20 Best Summer Destinations In USA For Retirees & Seniors (2024)

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Nicole

There are many wonderful summer holiday destinations in the United States for seniors. Whether you crave a beach escape, an exciting city getaway with incredible museums and restaurants, a stay in a charming town discovering its hidden gems, or a thrilling outdoor adventure in the mountains or countryside, summer is one of the best times older Americans to travel and explore. Even if you have “seen it and done it all”, you will find in this article amazing and interesting summer escapes all over the USA offering unique activities for every kind of traveler. Here are 20 of the best US vacations in summer for retirees.

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Best US Holidays For Seniors During The Summer Months

Here are 20 of the best places in America to visit in summer for older adults. They are located all over the United States and include big and small cities, beautiful beaches, and destinations that immerse you in the beauty and thrill of the outdoors, like state and national parks, and beyond.

For each destination, I feature some of the best things to do, keeping in mind that sometimes you want to have a busy day full of adventure and wonder, and other days, you want to relax and keep things simple.

In addition, I include how best to reach a destination as well as a fantastic places to stay.

So, collect your partner, friends, family or even go solo and meet new friends, and spend your next summer making new incredible memories in the immense and magnificent United States.

Best Big City Destinations In Summer For Retirees

There is plenty of excitement, amazing restaurants, fantastic shows and incredible tours in major American cities in summertime for even the most well traveled person.

Seattle, Washington

With comfortable temperatures and sunny skies, Seattle is a fantastic destination in the northern US for retirees to visit in the summer. 

Explore the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Space Needle is one of the most iconic structures in Seattle, and this tour grants you access to not only soar to the top but to also explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum right next door that showcases the gorgeous glass sculptures created by Dale Chihuly.

Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market

The Pike Place Market is one of the most vibrant parts of Seattle, complete with hundreds of small independent businesses. This Chef guided food tour takes you through the heart of the market, sampling the best coffees, seafood, chocolate truffles, and more. 

Whale Watching Tour

This incredible whale watching tour gives visitors the amazing opportunity to spot Orca, Humpback, Minke, and Gray Whales enjoying their natural environment. They even guarantee that you’ll spot at least one whale. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is only 14 miles from the city center.

Best Place To Stay

Enjoy historic lodging in the heart of the city at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The hotel was built in 1924 and retains a unique old-world charm while boasting many modern amenities. It offers easy access to the main attractions in Seattle.

Alternatively, take a look at the Mayflower Park Hotel. It is a lovely hotel steeped in history and charm. It also offers a magnificent location.

Denver, Colorado

Surrounded by the epic Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City is lively, beautiful, and one of the best places for older adults to vacation in the summer. 

See a Sporting Event

Home to 7 different professional sports teams, Denver is the perfect place to catch an exciting game, whether you’re a fan of football, baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, or rugby.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

No summer trip to Devnver is complete without exploring Red Rocks Amphitheater. Either catch a performance, or simply take a tour and check out the gorgeous outdoor theater and its surroundings. 

Whiskey Tasting at Stranahans

Stranahans offers several different unique whiskey tours, whether you’re a fan of single malt, cask-finished, or more intrigued by experimental whiskeys. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

There is one main airport, which is Denver International Airport, and that is located about 30 minutes outside the city. Public transportation is quite good in Denver and can get you throughout the majority of the city.

From the airport, take the train to Union Station and from there you can eat, drink, catch other trains and buses, as well as walk to your hotel or other attractions. There are shuttles and buses, as well, to get you to and from the mountains.

Best Place To Stay

These range from budget to luxurious, with a few of favorites being Limelight Hotel, The Ramble Hotel, Catbird, Vib Denver, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, and the Sheraton.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rich in American history, Philadelphia is a fantastic city for seniors to visit in the summer.

Walking Tour of Over 20 Historic Sites

This leisurely historic walking tour takes you through incredible historic landmarks of America’s birthplace, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and more. 

