Who says adventure has a shelf life? If you’ve crossed the half-century mark, perhaps you’ve traded sleeping on a hostel floor for sleeping where thread count matters. I definitely prefer glamping these days to sleeping on rocky, uneven ground. Whether you’re looking for solo travel, enjoy exploring with your partner, or love bringing the whole clan along, the U.S. has some truly wonderful gems.
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As someone with a bit of wanderlust, I’ve visited many of the destinations on this list and can confirm how special they are.
- The storybook escape: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Want to feel like you’ve stepped into a European village without the jet lag? Head to Monterey County. Just one square mile, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a pedestrian’s dream.
“Carmel-by-the-Sea feels (and looks) like an old-fashioned storybook brought to life,” notes the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Visitors can explore whimsical cottages, hidden passageways, and a thriving, decades-old arts community. The compact layout, pedestrian-friendly streets, and abundance of benches, courtyards, and scenic lookouts make it accessible for all, including older travelers.”
Don’t miss: Grab the free mobile wine-tasting guide and wander through 50+ art galleries. For dinner, try the Michelin-starred French cuisine at Aubergine. - The heart of the Midwest: Mansfield & Hocking Hills, Ohio
Ignore the flyover state trope. Ohio is becoming a go-to destination for travelers seeking unique experiences without the tourist-trap price tag. Amy Weirick, president at Weirick Communications, highlights Mansfield as a sleeper hit for history buffs and movie fans alike.
“Mansfield is a favorite with older travelers,” she said. “It’s incredibly affordable, offers unusual warmth and friendliness, and is packed with really unique experiences. You can tour the Ohio State Reformatory and a dozen other sites where The Shawshank Redemption was filmed.
An hour away, Hocking Hills offers 10,000 acres of forest and soaring cliffs. Weirick, 64, even tried repelling there. For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground, she recommends the John Glenn Astronomy Park. “This free park has incredible programming. And for just $6 per person, you can also tour Butterfly Ridge and check out the night mothing experiences.” - The “new” Texas: San Antonio’s Pearl District
San Antonio has worked to shed its “just the Alamo” reputation. The Pearl District is a 100% walkable hub blending Southern hospitality with modern luxury.
The Monterey County team said, “Within this district, travelers find a contemporary take on old-world charm. The five-diamond, two-Michelin-key Hotel Emma, housed within a restored 19th-century brewhouse, anchors the district.”
Pro tip: Stay at Hotel Emma and pre-order breakfast delivered to your terrace. Eating by a private fireplace overlooking the River Walk is pure decadence.
- Seeking a coastal vibe: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
One of the top travel destinations in the country, Cape Cod is steeped in history, with charming towns and shops, a leisurely pace, miles of beaches for walking, swimming, and whale-watching, and lots of fresh lobster and other seafood. Visiting during the off-season (spring/fall) means fewer crowds, lower prices, and pleasant weather.
Want to learn the history of one of the original 13 colonies? Take a self-guided driving or walking audio tour of Cape Cod and Provincetown. Rent a bicycle to cruise along the cape or hire a pedicab and learn about the local culture from your guide. While visiting for a wedding, we stayed at the Inn on the Sound at Falmouth, and it was positively magical. - The southern charmer: Charleston, South Carolina
I can confirm that Charleston is a warm hug in city form. It tops travel surveys regularly because it hits the slow-travel travel sweet spot: pastel houses, gas lamps and a world-class food scene. Chubby Fish, Bintu Atelier, and Costa Charleston are three of my favorite restaurants.
Whether you travel here with a partner or alone, you’ll feel right at home. You can stroll the French Quarter in the morning and pull up a bar stool for shrimp and grits in the evening. It feels safe, elegant, and — most importantly — it’s flat, making it easy on the knees.
- The all-ages anchor: San Diego, California
San Diego is the ultimate “everyone wins” destination. It’s great if you’re traveling with the grandkids but still want a spa day for yourself.
