{"id":11413,"date":"2018-03-19T10:00:09","date_gmt":"2018-03-19T14:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aarp.waveinteractive.com\/blog\/?p=11413"},"modified":"2018-07-24T13:25:03","modified_gmt":"2018-07-24T17:25:03","slug":"8-top-vacation-spots-retirees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/8-top-vacation-spots-retirees\/","title":{"rendered":"8 of the Best Vacation Spots for Retirees"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you retired recently or have long since settled into your life of leisure, it\u2019s time to travel! After all, what better way to spend your hard-earned retirement? Now is the time to visit those places you\u2019ve always through about seeing.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for retirement travel ideas, you\u2019re in luck. We\u2019ve found eight of the best spots in the United States to savor your newfound freedom. From wine tasting to world-class golfing. These spots offer relaxing, yet exciting ways to celebrate the joys of retirement.<\/p>\n

1. Jefferson, TX<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Via Flickr\/Maciej Kraus<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Steeped in history, Jefferson is the perfect spot to travel in retirement. Take a slow stroll through the quaint downtown, or sample the region\u2019s comfort foods. Be sure to tour the many historic landmarks along the way. Make time to explore the mysterious and enchanting Caddo Lake, too. You\u2019ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy this welcoming bayou town in the piney woods of East Texas.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Treat yourself to a comfy stay at centrally located Delta Street Inn B&B<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to eat:<\/strong> Feast on the fabulous, fried pickles at Auntie Skinner\u2019s Riverboat Club Restaurant and Bar.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss: <\/strong>Take a moonlit pontoon ride on Caddo Lake with Mystique Tours in neighboring Uncertain.<\/p>\n

2. Las Cruces, NM<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Via Flickr\/Corey Taratuta<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Las Cruces makes a great retirement getaway. With an average of 294 days of sunshine per year, a booming wine culture, and some of the best food in the southwest. There is something here for everyone. Enjoy a day of shopping, history, and margaritas in Old Mesilla Village. Soak up the ideal weather with an afternoon of golfing or hiking.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Enjoy stellar views at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to eat<\/strong>: Indulge in the best eggplant parmigiana you\u2019ll ever eat at Lorenzo\u2019s Italian Restaurant.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss<\/strong>: Imbibe your way down the Mesilla Valley Wine Trail\u2014it\u2019s the oldest wine-producing region in North America.<\/p>\n

3. Yakima, WA<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Via FLickr\/Walter Smith<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

If you retired so you could spend more time outdoors, make your way to Yakima. Any time of year is a good time to visit. The city enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Better yet, it has four distinct seasons. Enjoy golfing and hiking in the warmer months. In the winter, put on your snowshoes and enjoy the crisp air. There\u2019s year-round adventure waiting in Yakima. Looking for some wine tasting or apple picking? Explore the orchards and wineries that pepper the fertile valley.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Post up in the heart of the action by booking a room at Hotel Maison<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to eat:<\/strong> Savor the cedar plank salmon at Carousel French Cuisine.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/strong> Stop by Johnson Orchards to pick apples and sample cider.<\/p>\n

4. Williamsburg, VA<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Via Flickr\/Ron Cogswell<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Known as the world\u2019s largest living history museum, Williamsburg exudes yesteryear charm. Relish its cobblestone streets, historic taverns, and costumed townsfolk. Role-playing citizens chatter in the diction of colonial times. Even if you\u2019re not a history buff, this city has plenty more to offer. There are ample shopping and dining options. Seek out the vibrant gardens throughout town. It\u2019s the perfect spot to slow down and savor the pleasures of retirement.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong>: Treat yourself to an indulgent stay at Williamsburg Inn–A Colonial Williamsburg Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to eat<\/strong>: Enjoy a tasty meal and rousing conversation at Food For Thought restaurant.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss<\/strong>: Immerse yourself in the past at Williamsburg\u2019s renowned historic area.<\/p>\n

5. Kailua-Kona, HI<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Via Flickr\/Blake Handley<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019ve been saving a trip to Hawaii for retirement, Kailua-Kona is well worth the wait. Dry, sunny weather awaits against a backdrop of dramatic volcanic slopes. This Big Island jewel is as breathtaking as it is relaxing. Kailua-Kona has delicious coffee, flea markets, and history\u2014King Kamehameha lived here! It also offers incredible golfing and snorkeling spots.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong>: Splurge on the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to eat<\/strong>: Sample the savory pan-roasted mahi mahi at Holuakoa Gardens.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss<\/strong>: Experience a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour with Big Island Expedition with Leisure Time in Hilo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. Grand Junction, CO<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Via Flickr\/jimmy thomas<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Maybe you skipped Grand Junction when you were still in the workforce. Luckily, this underappreciated town is best explored when you have plenty of time, making it the ideal pick for retirees! Grand Junction offers tons of activities, including golfing, hiking, and snow sports. It also boasts more than 20 wineries and vineyards in the area, plus easy access to the breathtaking 63-mile Mesa Scenic Byway.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Enjoy a relaxing stay at the laid-back Grand Vista Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to eat: <\/strong>Pair a glass of wine with the exceptional paella at 626 on Rood.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss:<\/strong> Take an excursion to Grand Mesa, the world\u2019s largest flat-top mountain.<\/p>\n

7. Sarasota, FL<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Via Flickr\/Catal\u00e1n<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Nothing says relaxation like miles of white-sand beaches and a perfect climate. That\u2019s why Sarasota is one of the top travel destinations for retirees. Spend your days soaking up the sun and splashing in the gentle waters. If you feel like exploring, visit the area\u2019s botanical gardens, museums, and aquariums. Love indulging your inner foodie? Experience Sarasota\u2019s eclectic eateries, from coastal seafood shacks to swanky spots downtown.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong>: Embrace the tropical vibe by booking a room at Lido Beach Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to eat<\/strong>: Sample fresh seasonal fare at Lila Sarasota.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss<\/strong>: Allow enough time to explore the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.<\/p>\n

8. Galena, IL<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Via Flickr\/kmaschke<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Conjure up an image of the quintessential Midwestern town. What appears in your mind will match Galena, Illinois. With gift shops and antique stores galore, it\u2019s easy to please your inner shopaholic. Prefer to test your luck? You\u2019ll find casinos here, too! Beyond the shops and slots, there\u2019s plenty to do in Galena, such as visiting museums, skiing, and even wine tasting.<\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/strong>: Book a room at the picturesque lakeside Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What to eat<\/strong>: Savor the shrimp-stuffed lemon pepper ravioli at Fried Green Tomatoes.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss<\/strong>: Step into the past as you explore Ulysses S. Grant\u2019s former home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Whether you retired recently or have long since settled into your life of leisure, it\u2019s time to travel! After all, what better way to spend your hard-earned retirement? Now is the time to visit those places you\u2019ve always through about seeing. If you\u2019re looking for retirement travel ideas, you\u2019re in luck. We\u2019ve found eight of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":11438,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[221,209],"tags":[1532,1531,1525,1529,1530,1526,1524,1528,1527],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n8 of the Best Vacation Spots for Retirees - AARP Travel Center Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When you\u2019re retired, travel is often a focus. 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