Traveling with an infant can be challenging, but it’s well worth it. Even if they don’t remember the trips years from now, you will. You’ll remember the smiling, the bonding, and every special moment you shared. My husband and I have continued traveling since we’ve had kids, so both Willow and Caden have been avid travelers since they were infants.
Though I don’t think you should shy away from international travel with infants, I know there are a lot of factors to consider when taking a vacation. Often, something U.S.-based makes more sense. To help you choose the perfect destination, I’ve compiled a list of the best places to travel in the United States with a baby.
Here’s my list:
15 Best Places To Travel With an Infant in the US
San Diego, California
San Diego is a great choice for U.S. travel with a baby. The city offers so much for families with babies and the mild weather is perfect for a sensitive newborn. Some of our favorite baby-friendly things to do in San Diego include walking stroller-friendly trails at Cabrillo National Monument, getting sun at the La Jolla Cove, exploring the San Diego Botanic Garden, and shopping at the Westfield UTC Shopping Center. (The mall has private nursing areas, family restrooms, and a family lounge.)
Of course, you can’t go to San Diego without visiting the San Diego Zoo! However, it’s also a lot of fun to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with a baby if you’re not up for all the walking.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is our hometown, so it’s not a place we “visit.” However, we’ve brought up 2 babies here, and we think it’s a great destination for a baby. Storytime at local libraries, baby yoga at Jane Austin Yoga, the Ferry Building Farmer's Market, stroller walks along Crissy Beach, and outdoor fun at one of San Francisco's many public parks are just some of our favorite things to do.
Consider also doing a night away in Napa while you're at it, it's surprisingly baby friendly. I even have a full list of things to do as a family.
We also think San Francisco is perfect for families with infants because it’s a relatively small city with only a 7-square-mile radius. That means you can get to everything pretty quickly no matter where you’re staying in the city! (We recommend the Hyatt Regency or the Hotel Fairmont Heritage Place because they have big rooms, great locations, and babysitting services.)
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, the right time of year, is great for babies. (I’d avoid the peaks of summer when it’s very hot and humid.) Take the stroller along the river, enjoy a trolley tour, explore street art in the Starland District, take a riverboat cruise, or spend time at Tybee Island beach with your infant. These things are all stimulating for baby while being enjoyable for mom and dad too.
For accommodations, we usually recommend staying in more homey places when traveling with an infant. The extra amenities of a rental house like full kitchens and separate bedrooms are really helpful when caring for a baby on vacation. Luckily, Savannah has lots of baby-friendly Airbnbs. If you go the hotel route, consider finding one with similar benefits.
Orlando, Florida
Of course, Disney World is in Orlando, and I’ll say it is a fun place to visit, even with a baby. However, I know many people wouldn’t want to deal with the hassle if they don’t have a toddler or older child to fully appreciate the experience. Orlando has plenty of other infant-friendly things to do!
We love Lake Eola Park’s walking paths, swans, and fountain light shows, and we’re always sure to stop by the Orlando Aquarium and the Leu Gardens. Plus, if you want an easy vacation, Orlando is full of all-inclusive family-friendly resorts.
Aspen, Colorado
If you’re looking for a middle-America option, Aspen is a great spot for infants. First of all, Aspen is pretty small and designed with visitors in mind. That means you can stroller walk almost anywhere, which makes navigating to restaurants, shopping areas, and excursions much less of a hassle.
Though baby won’t be skiing with you, there are plenty of ways for an infant to enjoy the scenery. You can go on scenic enclosed ski lift rides, take a horse-drawn sleigh, or go snowshoeing with your infant in their baby carrier. Before you go, just consider the challenges of dressing your baby for the weather and keeping them hydrated with the altitude changes.
Omaha, Nebraska
This may not have been on your list, but if you live in the midwest and are looking for a road trip, Omaha offers more than you think in terms of a little family getaway. Since Omaha is right in the middle of the country, it’s roadtrip-able from almost anywhere, which is a pro if you’re worried about flying with an infant. (Though you shouldn’t be, here’s my post on flying with a baby.)
Omaha’s premier attraction is The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which often goes toe-to-toe with the San Diego Zoo as “the best zoo in the world.” The zoo is massive and it’s not really even feasible to visit all in one day, but it’s extremely stroller-friendly and the wide paths and large facility mean that even on busy zoo days, it’s not that crowded. Also, if you’re worried about volatile Midwest weather, you’ll be happy to hear that many of the exhibits are indoors, including the rainforest, “Desert Dome,” swamplands, butterfly enclosure, and aquarium.
Other things to do in Omaha with an infant include walking Lauritzen Gardens, Joslyn Castle, Zorinsky Lake, and RiverFront Park.