Visit Philadelphia’s Magic Garden

Philadelphia’s Magic Garden is an immersive mixed media outdoor work of art. It includes half a city block’s worth of mosaics made from almost every material you can imagine. The gardens are very whimsical, and unlike any other piece of art in the United States.

Afternoon Tea at The Rittenhouse

After exploring all the art and history Philly has to offer, you can enjoy a touch of the city’s sophisticated side by having afternoon tea at The Rittenhouse. Enjoy incredible teas, sandwiches, scones, and maybe even a glass of sparkling wine. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Philadelphia International Airport and pick up a car or taxi. It is only 20 minutes to downtown.

Best Place To Stay

Visitors should consider staying in the historic center of the city. The Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District is close to all the sites and very convenient.

The Franklin on Rittenhouse is also a great choice. Tea, coffee and pastries are served daily as well as a nightly wine reception. It’s location is fantastic.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Surrounded by the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is one of the best big cities for older adults to visit in the summer. 

Explore the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

Fondly known as the Mitchell Park Domes, this unique exhibit showcases three different plant landscapes: desert, floral, and tropical. You can explore thousands of plant species, and catch a glimpse of what forests and deserts across the world look like- without leaving the United States! 

Tour the Pabst Mansion and Harley Davidson Museum

Milwaukee is known for a lot of things, and Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) and motorcycles are two of them. The Flemish Renaissance Revival-style Pabst Mansion is the most famous historic house in Milwaukee, and it was home to Captain Frederick Pabst, founder of PBR. 

Milwaukee was the birthplace of Harley Davidson back in 1903, and you can explore the history of a hundred years worth of bikes at the Harley Davidson Museum. 

Sample Beer & Cheese Curds at Lakefront Brewery

No visit to Milwaukee is complete without sampling at least one of the city’s famous staples: curdled cheese and beer. Lakefront Brewery offers a fantastic selection of Wisconsin craft beers that pair perfectly with their delicious cheese curds. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Milwaukee is located off the shores of Lake Michigan, neighboring Chicago. The 90-minute commute between cities makes Milwaukee the perfect day trip destination for those visiting or flying into Chicago.

There is a direct Amtrak train that runs regularly between the two cities, allowing you to bypass any traffic jam that may occur on I-94.

Milwaukee is also home to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, so there is the option to fly directly into the city.

Best Place To Stay

For those who enjoy a luxurious and unique hotel experience, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel offers just that, and more. Even if you are not able to stay the night, stop at one of the hotel’s bars or restaurants to enjoy the vibe of downtown Milwaukee or take in the view of bustling Water Street.”

The Pfister Hotel offers a full-service spa, salon and Victorian art collection. It is a 4-star hotel located in downtown Milwaukee, only a 10-minute walk from the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is an enchanting southwestern city that offers the perfect blend of big city culture and rustic, outdoor charm for a laidback experience. Plus, Santa Fe sits at almost 7,000 feet of elevation, meaning it experiences much more mild summers than other cities in southwestern United States. 

Horseback Riding

The best way to embrace the spirit of the southwest is by taking a horseback riding tour with Vision Quest through the gorgeous New Mexico landscapes right outside of Santa Fe. 

Dive into the Art Scene

Santa Fe is famous for its artwork, and you can experience the best of it on a private tour of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and the 80 different art galleries all found in the Canyon Road Art District. 

See a Flamenco Dinner Show

This incredible cultural experience at El Farol includes a delicious three course pre-fixe dinner, and a vibrant Flamenco Show.  

Best Way To Reach Destination

Santa Fe Regional Airport is 10 miles southwest of the city. For an international airport, you will have to fly into Albuquerque International Sunport and drive for one hour.

Best Place To Stay

Inn On The Alameda offers a luxurious stay with rooms blending traditional Santa Fe decor. It is extremely central yet very quiet, and offers an outdoor fireplace to cozy up to at night. Complimentary shuttle service and mouth watering complimentary breakfasts are also provided.

