Top US Travel Destinations for Retirees

After a lifetime of hard work, retirement beckons with the allure of reconnecting with the world through travel. And while traveling outside the United States has its own advantages and causes for excitement, domestic tourism also comes with a range of practical benefits, including the potential for cheaper travel and easier access. Along with this practicality, the US is overflowing with towns, cities, and states whose landscapes, cultures, and attractions will help you live out your greatest travel fantasies with a gained zeal for adventure.

From beach towns with tranquil, sandy shores to cities whose charming historic districts will transport you to the past, discover six top US travel destinations for retirees hoping to embrace worlds beyond their own.

Alaska

From whale-watching excursions to mountain scenes prettier than any postcard, Alaska is one of the most sought-after travel destinations for retirees. For those looking to relax or avoid the stresses of an overly mobile vacation, Alaskan cruises are an increasingly popular way to see the wonders of the state, and many companies, like Norwegian Cruise Line, even offer discounts for senior travelers. Alternatively, if you would prefer a more hands-on, active approach, there are countless other ways to explore the depths of Alaska, like the Alaskan railroad or more intensive group tours. But no matter the route, the sights and experiences will scratch every bit of your travel itch.

As simple as it may sound, driving through Alaska’s gorgeous countryside is one of the top things to do in this chilly state, which is why many choose to ride the rails. You can sit back, relax, and savor the sights of the Alaskan wilderness from the comfort of your seat without the hassle of driving and missing the sights. The Alaskan railroad hosts various event trains held throughout the year, like the upcoming Easter Train or The Great Alaska Beer Train, but the non-event trains are equally enticing.

For a more interactive adventure, companies like Alaskan Tour Guides offer fabulous specialized tours for seniors, promising a worry-free vacation. They take care of everything from accommodations to transportation and everything in between, prioritizing convenience and safety to ensure you have the best possible experience. You can take part in exciting excursions like trips to Kenai Fjords National Park for whale watching and other thrilling adventures like a raft tour through Alaska’s icebergs.

Sarasota, Florida

If you were hoping for a travel destination where you can ditch the parka, anywhere in Florida is a strong contender. But to narrow your search, Sarasota is one of the best cities in the state for retirees hoping to unwind and soak in some sun. Temperatures average 72˚F on this side of the US, and Sarasota has 255 days of sunshine every year, so you can lighten the load of your suitcase and ditch the sweaters for some sunscreen and flip-flops.

Sarasota has a thriving population of retiree-locals, since Sarasota County as a whole has a senior population of 35%, with numbers continuing to climb. As a visitor, you may even find yourself tempted to extend your stay once you get a taste of the Sarasota lifestyle. The Sarasota Jungle Gardens and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are just a few examples of the beautiful places to get your steps in, or you can opt for a slower stroll at attractions like the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to encounter over 100 different species of marine wildlife.

If you want to get out into nature but would prefer a more relaxed pace, Myakka River State Park offers a tranquil riverboat tour, and there are also countless serene beaches in Sarasota overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The Siesta Key beach is a local favorite, ranked by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™ as the 2nd best beach in the US and 9th best beach in the world in 2024.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio, Texas, is another US city with a warm climate and mild winters, making it especially ideal for retirees looking to escape somewhere sunny during the colder months. But no matter the time of year you visit, the San Antonio River Walk (nicknamed, “The Venice of Texas”) will be the highlight of your stay. With over 39 million annual visitors, this unique blend of city park and pedestrian street is one of the most famous attractions in the state, and its high-walkability is the perfect way to see and experience a ton of attractions in a condensed area.

Strolling the riverwalk is the best way to experience the shopping and dining, but take a GoRIO River Cruise if you get the chance. The river views are phenomenal, but the engaging and knowledgeable tour guides are the real stars of the show. Back on land, Tex-Mex restaurants are a signature of the River Walk, places like Iron Cactus serving delicious food with warm hospitality. For drinks, make sure to save time for Esquire, the River Walk’s oldest bar, built in 1933 to mark the end of prohibition. Tons of other historic attractions and museums can also be visited in the area, like the Aztec Theatre, the Briscoe museum of Western art one street over, and the historic Alamo. Built in the 18th-century, if the walls of this historic Spanish mission could talk, it would tell the story of its claim to fame. As the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution, this is one historic site you will not want to skip.

For a break from the heat, step into the Rivercenter Mall to enjoy shopping and air conditioning or cool down with a cold treat at the River Walk’s retro ice cream parlor, Mr. Ice Cream. Keep in mind, if all this walking sounds a bit overwhelming for a blazing Texas summer, visiting in the wintertime is much milder and comes with the additional perk of holiday lights strung through the River Walk for a truly enchanting effect.