Best Beaches to Travel to With an Infant in the US
Stinson Beach, San Francisco, California
In my humble opinion, as a San Francisco resident, Stinson Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in California. The wide beach and soft, white sand are perfect for lounging and playing with an infant. It’s also a great sport for a picnic or walk, with plenty of stroller-friendly trails nearby. The beach also has good parking, a snack bar, and restrooms, which are all helpful when you have a baby in tow!
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island is known mostly for the golf resort, but it’s actually a great spot for family beach-goers too. Aside from regular beach activities, Kiawah Island has great biking opportunities, walkable shopping districts, family pools, and, as I mentioned, golf. You may even spot some sea turtles!
Waikīkī Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii
We’ve gone to Oahu, with our baby and toddler, and it was the best experience! We stayed in North Shore and loved it, but if you are looking for a beach that is more centrally located to many different types of attractions, Waikīkī Beach is a great spot. Aside from beautiful views, a wide beach, and great swimming, Waikīkī Beach has public restrooms, beach showers, and plenty of food stands to make the day trip easier!
Best Outdoor Destinations to Travel to With an Infant in the US
Acadia National Park, Maine
If you like to camp or do lots of hiking, Acadia National Park is a perfect destination. It’s one of the smaller national parks and there are lots of towns around it, so it’s easy to explore and there are plenty of amenities nearby. For good hiking, try Ocean Path, Thunder Hole, or Jordan Pond Loop. Whether you camp or get an Airbnb, I think visiting Acadia National Parks with a baby is a great way to bond with your little one!
Lake Tahoe, California
We have a vacation home in Lake Tahoe, and that’s because it’s one of the best family destinations in the U.S.! Plus, it’s an easy road trip for us in San Francisco. (Here are my tips for road trips with a baby.) You’ll love that it offers plenty to do without the hustle and bustle of a busy city… and the weather is always right for a family vacation with plenty of summer and winter recreation options.
Some of our favorite things to do include walking the East Shore Trail, hiking Glacier Point Trail, hiking in D.L. Bliss State Park, swimming at the pools, and playing in the sand at Sand Harbor. There is so much to do!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Here’s another east coast option for those of you closer to the Carolinas. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is kid-friendly and has lots of scenic drives, stroller-friendly hikes, wildlife viewing opportunities, biking trails, and fishing spots. All of these activities can be infant-friendly with a stroller or baby carrier.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a beautiful area to explore outdoors with your baby. Really, it offers many of the other outdoor exploration opportunities as other places I’ve mentioned in this section—there are even swimming spots here in the desert! Beyond the swimming holes, there are numerous hiking spots, beautiful drives, parks, and a cultural downtown area that are all enjoyable with an infant.
Best Resorts to Travel to With an Infant in the US
Aulani, A Disney Resort, Oahu, Hawaii
You’re probably familiar with the big U.S. Disney theme parks in California and Florida, but Hawaii has a Disney resort too. Aulani is a favorite for family travelers who want a Disney experience that’s a little more relaxed. You get a nearly all-inclusive vacation package to stay in Aulani and experience all the magic, meaning you don’t have to drive and walk all around the island to find things to do.
Right there on the resort, you have accommodations, dining, and activities. Some things you can do with an infant include beaches, pools, character experiences, walking tours, shopping, luaus, splash pads, gardens, wildlife encounters, canoeing, and family yoga.
Aulani also has plenty of room size options, so if you want 2 bedrooms to separate you and your infant, they can accommodate that. You can even rent a villa for a more homey option. All rooms come with complimentary pack ‘n plays as well, which is a plus if you want one less thing to pack.
Loews Chicago Hotel in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is another perfect destination for city life exploration with an infant. No matter where you are in the city, there is plenty to do. However, what will really elevate the experience with your new baby is staying at the Loews Chicago Hotel, which is one of the most baby-friendly hotels in the country.
All rooms have options for a mini-fridge, bottle sanitizing supplies, full-sized cribs, baby tubs, and nightlights. You’ll also receive complimentary baby lotion, wipes, shampoo, body wash, and conditioner from Hello Bello. If all that wasn’t enough, they also partner with Little Spoon, so you can order fresh, organic baby food via room service with your own meals. All these added amenities make it a great resort for parents with babies!
Location is everything when traveling with an infant.
If you’re ready to take that first trip with your baby, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. I’ve loved every second of traveling with both of my kids when they were babies (here is a round up of my favorite vacations with them), and I’m glad I didn’t let other people or my first-time mom fears talk me out of our experiences. Hopefully, one of these destinations will work for you and your baby. Let the planning begin!
For more family travel tips and tricks, head to the blog. I’ve got lots of advice and more destination recommendations. Soon, you’ll have conquered your first trip and be ready to take on the next!
Author