Best Beach Destinations In USA For Seniors In June, July And August

There is never a bad time to seek out the heat of the sun or the warm gentle breezes from the ocean. If you love nothing more than sand between your toes, spending time on the water, or simply gazing out to the deep blue sea, then summer in the USA is the best time for your getaway.

Kauai, Hawaii

This lush and wild island is full of grand waterfalls, sparkling beaches, and rich culture. Kauai is one of the best beach destinations for seniors to visit in the summer. 

Snorkeling at Makua Beach

Makua Beach, also known as Tunnels Beach, offers some of the best snorkeling on Kauai right from shore. While snorkeling at Makua, you’ll spot fish with all different hues of the rainbow, sea turtles, and maybe even a monk seal or two.

Helicopter Tour over the Na Pali Coast

Want a closer look at the rugged, prehistoric landscapes that inspired Jurassic Park? This helicopter tour takes visitors soaring above the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and the waterfalls in Waipuna for breathtaking sights. 

Attend a Luau

One of the best experiences you can have on a visit to Hawaii is to attend a luau. The Luau Ka Hikina includes an amazing feast, dancing, and remarkable views.

Best Way To Reach Destination

In order to get to Kauai, you will need to fly into the Lihue Airport. From there, rent a vehicle so that you can explore all that the island has to offer.

Best Place To Stay

For the best place to stay on the island, be sure to check out the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa with countless phenomenal amenities including its awesome spa. This hotel is roughly 25 to 30 minutes from the airport and right by great restaurants, beaches, and golf courses.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

With its beautiful beaches, quaint seaside towns, and delightful New England charm, Cape Cod is by far one of the best summer beach getaways for mature adults. 

Bike or Walk the Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25 mile long trail that meanders past 7 Cape Cod towns, several beaches, marshlands, forests, and more! While a 25 mile journey might be rather ambitious for most, you can walk or bike as much of the trail as you’d like to really take in and enjoy the scenery. 

Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore

The best part of a trip to Cape Cod in the summer is exploring the beaches, and the Cape Cod National Seashore does not disappoint. The seashore includes 40 miles of stunning protected beaches, perfect for beachcombing, birdwatching, and sunbathing.

Take a light hiking tour to explore the area. Alternatively, head to Herring Cove Beach and Coast Guard Beach for lounging and relaxing. 

Enjoy Traditional New England Style Seafood

It’s hard to imagine Cape Cod without picturing delicious New England style seafood- and there’s a reason for that! Arnold’s Lobster and Clam Bar and Sesuit Harbor Cafe are two can’t-miss seafood joints in Cape Cod.

Best Way To Reach Destination

The least expensive option would be to fly to Boston Logan Airport at 70 miles away, and rent a car and drive.

Best Place To Stay

Queen Anne Inn is a historic hotel, a 5-minute walk to Oyster Saltwater Inlet and just over a mile from the Chatham Lighthouse. The hotel offers massage services, an outdoor pool and rooms with bathrobes.

Harris Beach, Oregon

Harris Beach offers sweeping views of incredible rugged beaches and untouched coastlines, along with sunny yet crisp summer temps. It’s one of the most tranquil summer beach vacations for older Americans. 

Walk the Harris Beach State Park Sunset Point Trail

This easy 0.3 mile trail leads to Sunset Point, a gorgeous overlook of the beach. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and waves rolling in. 

Tidepooling

Hit the beach at low tide to explore all the unique tide pool animals. The tide pools are full of colorful sea stars, anemones, fish, and all sorts of other animals. 

Dinner at Catalyst Seafood

It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest has some of the best seafood in the states, and Catalyst Seafood delivers. Named for their family-owned vessel Catalyst, this local restaurant serves up mouthwatering fresh seafood for you to enjoy while taking in the peaceful harbor views. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

To get to Harris Beach, Oregon by plane, you’ll likely want to fly into Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), also known as North Bend Airport, rent a car and drive between 2 – 2.5 hours.

