The Best California Babymoon Destinations in October
This Post May Contain Affiliate LinksHey there Momma to be!
Do you want to go on an adventure with your significant other, but you either A. are local to California and don’t want to travel far, or B. LOVE California and can’t picture a better place to relax before baby comes.
If those options sound like you then keep reading!
I curated the best California Babymoon Destinations in October, so that you can sit back and relax with the love of your life before baby comes.
Table of Contents
Best Coastal Babymoon Destinations in October
Malibu
Santa Barbara
Big Sur
San Diego
Napa Valley & Sonoma
Santa Ynez Valley & Solvang
Best Mountain & Nature Getaways
Lake Tahoe
Big Bear Lakes
Yosemite
Mammoth Lakes
Why October Is the Perfect Month for a California Babymoon
While spring and summer get plenty of attention, fall is where it’s at across all of California. In the month of October, coastal areas hover in the 70’s with golden sunsets, wine country is in full harvest mode, and mountain regions glow with fall foliage.
You’ll also find fewer crowds and better weekday availability at luxury resorts and boutique stays in select locations.
October also brings unique seasonal experiences: pumpkin patches tucked into vineyard valleys, cozy harvest dinners under string lights, fall spa treatments designed for expecting mothers, and scenic drives lined with fiery autumn color.
Best Coastal Babymoon Destinations in October
Malibu
For couples seeking a peaceful, picturesque getaway, Malibu is one of the perfect babymoon destinations in October. It has everything from wide, golden beaches, to gorgeous mountain scenery. It’s the perfect blend of romance and relaxation.
Start your mornings with fresh-pressed juice and ocean views at Malibu Farm, indulge in a prenatal massage at a boutique spa, and spend lazy afternoons picnicking on the sand as dolphins glide past offshore. If you love a mix of relaxation and gentle adventure, take a scenic drive along the famous Mulholland Road or explore the fall foliage tucked into the trails of Malibu Creek State Park.
Where to Stay
Malibu Beach Inn - Malibu Beach Inn is a true Malibu classic. This hotel offers spa treatments and ocean front rooms, and it’s within walking distance from the iconic Malibu pier.
The Surfrider Hotel - Malibu’s most iconic hotel. Surfrider embodies the true essence of Malibu’s surf culture while providing a relaxing ambiance.
Nobu Ryokan Malibu - A Japanese style luxury hotel that offers in room spa treatments and ocean front rooms.
✨ Photography Tip: Malibu’s soft autumn light and uncrowded beaches make this one of the best times of year to capture maternity portraits. As a Malibu maternity photographer, I often work with couples visiting for their babymoon to create timeless, heirloom images that preserve this chapter of life.
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Santa Barbara
Nestled between the Santa Ynez mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is like a slice of the Mediterranean on California’s central coast.
Start your day wandering through the Spanish-style streets of downtown, where whitewashed buildings and red-tile rooftops glow beneath the autumn sun.
Foodies will love October’s harvest season, with farmers markets brimming with late-summer produce and nearby vineyards celebrating crush season. Just inland, the Santa Ynez Valley offers golden hills, picnic-perfect vineyards, and some of California’s most scenic countryside drives.
Where to Stay
El Encanto Santa Barbara - A romantic hillside retreat with sweeping views of the Pacific, El Encanto blends classic California charm with modern luxury, offering serene gardens, spacious suites, and indulgent spa treatments perfect for expecting parents seeking rest and relaxation.
Montecito Inn - Built by Charlie Chaplin in the 1920s, this boutique gem in the heart of Montecito pairs old-Hollywood charm with cozy, intimate rooms, luxury spa experience, and walkable access to cafés, shops, and beaches, an ideal base for a relaxed, no-fuss babymoon.
The Hotel Californian - Stylish and sophisticated, The Hotel Californian sits steps from Santa Barbara’s waterfront and Funk Zone, with chic Spanish-Moroccan design, a rooftop pool with ocean views, and a luxury spa designed for ultimate pre-baby pampering.
Rosewood Miramar Beach - A five-star oceanfront haven in Montecito, Rosewood Miramar Beach delivers barefoot luxury with elegant beachfront suites, spa experiences, and private cabanas that make slowing down and soaking up the sea breeze effortless.
Big Sur
There’s a reason Big Sur tops so many travel wish lists. This stretch of rugged coastline is one of the most breathtaking places in California. And it just so happens that October is my favorite time of the year to take a leisurely drive through Big Sur.
Wake up to ocean views at a luxury resort, soak in cliffside hot tubs under star-filled skies, and enjoy farm-to-table dinners overlooking the sea. Gentle hikes through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park lead to hidden waterfalls and cathedral-like groves of redwoods, while roadside overlooks offer views you’ll never forget.
Where to Stay
Alila Ventana Big Sur - A secluded, adults-only sanctuary perched above the Pacific, Alila Ventana offers luxury treehouse-style suites, luxury spa treatments, sweeping coastal views, and tranquil wellness experiences, the perfect place to slow down and reconnect before baby arrives.
