10 Liveliest US Towns For Active Seniors
Maintaining an active lifestyle is vital for a lasting and enjoyable retirement. However, while one can simply order a treadmill or register at a nearby gym, it is better to visit or move to some of these vibrant towns in the United States. In these communities, there are so many exciting attractions to help you stay in shape that an indoor machine might not even be needed. From a town surrounded by iconic rock formations to one with skies decorated by mesmerizing lights in winter, these towns are the perfect places to enjoy a fulfilling after-work life. For many people, especially seniors, it can be tiring to go exercise with weights or on a treadmill every day, but these lively destinations will almost keep you up at night in anticipation. Visit these towns today and enjoy a healthy and happy retirement full of adventures, exploration, and natural scenery.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, the coldest city in America, is one of the most adventurous destinations anyone can visit. For retirees, particularly, this town is appealing as it offers a strong sense of community, the northern lights, and several recreational spots. Seniors in this town will get to tick off the northern lights from their bucket lists and also see many ice sculptures at the World Ice Art Championship held every February and March.
In summer, the Chena River becomes a playground for boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing at the Chena River State Recreation Site. Furthermore, Fairbanks is home to the 44-acre Pioneer Park along the Chena River. Seniors will love exploring this park as it is home to the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Pioneer Air Museum, a replica of an Alaskan native village, and the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum, all aimed at showcasing the interesting history of Alaska.
In the meantime, seniors will appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and facilities available at the Chena Hot Springs Resort. This resort has heated indoor and outdoor tubs, an indoor swimming pool, and an outdoor natural hot springs rock lake perfect for viewing the mesmerizing northern lights in winter. Additionally, the resort hosts the Aurora Ice Museum, where dozens of ice sculptures and other frozen attractions await to delight everyone.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor may be a little expensive, but it remains one of the best towns for retirees who want to live an active life. This coastal town on Mount Desert Island has access to Acadia National Park, one of the most naturally stunning parks in the US, and boasts a strong community of seniors. While here, retirees can always head to the national park to see the majestic Cadillac Mountain, lakes, glaciers, meadows, streams, cobbled beaches, granite domes, and forests. Recreational activities in the park seniors would love include swimming at Sandy Beach or Echo Lake Beach, riding along the 27-mile Park Loop Road, hiking the scenic 2.2-mile Ocean Path Trail, and fishing in the Great Ponds.
Away from the park, retirees in Bar Harbor can enjoy gorgeous views of the ocean while strolling along the 1.4-mile Shore Path or just get on a boat tour to see the region from the waters. For seniors who love history, Bar Harbor has many museums worth visiting, and the Abbe Museum is a great place to start, as it preserves and showcases the culture of the Indigenous Wabanaki people.
Moab, Utah
Moab is a famous and lively outdoor destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes, historical sites, and cultural heritage. As for retirees, Moab has been hailed as one of the best towns to retire, with 19.8% of its population above 65. The town's stunning natural features also ensure seniors are always active as there is so much to explore.
For starters, this town is a gateway to the Arches National Park, where over 2,000 natural arches await to stun retirees. The Delicate Arch, Elephant Butte, and Balanced Rock are some of the must-see arches in this park. Although the trails may be a bit challenging, they are still safe to hike. In the meantime, the Park Avenue Trail in the park is an easy 1.8-mile round-trip hike offering stunning views of towering rock formations.
Moreover, the Colorado River is a great spot in Moab where active seniors can enjoy rafting, kayaking, and canoeing through canyons. The list is endless, but more exciting attractions waiting to keep seniors moving in Moab include Canyonlands National Park, the largest in Utah, and Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Museum.
Besides the rigorous outdoor adventures, Moab has several spas and wellness centers where retirees can relax, like the Spa Moab and Moab Salt Cave and Spa, both offering massages and body treatments. Also, riding the Zipline adventure offered by Raven’s Rim Adventure Tours is one more exciting activity retirees should try out in Moab, as it is the perfect way to celebrate a life of freedom after years of work.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a naturally endowed town full of red rocks, pine forests, canyons, and cliffs. This makes it the perfect destination for active seniors seeking to spend their work-free lives fulfilling outdoor dreams. Here, retirees have the 7.5-mile Red Rock Scenic Byway to ride, the Red Rock State Park to explore, the 2-mile Devil’s Bridge Trail to hike, and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village to enjoy a unique shopping experience. Also, the Slide Rock State Park is an exciting place to swim and experience a natural waterslide, while the Sedona Heritage Museum offers a look into the town's roots.
