6 U.S. Destinations Perfect for a Longer Visit

Trips that allow you to slow down may offer a new home for retirement

Cape May, New Jersey, is known for its Victorian architecture. At these destinations, stay awhile and go beyond the surface activities.

Courtesy Cape May MAC

Bari Faye Dean,

AARP

Published May 19, 2025

If you’ve ever returned from a vacation feeling like you barely scratched the surface, you’re not alone. But what if you could choose a place to visit and really dig in by staying for a couple of weeks or more? You’ll get to see all that a particular city and the surrounding areas have to offer while setting your own pace. You may even find your forever retirement home.

April, 55, and John Spaltro, 66, of Brigantine, New Jersey, have been “adventuring” since 2021. “We stayed in some places for longer and saw all there is to offer within the driving range,” says April Spaltro. “We also made many quick hops to visit other things in the area over a day or two, and then moved along to the next destination.”

The Spaltros finally decided to winter in Sedona, Arizona, and after spending a couple of weeks in the area, they bought a home they love.

According to United Van Lines’ annual National Movers Study, affordability and being closer to family are two of the reasons people move in retirement.

When looking for a place to stay and relax for a longer vacation or a retirement locale, it’s important to consider the cost of living, the activities you’d enjoy, and as U.S. News & World Report suggests, public transportation. Another key thing to think about: the weather.

For example, Charles, 78, and Lynn Baker, 77, were downsizing from a 65-acre property in semi-rural New Hampshire. They considered going south to retire in Charleston, South Carolina, where they could enjoy year-round warm temperatures. But they settled on Colorado Springs – an area where they will be able to enjoy all types of weather. “Colorado Springs is a young city with rapid, but well-thought-out, growth,” says Charles Baker.

Each of the following six destinations offers you the ability to relax and live like a local, instead of rushing through the trip like a tourist.

exterior of Santa Fe Contemporary Arts Museum

Art enthusiasts flock to Santa Fe to explore the many galleries, including the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts.

Courtesy Tourism Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico: “The City Different”

Santa Fe, located in northern New Mexico’s mountains, was the first city in the United States to be designated a “Creative City” by UNESCO.

Art enthusiasts flock to Santa Fe to explore the many galleries along Canyon Road and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Additionally, there are plenty of art festivals and markets to check out during the summer months.

You can also take a short drive to Taos, New Mexico, to visit more art galleries. If you are in the region in the fall, the sky turns into a colorful canvas for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – this year held from Oct. 4-12.

Don’t forget to take in the panoramic views and climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse in New Jersey.

Courtesy Cape May MAC

Cape May, New Jersey: “Queen of the Seaside Resorts”

Located at New Jersey’s southern tip, Cape May is renowned for its Victorian architecture, with more than 600 preserved buildings.

Cape May is most surely a beach town with 2.5 miles of clean, sandy shoreline. But when it’s time to take a beach break, explore all that Cape May has to offer, including tours of the charming Victorian architecture and artsy shops along the Washington Street Mall.

Don’t forget to take in the panoramic views and climb the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. If you prefer to sightsee by water, visit the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center and take a whale or dolphin cruise.

Additionally, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York City are doable day trips by car or bus, as are many other small New Jersey beach towns.

a woman standing next to Death Valley National Park signage

April Spaltro, seen here at Death Valley National Park, has been "adventuring“ since 2021. She and her husband bought a home in Sedona, Arizona, after spending a couple of weeks in the area.

Courtesy April Spaltro

San Diego: “America’s Finest City”

A visit to this Southern California city promises near-perfect weather, plenty of beaches and loads of culture. San Diego is home to Balboa Park, the “Smithsonian of the West,” with 18 museums. And don’t forget to visit the giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo.

Yearning for authentic Mexican food? Take a seat, eat and listen to mariachis at many restaurants. Dinner and a show! Speaking of shows, San Diego has two Tony Award-winning theaters, dance performances, concerts, film festivals and art galleries.

From San Diego, you can jump in the car and visit Palm Springs, California, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park and even take a beautiful drive to Los Angeles.

a walking path situated between the water and houses in Charleston, SC

A trip to the Charleston, South Carolina, waterfront can include a walk along the seawall.

Doug Hickok/Courtesy Explore Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina: “The Holy City”

Charleston has it all: arts, culture, shopping, sports and history, including architecture, antebellum mansions and cobblestone streets. Learn all about this city by foot, carriage, air-conditioned bus or boat. When you are hungry, try low-country food such as shrimp and grits and she-crab soup.

Step back in time by touring Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s oldest working plantations, and visiting Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.

When it’s time to slow down, take a stroll through Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and check out the Charleston waterfront. (Take a selfie in front of the iconic Pineapple Fountain.)

For more fun in the sun and history, drive to South Carolina’s Hilton Head or Beaufort.

people walk along the sidewalk as a trolley pulls a group in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you can immerse yourself in the history of the Old West.

Andre Jenny/Alamy Photo

Jackson Hole, Wyoming: “The Last of the Old West”

Whether you are headed there for the snow or want to immerse yourself in the history of the Old West, you’ll find there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a longer stay in Jackson Hole.

The city has three mountain resorts perfect for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Downhill isn’t your thing? Try out cross-country skiing, ice-skating, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and snow tubing.

Want a unique idea to learn the history of the Old West and Jackson Hole? Sign up for a chuckwagon dinner. Surrounded by the Teton Mountains, you’ll dine outdoors under the stars while enjoying Western food and cowboy music. And, you’ll hear stories about the Old West that you’ll repeat to your friends.

Lynn and Charles Baker visit Balanced Rock in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The couple settled there after leaving New Hampshire.

Courtesy Charles Bud Baker

Colorado Springs, Colorado: “Little London”

Are you ready for some adventure? Colorado Springs offers plenty of exciting outdoor activities, including ziplining and whitewater rafting. There’s also great hiking and biking for those who prefer to take it slow.

For Baker, “the draw for us to move to ‘The Springs’ was lifestyle, a vibrant community with many cultural and excellent restaurant choices and great medical care.”

When it’s time for a break, take in some culture by visiting one of the city’s eclectic museums featuring fine art, cowboys, aviation, trains, insects and regional history.

Check out Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; it’s a two-for-one experience. Since it’s located 6,714 feet above sea level, you can enjoy the animals while enjoying gorgeous views of the city.

Finally, don’t miss the geological wonder that is the Garden of the Gods Park. Here, you can enjoy views of Pikes Peak, bike, hike, horseback ride or rock climb.

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Bari Faye Dean is a contributing writer with more than 40 years of experience writing about travel, business, health care and technology for Bloomberg, Becker’s Hospital Review and her own content marketing company, Get It Write.

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