Itinerary for the best place to Babymoon in December – TEXAS

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Are you planning a babymoon or looking for a great place to visit in December? Look no further – Texas is the place to go!

Searching for vacation destinations that are not risks for Zika virus, but also aren’t incredibly cold can be a bit of a challenge, but Texas is the perfect adventure. Prior to travel, check with your Doctor to make sure it is safe for you & your baby as each pregnancy is unique. *Also, no matter how far along you are… bring copies of your medical records for all baby related appointments just in case you need them! I traveled again in my 3rd trimester & was SO GLAD I had everything… You won’t believe what happened!*

Although the weather may not be as warm as you’d like, December is actually a great time of year to travel. Why? Black Friday ticket sales for flights/hotels/park passes, places tend to be less crowded (unless it’s a holiday break!), and if you’re from from the Midwest it’s a great break from winter weather.

This is how we spent 6 days and 5 nights in Texas during my 2nd trimester (18 weeks along) and it. was. awesome.

*Disclaimer: the itinerary listed below is what worked for us. It is meant to inspire planning of your own adventures & not to be used in its entirety. Always check hours of operation and specific details/prices of activities ahead of time as these can change.

You don’t have to be pregnant to enjoy this trip – It’s a great sampler of some of the biggest hits of Texas!

Houston – Day 1

Fly into Houston (IAH) & drive to:

Whataburger

Especially if you come from a land where there is no such thing as a Whataburger, (like Wisconsin!) this place is worth a try. It’s a quick meal, and there are several around the area. The one near the Space Center is convenient if you’re trying to maximize time to explore the Space Center. (100 NASA Road 1, Webster, TX 77598 – Open 24hrs!)

Space Center Houston

1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058 Hours vary by day/season so check their website ahead of time.

There are so many different programs and tram rides at the Space Center, so take a moment to prioritize what you want to see & do otherwise you may run out of time.

Fridays & Saturdays often have a “Meet an astronaut” talk – this was my favorite part of our entire visit.

Tip – Purchase tickets on-line ahead of time (it is often cheaper with a coupon code) then print or screen shot a map of the museum so you don’t miss anything! There is a section BEHIND the kids play area that is easy to overlook!

Willie G’s Seafood & Steak – Galveston

Beautiful views & delicious food. Bonus: this time of year it wasn’t too busy either. (I imagine it’d be super crowded in the summer)

2100 Harborside, Galveston, TX 77550

Check into Airbnb for the night & head out in the AM for:

San Antonio – Day 2

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q

A quick stop for some BBQ & Sweet Tea – this is a Texas based chain, so there are several locations around.

101 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205 is close to the Alamo.

Alamo

300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

Be prepared to pay for parking! There are several lots available to public. Prices vary – it seems closer lots were ~$20, and slightly further lots were ~$10 (December 2018) Be aware that if you leave the lot, you will have to repay when you return. Remember the cross streets for your parking lot, after a long day of wandering they all look the same!

Self guided, audio, or tour groups are available at the Alamo. The tour group is definitely worth catching for more details, and allows special access to a room in the church itself (December 2018)

Wander through the living history encampment behind the Alamo to see period impressions & demonstrations throughout the day.

The Long Barrack Exhibition is another area not to miss! Start out by watching a video (~17min) on the history surrounding the Alamo, and then look at the many displays and artifacts in the oldest building in San Antonio!

Check out this website for more details to help plan your visit.

River Walk

No need to move your car, the River Walk can be accessed just a couple of blocks from the Alamo. It’s a beautiful place to stroll, shop, or grab a bite to eat. There are boat tours along the river which are quite popular. There are different views to take in during the day vs. at night, so make sure to go back later in the evening too.

Nearby there is no shortage of shopping! Boutiques, souvenir shops, ice cream, and even a mall.

Paloma Blanca

5800 Broadway St #300, San Antonio, TX 78209

After a long day on your feet, it’s time to sit down for a delicious meal. This restaurant has a Mexican cuisine & fun atmosphere.

Local Coffee

5903 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78209

Just a couple blocks down the road from Paloma Blanca, this is agreat place to sit back & relax over a hot beverage! The hot chocolate was amazing.

