Traveling is something many people look forward to in retirement. And while international travel shouldn’t be counted out, domestic trips are ideal for shorter getaways at a slower pace. Wondering where to start? To determine the best U.S. cities for seniors, we based our research on three factors: walkability and ease of getting around, comfortable weather for sightseeing, and availability of cultural and historic attractions. The result is a list of six domestic destinations that senior travelers are sure to enjoy.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital has plenty to offer, including walkability, reliable public transportation, warm weather, and an abundance of free attractions. The National Mall is mostly flat, making it easy for seniors to explore at a comfortable pace, while the Metro connects visitors to museums, monuments, and different parts of the city without the need for a car. 

Seniors can stretch their budget further with D.C.’s many free attractions, which include Smithsonian museums (17 in total), the U.S. Botanic Garden, and all the monuments and memorials at the National Mall. Plan your trip in the spring or fall for the most optimal weather for sightseeing, with temps ranging from the mid-60s to the upper 70s. Avoid summer, when the city can feel quite muggy. 

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s Historic District makes it one of the most walkable — and charming — U.S. cities to visit. With tree-lined streets, 23 picturesque squares, and plenty of benches where you can stop to soak it all in, seniors are sure to appreciate this lovely Southern destination. Most of the main attractions are located within a relatively small area, which means visitors can spend a few days in Savannah without renting a car. 

Highlights include Forsyth Park, River Street, and Bonaventure Cemetery, the latter of which provides free guided tours to the public. If mobility is an issue, the city offers free DOT shuttle services and trolley tours, plus scenic riverboat tours to explore the area. Temperatures range from the upper 60s to the low 80s in the spring and fall, making the shoulder seasons the most pleasant times to visit.

San Diego, California

Known for having one of the most enviable climates in the country, San Diego is another appealing destination for seniors. The city’s daytime temperatures often range from the upper 60s to the mid-70s throughout the year. This means that seniors can sightsee year-round without the threat of high heat, humidity, or rain. 

Neighborhoods like the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village are perfect for enjoying the city at a leisurely pace. San Diego is also home to beloved attractions like the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and the Balboa Park gardens, the latter of which feature walking paths, a butterfly garden, and three museums. For views of the water, Bayfront Park offers a panoramic view of San Diego Bay with wide walking paths and plenty of benches.

San Antonio, Texas

As one of Texas’ most appealing destinations, San Antonio boasts an easy-to-navigate downtown and a rich and historic past. The city’s most famous site is the River Walk, a wide pedestrian walkway lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions along the river. Elsewhere, river barges provide a way to explore the city without spending all day on foot. 

Other top attractions in San Antonio include the legendary Alamo, the historic Market Square, and San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, which are connected by a bike path. To avoid the hottest weather, plan a trip in the winter or spring, when temps range from the 60s to the upper 70s.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe offers a slower pace for seniors, and the city is ideal for anyone seeking art, history, and a dose of Southwestern culture. The historic downtown is centered around Santa Fe Plaza, home to museums, galleries, restaurants, and boutique shops, all within easy walking distance of one another. In fact, you’ll find street markets —  including art fairs, farmers markets, and traditional Spanish markets — throughout the city. Canyon Road in particular contains more than 100 art galleries in under 1 mile. 

Senior travelers should note that Santa Fe’s altitude sits at 7,199 feet, which means you may need a day or two to adjust to the elevation. However, the weather in the spring and fall is quite pleasant, with low humidity and temps that range from the upper 60s to the 70s during the day.

Williamsburg, Virginia

As one of America’s most significant colonial sites, Williamsburg is the ultimate destination for history buffs. Much of Colonial Williamsburg is designed as a pedestrian-friendly historic district, making it easy for visitors to leisurely stroll the streets while exploring restored buildings, living history exhibits, and museums. 

Nearby is the Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent English colony in North America, which continues to exist as a living history museum and contains three full-scale replicas of colonial ships and a Powhatan Indian village. Horse-drawn carriages provide a way to explore without too much strenuous activity, while mild seasonal weather makes spring and fall the ideal time to visit.