Travelling is an excellent way to explore the world and meet new people. If you’re over 60, you may be looking for a destination that offers plenty of activities and attractions that suit your age group. The United States has plenty of great destinations for older Aussies, with each state offering a unique experience. Here are seven of the best US cities to visit if you’re over 60.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is the oldest city in the state. There’s beauty around every corner, with its cobblestone streets, numerous parks with large oak trees dripping in Spanish moss and an abundance of period architecture.
What makes this destination extra special for those over 60 is the fact that it can be explored by the several trolley tours on offer.
Old Town Trolley Tours offers a hop-on, hop-off tour that trundles along past the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and the huge Forsyth Park. Or you can take a charming horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the shops and restaurants along River Street after. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even take a haunted walking tour.
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San Antonio, Texas
It never gets too cold in San Antonio, and the city’s main attraction, the River Walk, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can walk the 24km path at your own pace, stopping at shops and restaurants along the way.
There are several hotels dotted along the River Walk, so you can break it up into a few days to ensure enough time for everything you’ll see along the way. And if your feet get tired, you can take a boat shuttle or narrated boat tour.
San Antonio also offers outdoor recreation, museums, history, good food, and a variety of accommodation. A popular starting point is the Alamo, one of the many missions in Texas that are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. At the Alamo, you can learn about the historic stand between Texan defenders and Mexican troops.
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Traverse City, Michigan
If you’re looking for some laid-back outdoor activities, you should definitely head to Traverse City, Michigan. The region offers plenty of beaches, perfect for kayaking or swimming, as well as an impressive network of bike trails. And if you love wine, there are plenty of wineries in the area that offer tours, tastings, and food pairings.
After a day of exploring, you can relax at one of the waterfront restaurants to enjoy dinner with a view. And if you visit in early July, you can catch the National Cherry Festival.
Monterey, California
Monterey, California, situated on the Central Coast, is a destination that has something to offer everyone, whether you’re a golf enthusiast, shopaholic, nature lover, or wine enthusiast.
There are more than 20 public and private golf courses in the area, including the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links. Cannery Row is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with numerous opportunities for shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation (local outfitters provide bike and kayak rentals).
The famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see, with more than 35,000 marine animals on display in numerous habitats. You can also take part in daily feedings, tours, and shows.
And for wine lovers, the area features 225 vineyards, 82 wineries, and 65 tasting rooms that showcase more than 30 varieties. Of course, you can always relax on one of the beautiful beaches.
San Diego, California
San Diego is a great place to visit all year round, thanks to its beautiful beaches and great weather. The city is also very accessible, with plenty of power beach wheelchairs available for loan at local beaches.
Another accessible way to see the sites of the city is to hop on the San Diego Trolley, which takes riders to sights around the city and even out to the historic Old Town.
Notable attractions include the famous San Diego Zoo, the beautiful Balboa Park, Seaport Village for shopping and dining, and the USS Midway Museum located on a former aircraft carrier.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a historic city with a lot to offer visitors aged 60 and older. The city has a robust system of streetcars and hop-on, hop-off bus tours that make it easy to get around and see the sights without having to walk for hours.
When it comes to the culinary scene, there is plenty of fantastic local food to sample, For fine dining, be sure to check out the iconic Commander’s Palace.
History buffs will love the cemetery tours, strolling around Jackson Square, and the National WWII Museum. And, of course, you can pop into any number of piano bars, jazz clubs, and other musical hot spots as you stroll the streets of the French Quarter.
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Greenville, South Carolina
When visiting Greenville, South Carolina, travellers will love the city’s walkability. With a variety of hotels downtown, visitors can stay car free and enjoy being just steps away from countless restaurants, art galleries, shops, and the accessible Swamp Rabbit Trail, which is great for walking or biking.
In addition, Greenville is packed with art and cultural attractions. For instance, at the Greenville County Museum of Art, visitors can peruse a world-renowned collection of Jasper Johns’ watercolour paintings, while the Bob Jones Museum & Gallery is home to the largest collection of religious art in the western hemisphere. There also are more than 50 other museums and galleries, a homegrown symphony, two ballet companies, and six performance theatres.
Have you visited any of these US states? Do you have any others to add to the list? Let us know in the comments section below.
What about Florida … nice weather and multicultural great place to visit fantastic beaches and incredible food and Ummmm nice hotels