Survey Reveals: Top Winter Destinations and Travel Trends for Seniors in 2025

As we age, our travel preferences evolve. While the flexibility to explore the world year-round is a wonderful advantage, senior travelers tend to focus on destinations that offer accessibility, comfort, and proximity to quality healthcare. 

Our recent survey of over 3,000 experienced senior travelers reveals a growing preference for domestic destinations within the United States, with most respondents highlighting the U.S. as much better than other countries for accessible travel.  

The survey also uncovers the top winter getaways that seamlessly blend comfort, accessibility, and relaxation. From the tropical paradise of Hawaii to the quaint small towns of the Midwest, there’s a perfect winter retreat suited to every senior traveler’s needs – and the U.S. offers an abundance of excellent options. 

Top Destinations 

Florida and Hawaii: The Undisputed Favorites 

When it comes to winter getaways, Florida and Hawaii are the clear winners. Both states offer warm, welcoming climates and a laid-back vibe that seniors adore. In fact, all 10 of the top-ranked destinations are in these two states alone. 

• Hawaii Highlights: Koloa and Hanalei on Kauai, and the vibrant artists’ community of Volcano Village on the Big Island, are must-visit spots. These charming towns boast beautiful tropical settings, accessible trails, a mix of cultural events, and calm, quiet beaches perfect for relaxation and exploration.

• Florida Favorites: Beach towns like Venice and Stuart stand out for their accessible and walkable waterfronts. Inland, Mount Dora’s boutiques and antique stores add a touch of charm. These destinations feature easy, flat streets, making them ideal for seniors who love outdoor strolls and mild weather. 

Both states excel at combining natural beauty with all the amenities an older traveler desires. 

The Southern Charm of Coastal Retreats Beyond Florida 

The South’s unhurried pace and warm hospitality are a breath of fresh air for senior travelers. Coupled with picturesque waterfronts and a wealth of history, it’s no wonder the South stands out. 

• Top Spots: Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Beaufort, South Carolina, offer mild weather and a range of activities. Similarly, St. Simons Island, Georgia, and Port Aransas, Texas, provide numerous attractions, from eco-tours to leisurely beach outings and historic site visits – making them perfect for seniors who love being by the ocean. 

Arizona: A Desert Oasis 

For active seniors, Arizona is a hidden gem. The state’s temperate winters and outdoor adventures are a perfect match. 

• Must-Visit Towns: Bisbee, known for its mining past, Tubac, a historic arts destination, and Florence, with its National Historic District, bring together scenic landscapes, art galleries, and significant sites. Green Valley offers a peaceful retirement community atmosphere, while Wickenburg’s rich Western heritage attracts those seeking unique cultural experiences. All these places benefit from excellent healthcare facilities, ensuring peace of mind for extended stays. 

The Mountains Call 

Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you have to give up your sense of adventure. For seniors drawn to the mountains, destinations like Manitou Springs, Colorado, and Taos, New Mexico, are perfect. 

• Mountain Highlights: These locations offer breathtaking winter landscapes, thermal springs, and accessible walking trails. Glenwood Springs and Pagosa Springs in Colorado provide hot, mineral-rich thermal waters, ideal for relaxing after a strenuous hike. These places offer an invigorating blend of wellness-focused activities and natural beauty. 

Coastal Towns Across the Nation 

Who doesn’t love being by the water? From the Atlantic to the Pacific, small, charming coastal towns offer unique and beautiful escapes idea for senior travel 

• West Coast Gems: Pacific Grove, California, and Port Angeles, Washington, combine stunning ocean views with serene walking paths and vibrant local culture.

• East Coast Favorites: Camden, Maine, enchants with its maritime history and cozy inns, while Cape May, New Jersey, offers iconic Victorian architecture and peaceful beachfronts. 

Hidden Gems in the Midwest 

Don’t overlook the Midwest! Despite not being a typical winter destination, it has hidden gems perfect for senior travel destinations. 

• Notable Destinations: Saugatuck, Michigan, and Stillwater, Minnesota, showcase charming downtown areas, vibrant art scenes, and opportunities for gentle outdoor exploration. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, adds a touch of luxury with its smart waterfront resorts and indulgent spa experiences.

Accessibility: The Cornerstone of Senior Travel 

The survey underscores the importance of accessibility for senior travelers, many of whom may have mobility challenges. Many destinations on the list excel in providing accessible accommodations, flat terrain, and well-designed public spaces. 

• Standouts: Venice, Florida, and Paia, Hawaii, set the standard with their accessible beaches and wheelchair-friendly paths, ensuring that seniors can fully enjoy their time away. 

Diverse Domestic Travel Trends 

The survey highlights that many seniors prefer domestic travel due to its accessibility, ease of planning, and familiarity. International travel still has its appeal, but domestic destinations offer comfort and security, particularly with the strong accessibility standards and protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Key Stats: 

• 54% of respondents find international travel more difficult due to a lack of senior-friendly features like accessible transportation, accommodation, and mobility aids. 
• 29% of seniors no longer travel abroad, citing increased challenges and preferences for domestic trips, while 17% of respondents travel internationally but less frequently. 
• 33% of seniors say ADA-compliant facilities increase their confidence in traveling within the U.S. 

The U.S. Advantage in Senior-Friendly Travel 

Our survey also found that seniors overwhelmingly view domestic travel as more accommodating. In fact, 61% of respondents consider the U.S. to be “much better” or “somewhat better” than other countries in terms of senior-friendly travel features, highlighting the U.S.’s commitment to accessibility, familiar infrastructure, and traveler protections.  

Additional Findings 

Smaller Towns Steal the Spotlight 

With over-tourism a growing concern, seniors are seeking alternatives to crowded tourist hotspots. Hidden gems across the country, such as Fairhope, Alabama, and Mystic, Connecticut, provide unique, intimate settings where seniors can enjoy scenic beauty, boutique shopping, and historical landmarks. These towns offer the perfect blend of tranquility and charm, creating memorable experiences away from the hustle and bustle. 

The Rise of Winter Wellness Retreats 

The combination of warmth and wellness is irresistible for senior travelers. Wellness-focused destinations like Volcano Village, Hawaii, and Borrego Springs, California, offer facilities from thermal springs to yoga retreats and spa services, making them popular choices for those seeking rejuvenation and pampering during the colder months. 

Exploring Unique Activities 

Senior travelers are drawn to destinations that offer enriching experiences. Some are unforgettable, like the manatee tours in Crystal River, Florida, while others are cultural, such as the art galleries in Hanapepe, Hawaii. A mix of gentle outdoor activities, historical tours, and cultural events adds depth to these vacations, creating memories that go beyond mere relaxation. 

Final Thoughts 

Winter travel is an ideal opportunity for seniors to unwind, explore, and embrace the joys of the season in destinations that truly cater to their needs. Our survey showcases the incredible variety of options that exist across the U.S., each offering its unique blend of relaxation, accessibility, and cultural richness. From the tropical allure of Hawaii and the friendly charm of Florida to the cozy ambiance of small towns across the Midwest and South, there’s no shortage of senior-friendly destinations. 

With careful planning, seniors can enjoy stress-free getaways that provide not only scenic beauty but also enriching experiences. Whether it’s a quiet retreat or an adventurous escape, these winter hot spots ensure that every trip is memorable, rejuvenating, and, most importantly, safe. 

Survey Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,003 respondents aged 65 and older. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. Data was collected in January 2025.