Top 5 Senior-Friendly Travel Destinations in the U.S.

Destination & environment Weather & best time to visit Senior-friendly & affordable activities Unique experiences that set it apart Amana, Iowa – Located in east-central Iowa, Amana boasts seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies founded by German settlers. A trip here offers history buffs a taste of the past and opportunities to learn about German culture, heritage, and architecture that make the region distinctive. Amana, Iowa experiences a humid continental climate with cold snowy winters and warm summers with an average high of 83˚F. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with June as the wettest month. Spring and fall are agreeable times to visit, with tourist season occurring from April to October. Iowa is known for its wide range of historical sites including the Amana Colonies, declared a National Historical Landmark in 1965. Today, the seven villages serve as a tourist attraction. Historic drives and walking tours add to the cultural experience. Visitors can also dine or peruse local galleries and shops to round out the trip. A blend of German history, culture, and community can be found in Amana, Iowa. Visitors will enjoy the Amana Heritage Society; a museum set in three 19^th century buildings. Amana is also known for its festivals to include Oktoberfest featuring authentic German cuisine, entertainment, shopping and more. Port Townsend, Washington – This Victorian seaport town is located on the Puget Sound in beautiful Washington State, at the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Take in stunning waterfront views from the picture window of your relaxing hotel. Enjoy access to nautical adventures, nearby parks, Victorian architecture and more. Washington State is known for rainfall. However, this town averages 127 days of “mostly sunny” weather, which is not bad. By comparison, Seattle gets an average of 88 mostly sunny days. While spring and fall are pleasant, an optimal time to visit is summertime, with a comfortable average temperature of 75˚F to a low of about 55˚. Visitors will enjoy stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with access to beaches, hiking trails, and Fort Worden, a Historical State Park. This location is ideal for folks who love to explore and spend time in a peaceful environment where Douglas fir trees dominate, and relaxation abounds. In addition to nearby state parks, Port Townsend is known for its exciting maritime festivals and relaxing ferry rides to nearby islands. The town boasts Victorian architecture as well as maritime heritage, making it truly unique. Here, the arts thrive, and guests can visit galleries, shops, art shows, and more. Siesta Key, Florida – This beautiful barrier island, located off the southwest coast of Florida, offers powdery white sand, blue sky, stunning ocean views and lovely gulf breezes throughout the year. Boasting crystal clear waters, it is a water lovers’ paradise – ideal for water sports and leisure. This Florida city offers mild weather year-round, making it a popular vacation destination. Summers are hot and humid, with an average high in the upper 80s. Winters are mild and in the low 70s. Do monitor weather during hurricane season from June to November. Seniors will enjoy time in the sun and sand at this dreamy beach location. The water temperature in the Gulf is generally comfortable for year-round swimming. Beach wheelchairs are also accessible, making this area ideal for seniors with walking limitations. Enjoy spa time at a full-service resort to maximize relaxation. Siesta Key is known for its pristine white sand beaches, clear shallow waters, and water sports. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing or taking a chartered boat ride. For those who wish to limit time under the sun, Siesta Key also offers a vibrant downtown area with shops, seafood restaurants, and great nightlife. Tucson, Arizona – Located in the southeastern part of the U.S., this Sonoran Desert destination is surrounded by beautiful mountains and features delightful natural wonders such as ancient geological formations.   Tucson enjoys warm, desert climates with mild winters and hot summers. Winters are typically mild, and summers are very hot, especially during daylight hours. This location boasts more than 300 sunny days per year. The sunshine and warm weather make this allergy-friendly desert locale ideal for energetic seniors who enjoy golf, tennis, hiking and walking trails and more. With five surrounding mountain ranges, scenic drives make this a photographer’s paradise.   Tucson is a wonderous place to experience the Southwest. It is the proud home of museums, hiking trails, golf courses, gardens, shopping & dining, and more. This culturally rich area highlights Natural Heritage Areas worthy of visiting. Williamsburg, Virginia – Located in the southeastern part of the state and standing prominent as one of America’s first planned cities, Williamsburg features an attractive Colonial historic area fitting for exploration. Cold winters and hot summers are typical. Peak spring season features avg. temps from 80˚to 60˚F. Similarly, peak fall season is favorable, with avg. temps ranging between 85˚ to 60˚F. Seniors will adore a trip to this largest living history museum in the world. Take private tours and learn from people who have mastered trades, from authentic gunsmithing to traditional farming.   Visiting Colonial Williamsburg tells the story of the first permanent English settlement in the North America and provides opportunities to learn about life in the 18^th century.