The 15 Best Babymoon Destinations In The South For Every Type Of Getaway
Baby on the way? It’s time to plan a grown-up getaway. Make the most of your remaining child-free days with a special trip that’s tailored for the two of you. Just like any vacation, a babymoon can be anything from spending time in nature to gallery-hopping to soaking up the sun poolside. And that’s just for starters.
This roundup of babymoon destinations in the South offers something for everyone. We’ve chosen a mix of locales ranging from quiet beach towns to bustling cities, and lodging options including farm stays, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, treehouses, and stylish hotels.
The one thing they all have in common is that they offer plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation—the two things that are essential for any babymoon. Add some mocktails and room service, and you’ve got a trip you'll never forget.
For Beach Time
Robbie Caponetto
Honeymoon Island State Park is known for its white-sand beaches, nature trails, and wildlife.Dunedin, Florida
This quaint seaside community on Florida’s Gulf coast is one of our favorite beach towns in Florida. Instead of trying to find a patch of sand on an overcrowded shore, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out at Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park, two of the state’s most beautiful and peaceful beaches. And when you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, you’ll have plenty of dining and shopping options, plus the stylish Fenway Hotel.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
For a lowkey destination in the Lowcountry, you can’t do much better than Kiawah Island. But lowkey doesn’t mean low-end. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (one of the best beachfront hotels in South Carolina) is the perfect place to completely unwind with luxurious spa treatments, a dip in an oceanfront pool, sunset strolls along the sand, and plenty of room service.
For An All-Inclusive Experience
Courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa
Salamander Middleburg
Located on 340 acres in Virginia’s wine country, this scenic stay is like the country estate of your dreams. In addition to well-appointed rooms and suites (all include a patio or balcony), there is a spa (with prenatal massage options), two pools, a slew of outdoor activities, and several dining options. And if you want to venture off the property, head to charming downtown Middleburg for great shopping and dining.
Bungalows Key Largo
If “resort” means “beach” to you, paradise awaits at the highly rated Bungalows Key Largo. Enjoy your own private bungalow with a soaking tub and views of either the ocean or lush gardens. While you’ll be tempted to never leave your room, a gorgeous spa awaits, as do six bar and restaurant options, and of course, the beach itself.
For The Food Obsessed
New Orleans, Louisiana
Yes, New Orleans might be associated with partying a little too hard, but you can have just as much fun with a baby on board, especially when it comes to the city's outstanding dining scene. Eat all the po’boys, beignets, and gumbo you can stand, then explore New Orleans’ many other culinary delights. There is something for everyone—independent bakeries brimming with pastries, fabulous Vietnamese food, local seafood, sophisticated tasting menus, and top-notch Italian, to name just a few.
Charleston, SC
No matter how many times you’ve visited Charleston, there is always something new to eat. The city’s dining scene is one of the hottest in the country—we named it the best food city in 2023, and it was named the best city in the South in our 2024 South’s Best Awards. Whether you choose fine-dining institutions like FIG, Husk, and Peninsula Grill, try newer spots like Vern’s or Pink Bellies, or enjoy Gullah-style cooking at restaurants like Hannibal’s Kitchen, you’re practically guaranteed to have a great meal and a good time, too.
For Pampering
Lake Austin Spa Resort
This all-inclusive resort near Austin is known for its LakeHouse Spa, which offers everything from full-body lavender scrubs, to sound therapy massages, to custom facials. (Expecting moms can book the Mother-to-Be Day Away package for head to toe prenatal treatments, plus lunch and a special gift.) The serene, spacious setting isn’t your typical spa either, with its plant-filled patios and gardens, light-filled treatment rooms, and lovely in-house cafe.
For Time In Nature
Primland Resort
For an outdoorsy stay that’s more luxurious than rustic, head to this 12,000 acre resort in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. While there are several lodging options, Primland’s Tree Houses are the most memorable. Perched high on a mountain peak or scenic ridge, the cozy cedar cabins offer sweeping views and a cozy, romantic spot for two. Venture out of your nest for nature hikes, a dip in the pool, spa treatments, fantastic food, stargazing at an on-site observatory, and more.
Explore The Blue Ridge Mountains
Southall Farm & Inn
One of the perks of staying at this working farm and luxury inn in Franklin, Tennessee, is the amazing food. Southall has two on-site restaurants, January and Sojourner, that use ingredients grown and raised right on-site (including an orchard and an apiary) to create their seasonal menus. Rooms and suites are available, but for a more intimate getaway, stay in a well-appointed private cabin. Then spend your country vacation exploring the property, relaxing in the spa or at the pool, and eating until your heart’s content.
For Art and Culture
Courtesy of SCAD Museum of Art
Savannah, Georgia
There are vibrant art scenes in cities and towns across the South, but Savannah combines museums and galleries with historic architecture, a celebrated food scene, pretty parks, distinctive shops, and plenty of opportunities to stroll and sightsee. A visit to The SCAD Museum of Art is a must, as well as the Telfair Museums and the Gutstein Gallery.
For Peace and Quiet
Courtesy of Sea Island
The Cloister At Sea Island
Located on a private island off the coast of Georgia, The Cloister at Sea Island is a storied hotel dating back to the 1920s. And while it offers just about everything you could ask for at a resort (12 restaurants, three pools, a nature center, golf, a private beach, a spa), it also offers a tranquil escape from everyday life. There are several ways to stay here, but the Lodge is the most intimate, with only 43 rooms and suites. Luxurious touches like marble bathrooms, ocean views, and butler service make this place an unforgettable experience.
For A Pet-Friendly Stay
Courtesy of Hotel Bobby
Bobby Nashville
Looking for a big-city vacation where you and your dogs will feel right at home? Check in at Bobby Nashville. Not only are dogs welcome here (you can have two per room), the hotel has a dog-in-residence program that helps train shelter dogs to be service animals for veterans. The hotel will even provide pet bowls and beds upon request. Human perks are great too: there’s a lively rooftop lounge, a tavern and a cafe, and a calendar of events. Plus, downtown Music City is right outside your door.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
More than just a resort, this 20,000 acre property on South Carolina’s May River is a designated nature preserve. So it’s no surprise that Montage Palmetto Bluff welcomes four-legged guests. And they’ll also have plenty of room to roam, because you can stay in a cottage or a larger home in addition to rooms and suites. Go for a walk on the beach or hike numerous trails, and enjoy the pet-free amenities like the spa, pool, golf course, and shops.
For Total Luxury
Courtesy of The Breakers Palm Beach
The Breakers Palm Beach
Palm Beach is about as tony as it gets, and The Breakers is the quintessential Palm Beach hotel. Located on a private beach, it’s an opulent, glamorous grande dame of a hotel. Wander through its halls and admire the extravagant floral arrangements and gilded ceilings. With 10 dining options, a spa, golf, four pools, and six whirlpool spas, you have no reason to leave the property. But it’s worth strolling down nearby Worth Avenue for the total Palm Beach experience.
Biltmore Estate
Be the lords of the estate (or just pretend to be) at the Biltmore in Asheville. The 8,000 acre Gilded Age estate has been immaculately preserved, and offers several lodging options that integrate all the modern comforts you could ask for. Simply strolling around the grounds is an activity in itself, but guests can also enjoy a spa, a shopping district, hiking trails, art exhibits, and the Biltmore House itself.
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