FIND THE BEST BABYMOON DESTINATION NEAR YOU
When you’re expecting, many couples want to plan one last vacation or adventure before their baby arrives to enjoy time together, just the two of them. While there are countless vacation destinations in the U.S., we know that oftentimes if you’re further along in your pregnancy you may not be comfortable or able to fly. With that in mind, we’ve found more than 40, road trip-friendly destinations for parents-to-be and given each destination a score based on happiness, safety, leisurely activities, scenic views and of course, food.
SO, WHERE IS THE BEST BABYMOON DESTINATION IN THE U.S.?
Overall, San Diego can’t be beat with its sunny weather and accessibility to countless pools and beaches. If you’re looking for somewhere within driving distance in the Southeast, Orlando, FL is a top choice. In the Northwest, Portland, OR is your best bet. Or if you’re planning to stay in the Midwest, we’d recommend Chicago, IL and in the Northeast, New York City is the best babymoon destination.
TOP BABYMOONS IN THE U.S., RANKED
1. San Diego, CA
Score: 87/100
😊Happiness Score 9/10
🚨Safety Score 10/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 7/10
🏞 Scenic Views 9/10
🤝 Friendliness 9/10
🍽 Food & Drink 9/10
When you want to relax before adding a new member to the family, having a stress-free, upbeat vacation can make a big difference. With the best weather in the nation and some of the happiest & friendliest people, it’s no question that San Diego is the top destination for a babymoon in the U.S. With countless options for relaxation as well as leisurely activities to enjoy – lay out on the beach in Encinitas, enjoy the city’s famous fish tacos, soak up a picturesque sunset in Ocean Beach or take a casual stroll on the Pacific Beach boardwalk all while dreaming of your new bundle of joy.
2. New York, NY
Score: 77/100
😊Happiness Score 5/10
🚨Safety Score 10/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 10/10
🏞 Scenic Views 2/10
🤝 Friendliness 10/10
🍽 Food & Drink 10/10
For those who want to soak up the city life and enrich themselves in culture, The Big Apple is the right spot for you. Packed with inspiring art galleries like the MoMA and Guggenheim, museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History, theater and amazing restaurants, this babymoon destination may seem a bit unorthodox but many metropolitan activities aren’t typically baby-friendly so now’s the time to take advantage. Make sure to book a hotel with an elevator and valet parking for convenience – you’ll be happy you did after a day strolling around the city!
3. Maui, HI
Score: 72/100
😊Happiness Score 8/10
🚨Safety Score 6/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 8/10
🏞Scenic Views 10/10
🤝 Friendliness 5/10
🍽 Food & Drink 7/10
For those comfortable and able to fly, you can’t miss Maui’s beautiful beaches like Maluaka Beach and Kapalua Bay Beach. If you’re feeling daring, rent a car early in the day to enjoy the panoramic views on the narrow road to Hana. At the end of the day, grab yourself a virgin pina colada, pull up a lounge chair and soak up the tropical Maui sun to escape it all before the stork arrives.
4. Los Angeles, CA
Score: 69/100
😊Happiness Score 3/10
🚨Safety Score 5/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 8/10
🏞 Scenic Views 7/10
🤝 Friendliness 9/10
🍽 Food & Drink 9/10
SoCal’s happening hotspot, this babymoon destination definitely requires a car to make sure you can see all the sights. With countless scenic drives like the Malibu Canyon to Pacific Coast Highway, right next to plunging seaside cliffs, sunny beaches and swaying palm trees, Los Angeles not only offers gorgeous views but also some of the best restaurants in the country that have cuisine for all foodies to enjoy. If spotting celebrities is more your speed, check out Hollywood’s famous Musso and Frank for a chance to dine with the stars. And with countless public beaches and boardwalks (don’t miss out on Venice Beach!) to stroll along, this city is easy to enjoy via car and provides plenty of relaxing activities for parents-to-be.
5. Houston, TX
Score: 68/100
😊Happiness Score 1/10
🚨Safety Score 2/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 10/10
🏞 Scenic Views 8/10
🤝 Friendliness 10/10
🍽 Food & Drink 10/10
With its wide variety of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and rich food scene, Houston is the perfect destination for a getaway with your bump in tow. The city is loaded with gorgeous nature spots like Houston Park where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll or a picnic. Houston also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, galleries, and theaters like the Hobby Center for parents-to-be to explore or catch a show. The city also has a wide range of exquisite cuisine options, so be ready to indulge in Tex-Mex, barbecue, and other local specialties.
