Brunch is nice. So are flowers. But according to thousands of moms, what they’d really love this Mother’s Day is a break – a proper “momcation.”
Present.com surveyed 3,025 mothers to find out where they dream of escaping for some well-deserved R&R. The results revealed a strong preference for peaceful small towns, charming spots, and nature-filled retreats – places where mom can truly unwind, explore, and breathe.
Here are the top 5 destinations, according to moms:
#1 Hana, Maui
For moms who love peaceful surroundings and lush landscapes, Hana offers a quiet retreat away from the crowds. A scenic drive along the famous Road to Hana, a gentle walk through tropical gardens, or simply relaxing by the ocean makes for a serene and unforgettable getaway.
#2 Cedar Key
Far from Florida’s busy tourist spots, Cedar Key is a quiet island town where time slows down. Surrounded by calm Gulf waters and filled with old Florida charm, it’s a perfect place for moms to relax. A slow-paced walk through town, a visit to the nearby nature trails, or watching the sunset over the water creates an unforgettable Mother’s Day retreat.
#3 Gatlinburg
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a peaceful escape with breathtaking views, quiet forest trails, and a charming small-town atmosphere. A scenic drive through the mountains, a leisurely walk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air makes for a relaxing Mother’s Day getaway.
#4 Mendocino
For moms who love rugged coastlines and quiet charm, Mendocino offers the perfect retreat. Perched on dramatic cliffs above the Pacific, this small town is surrounded by state parks with scenic ocean trails, peaceful redwood groves, and hidden beaches. A stroll through Mendocino Headlands State Park, a visit to the nearby botanical gardens, or simply watching the waves crash against the rocks makes for a tranquil and memorable Mother’s Day escape.
#5 Hanalei
For moms seeking quiet beauty and lush surroundings, Hanalei is a dream destination on Kaua‘i’s North Shore. From gentle beach walks along Hanalei Bay to garden strolls at Limahuli Preserve, this laid-back town is all about relaxation and nature. Moms can enjoy a breezy morning by the pier, take in the mountain views on a scenic hike, or simply unwind with the sound of waves and birdsong. With its tropical charm and slow pace, Hanalei is a perfect place to reconnect and recharge.
But where moms want to go is only part of the story. The survey also pulled back the curtain on what modern motherhood really looks like – and why that elusive “day off” feels like gold.
When asked how they’d spend a full day to themselves, moms said:
- Watching TV or bingeing a show: 19%
- Sleeping in and relaxing at home: 16%
- Spending time in nature (hiking, beach, park): 15%
- Enjoying a hobby (reading, crafting, cooking): 13%
- Shopping or treating themselves: 13%
- Spa time or massage: 12%
- Catching up with friends/family: 8%
- Traveling or a day trip: 4%
So what’s holding moms back from taking more time for themselves? The biggest barrier by far was lack of time (27%), followed by guilt (19%) and financial constraints (18%). For many, it’s a constant juggling act that leaves little room for rest – and even less for recharging.
In fact, moms say they currently get just 5 hours and 55 minutes of alone time in a typical week – not even an hour a day. Ideally, they’d like closer to 8 hours and 27 minutes to feel fully recharged.
Even small gestures can make a big difference. When asked what gift or service would help lighten the mental load, here’s what topped the list:
- House cleaning: 26%
- A full day off with no obligations: 20%
- Meal delivery or home-cooked meals: 14%
- A monthly massage or spa treatment: 12%
- Grocery delivery, childcare help, therapy, and laundry service rounded out the rest.
And the emotional toll is undeniable. Nearly half of moms – 42% – admit they feel guilty taking time for themselves, even when they know it’s necessary. One in ten haven’t had a single uninterrupted break from family responsibilities in the past year. For most, the reality is grabbing just a few scattered hours here and there – hardly the kind of reset that truly restores energy or peace of mind.
When moms do get time, they recharge in different ways:
- Sleeping or napping: 16%
- Getting outside: 15%
- Watching movies/TV or doing nothing at all: 14% each
- Socializing, pampering, exercising, and reading all came in close behind.
Infographic showing moms’ top choices in each state for a momcation on Mother’s Day
“Mother’s Day is about more than gifts – it’s about giving moms a real moment to recharge,” says Sanjit Sandhu of Present.com. “Whether that means a peaceful beach, a cozy mountain town, or just somewhere without a to-do list, our survey shows that moms are craving experiences that let them slow down and feel appreciated.”
