One of the most popular bookings I get every Spring are maternity sessions for couples visiting Charleston for their babymoon. I love these sessions because we get to explore some really pretty spots around town that are usually new to my clients! This sweet couple below were expecting their fourth baby and it was so fun to chat with them as we explored Hampton Park together. It’s always such an honor to be just a small part in a trip like this one to help them celebrate and document this new season for their family!

If you’re planning your own spring babymoon here in the Lowcountry, here are a handful of my favorite must-do items – including great spots to eat and explore!

Planning your Spring Babymoon in Charleston

1. Splurge for a boutique hotel or a unique house rental

There are so many unique properties and historic homes in Charleston that have been converted into boutique hotels and Airbnbs. I highly recommend splurging for a special place to stay while you’re here. I love Hotel Emeline, 86 Cannon, and Zero George. Guesthouse Charleston also has lots of cute properties to rent!

2. Schedule your maternity photos

A babymoon in Charleston is the perfect time to plan your maternity photos, especially if you’re in the late second trimester or early third trimester when you’re feeling your best.

I recommend booking up to 4 months in advance as Spring can be a busy season for photos due to the pretty weather and blooms. If you’re traveling, the Client Wardrobe comes in handy because you don’t need to bring anything other than shoes and maybe some ultrasound images if you’d like to incorporate those into the photos!

Leave all of the dress prep and steaming to me! Or mamas can get extra pampered with my team of professional hair and makeup artists.

3. Make reservations for the top restaurants

My favorite local eats are Indaco, Poogan’s Porch, Leon’s Oyster Shop, and Hall’s Chophouse.

For a really unique experience, check out R Kitchen in West Ashley.

I recommend Butcher & Bee, Millers All Day, Lewis or Rodney Scott’s BBQ for brunch or lunch. Felix, The Darling, and The Grocery are also some of the best brunch spots in Charleston!

4. Get pampered with a prenatal massage or facial at a local spa

Most of our boutique hotels here have highly-rated spas, so I’d check there when you book! You can also check out Woodhouse Day Spa in downtown Charleston.

5. Take time to stroll South of Broad street or Hampton Park

Charleston is stunning in the Spring. The weather is perfect, and the blooms around every corner are so beautiful. The humidity is typically still low, and walking around is so enjoyable.

Meeting Street and Church Street are some of my favorite streets when flowers bloom. Take time to wander around and let yourself lose track of time exploring for an hour or two!

A quick lunch at Queen Street Grocery with a picnic around the azaleas at White Point Garden is always a good idea. The azaleas line South Battery Street.

Another favorite is Hampton Park in the Spring, where this session took place. Depending on the blooms, the azaleas are a sight to see, as are the climbing roses in early April.

If you’re hoping to visit any historic Charleston properties, Magnolia Plantation is my favorite.

Honorable mention – Visit the beach!

I love Sullivan’s Island when it comes to a relaxing beach day. Be sure to head there early in the high season to ensure you can find a place to park. In the Spring, the breezes may still be a little chilly, but resting for a bit and hearing the ocean waves is my happy place, so I always recommend a trip there!

Caitlyn Motycka is an award-winning Charleston Family, Maternity, and Newborn Photographer based out of Charleston, SC. Service areas include Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, James Island, Folly Beach, and surrounding areas.

If you’re interested in starting a photography journey together with your growing family, contact me here! Let’s take some pretty pictures together!