Charleston South Carolina is a popular destination for babymoons and to me it's absolutely no question as to why, but if you're in the babymoon planning phase perhaps I could sway you with all the reasons I think Charleston is the PERFECT spot for your pre-baby getaway!
We're going to discuss: What to Do, What to See, and What to EAT while pregnant in Charleston
What is a babymoon?
Maybe I should start with something basic first, for those that don't know. A babymoon is a newer term for a getaway that takes place before your baby arrives. Think of it as your last vacation as a couple before you become a family of three (or more, if you're having multiples!). Usually a babymoon would take place somewhere around the 23-30 week mark depending on how far you plan to travel. You don't want to risk being too far from home should you need to check in with your doctor, but you also still want to be feeling good enough to enjoy yourself. Whether you're the type that wants to explore or wants some rest and relaxation- I think Charleston has you covered both ways! I've even had couples that have now come back to Charleston for each of their pregnancies, so it also doesn't have to be your first child either. Charleston is a family friendly place with plenty to do!
What's there to do in Charleston as a pregnant woman?
I'm so glad you asked!
1. Relax
If you're the type that wants to relax with a view we've got plenty of that here with 60 miles of coastline to admire.
In the Charleston area specifically our public beaches that you can access no matter where you're staying are: Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, and Folly Beach. We also have two private islands if you prefer the quieter resort life at Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island. You can plan a day or the whole trip at any of those beaches for the full salt life experience.
Almost all of the hotels and Airbnbs in the area have pools too, if you'd rather have a little shade and a lot less sand.
Need a massage? Hotel Bennett, The Dewberry, The Harbor Resort and The Charleston Place hotel all have luxury spas on site, and there are lots of other great places in the area for a good pre-natal massage.
2. Sight See and Do
Whether you'd like to go sight seeing for one day or all of them, there is a variety of options here in the Charleston area.
For starters, I would be silly if I didn't plug myself here! I think having your maternity portrait session in Charleston while on your babymoon is one of the most romantic and beautiful spots ever. Just check out the beauty and variety on my Maternity Session Portfolio Page. Our Historic Downtown is absolutely charming in every little nook, the spanish moss and oaks are so unique to the South, and our beaches give a stunning view of sunrise and great skies at sunset. If you're here during peak azalea blooms in March then one of our plantation gardens is also a once in a lifetime backdrop for your session. We've got all the color and charm of a Southern City and I can help you plan it all! My goal for my maternity clients is to make everything super easy from the get-go. I have an enormous Client Closet wardrobe for moms-to-be so you can pack lighter and still get the look you want. My styles in the Client Closet range from stellar luxury to casual, with a variety of sizes and colors to fit your look and personality. Once we've planned what you're wearing and what your backdrop is I also have a huge network of stylists for hair and makeup I can refer you to. Whether you'd like the full salon experience or just a blow-out, letting someone else take care of making you look your best while relaxing in a salon chair is well worth the investment! Plan your session first thing in the morning to get your day started or just before your dinner plans, whatever fits your schedule!
Next on my must see and do - Take a walk. I would say the coolest part about Historic Charleston is that even if you don't want to commit to a tour, there is plenty of charm and history to see just by walking around. The Historic Market is a great collection of local vendors and artists surrounded by shops and restaurants. Walking around Rainbow Row down to the Battery is all residential houses and landmarks, and a beautiful showing of architecture. If you'd like a guided tour there are walking and carriage options available for downtown along with tours our to Fort Sumter and at the plantations. I have a few of those mentioned along with some unique things to do in my Charleston Visitors Guide. There are three major plantations that offer tours and extensive trails for walking and exploring- Boone Hall, Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation. Out of the three I think Magnolia is my favorite for the variety of the grounds, tours, and the small collection of animals in their petting zoo. I've had a few babymooners tell me that Middleton Place was a favorite for the extensive grounds and the bonus amazing restaurant on site for lunch and dinner.
Other places I recommend as a beautiful site for a shorter walk are Shem Creek Park and Memorial Waterfront Park at the base of the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant.
3. Eat
Charleston has become quite the foodie town, and I think that's perfect for anyone but especially when eating for two! From BBQ, American Classics, to Seafood and Southern Comfort Food- we really have it ALL!
What are you craving?
BBQ - Lewis BBQ, Swig and Swine and Rodney Scott are our staples and noteworthy providers of finger-lickin' goodness in Charleston. Don't sleep on the sides though either, they all have some of the best southern sides ever!
Seafood - The Darling Oyster Bar and Coast Bar and Grill are my two personal favorites for fresh seafood and amazing menus
Pub Food - Moe's Crosstown Tavern, Blind Tiger, Little Jack's Tavern
Sweets - Carmellas Dessert Bar, Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe, Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream
Southern Comfort Food - Magnolias, Betty Lou's Bistro, Page's Okra Grill
Need a Mocktail? These bars have great NA mocktails! Long Board on Sullivan's Island, Gingerline just ask for zero proof options, Park and Grove just to name a few. Most bartenders would be happy to make you a mocktail of any of their regular cocktails upon request!
What ever is on your wish list, Charleston can check that box on your babymoon. Unless you were expecting to see mountains, we don't have those! I hope I've made your choice of Charleston an easy one, there is definitely a reason we're the top ranked tourist destination in the United States!
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