Top 5 Underrated U.S. Travel Destinations for Retirees
Where to Go Now That You Finally Have the Time
You finally made it. The kids are grown, the work emails have stopped, and you've got time to breathe. And maybe, for the first time in a while, you're asking yourself—where should we go?
Sure, there's always Florida or Vegas. But what if you're craving something different? A place with fewer crowds, easy to get around, great food—and a little charm?
These five spots are perfect for retirees. They're easy, beautiful, and a little off the radar. I've been to some myself, and others are recommended by clients who came back raving. So, let's plan your next trip.
Traverse City, Michigan – Wine, Water, and Cherry Pie
The first time I went to Traverse City, I thought it would be just cherries and lake views. Instead, we left wondering if we should buy a vineyard and retire early. We flew into Detroit and combined this trip with a stop by The Henry Ford Museum (www.TheHenryFord.org)
The town, nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, offers a serene escape. The pace is unhurried, the locals are welcoming, and the view is the kind that invites you to sit back and unwind.
We climbed Sleeping Bear Dunes once. It's not easy, but standing at the top, looking over the lake, I forgot about my sore legs (an excellent excuse for a massage at a local spa). If hiking's not your thing, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive gives you those same views from the comfort of your car.
We nearly got into trouble on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail. Chateau Chantal is a favorite, but Brys Estate had a view that made us order a second glass. There's something about sipping wine with that lake breeze—it just works.
And the food? Dinner at Trattoria Stella, tucked inside an old asylum, sounds strange but is one of the best Italian meals we've had. And you can't leave without pie from The Cherry Hut. Trust me.
The best time to visit: Late spring to early fall. Avoid July unless you like crowds and festival energy.
St. George, Utah – Red Rocks and Blue Skies
We met a couple from Denver who planned to visit St. George for a week five years ago. They bought a place and never left.
It's red rocks everywhere. The kind of place that looks like Mars but with golf courses. It's sunny almost every day, and the air feels clean—like you're breathing better just by being there.
Exploring Snow Canyon State Park, we discovered a landscape that felt like nature's best-kept secret. Lava tubes, petrified dunes—it's all here, without the crowds of Zion, offering a unique and thrilling experience.
Tuacahn Amphitheater is something else. We saw a musical under the stars, with the canyon walls glowing red behind the stage. It felt like nature was part of the show.
And the food? Cliffside Restaurant is all about the view. We watched the sunset over the desert while cutting into a perfect ribeye.
Breakfast at Bear Paw Cafe? Pancakes the size of your head.
Best time to visit: Spring or fall. Summer is hot—and I mean hot (it's a desert).
Santa Fe, New Mexico – Art, Adobe, and Green Chile
As I said before, my wife Crystal is originally from New Mexico, so we have visited Santa Fe multiple times. It has also been around for 400 years, but we seem to find new things to explore every time we go there.
Halfway through a bowl of green chile stew at The Shed, I realized retirement should taste like this.
Santa Fe is warm adobe buildings, art on every corner, and the smell of roasting chiles drifting through the air. It's slow-paced—you stroll, you eat, you soak it in.
The Plaza is the heart of it all. The last time we were there, we picked up turquoise earrings from a woman (the artist) sitting under the Palace of the Governors. Then we grabbed a coffee and sat under a 400-year-old portico, watching the world go by.
The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, though small, is a powerhouse of inspiration. Her desert paintings take on a new life when you're standing under that same sky. Then there's Canyon Road, a half-mile stretch lined with art galleries. We stumbled upon one that had a cow sculpture made entirely of bottle caps, a testament to the city's artistic richness.
Dinner at Tomasita's? Enchiladas smothered in red chile. Coyote Cafe's rooftop margaritas hit just right, especially with the sunset.
Best time to visit: Fall. Cool weather, fewer tourists.
Door County, Wisconsin – Water Views and Cherry Blossoms
I was eating Swedish pancakes at Al Johnson's when I looked up—there were goats on the roof.
Door County feels like the Midwest's answer to Cape Cod. It has small towns, lighthouses, boats on the water, and cherry orchards everywhere.
Peninsula State Park is perfect for a slow walk along the water. In the fall, the trees explode with color. We took the ferry to Washington Island and sat on smooth white stones at Schoolhouse Beach, listening to the waves.
The fish boil at White Gull Inn is a must. They cook the fish over an open fire, then toss kerosene on it, and the flames shoot up like a volcano. It sounds odd, but the meal is simple and perfect.
Wilson's Ice Cream Parlor has been there for over 100 years. Their root beer float tastes like childhood. Wild Tomato makes pizzas with fresh ingredients—the kind you think about long after you've gone home.
Best time to visit: May for cherry blossoms or September for fall colors. Winter is cold, and most businesses close from October to April.
Sedona, Arizona – Red Rocks and Relaxation
A woman at the vortex told me it healed her arthritis. I don't know about that, but my knees did feel better after the spa.
Sedona is red rocks that glow at sunset, art galleries with driftwood sculptures, and spas that smell like lavender.
Cathedral Rock is iconic. We didn't hike it but sat at the base and watched the light change. That was enough.
Tlaquepaque Arts Village feels like a little European town. It has cobblestone paths, fountains, and a shop selling turquoise jewelry that made my wife seriously consider our budget.
Dinner at Elote Cafe? Get the fire-roasted corn. The Hudson does burgers with a view that stretches forever.
Best time to visit: Spring or fall. Summer is too hot.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
So, where's your next trip? Cherry pie by the lake? Red rocks and spas? Retirement is your time. Pick a place, pack a bag—you've earned it.
Jeff Kikel is the President and Founder of Freedom Day Wealth Management and The President of Sure Horizon Retirement Advisors. Known as the "Stress-Free Retirement Guy," Jeff shares his knowledge on this site as well as through his YouTube Shows, "The Stress-Free Retirement Project" and "The Cents of Things". He is also the author of 10 books on personal finance and business. Jeff lives with his wife and business partner, Crystal, in Cedar Park, TX.
Door County Tourism. https://www.doorcounty.com
Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office. https://greaterzion.com
Santa Fe Tourism. https://www.santafe.org
Traverse City Tourism. https://www.traversecity.com/
Visit Sedona. https://visitsedona.com