Post Ranch Inn - Known as one of California’s most romantic escapes, Post Ranch Inn blends cliffside elegance with nature’s beauty, featuring glass-walled suites, infinity spas overlooking the ocean, and serene trails ideal for peaceful, restorative babymoon mornings.
San Diego
With 70 miles of coastline, postcard-perfect beaches, and year-round sunshine, San Deigo is the ultimate coastal retreat for California Babymoons.
Base yourself in La Jolla, where sea lions nap on sun-drenched rocks and ocean-view resorts. Or head to Coronado Island, where you can stroll hand-in-hand along quiet beaches and dine alfresco.
Spend your days exploring Balboa Park’s gardens, browsing boutiques in Seaport Village, or simply lounging by the pool or the shore with a mocktail in hand.
Where to Stay
Hotel Del Coronado - A legendary beachfront resort with Victorian charm and modern luxury, Hotel Del Coronado offers oceanfront rooms, spa treatments, and sunset strolls along the sand, a dreamy babymoon destination right on the beach.
Rancho Valencia - Tucked away in the hills near San Diego, Rancho Valencia is a peaceful, Spanish-style resort surrounded by olive groves and gardens, offering spacious casitas, world-class spa services, and a serene setting perfect for unwinding before baby.
1906 Lodge - A charming boutique inn on Coronado Island, 1906 Lodge combines cozy, romantic rooms with a relaxed, walk-everywhere location, just steps from shops, cafés, and the beach for an easy, stress-free babymoon getaway.
Best Countryside Escapes
California’s wine regions are spectacular year-round, but October is something special. The grape harvest fills the air with a sweet, earthy scent, vineyard leaves glow gold and crimson, and the weather is ideal for picnics and scenic drives. Even if you’re skipping the wine, there’s plenty to savor, from artisan grape juices and farm-to-table meals to cozy boutique inns perfect for curling up with your favorite person.
Napa Valley & Sonoma County
Autumn in Napa Valley is the stuff of postcards. By October, the vineyards are ablaze with color and the grape harvest is in full swing. Crisp mornings give way to sunny afternoons perfect for exploring this iconic region at a slower pace.
Book a stay at a luxury resort, where you can find spa treatments and private picnics among the vines. Float above the valley in a hot-air balloon at sunrise, savor chef-crafted seasonal menus, or enjoy a non-alcoholic tasting flight focused on local grape juices and artisan pairings.
Where to Stay
Milliken Creek Inn - A tranquil riverside hideaway in the heart of Napa Valley, Milliken Creek Inn offers elegant, fireplace-lit suites with private patios, spa-like soaking tubs, and access to indulgent in-room spa treatments, perfect for a cozy, romantic babymoon surrounded by wine country beauty.
Candlelight Inn - This charming, adults-only bed and breakfast blends historic character with modern comfort, featuring beautifully appointed rooms, gourmet breakfasts, and optional in-room spa services that make rest and relaxation effortless before baby arrives.
Stanley Ranch - A luxurious Auberge resort set amid rolling vineyards, Stanly Ranch pairs contemporary farmhouse style with a world-class spa and wellness center, farm-to-table dining, and breathtaking vineyard views, a serene and sophisticated choice for a Napa babymoon.
Santa Ynez Valley & Solvang
If you’re looking for a babymoon that feels worlds away, head to the Santa Ynez Valley, home to rolling vineyards, horse pastures, and the Danish-inspired village of Solvang. October brings cool mornings, crisp air, and golden hillsides dotted with turning leaves.
Rent bikes and meander through the countryside, stop for a picnic beneath oak trees, or browse local shops filled with handmade sweets and cozy fall treats. Fall festivals fill the calendar this time of year, celebrating everything from harvest season to Danish heritage, and the atmosphere is as charming as it is relaxing.
Where to Stay
Alisal Ranch - I had the pleasure of staying at Alisal Ranch when I was a teenager and it’s still the top best place I’ve ever stayed at. Set on a sprawling 10,500-acre property in the Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch offers a unique blend of luxury and rustic charm with cozy suites, and a soothing spa, perfect for couples seeking a peaceful countryside babymoon.
Mirabelle Inn - A romantic European-style boutique hotel in the heart of Solvang, Mirabelle Inn features elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and a renowned on-site restaurant, creating a charming and restful retreat ideal for expecting parents.
The Genevieve Hotel - Blending vintage elegance with modern comfort, The Genevieve Hotel offers beautifully designed rooms, pampering spa treatments, and an inviting atmosphere just steps from Solvang’s shops and cafés.
Best Mountain & Nature Getaways
If crisp air, cozy cabins, and vibrant fall color sound like your dream babymoon, California’s mountain towns deliver. October is peak foliage season in many of these regions, and the slower pace of mountain life sets the perfect tone for rest and reconnection before baby arrives.
Lake Tahoe
In October, Lake Tahoe transforms into a landscape of gold and amber as aspen groves light up the shoreline. The summer crowds are gone, leaving behind a peaceful alpine retreat where the pace slows and nature takes center stage.
Stay in a lakefront cabin or spa resort and spend your days on gentle lakeside walks, scenic drives through Hope Valley, or cozy afternoons by the fire. Boat cruises and gondola rides offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Sierra peaks without much effort, perfect for parents-to-be looking to relax.