Sedona is one of the most spiritual places on the planet, so when visiting, be sure to experience the town’s spiritual side by visiting Sedona’s Secret 7 and stargazing at night.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Camly laid on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake, Sandpoint is a lively retirement-friendly town with a handful of outdoor indulgences for seniors. First off, the lake offers endless water adventures, like kayaking, boating, and fishing. Also, the town has a beach perfect for picnicking and swimming, as well as the 3.7-mile Gold Hill Trail that offers scenic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. History-loving seniors will enjoy exploring the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum as it offers exhibits touching on the area’s industries, the Ice Age floods, and the Kootenai and Kalispel people who once called the area home.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a charming mountain town suitable for adventurous retirees as it has picturesque scenery, laid-back town vibes, crisp mountain air, and abundant outdoor activities. Seniors here will love hiking or biking the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path, as it is relaxing and incredibly beautiful. Also, Stowe invites seniors to Smugglers Notch State Park to hike and enjoy spectacular views of mountains and green valleys, camp in nature, or experience some of the country’s most exciting aerial endeavors with ArborTrek Canopy Adventures.
For seniors with a thing for history, the Stowe Historical Society and Museum is a quaint stop to learn a thing or two about the town's past. Notably, Stowe is home to one of the world's best ski resorts (Stowe Mountain Resort), and in winter, retirees can head to this attraction to enjoy a host of adventures, from skiing to gondola rides and more.
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
Wellsboro is an adventure haven famed for its natural attractions and charming streets lined with gas lamps. Once here, retirees can head to the Pine Creek Gorge or the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and hit the Pine Creek Rail Trail to explore the canyon up close. Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park are both located in this canyon and offer endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and rafting.
Retirees in Wellsboro are also welcome to relax at the Arcadia Theatre with movies or visit the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center to see local artworks, paintings, and sculptures. Meanwhile, the Emerge Healing Arts and Spa is in town to treat visitors to therapeutic massages and interesting art exhibits.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is a lively, charming village in the Adirondack Mountains region renowned as a hotbed for outdoor pursuits. Active seniors will love it here, as Lake Placid, Mirror Lake, the Ausable River, the surrounding mountains, and a few historic and cultural attractions await exploration. Retirees can start by fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding on Mirror Lake or picnicking at Mid's Park, which has views of the crystal clear Lake.
Next, the Lake Placid Center for the Arts is a great place to enjoy a wide range of performances, while the Olympic Ski Jump Complex offers thrilling zip line adventures and a Skyride experience that presents panoramic 360-degree views of Lake Placid. Notably, Lake Placid is famous for hosting the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum offers a bit of history about this global sporting event.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is one of the most ideal towns for adventurous seniors, thanks to its location in the Ozark Mountains and its stunning Victorian architecture. Seniors here will love a gentle stroll through the historic downtown, where structures like the Palace Hotel and Bath House, and Crescent Hotel showcase the town’s Victorian appeal.
While at it, a stop at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum is recommended to learn about how the healing waters in the area made it a bustling health resort almost overnight. Also, don’t miss out on a visit to the historic Blue Spring Heritage Center, as it is beautiful and has been a settlement, one of the most important sites for several Indian nations, including the Cherokee, Osage, and Quapaw people, for thousands of years.
Besides the history, Seniors can visit Lake Leatherwood City Park to hike over 25 miles of trails or kayak and boat in the water. Meanwhile, wildlife lovers can always visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to spot animals such as cougars, lions, and other wild cats.
Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas is one of the liveliest coastal destinations for active retirees as it features sparkling beaches, friendly people, and plenty of attractions to keep everyone busy. Located on Mustang Island, this town is home to Port Aransas Beach, a spacious and beautiful shoreline where seniors can relax, surf, sunbathe, or just enjoy gorgeous views.
Additionally, Port Aransas is renowned as the Fishing Capital of Texas, and the Horace Caldwell Pier and the Pier at Roberts Point Park are prime spots to enjoy some incredible fishing. Also, many boat tours are available in town to take seniors deep into the bay and its channels. For more adventures, boat tours are offered from the Fisherman’s Wharf to San Jose Island, where more opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, and picnicking are offered.
Meanwhile, the Port Aransas Nature Preserve is a great place in town to enjoy calm nature walks and see a wide range of birds, including waterfowl and songbirds. For a dose of history, the Port Aransas Museum is in town and features exhibits about the area’s maritime trade and its early people. Additionally, the Port Aransas Arts Center invites retirees to browse through its art exhibits, purchase some beautiful items at the gift shop, and join interesting art classes.
The US offers an endless list of lively travel destinations suitable for active seniors who want to spend their golden years exploring, but these are some of the best. From Moab, with its proximity to impressively carved rock formations, to Port Aransas and its beautiful beaches, these towns are amazing places full of things to see and do, ensuring seniors remain active at all times. Whether you like history, art, or thrilling outdoor activities, these towns have something to keep everyone exploring. At these destinations, the adventures only stop when you are tired because you will never run out of entertainment.
