Here are our top picks for babymooning in California! They are full of amazing food, gorgeous views, adventures, and all the pampering you need before you welcome your new baby!

When Tony and I were pregnant with Henry, we went on 2 honeymoons. We went to St. Martin/Sint Maarten and Panama. When we were pregnant with Andrew, not only did we have a toddler (so we couldn’t go away for too long), but we had to worry about Zika. We decided to go on a weekend trip to New York during the holidays. They were all different and all amazing!

We did learn though, that these factors make for a perfect babymoon. 

• Good food
• Time to relax
• Gorgeous views
• Easy, but fun activities/sightseeing
• Bucket list worthy

Do you agree?! If so, these 5 places in California, you will love for your babymoon!! Don’t forget to check off all the items on the list of essential packing list at the end of this post before you jet off to one of these destinations too!

Are you interested in California babymoons and want to know more? Read more here:

• All the essential tips for flying while pregnant
• 200+ Free and Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
• 30+ Weekend Getaways and Day Trips from San Francisco
• Top things to do in Santa Cruz with Kids – a weekend itinerary

California Babymoon Destination: San Francisco

by Emily of Henry and Andrew’s Guide

Amazing Food

San Francisco is not only for clam chowder in a bread bowl (yes, those are definitely delicious and you should have one). It’s a melting pot of so many different types of food, from all over the world, all in one city. This city will satisfy any pregnancy cravings you have. Amazing pistachio ice cream (mine with Henry)? Go to Mitchell’s Ice Cream. Fried chicken (mine with Andrew)? Go to San Tung.

Here are some other highlights of the food you can have.

We also recommend going on a food crawl (that’s a thing in this household pregnant or not!) in these neighborhoods:

• Mission District: Go to all the taquerias and try tacos in each place! (Bring cash as most places are cash only.)
• Japantown: Go into the mall, and you will be transported into Japan. Try everything from Japanese style crepes, sushi, to shabushabu
• North Beach: Gelato, pizza, pasta, cannolis, and more!
• China town and the Outer Sunset: All the amazing Chinese food!

Fun fact/myth: The clam chowder at Swan Oyster Depot is known to cause labor, so skip it if you are far away from your home! I ate it a few days before my due date, and sure enough, Henry was born on his due date! 🙂 It is delicious though, so if you do eat it, I did warn you!!

Relaxation

• Nob Hill Spa – I know you probably don’t want to go into hot tubs, but they have a pretty pool overlooking the city. They also offer prenatal massage and facials.
• Kabuki Springs and Spa – Again, the baths are more centered around hot

Activities/Sightseeing

Get a maternity photo shoot!

With gorgeous views and backdrops all over the city, might as well capture your babymoon beautifully in a maternity photo shoot in San Francisco! I highly recommend Emily Jenks Photography – yes, that’s me. 🙂 But as you can see from this blog, I know A LOT about San Francisco and best spots for photos. Check me out and mention this blog to receive 10% off your session.

Other Babymoon Activities in San Francisco

There are so many things to do in the city, and it really depends on what you are in the mood for. When I was pregnant, I loved to walk. Golden Gate Park and along the ocean at Ocean Beach are some of my favorite places for walks. Also, check out my list of 30+ kid-friendly hikes in the city. Kid friendly = easy, so it would be perfect for you too! 🙂 Do you have a preference for something else? Contact me anytime and I will be happy to come up with a list of activities for free!

Beach Babymoon in California: Santa Monica

By Amanda Emmerling from Toddling Traveler

Santa Monica is the perfect place for a babymoon that offers a mix of options, whether you want a completely relaxing vacation or something with a little more adventure.  While the weather alone is a reason to go, you can’t beat the beautiful beach, great food and shopping to go with it’s health-conscious and laid-back vibe.

• Where to Stay: The Loews Hotel in Santa Monica is a beachfront hotel that’s centrally located for easy access to everything.  Alternatively, the DoubleTree Santa Monica is a great option for the slightly more budget conscientious babymooners that’s just a few short blocks away from the action.  
• Where to Eat: Mercado offers freshly made Mexican food and the best alcohol-free margaritas in a trendy setting.  FIG is a cozy restaurant that offers mediterranean-inspired food made with locally sourced ingredients. Cora’s Coffee is a cute cafe that offers breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you’re craving sweets, M Street Kitchen has the most amazing signature cookies.
• What to Do:  Get a prenatal massage and pedicure at Alchemie, a spa that uses organic and natural products that are safe for pregnant women.  Relax on the famous Santa Monica beach off Ocean Avenue or go shopping at Third Street Promenade. If you’re up for a little walking, venture slightly out of Santa Monica to tour the Getty Center with some of the best artwork, architecture and views in Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara Babymoon

By Laura Ishmael from Our Next Adventure

There are many places to soak up the sun in California, but on the list of California’s most beautiful beach cities, Santa Barbara is surely at the top.