Best Place To Stay

Mermaid’s Muse is a Bed and Breakfast. The beach house is on a cliff with relaxing ocean views to the south and the harbor area. It is a quiet neighbourhood and close to town.

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Dubbed the Edge of America by the locals, Folly Beach is a laid-back surf town that’s more reminiscent of California’s beaches than the south. With its gorgeous sand and vibrant coastal ecosystems, it’s hard to beat Folly when it comes to the best beaches for retirees to visit in the summer. 

Birding at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is home to hundreds of different species of birds, from Mourning Doves to Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons! Be sure to bring along your binoculars to observe all these birds and their beautiful natural surroundings. 

Fishing Charter

The waters off the coasts of Folly are teeming with fish, and Tall Tide Fishing Adventures knows exactly where the fish are biting, whether you’re out at sea or fishing the inshore waters. 

Relax on the Beach

With plenty of amenities like umbrellas, bathrooms, and beach chairs for rent, Folly Beach County Park is perfect for relaxing on the beach. The ocean water in the summer is nice and warm, and you can swim freely in the warm water.

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Charleston International Airport, rent a car and drive 45 minutes to Folly Beach.

Best Place To Stay

Water’s Edge Inn is an adult’s only hotel with lovely appointed rooms, a big delicious breakfast, and a wonderful happy hour.

Capitola, California

Just south of the busier California surf town of Santa Cruz lies Capitola, a charming little beach town that’s simply perfect for older adults to visit in the summertime.

See Redwoods in the Forest of Nisene Marks

You don’t have to venture far from the coast to see spectacular, towering redwood trees. The Forest of Nisene Marks is just a 12 minute drive from Capitola, where you can hike the easy 2 mile Old Growth Loop Trail to see ancient redwoods, or walk the quick 0.5 mile Buggy Trail for a shorter jaunt into the redwood forest. 

Enjoy the Beaches

Capitola State Beach is fun, sunny, and backed by several sweet little shops and restaurants. It’s a great beach for sunbathing and taking a dip. Just a tad further south, you’ll find China Beach and New Brighton State Beach, which are both less busy.

If you would like to get an overview of some of the best beaches around, take a private tour.

Wine Tasting

Surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains, Capitola is right next to wine country and has some pretty excellent wine to sample. Capitola Wine Bar and Merchants, and the Armida Winery & Tasting Room both offer wine tasting available of their fine northern California wines. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into San Jose Mineta or San Francisco International Airports. Capitola is 42 minutes by car from San Jose or just over an hour from San Francisco.

Best Place To Stay

Inn at Depot Hill offers spacious and comfortable rooms, with amazing breakfasts, and an evening wine reception with appetizers. This adults only bed and breakfast is only 10 minutes walk to Capitola Beach and Wharf.

Best Small Town Experiences In USA In Summer For Mature Adults

Some cities offer small town appeal and experiences. If you are looking for the perfect balance between a relaxed summer getaway but with superb restaurants, attractions and hotels, then these choices are for you.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

When it comes to lovely small towns to visit in the summer, Eau Claire takes the cake. This vibrant Wisconsin town is famous for its amazing craft beer scene, art and music, and fun summer water sports, making it an ideal US destination for seniors.

Canoeing the Chippewa River Trail

One of the best things to do in Eau Claire is to canoe or float down the Chippewa River Trail. There are no rapids or tricky sections – just let the easy flowing river carry you down.

Explore Eau Claire’s Historic Downtown and Waterfront

The historic downtown of Eau Claire is located right on the water, and it’s the perfect place to get a feel for the town. You can shop locally at the farmer’s markets, enjoy a beer on the river from the Brewing Projekt, walk along the waterfront, shop, and even embark on the town sculpture walking tour.

Enjoy Live Music

Eau Claire is a very musical small city, and you can listen to live music almost every night of the week! During the summer, there is live music in River Prairie Park or Owen Park, from Monday-Thursday. You can also listen to live music at local venues Stones Throw, The Lakely, and many more.

