Dreaming of one last getaway before baby arrives? Enjoy this (2026 guide) to our favorite weekend getaways within 4hrs of Charleston!
So much happens in those last 2-3 months of your pregnancy, as you’re feeling those tiny kicks become stronger each week, doctors visits become more frequent, you’re planning your nursery and baby showers, looking forward to maternity portraits and imagining what life will be like once your little one is finally in your arms!! Pregnancy is filled with so much preparation and anticipation. Those last couple months leading up to your due date represent one of the last opportunities you’ll have to truly slow down together before life changes in the most wonderful way! Which is why so many couples choose to take a babymoon! A babymoon is more than just a vacation—it’s a chance to celebrate this season, reconnect as partners, enjoy uninterrupted conversations over dinner, sleep a little later, and soak in these final weeks as a family of two before your newest adventure begins!
If you live in Charleston, you already know that we actually live in one of the most beautiful babymoon destinations in the country. Charleston has become one of America’s premier babymoon destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Charleston is the food scene in the south east with dozens of award-winning restaurants and luxurious boutique hotels! We have a gorgeous, charming, walkable historic downtown and beautiful beaches! Expecting parents travel here from all over the country for one last hurrah before welcoming their babies!
But, when Charleston is home, sometimes you simply want a change of scenery (and temperature, in the summer!)😅 Maybe you’re craving the cool mountain air of western North Carolina. Maybe you’re dreaming exploring a fun city with direct flights from CHS! Or, perhaps just a charming Southern town with incredible food, great hotels and waterfront sunsets sounds like the perfect way to spend a long weekend together. Good news! This post is for you!
As Charleston’s most trusted Maternity & Newborn Photographer, I meet families every week who are preparing to welcome their babies, and one thing I hear over and over again is how thankful they are that they took the time to enjoy one last getaway together. Years from now, you probably won’t remember every detail of the nursery or exactly which stroller you registered for—but you’ll remember that weekend you spent laughing over dinner, very pregnant and exploring a new city hand-in-hand while imagining the little person who would soon change your lives forever!
Whether you’re hoping for mountain views, coastal charm, luxurious resorts, award-winning restaurants, or complete relaxation, these are my favorite babymoon destinations—all within about four hours of Charleston!
Let’s start with my favorite mountain escape (and my hometown), Asheville!
| Destination | Drive Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville | 4 hrs | Mountain escape & food scene |
| Kiawah & Seabrook | 45–50 min | Luxury beach relaxation |
| Beaufort | 2 hrs | Historic Lowcountry charm |
| Savannah | 2 hrs | Walkable city & dining |
| Hilton Head | 2¼ hrs | Resort getaway |
| Jekyll Island | 3 hrs | Quiet beaches |
| Bluffton & Palmetto Bluff | 2 hrs | Luxury & romance |
| Edisto Beach | 1½ hrs | Peaceful coastal escape |
| Wilmington | 3½ hrs | Historic waterfront & beaches |
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Best Mountain Getaway from Charleston
Driving time: Approximately 4 hours
If you’ve lived in Charleston for any length of time, you already know that summer here can be… HOT!😰
One of my favorite things about Asheville—my hometown—is that it offers a completely different experience from the Lowcountry. In just four hours, you can trade salt marshes and palmetto trees for cool mountain breezes, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and one of the best food scenes in the Southeast!
Asheville is consistently recognized as one of America’s top small cities for food lovers, making it an ideal babymoon destination if your perfect weekend revolves around incredible meals, leisurely walks, and beautiful scenery.
Spend your morning exploring downtown’s independent bookstores, coffee shops, art galleries, and locally owned boutiques before enjoying lunch at one of the city’s acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where countless overlooks provide breathtaking mountain views without requiring a strenuous hike.
Asheville also has a really great music and comedy scene so there will for sure be some evening entertainment for you, if you’re feeling up for it!
If you’re visiting during the summer, you’ll likely find temperatures 10–15 degrees cooler than Charleston, making it much more comfortable to enjoy being outdoors during pregnancy!
Don’t miss:
- The Blue Ridge Parkway
- The Biltmore Estate
- Downtown Asheville
- Boutique hotels and luxury spas
Perfect for couples who love: mountain views, exceptional food, cooler weather, and a slower pace.