“I often recommend San Diego to people of all ages,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago. “For those over 50 who like to take things easy, you can spend your days on the beach, enjoying time at the spa, or seeing the sights on a stroll. If you have kids or grandkids, the zoo and a great theater scene keep everyone entertained.” - The wellness retreat: Montreat, North Carolina
If your idea of a vacation involves less doing and more being, Kelsey Knoedler Perri, VP of programs at Road Scholar, recommends the Tar Heel State and specifically Montreat as a top spot for wellness-themed trips. Road Scholar’s most popular retreats include:
- Yoga for wellness and daily living, which focuses on longevity and mobility.
- Pickleball at Montreat, where you can join the craze at a pace that suits you.
- Nature hiking in the southern Appalachian Mountains, with guided treks that prioritize scenery over speed.
- A relaxed pace and easy exploration: Mackinac Island, Michigan
You don’t have to travel to Venice for a car-free vacation. No cars allowed on Mackinac Island, where horse-drawn carriages, walking, and biking are the only ways to get around. First-time visitors enjoy narrated carriage tours that take them to Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, and the Grand Hotel. Spend some time along the shores of Lake Huron or return to hike and bike around Arch Rock, a beautiful limestone arch, and stroll downtown to browse the shops, indulge in fudge, and enjoy the atmosphere.
The best time to visit is summertime, when everything is open. But if you don’t like crowds, the “shoulder seasons” (spring and fall) feature cooler temperatures (and fewer people).
Pro tip: Stay overnight, so you can experience the island’s full magic. Book in advance, especially ferry tickets and lodging. AARP Travel Center offers 10% off on featured Mackinac hotels, including Mission Point Resort and The Inn at Stonecliffe. - Bright lights and big city: Las Vegas, Nevada
Even if you’re not a high roller, you’ll never get bored in Las Vegas. Shows, dining, the Bellagio Gardens, the Mob Museum, Hoover Dam tours, the Sphere… There’s absolutely something for everyone. Want to see cool geological formations? Check out Zion National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, and we can’t forget the Grand Canyon.
If you flew in and don’t want to rent a car, GoGoGrandparent offers senior-friendly rides and services by phone (you don’t even need an app). RTC Transit offers senior-specific services and discounted fares. Check AARP for plentiful hotel discounts. If your family came along and you’ve got tweens, teens, and young adults, don’t miss Area15 — an inside playground featuring dodgeball, a flight simulator, axe throwing, and a bunch of virtual reality experiences. My favorite part of Vegas? The shows. Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and the Viva Vision Light Show along Fremont Street are a chef’s kiss.
Pro tip: Time your visit for the day or early evening for lighter crowds; evenings get very busy and boisterous. And all that walking on concrete is not kind to feet, so bring one or two pairs of comfortable shoes!
- Bucket list icons: Hawai’i and Alaska
I can’t talk about senior travel without mentioning the big two. Kara Simmons, founder of Ready, Set, Booked!, said that Hawai’i and Alaskan cruises remain the most booked destinations for her 50+ clients.
- For a slower pace, she suggests skipping the Honolulu bustle and heading to Kauai. It offers a gentler atmosphere and lush scenery that feels like a private paradise. One of my friends lives in Kauai, and I can confirm that it never feels crowded and the people there are lovely.
- An Alaskan cruise is perfect for getting up close and personal with glaciers. My teen and I traveled the Inner Passage this past summer, and one excursion took us to the Endicott Arm glacier. Talk about a humbling experience. Most lines offer easy physical ratings, so you can see glaciers—like the Hubbard Glacier—from the comfort of a climate-controlled balcony. (Definitely don’t skip dogsledding if you visit Juneau.)
Honorable (international) mentions
While the U.S. has plenty to offer, some destinations are worth the long-haul flight. Simmons said that many of her clients have booked visits to these international favorites this year:
- Ireland
- Germany and Austria
- Panama
- Fiji and Australia
- Bhutan
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