a cruise ship with the Discovery Whale Watch out of Fisherman's Wharf to see some beautiful humpback, gray, blue, and orcas.

Where To Stay?

Some best value places to stay in this city are Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, Hotel Abrego, Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, Victorian Inn, and InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel.

Dining And Food

Monterey has some ultra-fresh local seafood along with French, European, Japanese, Mediterranean, Spanish, Polynesian, American, and Latin delicacies. 

Some must-try restaurants include Loulou's Griddle In The Middle, Bistro Moulin, Crystal Fish, The Grill On Ocean Ave, and Esteban Restaurant.

The beautiful view of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.
Source : instagram

2. Palm Springs - Southern California

Palm Springs is situated in Riverside County within the Colorado Desert's Coachella Valley. The bright desert resort city has mid-century modern architecture, a cultural scene, arts, and an abundance of spas and pools, perfect for a couples' getaway.

Things To Do In Palm Springs On Your Babymoon

  • Travel on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway along Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station. There are stunning views, nature exhibits, and hiking trails in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness at the top.
  • Go on the Day at the Museum Tour to see the incredible collection at the Palm Springs Art Museum.
  • Take a hot air balloon flight with your partner with Magic Adventures Balloon Rides. It will take you over the Coachella Valley.
  • Get a prenatal massage at Estrella Spa to help relieve stress and any discomfort.
  • Miracle Springs Spa has natural hot mineral waters perfect for relaxation after a long day.

Where To Stay?

The Saguaro Palm Springs, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel, Sundance Villas, Ingleside Inn, ARRIVE Palm Springs, and Hotel California are beautiful hotels in Palm Springs.

Dining And Food

The food scene in Palm Springs is impressive, with top restaurants such as Trio, Purple Room Supper Club, EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge, Tac/Quila, Miro's Restaurant, Elmer's Restaurant - Palm Springs, and Farm.

The Saguaro Palm Springs has a relaxing vibe ideal for tranquility. (Photo By: Aran Mtnez)
Source : unsplash

1. Lake Tahoe - Northern California

Lake Tahoe, perched between California and Nevada, has mild climates, golf courses, and outdoor fun and is the ultimate destination for a babymoon. The sparkling waters of this lake are sure to comfort you with endless activities and fun.

Best Things To Do In Lake Tahoe On Your Babymoon

  • Take a private Lake Tahoe boat tour and explore Emerald Bay.
  • Book a spa day and get a massage. Some recommended places include Spa at Squaw Creek, Blue Water Day Spa, BioSpirit Day Spa, Martis Valley Massage, and Elements Spa.
  • Visit Emerald Bay State Park for some breathtaking scenery. It also has one of the best hiking trails.
  • Take a tram with The Gondola at Heavenly to see the breathtaking view of the lake and Sierra Nevada mountain range.
  • Visit historical sites and architectural buildings such as Vikingsholm and Tallac Historic Site.
  • Donner Memorial State Museum is also worth a visit to see artifacts and exhibits.

Where To Stay?

Stardust Lodge, Cedar Glen Lodge, Resort at Squaw Creek, Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe, The American Village, and Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee are some charming places to stay.

Dining And Food:

There are over 200 restaurants serving delicious cuisine here. Some quintessential restaurants here are Getaway Cafe, Pianeta Ristorante, Sprouts, Flatstick Pub, Evan's American Gourmet Cafe, Squeeze In, and Fire Sign Cafe.

The stunning view of Emerald Bay State Park during the Fall season.(Photo By: Fabian Quintero)
Source : unsplash