Bar Harbor, Maine

On Mount Desert Island, overlooking Maine’s Frenchman Bay, the tiny town of Bar Harbor is a gateway to one of the most-visited national parks in the US. Over 4 million people visit Acadia National Park every year, and it has become extremely popular with retirees looking to get out into nature. From the tallest summit on the eastern seaboard to a fabulous rocky coastline, Acadia has some of the grandest views in the country, stretching across 47,000 acres. And while this astonishing size may sound intimidating, there are plenty of hiking trails for any skill set. Trails like the Jordan Pond Path and Ship Harbor Trail are just a few examples of routes fit for people of all ages and abilities, and the views will not disappoint.

Companies like Oli’s Trolley also make wandering the island easy, offering narrated trolley tours through the national park as well as downtown Bar Harbor. While downtown, there is plenty else to see and do, like window shopping on Main Street, sampling fresh local seafood at restaurants like The Stadium, and seeing a show at the historic Criterion Theatre. The downtown Acadia Hotel is a cozy accommodation choice for easy access to the most bustling part of town, or you may prefer a more secluded waterfront stay at places like Devilstone Cottage. All in all, whether you use Bar Harbor as a gateway to Acadia or enjoy its resort town pleasures, this coastal community will satisfy all your travel desires.

San Diego, California

Over in San Diego, California, the city features a nice blend of walkable attractions and different means of transportation to accommodate however active you would prefer to be on your next vacation. While a walking tour is a great way to get some exercise in, the Old Town Trolley is arguably too good to pass up, and is known for being one of the best ways to explore the city’s highlights. Its driver is trained to point out prominent landmarks and guide guests through San Diego’s history in a lighthearted way to keep riders entertained, and there are 11 stops to get on or deboard from. With more than 100 points of interest on the tour, you may just want to put these stops to use.

Attractions like Little Italy are a great place to deboard for world-class dining, while other stops will bring you to scenic areas like Balboa Park, a gorgeous strollable garden with the San Diego Zoo right next door. One of the stops also leads you to Old Town, San Diego’s oldest neighborhood. With over 30 one-of-a-kind restaurants and 35 historic sites and museums, you may have to spread your visit over a few days to appreciate everything Old Town has to offer. One particular attraction is a stand-out with paranormal enthusiasts and history lovers. The Whaley House Museum was constructed in 1856 on the former site of a town gallow, and it is famous for being one of California’s two officially designated haunted houses.

Aside from the trolley attractions, if you want to take advantage of this coastal city, leave time to leave land behind. Across from downtown, you can board a ferry to Coronado, where the breathtaking beaches stretch for miles. Coronado Central Beach is amongst the most popular, but if you happen to be traveling with a 4-legged companion, the dog-friendly North Beach will be the best shore to take a seaside stroll. To spend more time on the water, why not book an excursion to sail across San Diego Bay with services like San Diego Sailing Tours?

Savannah, Georgia

Akin to San Diego, Savannah, Georgia, has fabulous touring methods to make any retiree’s visit as accessible as you desire. Starting from just $74 USD, the Savannah Land and Sea Combo Tour is an experience you will remember for years, first delving into Savannah’s history from an open-air trolley, and then guiding you onto a riverboard to tour the grand Savannah River. Others may prefer to get right out on the water, in which case, the Savannah Dolphin Eco Cruise is the perfect way to experience the picturesque waterway and its ecosystem, including the adored Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. But if you would like to stay on land, there are tons of other ways to explore the city, whether by taking the Walktails & Bar Bites Happy Hour Tour or opting for a more traditional and educational city tour on an Explore Savannah trolley.

In the heart of the city, the Savannah Historic District can be explored on the Old Town Trolley Tour or by foot. As the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, this gorgeous preservation of history is an outdoor museum, transporting its visitors back in time through its cobblestone streets and historic structures. Spread across over twenty city squares, architecture styles range from Greek Revival to Georgian, and you can even rest your head in some of the historic buildings, like the River Street Inn, which has been a part of Savannah’s history for 200 years.

While it is truly tempting to focus your retirement on planning vacations abroad, there are still a variety of factors to consider, like costliness and accessibility. And while a grand trip to Europe or a romantic trip to Asia would surely help you build memories of a lifetime, you can build those same once-in-a-lifetime memories here in the US—and in many cases, at a lower price, with less travel time. Whether you embark on an Alaskan cruise or cozy up in a historic hotel to explore Georgia’s dazzling past, no two towns, cities, or states are exactly alike, nor are the attractions, histories, and people you will encounter. But there is one thing these US destinations have in common: they are thrilled to accommodate, inspire, and excite.