5 Summer Road Trips for Retirees
As you step into retirement, it’s natural to start watching those discretionary dollars a bit more closely. But who says you have to give up your love for adventure and fun? Hitting the road for car trips around the country is a fantastic way to explore and stay flexible while you discover unique spots across the nation.
We consulted some travel experts to bring you some great road trip ideas that offer a mix of sights and cultural experiences—all while keeping your budget in check.
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1. Southern California to Arizona
A short road trip from Southern California to Arizona offers several great points of interest along the way, says travel expert Michelle Steinhardt, founder of The Trav Nav, all the while blending both outdoorsy and cultural experiences.
“While in California, visitors might stop in Los Angeles and explore the Getty or Broad museums or enjoy a concert under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl,” Steinhardt says. “Your next stop might be in Palm Springs, where you can take the aerial tram for stunning desert views or take a walk along flat trails in Joshua Tree National Park.” (Going to National Parks is a great budget-friendly travel hack for seniors—when you hit 62 years old, you can purchase a Lifetime Pass for just $80.)
In Arizona, Steinhardt suggests heading to Sedona, where you might visit Bell Rock, Cathedral Rocks or the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It’s also a great place for lovers of New Age activities like hiking through vortexes, shopping for crystals or getting your auras read. You can also stop at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park for an epic viewing spot.
2. Philadelphia to Boston
Steinhardt recommends the northeastern part of the United States for a road trip that will offer history, culture and beautiful scenery. One option she suggests for seniors is to drive from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Boston, Massachusetts over five days.
“The short daily drives, averaging 1.5 to 3.5 hours, provide a relaxed itinerary designed for leisurely exploration,” she explains. “The trip is designed with comfort in mind—there are plenty of chances to stop, rest and enjoy the views along the way.”
Starting in Philadelphia, road trippers can explore America’s early history by visiting iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Then, head to Westport, Connecticut, a charming coastal (and walkable) New England town known for its galleries and restaurants, and Newport, Rhode Island, which is well known for sailing and has wonderful coastal views. Next, you may want to consider Cape Cod for beachside relaxation before wrapping up in Boston, which offers various museums, great food and the historic Freedom Trail that connects 16 historic sites. You could also head over to Fenway Park for the chance to take in a Red Sox game.
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Let's find your financial advisor3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee to St. Louis, Missouri
CEO of National Park Ventures Jeff Powell, who writes and manages two travel blogs, suggests taking a trip from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Gateway Arch National Park. (Powell and his wife, both seniors, also have personal experience with road tripping.) You’ll start in Gatlinburg, which offers various restaurants, shopping and lodging choices, and is close in proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“The park is home to dozens and dozens of hiking trails, waterfalls and mountain views,” Powell says. “Keep in mind that it’s also home to over 1,900 black bears, as well as enormous elk, deer and a host of other animals.” You can also visit some of the area attractions, including Anakeesta, the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Gatlinburg SkyPark.
From there, you can stop at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville, Kentucky and Mammoth Cave National Park just outside Park City, Kentucky to take a cave tour. Once you hit St. Louis, head to Gateway Arch National Park and take the tram to the top of the Arch for spectacular views.
“You can also go to a baseball game at Busch Stadium (home of the St. Louis Cardinals), which is within easy walking distance of the Arch, and take a ride on a riverboat on the Mississippi River,” Powell says.
4. Denver to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
This road trip begins in Denver, where you can enjoy various restaurants and breweries. Then you’ll travel to Estes Park, the home of the Rocky Mountain National Park, which offers beautiful scenery.
“Estes Park is a fun little town with excellent restaurants, shops, and a beautiful riverwalk,” Powell says. “There is usually something going on there, such as concerts in the park or seasonal festivals.” Powell adds that Estes Park also has an excellent trolley system, which makes it easy to get around.
Next up, explore Crested Butte, which is home to the 10-day Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. “Held annually in July, it features wildflower-themed workshops, as well as hikes to areas where wildflowers thrive,” Powell says.
From there, head to Mesa Verde National Park to check out the cliff dwellings that were constructed by the ancient Pueblo people in the late 1190s. While you’re there, find a place to eat authentic Navajo fry bread. After that, hit up Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to some of the largest sand dunes in America.
“Be sure to visit the park at night to see the sky filled with stars and constellations,” Powell says.
5. Utah's National Parks
If you want a road trip that’s all about the outdoors, Powell recommends heading to Utah to take in the state’s incredible National Parks. Begin with Arches National Park, located just outside of Moab, Utah.
“Moab is a cute, fun, quirky little town,” Powell says. “It has plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, arts and crafts shops, and a wide variety of lodging options—hotels, motels, cabins, and lodges.” Then, you’ll head to Canyonlands National Park, just a 30-minute drive from Arches, as well as Capitol Reef National Park.
“Stop at the Gifford Homestead for one of their homemade fruit pies,” Powell says. “They serve as many as 300 oversized personal pies every day.”
Bryce Canyon National Park is next, just a couple of hours past Capitol Reef. If you can, book a night hike with a park ranger for an unforgettable experience: You'll be sure to see glow worms!
Last up is Zion National Park, which is less than two hours from Bryce Canyon. Not only is Zion home to some of the most iconic hiking trails in America, but Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is not to be missed, Powell says.