Brittany’s All-Time / OG Favorite Asheville Restaurants: (in no particular order)
- The Admiral
- Cúrate
- Limones
- Neng Jr.’s
- Nine Mile
- Corner Kitchen
- Haywood Common
- Sunny Point (for brunch, get the savory french toast!)🤤
Girl — if you’re going to Asheville, shoot me an email and I’ll give you the low down on the best hiking trails, waterfalls, music venues, things to do and see (it’s too much for this post!)
PS: If you’re looking for Babymoon Portraits in the Mountains, look no father than Asheville Portrait Company!!
2. Kiawah & Seabrook Islands
Luxury Without Going Far
Driving time: 45–50 minutes
Not every babymoon has to involve hours in the car.
Sometimes the perfect getaway is less than an hour from home.
Kiawah and Seabrook Islands offer a completely different pace from downtown Charleston. A much slower pace, quiet beaches, maritime forests, winding bike trails, oceanfront resorts, and some of the most peaceful stretches of coastline in South Carolina make these neighboring islands feel wonderfully secluded.
Wake up before sunrise and walk the beach while dolphins cruise just offshore. Spend the afternoon by the pool with a good book, indulge in a prenatal massage, or enjoy a leisurely seafood dinner overlooking the Atlantic.
The beauty of Kiawah and Seabrook is that there’s absolutely no pressure to do anything at all.
Sometimes slowing down is exactly what expecting parents need most.
3. Beaufort & Hunting Island
A Slower Taste of the Lowcountry
Driving time: About 2 hours
If you love Charleston’s historic charm but want somewhere a little smaller, a little quieter, Beaufort is an easy choice.
This waterfront town is full of beautifully preserved historic homes, towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, charming local shops, and some of the prettiest sunset views in South Carolina.
Spend the afternoon strolling along the waterfront, browse the boutiques on Bay Street, and enjoy fresh local seafood overlooking the marina.
Before heading home, drive out to nearby Hunting Island State Park. Its pristine beaches, maritime forest, and iconic lighthouse make it one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the Southeast.
PS: I would totally meet you out on Hunting Island SP for an epic Maternity Shoot! OR — Sheldon Church Ruins is also on the way home, just say’n! 😘
4. Savannah, Georgia
A Romantic Southern Classic
Driving time: About 2 hours
If Charleston and New Orleans had a quieter, more romantic cousin, it might be Savannah.
With twenty-two historic squares, beautiful parks, award-winning restaurants, and streets shaded beneath centuries-old live oaks, Savannah was practically made for slow walks and long conversations.
Grab coffee before wandering through Forsyth Park, spend the afternoon browsing boutiques in the Historic District, then finish the day with rooftop cocktails for your partner and a handcrafted mocktail for you while watching the sun set over the city!
Savannah is effortlessly romantic without requiring a packed itinerary.
5. Hilton Head Island
The Ultimate Relaxation Babymoon
Driving time: About 2¼ hours
If your definition of the perfect babymoon includes sleeping in, reading by the pool, leisurely bike rides, and spending as much time as possible near the water, Hilton Head is hard to beat.
Wide beaches, luxury resorts, exceptional restaurants, miles of bike paths, and world-class spas make Hilton Head one of the Southeast’s favorite destinations for couples looking to truly unwind.
The island invites you to slow down—and during pregnancy, that’s often the greatest luxury of all.
Whether you’re enjoying brunch overlooking the harbor, watching boats drift through Harbour Town, or simply listening to the waves roll onto shore, Hilton Head reminds you that sometimes the best vacations aren’t about seeing more—they’re about doing less!
6. Jekyll Island, Georgia
One of the Southeast’s Most Peaceful Beach Getaways
Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours
If your idea of the perfect babymoon is long beach walks, historic charm, and a slower pace of life, Jekyll Island is hard to beat.
Once a private retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families, Jekyll Island remains one of Georgia’s most peaceful coastal destinations.
Its beaches are uncrowded, the roads are lined with moss-draped oaks, and the island’s network of bike paths makes exploring easy during pregnancy.
Be sure to visit the island’s famous Driftwood Beach, where weathered trees create one of the most photographed landscapes on the East Coast.
Don’t miss:
- Driftwood Beach
- Historic District
- Sunrise beach walks
- Oceanfront bike trails
- The Jekyll Island Club Resort
Perfect for couples who love: quiet beaches, history, and laid-back coastal charm.
