…Who said that retirees can’t have fun?
If you’re a retiree or soon plan to be one, pack your bags and get ready to see our beautiful country! Now that your golden years are here or just around the corner, you’re probably thinking of ways to have fun and relax. You’ve worked a lot, you did everything right, and now you want to take a step back and enjoy the life you’ve built throughout the years.
If you’ve always wanted to see the world but didn’t have a chance to do so, now’s your time! Pack your bags, bring a camera with you, take your sunglasses and your significant other, and get ready to be amazed.
I suggest you begin your travel adventure by visiting some of the most amazing places in the United States. Our country is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth, so you don’t want to miss it.
If you have no idea where to go, I’ve compiled a list for you. This article is for everyone, whether you’re a music lover, sports enthusiast, nature lover, or simply an amateur photographer! Let’s begin!
1. Yellowstone National Park
If you’re a retiree who loves spending time in nature, Yellowstone National Park is the place for you. Nearly 3,500 square kilometers in size, this wilderness sits atop a volcano and is well-known for its geysers.
It’s home to hundreds of different animal species and is popular for its stunning gorges, alpine rivers, lush forests, and hot springs. If you want to see animals, you’ll be thrilled to discover a high chance of seeing bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelopes.
Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho are home to the 1st national park in the United States and the globe. Those who like seeing nature at its best in retirement would greatly benefit from this trip.
Old Faithful Geyser, Lamar Valley, the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Hayden Valley Trail should all be high on your list of things to do while visiting Yellowstone National Park. You can also check out the Yellowstone History Museum to find out all sorts of strange things about our fantastic nation.
To get the most out of this trip, you should visit Yellowstone in April, May, September, and October. This way, you’ll avoid crowds and also enjoy the nice weather.
2. Hawaii
If you’re a retiree who loves sandy beaches and clear waters, pack your Hoola shirt and get ready to see stunning Hawaii. The landscape is breathtaking, the locals are kind and welcoming, the cuisine is excellent, there are plenty of things to do, and the pace of life is slow and easy.
Besides that, did you know that Hawaii has the lowest population density of any state in the US? Despite its isolation (it’s 3,850 miles from Japan and 2,390 miles from California), the island is a major draw for vacationers from all over the globe. Also, a fantastic vacation spot for when you finally get ready to become a new retiree.
There are 8 primary islands that make up the Hawaiian state: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island. But which of Hawaii’s islands would you recommend for retirees? Let’s see a quick breakdown of a few of them. Click on the next page!
- Oahu: is budget-friendly and perfect for those who love surfing;
- Kauai: if you enjoy hiking and admiring the landscape, this is for you. This island is a paradise for plants and trees, as well as for sandy beaches that are top-notch. However, don’t forget to take your umbrella with you because it rains a lot;
- Hawaii’s Big Island: this is a paradise if you’re a retiree who’s all about lava fields and stunning snow-capped mountains. You won’t have time to get bored here since there are plenty of things to do, so give it a try;
- Maui: if you love living in the city as well as in a village, this island is a balanced mix of both. If you decide to go there, make sure you visit the West Maui Mountains, the Hana Highway, and Haleakala.
3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a fantastic place to go on a hiking vacation if you’re a nature lover and have some free time after retirement. If you go there in the warmer months, you might enjoy several outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and rafting.
However, if you prefer to visit Jackson Hole during the winter months, you’ll have a wonderful time skiing and snowboarding in the United States. This place has earned a reputation for its stunning scenery, relaxing atmosphere, exciting culture, and high-end amenities.
The valley between the Grand Tetons and the Gros Ventres mountain ranges isn’t only visually magnificent but also a cultural paradise for anyone with an appreciation for fine cuisine, art, and devine music.
It’s a fantastic place to spend your golden years, but be prepared to spend money (some things are budget-friendly, some aren’t, so be ready to experience both). Make sure you visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks on the same vacation to Jackson Hole – it’s so pretty, you don’t want to miss it.
4. New Orleans
New Orleans is the perfect place to visit as a retiree if you want to experience lively nightlife, a thriving live music scene, and exquisite Creole food. This is such a pretty place, with an amazing culture, that you’ll have the time of your life there!