Where to Stay
The Landing Tahoe Resort - A luxurious lakefront retreat just steps from the shore, The Landing Tahoe Resort offers spacious suites with cozy fireplaces, a full-service spa, and stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
Black Bear Lodge - Tucked into the pines near Lake Tahoe, Black Bear Lodge is a cozy, boutique escape with rustic-chic cabins, in-room spa services, and a peaceful, woodsy atmosphere ideal for slowing down and savoring time together before baby arrives.
Marriot Timber Lodge - Located at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Marriott Timber Lodge combines spacious villa-style accommodations with resort-style amenities, including a heated pool, relaxing whirlpools, and an on-site spa, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for a mountain babymoon.
Big Bear Lake
With its crisp mountain air and vibrant fall colors, Big Bear Lake feels like a storybook village in October. Aspen trees turn shades of gold and orange, pumpkin patches pop up around town, and the scent of woodsmoke drifts through the air.
Stay in a secluded cabin with a hot tub under the stars, take a scenic gondola ride to admire the fall foliage, or explore the charming shops and cafés of The Village. Whether you’re curling up by the fire with hot cider or taking leisurely lakeside strolls, Big Bear is all about slowing down and soaking in the season.
Where to Stay
Gold Mountain Manor - A romantic, craftsman-style lodge nestled in the forest near Big Bear Lake, Gold Mountain Manor offers cozy, fireplace-lit rooms, in-room spa services, and a peaceful mountain setting perfect for a quiet, intimate babymoon getaway.
Apples Bed & Breakfast - Warm and welcoming with charming country décor, Apples Bed & Breakfast provides inviting rooms, homemade gourmet breakfasts, and relaxing spa treatments, creating a cozy and nurturing retreat for expecting parents in Big Bear.
Yosemite
If you’ve ever dreamed of golden meadows framed by granite cliffs and waterfalls cascading beneath crisp blue skies, Yosemite in October is pure magic. The summer crowds are gone, the weather is cool and comfortable, and the valley glows with fiery fall color.
Stay in a cozy lodge or luxury glamping tent and spend your babymoon exploring gentle trails like Cook’s Meadow Loop or Lower Yosemite Falls. Iconic viewpoints like Tunnel View and Glacier Point are even more breathtaking this time of year, bathed in soft autumn light.
Where to Stay
The Ahwahnee - Yosemite’s most iconic hotel, The Ahwahnee pairs historic grandeur with breathtaking valley views, offering elegant rooms, gourmet dining, and easy access to gentle trails, an unforgettable setting for a peaceful and scenic babymoon.
Tenaya Lodge - Nestled just outside Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge is a cozy mountain retreat featuring spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and nature-inspired amenities, making it an ideal base for relaxation and adventure before baby arrives.
Mammoth Lakes
Cradled in the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s most spectacular fall destinations, and one of its most underrated. By October, alpine meadows blaze with color, mountain peaks wear a dusting of early snow, and the air is crisp and refreshing.
Book a cozy cabin or mountain-view suite and spend your babymoon exploring gentle lakeside trails around Convict Lake or Twin Lakes, soaking in natural hot springs beneath a blanket of stars, and enjoying hearty, comforting meals in the village. A gondola ride to the summit offers panoramic views of the fall landscape, no strenuous hiking required.
Where to Stay
Double Eagle Resort & Spa - Surrounded by alpine peaks and tranquil lakes, Double Eagle Resort & Spa offers cozy mountain cabins, a full-service spa, and soothing hot tubs.
Tamarack Lodge - A charming lakeside retreat with rustic-chic cabins and breathtaking mountain views, Tamarack Lodge provides a peaceful, nature-filled escape ideal for cozy fireside evenings and leisurely outdoor strolls during your babymoon.
The Mammoth Creek Inn - Blending modern comfort with mountain charm, The Mammoth Creek Inn features inviting rooms, scenic views, and spa services just minutes from Mammoth’s trails and lakes, creating a restful and rejuvenating base for your fall babymoon.
Babymoon Planning Tips for Expecting Parents
Choose the right trimester
Most couples find the second trimester ideal for travel. You’ll likely have more energy and fewer discomforts, while still being early enough to enjoy gentle activities.
Pack with comfort in mind
Bring cozy layers for cool October evenings, supportive shoes for scenic walks, and anything that makes travel easier (like a pregnancy pillow or your favorite snacks).
Plan for rest and spontaneity
Leave space in your itinerary for naps, slow mornings, and unplanned adventures. Babymoons are about rest and connection, not rushing through a checklist.
Book a maternity photoshoot during your trip
A babymoon is one of the most meaningful chapters of your story, and capturing it professionally is something you’ll never regret. If Malibu is on your itinerary, schedule a Malibu maternity photography session during golden hour to preserve this season in your lives
Ready to make your babymoon unforgettable? Reach out to schedule your Malibu maternity session during your October getaway and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Interested in a Maternity Photoshoot?
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About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! I’m Megan
I’m a boutique, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
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