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Minneapolis (MSP) Airport, rent a car, and drive the 84.2 miles to Eau Claire.

Best Place To Stay

The Oxbow Hotel is centrally located and easy to walk into town. It offered free bicycles to use. You can also expect very comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast.

Camden, Maine

The jewel of the Maine Coast, Camden, is a lovely small town that’s perfect for retirees to visit in the summer. Over the years, several different movies have been filmed here as well, including Casper, Captains Courageous, and Carousel. 

Hike up to Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park

One of the most fun and active things to do in Camden is to hike up Mount Battie. The trail is only 1.1 miles long, and from the top, offers insane views of gorgeous rolling hills and pine trees. 

Sightseeing

Camden is full of amazing historic sites to explore, including the Curtis Island Lighthouse. The best place to see the Curtis Island Lighthouse is from the Curtis Island Overlook on Bayview Street.

Other great things to see in Camden include the Camden Opera House, the Camden Rockport Historical Society, the National Oz Museum, and the Farnsworth Art Museum.

Embark on a Lobster Boat Tour

This unique lobster boat tour experience will teach you all about lobsters and the trapping and catching process. In addition, it will give you a chance to spot seal pups on the islands and several amazing different species of birds.

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Bangor International Airport, rent a car, and drive 43 miles to Camden.

Best Place To Stay

The Norumbega Inn is an immaculate Bed and Breakfast with excellent rooms and service. The breakfast is outstanding and downtown is only a short walk away.

Taos, New Mexico

Taos, New Mexico is famous for its art, culture, and incredible high desert landscape. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the US, and one of the best small town experiences for older adults to visit in summer. 

Visit the Ancient Taos Pueblo

The Ancient Taos Pueblo is a living community that has been inhabited for over 1,000 years. A visit to the pueblo offers unique insights into the lives of the Puebloan people, and a look at the incredible architecture of the pueblo itself. 

Take an Art Class

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Taos is to take an art class. Taos Art School offers a variety of unique art workshops, including classes like painting northern New Mexico with pastels, equine painting, and even eco-tourism classes. 

Enjoy the Taos Hot Springs

Taos is home to several incredible natural hot springs. For a rustic experience in nature, you can visit the Manby or Black Rock Hot Springs. For a more luxe experience, you can head just out of town to the Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Resort. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, rent a car and drive 2 1/2 hours to Taos.

Best Place To Stay

El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa offers a salt water pool, hot tub and botanical garden. The rooms are large, comfortable and serene.

Ojai, California

Just a short drive from Highway One and the California coast lies Ojai Valley, some of California’s most pristine wine country. With perfect sunny weather and the grapes are almost ready for harvest, Ojai is an idyllic summer getaway for mature adults. 

Biking through Ojai Valley

The Ojai-Ventura Bike path is a captivating biking trail that runs 15 miles all the way from Ojai to Ventura. While the whole trail might be a bit much, biking or walking the portion right around Ojai is the perfect way to enjoy the rustic charm of the Ojai Valley. Alternatively, book a bike tour and have your ride personalized with a guide.

Olive Oil Tasting

Wine isn’t the only tasty item that you can enjoy from Ojai- the valley is also famous for its olives. At Ojai Olive Oil Company, you can sample delicious olive oils at their tranquil two hundred year old olive grove.

Spa Day

It’s tough to beat being pampered in wine country, and Ojai certainly delivers when it comes to spas. Ojai Valley Inn has an amazing spa with tons of other great amenities if you stay there as a guest.

The Day Spa of Ojai is excellent as well. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Santa Barbara (SBA) Airport, rent a car and drive 34.1 miles to Ojai.

Best Place To Stay

The Capri Hotel is a beautifully decorated hotel with a mid-century vibe. There are rooms with views of the Topa Topa Mountains. A golf course is located across the street and Los padres National Forest is only a couple miles away.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian town tucked away in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. It’s the perfect small down getaway for seniors who want to explore a small town with a European flair- without having to leave the US! 