Whether you plan to arrive by plane, train or automobile, everything you need to enjoy a relaxing babymoon can be found in the Funk Zone, a former warehouse district sandwiched between the beach and busy State Street that is now the city’s hottest place to be.

This trendy area is home to a host of beautiful hotels. Splurge on a stay at the Hotel Californian (mama deserves it by now!), which offers fabulous Moroccan architecture and an array of one-of-a-kind spa treatments.

After getting pampered, head out to one of the neighborhood’s unique shops (The Blue Door and The Shopkeepers are two musts), followed by an out-of-this-world dinner at The Lark or Loquita.

While mama sadly won’t be able to indulge in one of the area’s many urban wineries, indulging in some McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream will surely soothe those woes. Add in an evening stroll along the beach, and you’ve got a completely perfect babymoon experience.

Because in a city as beautiful as Santa Barbara, it’s pretty hard not to have a great time.

Babymoon in Healdsburg, California

By Sierra Schmidt of Free to Travel Mama

Healdsburg, California is a small town in the center of the Sonoma County and offers the perfect getaway for a relaxing and beautiful babymoon. River Belle Inn and Hotel Healdsburg both offer lovely, luxury accommodations where you can stay and rest comfortably.

Take a gorgeous drive down Dry Creek Road to see the rolling hills covered in grape vines. Small wineries are dotted along the road giving the opportunity to stop for a picnic or pick up a bottle or two of local wine to enjoy in a few months as a celebration of your sweet baby’s arrival. One of the stunning wineries would also be the perfect spot to hire a local photographer and schedule a maternity photo session.

Del Rio is a hidden spot on the Russian River offering a relaxing day on the water for swimming or gentle inner tubing, with Amy’s Wicked Slush nearby for a cold afternoon refreshment. Riverfront Park provides a forest with simple trails to take a leisurely walk through the California Redwoods.

Healdsburg’s fresh restaurants do not disappoint, especially for a hungry, pregnant mama! For a special dinner out, Barndiva and Dry Creek Kitchen are excellent choices. Costeaux’s Bakery offers savory brunches, homemade bread, and beautifully decorated seasonal desserts. Noblefolk is well loved for its uniquely delicious ice cream. Browse the shops along the Plaza in the center of town to find the perfect boutique outfit for your sweet baby as a special keepsake from your perfect babymoon in Healdsburg.

Babymoon in Sonoma, California

By Lea of An Adventure is Calling

Sonoma is the perfect babymoon destination for expectant parents who want to enjoy a quaint, beautiful little getaway before welcoming their baby. Sonoma is located in the heart of wine country, but the destination is not limited to wine tasting. The city is full of amazing restaurants, spas, shopping, and other activities, making it a great place to relax and celebrate. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn &  Spa is an excellent place to stay. The Spanish mission-style resort is filled with warm fireplaces, marble baths, and European-style ceilings. Their spa offers a variety of massage packages (they can accommodate pregnant women), or you can sign up for a variety of daily hiking and fitness classes, which are great options for mamas who are feeling well and wanting to get some exercise. Couple will not want to miss exploring the Sonoma plaza. Walk through the peaceful pathways that surround Sonoma’s City Hall, and then enjoy shopping at the little local shops. Enjoy steak and seafood at Sonoma Grill, and then attend a cheese tasting at Sonoma’s Cheese Factory. Sweet Scoops Homemade Ice Cream is a delicious spot for a quick desert. History lovers will want to explore the Sonoma Mission (also located in the plaza), which was the final mission built in California, after Mexico gained independence from Spain. The city is pleasant during every season of the year, making it a great option for all babymooners.

There you have it!

Are you interested in California adventures and want to know more? Read more here:

• All the essential tips for flying while pregnant
• 200+ Free and Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
• 30+ Weekend Getaways and Day Trips from San Francisco
• Top things to do in Santa Cruz with Kids – a weekend itinerary

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