River Walk at night

Christmas lights are everywhere this time of year – enjoy a different view of the River Walk at night!

San Antonio – Day 3 (2nd day in San Antonio)

Pete’s Tako House

502 Brooklyn Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215

A family run restaurant featuring American & Tex-Mex cuisine. Give some breakfast tacos a try! The chorizo & egg was my fave.

Mission Concepción

807 Mission Rd, San Antonio, TX 78210

Much less touristy than the Alamo, this Mission was dedicated in 1755. Walk the grounds & read the history of this location. Mass is held on Sundays – which may impact how much you are able to see.

Alamo/River Walk

Wander around the shops and historic sites downtown. Grab a snack and some souvenirs!

Sea World

Dolphins, whales, sea lions, aquariums, & much much more! There are big amusement park rides too, but if you’re pregnant – skip those during this visit, and enjoy the rest of the park. Hubs did go on the rides while I wandered around and took pictures, and he loved the short lines that come with off season travel.

You’ll want to check out tickets & parking passes on-line ahead of time – it’s likely you’ll find a deal not offered at the ticket booth.

Special behind the scenes tours, and up close animal experiences are available to book at additional costs. Read more about experiences with sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and belugas on their website.

Go back to Airbnb for the night & be ready in the AM to head to:

Austin – Day 4

Walton’s Fancy & Staple

609 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

If you’re a fan of Sandra Bullock, stop by for a sandwich or souvenir at this cute place she owns on the ever so popular 6th street.

Austin Duck Adventures

602 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

Hilarious guided city tour on-board the ‘unsinkable’ duck boat! Drive through town seeing the sites, then take a splash into Lake Austin in this unique amphibious vehicle. Bob is an amazing tour guide!

The Ironworks Barbecue

100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Dine where many of the rich & famous have dined before you & order up some fine BBQ & sweet tea. Take a look around the restaurant to see which of your favorite celebrities have signed a menu on the wall.

Music at the Continental Club

1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Check out the evenings lineup of music & step back in time by enjoying a drink (they have non-alcoholic options as well) in this famous club which opened its doors in 1955.

Austin – Day 5 (2nd day in Austin)

Blue Dahlia Bistro

1115 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

Grab yourself a large coffee to gear up for the epic experience that is Franklin Barbecue… They’re an easy walk apart.

Franklin Barbecue

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

GET HERE EARLY if you want to have choices in your meat selections. Lines are already formed HOURS before they open… For a rough idea… getting there about 2 hours ahead of opening on a Tuesday – we waited 3 1/2 hours to order our food & most – but not all – of the menu was still available (pulled pork & turkey sold out right before us) There are lawn chairs that some use while waiting in line (first come first served), but if you’re up for some delicious BBQ – bring some entertainment or a friend to help pass the time! *Be aware – they are open until they sell out for the day, so if you come later you may not have to wait so long in line, but you also run the risk of not being able to eat there at all*

Capitol tour

1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Free guided tours are generally run every 1/2 hour & last about 30 minutes. Check specifics for the day you plan to tour the capitol, as there may be variations in schedules.

Music downtown

The printed weekly guides (found at the Austin Visitor Center & other locations) have lists & locations for where to find live music! Or, park your car and walk along the main drag – you’re sure to come across some live music before long.

Go back to Airbnb and get ready in AM to head back to:

Houston – Day 6

Cavendar’s boots

Great selection of boots for men, women, & children in all price ranges! Other clothing and accessories available too.

Houston Natural Science Museum

Plan for several hours at this museum, especially if the exhibit “Death by Natural Causes” is still there (it is an additional cost to see, but definitely worth it!) Learn about Egyptian history, Paleontology, gem stones, energy, and much more! Beautiful displays, and lots of up close learning opportunities for all ages. Don’t forget to check out the “Cabinet of Curiosities” exhibit where if you can reach it you can touch it! Of particular interest in the Cabinet of Curiosities is the narwhal tusk and a shrunken head (the head is out of reach, don’t worry).

Airport

Head home & have fun reminiscing about all of your adventures – be sure to include some pictures from your babymoon in your baby book!

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