The city is well-known for its annual Mardi Gras celebrations and other carnival festivities, as well as its distinctive music and food. It’s a cultural melting pot of French, African, and American influences, making it unlike any other city in the United States.
The French Quarter, the city’s historic core, has a blend of French and Spanish Creole architecture, as well as Bourbon Street, and lively entertainment district – is definitely a must-visit.
To see the most of what this amazing city has to offer, you should give yourself at least a couple of full days there. It’s best to plan a trip to New Orleans around February or March to see the city at its most festive during Mardi Gras, which takes place on different dates every year.
5. Grand Canyon
A trip to the Grand Canyon should be on everyone’s list of things to do at least once. It’s one of the most amazing things our country has to offer! The sheer size of the Grand Canyon and its surrounding gorges, ridges, and rock formations leave every visitor speechless.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk has glass walkways that allow visitors to see down onto the canyon bottom from a height of 4,100 feet. However, this might give you chills, so be careful when you go there. Rim Trail and Bright Angel Trail are 2 of the greatest hikes in the area, and you should also spend time at Havasu Falls. These places are the best, so check them out.
More daring retirees can go rafting on the Colorado River or take a helicopter tour of the area. A vacation to the Grand Canyon can easily be combined with a trip to Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam, which is perfect.
You can bring or rent a recreational vehicle and stay at a campground close to the Grand Canyon. These campgrounds are often considered to be the best of their kind, so visit them!
6. New York City
Can you visit America without stopping for a couple of days in New York City? We don’t think so. When you’re a retiree, visiting this incredible city is a must.
There is so much to see and do there that you will never get bored. Our favorite thing about this place is that, no matter how many times you’ve been to New York, you’ll always find something new.
It’s a fantastic vacation spot all year round, but you’ll want to set aside at least a few days to see all the city has to offer. Some of the best attractions there include:
- Central Park – the perfect combination of nature and modern architecture;
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art – if you’re a fan of the MET Gala, you’ll love this place;
- Little Italy and Chinatown;
- 9/11 Memorial;
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island;
- Brooklyn Bridge – take a walk on the bridge, because the view is breathtaking;
- Empire State Building – speechless;
- SoHo;
- Wall Street;
- Broadway Show;
- West Village.
7. A cruise to Alaska
If you take a cruise to Alaska, you’ll see some of the most unspoiled wilderness in the United States. In addition to the salmon, moose, caribou, bears, whales, bison, and puffins, you can also see stunning fjords, mountains, lakes, rivers, and waterways. It’s so beautiful there that we can’t stop dreaming about our next vacation!
You’ll have the best time ever during a voyage to Alaska between May and September when the weather is good, not too chilly or too hot. Since temperatures are at their maximum and the weather is often brighter in July and August, these are also the busiest months for tourists. If you don’t like crowded places, it’s probably best to avoid traveling there during that period.
Make sure you include Fairbanks on your cruise itinerary if you want to see the northern lights. We recommend you do so because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From August 21st to April 21st, the Aurora Borealis might be seen on an average of 45% of the evenings when the sky is bright and dark enough. Alaska is a place that’s full of surprises, but you’ll have to check the moon phases before making any travel plans.
8. Route 66
The last place on our list that all retirees should visit is Route 66. You can travel there via motorhome, vintage automobile, recreational vehicle, or motorcycle, and you’ll be amazed by all the gorgeous things you’ll see along the way.
Do whatever it is you’ve always wanted to do, and then hit the road. You already know that “retirement is not the end of the road, but the beginning of the open highway,” as the saying goes. Moreover, there’s more to it than just imagining yourself on Route 66.
You can stop wherever you want, take pictures, visit different places, try all sorts of amazing food, find accommodation for a couple of days, and do so many other things. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be scared to try new things!
This is a famous highway that stretches approximately 2,400 miles across 8 states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
The Mother Road begins in Chicago, and its endpoint is Santa Monica, California, on the Pacific Ocean. Trust us, this is one of the most stunning things the US has to offer, and you can’t say no to such a beauty!
…Do you want to see other places to visit? Then check out this article to discover more insights on where you should travel next: 12 Great USA Vacation Spots for Each Month of 2023!
