The best babymoon destinations in the USA for a pre-baby vacation

Sure, Lake Tahoe has a rugged side (skiing, camping, kayaking, you name it) but the scenic destination has a calmer side, too. Lake Tahoe moves at whatever pace you do—snuggle up in front of a fire and take in views of the lake and mountains from afar, or get right in the thick of things and head out on a hiking trail. The tranquil forest setting will help you take stock of the changes to come and, if that’s not doing the trick, you can always find an escape in the huge crop of casinos across the Nevada border.

For a New England holiday teeming with crab rolls, clam chowder, and exactly three quaint lighthouses, try Nantucket Island off the Massachusetts coast. The charming village has more than 800 lovingly restored pre-Civil War cottages and fascinating history. But the reason to come to this tiny little island isn’t for the company—you’re likely to find stretches of beach all to yourself and an all-around relaxed, remote vibe (in other words, a calm before the storm known as parenthood). You can tool around the island on a bike, walk the Sconset Bluff, or take a cruise around the harbor, just make sure you take a moment all to yourself.

Rekindle the romance and escape the pressure of impending parenthood in New Orleans. The city is unlike anywhere else in the country, with stunning historic architecture in the French Quarter, incredible Cajun and Creole food, and a unique jazz and blues music heritage. Feast on beignets at Cafe du Monde, visit hauntingly beautiful cemeteries, or get an introduction to the city’s voodoo traditions: this is a place built for indulging the senses.

For your last hurrah, you barely need to use your imagination: Hawaii is a no-brainer. Head to Maui, the state’s second-largest island, for a no-fuss paradise. While the island is home to plenty of intense outdoorsy activities, you'll also find activities that go easy on parents-to-be. In fact, one of the island’s essential activities is to drive the scenic Road to Hana—how’s that for taking a load off your feet? Spend your days swimming in Upper Waikani Falls, or snorkeling on any number of its pristine beaches. In the evenings, wade into warm ocean waters at sunset, sip fruity virgin cocktails and wake up the next morning to a cool, steady Pacific breeze. Trust us, this place knows how to relax.

If you’re hoping for a laidback babymoon, head to San Diego where the weather’s warm, the ocean’s cold, and the vibes are on point. This city on the sand has lovely beaches for lounging and playing, but that’s just the start: you can breeze through neighborhoods like the historic Gaslamp Quarter (home to restaurants, shops, and galleries galore) and Old Town (a state historic park at the first site of European settlement in California) without much planning. Whatever catches your fancy, there’s plenty to keep you busy (or not) in this coastal getaway.

Upstate New York has some of the best and most beautiful countryside on the eastern seaboard. The summers are sensational, the fall foliage is fantastic and in the holiday season it offers a winter wonderland. The adjacent town of Hunter offers a warm, small-town feel and while it's far cry from any nearby city, it reminds you of a time when you actually went to local stores to buy essentials. There are several great places to stay, but we believe the best is the Hunter Mountain Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a roaring open fire, a glass of wine and gaze back at the mountain, be it covered in lush, green vegetation or a smooth blanket of pure white snow. It's so gorgeous here, that it's entirely possible this place is the reason you're in this predicament to begin with.

Riddled with red rock canyons and hoodoos, Sedona’s rugged landscape is considered a powerful center for spiritual healing. So, in addition to virtually endless ways to experience the outdoors—easy hiking trails, scenic drives, swimming holes—Sedona is stocked with wellness retreats and spas. Everything from gentle yoga to prenatal massages and salt scrubs will help you unwind and prepare, both mentally and physically, for the adventure to come.

Don’t restrict your babymoon in Monterey to the town itself. While the town has plenty of must-see spots (like Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium), you’ll find the most stunning views, beaches, and tidepools slightly farther afield in the neighboring Pacific Grove. Then, in the quaint village of Carmel-By-The-Sea, scope out the iconic coastal cliffs of Big Sur. Each spot on the Monterey Bay has its own unique charm, fresh seafood, and as much luxury and tranquility as your wallet can take.

Hobnob with the movers and shakers of New England society (past and present) in Newport, Rhode Island. Conveniently positioned between Boston and New York, Newport earned a reputation as a refuge for the wealthy back in the late 18th century; its opulent mansions, including the Versailles-inspired Rosecliff, are still strung like jewels along the town’s dramatic oceanfront. There’s no shortage of seafood here, from humble clam shacks (for thoroughly cooked options, head to spots like Flo's Clam Shack for fried clams) to upscale eateries, and some of the oldest landmarks in the country. Bed down in a cozy cottage or luxurious boutique hotel and pause the countdown to baby time (even if it's just for a day or two).

Listen, you’re probably not going to get a ton of arts and culture once the baby arrives—these are just facts. To get your fill ahead of time, head to Santa Fe, a magical New Mexican town that’s steeped in everything from ancient petroglyphs to outsider art and immersive galleries. Check a few landmarks off your list (like Bandelier National Monument and Palace of the Governors) and have an art moment while you're at it (don’t miss the Museum of International Folk Art or the immersive Meow Wolf). In between, browse the endless galleries and shops along Canyon Road and Santa Fe Plaza.

In Asheville, tucked in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, natural splendor and outdoor adventure abound (two things you’ll miss once the little one arrives and you’re stuck inside staring at the baby monitor). Nearby, there are scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hikes along the Appalachian Trail, and waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest. But even if you never set foot out of town, Asheville brings the charm—head to the River Arts District, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the famed Biltmore mansion to keep busy.

Soon, you’ll be hearing a lot of wah, wah, and wah—and since that’s music to no one’s ears, consider heading to Nashville for one last round of live music before the baby arrives. From the honky-tonks on Broadway to the Grand Ole Opry, the city lives and breathes music. But you can even live a little when the stage is quiet: some notable attractions include The Johnny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, National Museum of African American Music, and more. Then, give your ears a rest and check out iconic spots that are easy on the eyes like The Hermitage (the former home of President Andrew Jackson), the Tennessee State Museum, and the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.

Dripping with Spanish moss and steeped in history, the city of Charleston is a perfectly sized city (not too big, not too small) for any babymoon. Whether you’re walking the cobblestone streets of its historic downtown or taking a peek inside historic homes (like the Nathanial Russel House), you’ll be surrounded by charm. While you’re there, head out on the water with a boat tour, haggle over sweetgrass baskets at the Charleston City Market, or see the city’s beloved Angel Oak on Johns Island. And don’t forget the food! Charleston’s Lowcountry culinary traditions make for one of the best restaurant scenes in the South.

Make your final child-free getaway a cosmopolitan affair in the great city of Chicago. You’re here to celebrate just how swiftly you can whizz around this city without a stroller — kick things off by visiting the Chicago Loop, taking in views of Lake Michigan in Grant Park and Millennium Park’s cherished Cloud Gate. After that, check out museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry before shopping along The Magnificent Mile. What else? See a show in the Theatre District, catch a game at Wrigley Field, or just eat at any of Chicago’s incredible restaurants without worrying whether they have a kids' menu.

Key West is a friendly, kitschy seaside paradise that welcomes everyone with open arms. And for such a small place (it’s a touch over 7 square miles) it sure does know how to party: before the baby arrives, head to this itty-bitty island to let loose. Live music that plays late into the night, and when you need to recharge, the Gulf of Mexico (with its postcard-perfect beaches and coral reefs) is right outside your door.