Float down the Wenatchee River

The best way to soak up the sun and enjoy the water is to take a leisurely float down the Wenatchee River. 

Sample German Beer and Food

Jump right into the Bavarian culture by sampling delicious German biers over at Doghaus Brewery and Icicle Brewing Co. For food, you can’t go wrong over at Andreas Keller, Ludwig’s, and Baren Haus.

Carriage Ride

The most fun and festive way to take in the views of unique Bavarian architecture in downtown Leavenworth and Front Street is to go on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town.

Hotel Recommendation: The Suites on Maine

Best Way To Reach Destination

Leavenworth is an easy road trip from Seattle only taking 2 hours by car. From Spokane, it is 3 hours, and from Portland, it is 4 hours. So if you are flying, Seattle International Airport will be the most convenient.

Best Place To Stay

All rooms at Alpine Rivers Inn have a balcony overlooking the Wenatchee. Spend evenings on the balcony listening to the river. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long day of play

Alternatively, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is a hotel with resort-style facilities including a restaurant, bar and a beautiful garden with incredible mountain views.

Best Summer Outdoor Adventure Destinations In USA For Older Adults

Spending time in nature is nurturing and revitalizing. In these spots, you can challenge yourself with heart pumping outdoor activities or relax and admire the spectacular landscapes, viewpoints, and wildlife. These national parks and other hidden gems offer it all, especially in summer.

Sequoia National Park, California

With towering Sequoia Trees and crisp mountain air, Sequoia National Park is one of the most incredible outdoor destinations for seniors to visit in the summer.

Hike to Tokopah Falls

Tokopah Falls is an easy 1.7 mile hike that starts in the forest and ends with a view of a beautiful glacial waterfall. 

Explore the Crystal Cave

Only open in the summertime, the Crystal Cave is a fantastic cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. 

See the General Sherman Tree

Measured by volume, the General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the entire world. The massive tree is 275 feet tall, and 11 feet wide in diameter. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport and drive 1.5 hours to Sequoia National Park.

Best Place To Stay

Come stay at the upscale Wuksachi Lodge, a striking stone-and-cedar mountain lodge situated in the heart of the park and surrounded by a mighty sequoia forest and soaring Sierra peaks.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Bounded by the spectacular Lake Superior, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is known for its lush forests, epic lake, and incredible painted rocks. It’s easily one of the best places in the US for retirees to visit in the summer.

Ride Across Kitch-iti-kipi

Kitch-iti-kipi is the largest freshwater spring in Michigan, and it’s famous for its crystal clear waters that perfectly reflect the surrounding skies and forests. The best way to experience it is to ride a raft across the spring, and you can watch the fish swimming below you. 

See the Pictured Rocks

The Pictured Rocks are colorful rock formations formed from sandstone that sit right above the water of Lake Superior. The best and easiest access to see the Pictured Rocks is from Miner’s Castle. 

Fish Tacos from Cap’N Ron’s

Before the Upper Peninsula became famous for its gorgeous Pictured Rocks, it was a quaint little fishing town. Cap’N Ron’s is an incredible fish taco truck in Munising that keeps that spirit alive while serving up some of the best fish tacos ever. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Sawyer Regional Airport, pick up a rental car and drive 20 minutes to Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Best Place To Stay

Roam Inn is a super comfortable inn with very friendly staff. It offers gorgeous views of the lake from lovely well designed suites.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The jagged rock formations of Badlands National Park are otherworldly. You can almost feel the dinosaurs that used to roam here! Full of wildlife and spectacular scenery, the Badlands are one of the most incredible places in America to visit in the summer. 

Explore Roberts Prairie Dog Town

Roberts Prairie Dog Town is a several mile long expanse of fields that are teeming with adorable prairie dogs. You can drive or walk alongside this portion of the Park to see hundreds of prairie dogs roaming around and bobbing in and out of their holes. 