7. Bluffton & Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
Southern Luxury at Its Finest
Driving Time: About 2 hours
If you’re celebrating a special milestone before your baby arrives, few places feel more luxurious than Palmetto Bluff.
Nestled along the May River, this breathtaking resort community blends Southern hospitality with refined luxury. Picture towering live oaks, picturesque cottages, scenic walking trails, river views, and one of the finest resort experiences in the Southeast.
Spend your days biking beneath centuries-old oak trees, enjoying a leisurely brunch, relaxing by the pool, or indulging in a spa treatment before an unforgettable dinner overlooking the water.
Even if you aren’t staying at the resort, nearby Bluffton is well worth exploring with its charming Old Town, locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants.
Don’t miss:
- Old Town Bluffton
- May River views
- Scenic bike rides
- Luxury spa experiences
- Sunset dinners
Perfect for couples who love: luxury resorts, exceptional dining, and peaceful Southern elegance.
8. Edisto Beach, South Carolina
The Lowcountry’s Best-Kept Secret
Driving Time: Approximately 1½ hours
Looking for a destination where life seems to slow down?
Edisto Beach offers exactly that.
Unlike many popular beach towns, Edisto has resisted large-scale development, creating a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for expecting parents looking to disconnect.
There are no high-rise hotels, no crowded boardwalks, and no packed beaches—just miles of shoreline, beautiful marshes, and spectacular sunsets.
Pack a picnic, search for seashells, enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant, and spend the weekend embracing the slower pace that makes Edisto so special.
Don’t miss:
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Botany Bay Heritage Preserve
- Fresh local seafood
- Sunset over the marsh
- Quiet beach walks
Perfect for couples who love: nature, uncrowded beaches, and unplugging from everyday life.
(Brooke wanted a HYBRID Maternity Portrait Session — she wanted a little in-studio glam / editorial style portraits and she also wanted out-door, on-location portraits!) We offer a Hyrbid Option for Maternity Portraits at our Studio AND On-Location! Our studio is conveniently located on Savannah Hwy which means it’s super close (10 minutes) to downtown / peninsula locations, (15-20 mintues) to folly beach, (5 minutes) to charles town landing, etc. Learn more about Maternity Portraits here:
Holy City Babies Maternity Info
9. Wilmington, North Carolina
A Coastal Getaway Full of History and Charm
Driving Time: Approximately 3½ hours
If you’ve never explored Wilmington, you’re in for a treat.
This historic coastal city combines a vibrant downtown, beautiful waterfront, nearby beaches, and a thriving restaurant scene into one unforgettable weekend destination.
Spend the morning strolling along the scenic Riverwalk before exploring local boutiques, cafés, and bookstores in the historic district.
When you’re ready for the beach, head to nearby Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach for an afternoon by the water before returning downtown for dinner overlooking the Cape Fear River.
Wilmington offers the best of both worlds—a lively downtown and easy access to some of North Carolina’s most beautiful beaches.
Don’t miss:
- Wilmington Riverwalk
- Historic downtown
- Wrightsville Beach
- Carolina Beach
- Waterfront dining
Perfect for couples who love: coastal cities, shopping, history, and relaxing beach afternoons.
10. Dreaming Bigger!?
Here are 7 Amazing Babymoon Destinations You Can Fly to Nonstop from Charleston
Sometimes a long weekend calls for something a little bigger than a road trip.
One of the perks of living in Charleston is having access to a growing list of nonstop flights from Charleston International Airport, making it easy to escape for a few days without spending hours in the car. If your healthcare provider has cleared you for air travel, these destinations are perfect for a memorable babymoon!
Nashville, Tennessee
Music, incredible food, luxury hotels, and one of the South’s most exciting culinary scenes make Nashville an ideal choice for couples who love great restaurants and live entertainment. Skip the late-night honky-tonks and spend your days exploring neighborhoods like 12 South, browsing local boutiques, and enjoying some of the city’s best brunch spots.
Miami, Florida
Trade the Lowcountry for turquoise water, oceanfront resorts, and world-class spas. Whether you’re relaxing in South Beach, enjoying fresh seafood, or indulging in a prenatal massage, Miami offers sunshine and luxury in equal measure.
Boston, Massachusetts
If you’re visiting in the fall, few cities are more charming than Boston. Walk the historic streets of Beacon Hill, enjoy waterfront dining, and experience a completely different side of the East Coast.
