Top 10 US Travel Destinations for Retired Couples

Read about the destinations as well as learn a little bit about each one - including great ways to relax in that city, how/where to immerse yourself in the culture, and adventurous outings that are either in or nearby the destination.

TRAVEL

9/12/20243 min read

a large stone building with a sign in front of it
a large stone building with a sign in front of it

Feel free to copy, paste, and print so you can play this game at home with your spouse!

This is really simple. Give your partner the clues, see if they can guess the destination, and then talk about the relaxation, culture, and adventurous things you can do in that city. Who knows, you might find a new place you want to travel to! (This is pasted directly from our youtube notes for the video, so we hope it's not too wonky!)

Top 10 Travel Destinations For Retirees

Clues: coastal town on east coast, southern cuisines, it’s city market

Charleston, South Carolina

Relaxation: Sullivan's Island - A small beach town at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, where you can relax on the sand, look for shells and sand dollars, and spot marine life.

Cultural Experiences: Just BEING there - cobblestone streets, flickering lanterns. Festivals embrace southern culture.

Adventure: Sailing, ziplining, ropes adventure course

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Clues: red rock formations and state park, cosmic forces - sacred and powerful, known as new age capital

Sedona, Arizona

Relaxation: meditation, yoga, The Cathedral Rock Vortex - the energy here flows down into the earth, perfect for those seeking introspection and balance in their overly busy lives - considered the strongest vortex in the area.

Cultural Experiences: Arts & Crafts Village - Tlaquepaque (pronounced T-la-keh-pah-keh) means the “best of everything”, Sedona landmark since the 1970's. Its vine-covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways and arched entryways - Tasteful galleries and unique shops giant sycamore trees

Adventure: Pink Jeep Tours. Since 1960, the most talked about off-road adventures in the Southwest - known as a “must-do” tour. Takes place on the red rock formations.

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Clues: on northeast coast, lighthouses, included in dirty limerick (nantucket)

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Relaxation: known for their beautiful sunsets because of views of the Atlantic, the bays and harbors

Cultural Experiences: Known for art and music, beautiful beaches, ice cream parlors, foodie places to eat and charming boutiques, Provincetown is also known for celebrating individuality and freedom of expression.

Adventure: “Long Point” - An interesting walk across the harbor to visit the lighthouse.

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Clues: in Texas, puffy tacos, the Alamo

San Antonio, Texas

Relaxation: The riverwalk, the Japanese tea garden

Cultural Experiences: The Riverwalk

Adventure: Six Flags Fiesta Texas

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Clues: Biltmore Estate, Blueridge Parkway (winding through mountains), friendly community

Asheville, North Carolina

Relaxation: Asheville Salt Cave - a Himalayan crystal salt cave - improved breathing and digestion

Cultural Experiences: Biltmore Village - a unique shopping experience Designed by world-renowned architects, Biltmore Village was modeled to embody the look of a cozy English town with a European vibe.

Adventure: Only 45 minutes away, at the TN border - Rafting in the Smokies Upper Pigeon Whitewater Trip

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Clues: buffalo, mountains, geysers - old faithful

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Relaxation: Yellowstone Hot Springs - unique soaking experience in mineral-rich pools. The pools have different temperatures, including a hot pool, main pool, and cold plunge

Cultural Experiences: Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center - 27 Indigenous tribes - beadwork, moccasin making, dancing, storytelling, quillwork, and more

Adventure: hiking - 1,100 miles of hike-able trails over mountains, through valleys and across waterways

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Clues: Spanish Moss, one of the first planned cities in the country, one of the most visited cities in the south

Savannah, Georgia

Relaxation: Forsyth Park (for·sithe) - leisurely walk, pic-nic, the beautiful fountain, and Spanish moss covered trees

Cultural Experiences: many historic buildings, a diverse food scene, including fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and barbecue.

Adventure: America’s most haunted city! Ghost tours and haunted inns

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Clues: 7k feet high, Spanish architecture, green chiles

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Relaxation: soak in private high-altitude hot tubs and many spring-fed pools.

Cultural Experiences: (yoo-neh-skow) the international honor of being a UNESCO Creative City - 250+ galleries, 20+ museums, and a handful of immersive art experiences

Adventure: snow skiing, flyfish, horseback ride, hike, and bike, raft and play golf

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Clues: wine, cheese, olive oil and bread…, 400+ wineries, some of the most diverse soils found on earth

Napa Valley, California

Relaxation: Napa Valley Wine Train / At the north end of the valley, in the town of Calistoga, high volcanic ash content and geothermal hot springs has generated a local specialty: therapeutic and rejuvenating mud baths and mineral pools.

Cultural Experiences: THE FOOD & WINE

Adventure: hiking, biking, paddleboards, hot air balloons

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Clues: Hemingway Home and Museum, closer to Havana, Cuba than Miami, most sea turtle nests in the US.

Key West, Florida

Relaxation: From keywestboattrips.com

“Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Each day, about two hours before sunset, a crowd gathers at Key West’s famous Mallory Square for a ritual that has been happening for over 50 years. It’s the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, which every Key West visitor should do when they visit this southernmost city. You’ll have a beautiful view of a Key West sunset as it dips below the horizon over Sunset Key.

The party starts with vendors setting up their food, art, and craft booths. Enjoy some Key West food and shop for souvenirs. You’ll also see street performers sharing their talents. Sunset is a magical experience in Key West, and the admiring crowd claps in appreciation of another great day in paradise.”

Cultural Experiences: dazzling historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and “Floribbean” character

Adventure: snorkeling and kayaking through the Mangrove Swamps