Sunset and Nighttime Stargazing

The Badlands offers some of the most incredible stargazing in the United States. This private sunset and nighttime stargazing tour includes a skilled guide who will not only help you spot celestial bodies but also the local wildlife. 

Drive the Badlands Scenic Loop

The Badlands Scenic Loop is a 39 mile loop through the Park with 16 designated stops where you can pull over at an overlook with amazing views. Driving the loop is the best and easiest way to get a feel for the entire National Park. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Rapid City, South Dakota, is the closest major city with an airport at just over an hour away. It’s served by United, American, and Delta with International flights from Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Denver.

Best Place To Stay

If you’re not a camper, then Cedar Pass Lodge next to the Visitor’s Center will be your most convenient place to stay during your visit to Badlands NP. It also offers a seasonal on-site restaurant for all Park visitors.

If you are a camper, you’ve got options: Cedar Pass Campground, which has RV sites with electrical hookups, and Sage Creek Campground, which is a primitive spot on the other side of the Park.”

Badlands Frontier Cabins offers cabins that are immaculate and well organized, with super comfortable beds. The staff is very friendly and the location is amazing.

Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is famous for its incredible mountains, copious amounts of wildlife, and incredibly rich history. The final frontier is one of the most wonderful places for retired Americans to visit in the summer. 

Explore Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, and home to wild Pacific salmon, black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, and tons of other animals. 

On this guided nature walk, you’ll pass meadows, waterfalls, and groves, all while keeping an eye out for wildlife. 

Visit the Alaska Raptor Center

At the Alaska Raptor Center, visitors can get a close up look at these incredible animals while they are being treated and rehabilitated. You’ll also get to see owls, hawks, and falcons.

Whale Watching

On this intimate whale watching tour, you’ll get a chance to spot Humpback, Minke, and Gray Whales in their natural Alaskan habitat. 

Best Way To Reach Destination

Fly into Sitka Airport which is located within minutes of downtown.

Best Place To Stay

Longliner Lodge and Suites offers spectacular views of wildlife right off your own deck. It has very clean rooms with comfortable beds and great staff. For those who enjoy fishing, the lodge offers fishing charter packages as well. Laundry facilities are available free of charge.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Full of geysers, forests, and other unique geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park is truly magnificent. With warm pleasant weather, summer is an amazing time for older adults to visit the Park.

Morning Kayak on Yellowstone Lake

It’s hard to imagine a better way to kick off your day in Yellowstone than with a serene morning paddle around Yellowstone Lake. You might even spot bears and elk on the lakeshore from your kayak! 

Wildlife Photography Tour

This guided wildlife photography tour will take you to the perfect places in the park to photograph bison, grizzlies, coyotes, and many other types of animals. With the help of your guide, you’ll also stand the best chances of finding wolves in the Park. 

Watch Old Faithful Erupt

As famous as it is, seeing Old Faithful erupt is well worth the hype. About every 90 minutes, the geyser explodes well over a hundred feet into the air, and it’s one of the most magical natural sights to see.

Best Way To Reach Destination

The closest airport to Yellowstone National Park is a tie between Jackson Hole Airport located in Jackson, WY (about a 2.5-hour drive from the South Entrance of Yellowstone) and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (approximately a 1.5-hour drive to the North Entrance of Yellowstone).

Best Place To Stay

The best place to stay in Yellowstone National Park is Old Faithful Inn. Overlooking the iconic Old Faithful geyser and just a 20-minute drive to Grand Prismatic Spring, the hotel offers visitors an ideal location for sightseeing. If you can, select a room facing the geyser so you can experience the best views.

Last Word

There are many amazing places to visit in the United States for a vacation in summer for retirees and seniors. Each American destination listed in this article offers fantastic things to do, often providing unique experiences unlike anywhere else that you may have been. Whether you crave excitement or relaxation, the city, beaches or nature, there is somewhere for everyone.