New York City, New York
There’s nothing quite like a babymoon in New York. Spend your days wandering through Central Park, catching a Broadway show, shopping along Fifth Avenue, or enjoying unforgettable meals at some of the world’s best restaurants.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago combines beautiful lakefront views, award-winning architecture, incredible museums, and one of America’s best food scenes. Stroll along the Riverwalk, take an architectural boat tour, or simply enjoy the skyline from a rooftop restaurant.
Denver, Colorado
If mountain views are calling but you want to venture beyond the Southeast, Denver offers a perfect blend of city life and easy access to the Rockies. It’s an excellent choice for couples who enjoy scenic drives, cooler temperatures, and craft coffee around every corner.
Washington, D.C.
History lovers will appreciate D.C.’s beautiful monuments, free museums, charming neighborhoods like Georgetown, and miles of walkable streets. It’s an easy, enriching getaway that doesn’t require a long flight.
A Quick Note About Flying During Pregnancy:
For most healthy pregnancies, many healthcare providers consider the second trimester—typically between 14 and 28 weeks—the most comfortable time to travel. Before booking flights or making travel plans, be sure to check with your obstetric provider, stay well hydrated, and build in plenty of time to rest and stretch throughout your trip!
| Destination | Approx. Flight Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | 1 hr 30 min | Live music, incredible restaurants & boutique hotels |
| Miami, FL | 1 hr 45 min | Luxury resorts, beaches & spa weekends |
| New York City, NY | 2 hrs | Broadway, shopping & world-class dining |
| Boston, MA | 2 hrs 30 min | Historic neighborhoods, waterfront walks & fall foliage |
| Chicago, IL | 2 hrs 40 min | Riverwalk, architecture & award-winning food |
| Denver, CO | 4 hrs | Mountain scenery, cooler weather & outdoor adventures |
| Washington, D.C. | 1 hr 30 min | Museums, Georgetown & iconic monuments |
| Austin, TX* | 2 hrs 45 min | Food scene, boutique hotels & live music |
| San Juan, Puerto Rico | 3 hrs 30 min | Caribbean beaches, Old San Juan & tropical relaxation |
| Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | 2 hrs 40 min | Luxury hotels, fine dining & big-city getaway |
Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Maternity Portraits
For many families, a babymoon marks the beginning of the final stretch before baby arrives.
It’s also the perfect time to begin planning your maternity portraits.
At Holy City Babies, we recommend scheduling your maternity session between 30 and 34 weeks, when your bump has a beautifully round shape but you’re still comfortable enough to move with ease.
Our full-service Charleston studio experience has been designed to ensure that our expecting mothers feel pampered, relaxed, confident, and beautiful. Every maternity session includes access to our carefully curated client wardrobe featuring couture gowns and designer pieces, along with professional hair and makeup service ahead of your portrait session, so all you have to do is arrive and enjoy the experience!
Whether you envision elegant editorial-style studio portraits or a romantic sunset session on one of Charleston’s beautiful beaches, we’ll create timeless artwork that celebrates this incredible season of motherhood for you!
Planning Ahead for Newborn Portraits
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that newborn photography is booked after the baby arrives.
In reality, most of our families reserve their newborn session during the second trimester—often around the same time they’re planning their babymoon.
Booking early allows us to reserve space on our calendar around your due date while giving you one less thing to think about once your little one is here!
Our Charleston portrait studio provides everything you’ll need, including wraps, blankets, handmade bonnets, heirloom-quality props, and all the styling for your baby’s first portraits. Once your little one arrives, simply let us know they’ve made their debut, and we’ll schedule your session during those precious first weeks of life!
Learn more about Newborn Portraits here: Holy City Babies Newborn Photography Information
Enjoy Every Moment of This Season
Pregnancy has a way of passing both slowly and incredibly quickly.
One day you’re counting down to your anatomy scan, and before you know it, you’re installing the car seat and wondering where the time went.
Wherever you choose to take your babymoon—whether it’s a mountain escape to Asheville, a luxurious weekend on Kiawah, strolling through Savannah’s historic squares, or relaxing on a quiet beach at Edisto—we hope you take the opportunity to pause, celebrate, and soak in these final weeks before your lives change forever.
And when you’re ready to preserve this remarkable season through timeless maternity and newborn portraits, we’d be honored to welcome your family to Holy City Babies. xo – Brittany
July 7, 2026
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