6. Las Vegas, NV
Score: 67/100
😊Happiness Score 1/10
🚨Safety Score 5/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 9/10
🏞 Scenic Views 9/10
🤝 Friendliness 8/10
🍽 Food & Drink 8/10
Known for its deluxe hotels, world-class entertainment options, and some of the most luxurious spas in the world, Las Vegas is a dream vacation destination for pregnant moms needing pampering and relaxation. While famous for its casinos and nightclubs, the city also offers a wide variety of shows, concerts, and attractions to choose from – Cirque du Soleil is truly extraordinary! From scenic drives to The Botanical Garden at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, there are plenty of outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities too. Book a spa day at Aria or head to some of the city’s best cocktail bars like Rosina Cocktail Lounge and sip mocktails for a glamorous night out!
7. Orlando, FL
Score: 63/100
😊Happiness Score 3/10
🚨Safety Score 1/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 9/10
🏞 Scenic Views 6/10
🤝 Friendliness 9/10
🍽 Food & Drink 10/10
From its relaxing atmosphere and warm weather to its wide range of activities and diverse dining scene, Orlando offers the perfect combination of relaxation, entertainment, and comfort for expectant couples looking for a peaceful getaway. The city is home to various spas and five-star resorts that cater specifically to pregnant women like The Spa Orlando, making it a dream babymoon destination. With plenty of shopping and dining options, including The Mall at Millenia with upscale boutiques, those expecting can enjoy some ‘retail therapy’ and indulge in delicious cuisine before their little one arrives.
8. Honolulu, HI
Score: 61/100
😊Happiness Score 8/10
🚨Safety Score 6/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 5/10
🏞 Scenic Views 9/10
🤝 Friendliness 4/10
🍽 Food & Drink 5/10
While it’s not possible to drive to Honolulu from the mainland, this stunning gateway to Hawaii is too good to miss as a babymoon hotspot. Known for Manoa Falls’ beautiful waterfall, Ala Moana Beach and sweeping panoramic views from Waikiki Beach, Honolulu offers the perfect scenic views for a leisurely stroll, but you’ll find plenty more here for expecting parents to be. Soak up the community spirit known as “Aloha” in one of the happiest locations on our list before the baby arrives.
9. Chicago, IL
Score: 60/100
😊Happiness Score 4/10
🚨Safety Score 3/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 9/10
🏞 Scenic Views 3/10
🤝 Friendliness 9/10
🍽 Food & Drink 9/10
If you are looking to immerse yourself in food and culture on your babymoon, The Windy City should be at the top of your bucket list. With countless buzz-worthy restaurants and vibrant neighborhoods on every corner, you shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to try the city’s famous deep dish pizza, watch a live performance or enjoy a shopping spree on the Magnificent Mile. There are plenty of relaxing activities available too, strolling through the Chicago Botanic Garden or hopping onboard a cruise to marvel at the stunning Chicago skyline and landmarks.
10. Tampa, FL
Score: 58/100
😊Happiness Score 4/10
🚨Safety Score 10/10
💆♀️Leisurely Activities 4/10
🏞 Scenic Views 6/10
🤝 Friendliness 6/10
🍽 Food & Drink 5/10
This vibrant Florida city offers numerous possibilities to keep you busy on your babymoon. From delicious culinary experiences to contemporary landmarks, Tampa is a destination that all ages and tastes will enjoy. With our convenient car rental at Tampa Airport, you can drive over the ocean through the Sunshine Skyway, stretch your legs across Tampa Riverwalk or enjoy one of its many sunny beaches like Clearwater Beach. And as one of the safest cities in the U.S, there’s no better place to put your mind at ease before the due date draws closer.
METHODOLOGY
Using Wallethub’s Happiness Report, FBI Crime Statistics and aggregated hotel data, we assigned more than 40 U.S. cities a score based on which destinations would be most ideal for a babymoon based on happiness, safety, food & drink, leisurely activities, friendliness and scenic views. Data is accurate as of April 19, 2023.
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