20 Unforgettable Road Trips For Seniors And Retirees

road trip ideas and destinations for seniors and retirees

Retirement isn’t the end of the road; it’s the beginning of the open highway. You can hop in your car or RV and hit the road today. But you might wonder, what are the best road trips for retirees?

In this article, I’ll share the best roads where you can spend your retirement road trip. I’ll also give you more practical travel information so you can plan your next trip right away. So, continue reading!

1. California Highway 1: The Pacific Coast Highway (656 Miles)

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most popular routes in the USA. It stretches for over 650 miles along California’s Highway 1. Known for being one of the most scenic drives in the country, it’s an excellent road trip idea for your retirement.

You can start your journey in San Francisco and head south to San Diego, or reverse it and drive from south to north. Officially, the Pacific Coast Highway begins in Southern California at Interstate 5 south of San Juan Capistrano, and ends at US 101 in Leggett, Mendocino County. However, most people consider the route between San Diego and San Francisco to be the quintessential Pacific Coast Highway experience.

The drive itself is breathtaking, but don’t forget to factor in time for exploring along the way. Here are some of the best stops to consider:

Point Reyes National Seashore
Muir Woods National Monument
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Pebble Beach
Big Sur
Hearst Castle
Golden Gate Bridge

2. Route 66: The Mother Road (2,451 Miles)

Clocking in at 2,451 miles, historic Route 66 traverses eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. This iconic route, also known as the Mother Road, starts in Chicago, Illinois, and concludes at the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California.

Have you ever dreamt of a road trip on Route 66? Retirement presents the perfect opportunity! Why wait any longer? Here are a few reasons Route 66 is a fantastic retirement road trip:

Will Rogers Memorial Museum
Cadillac Ranch
Meteor Crater
Santa Monica Pier
Bradbury Building
St. Louis Gateway Arch
Jewel Man’s Tulsa Shoe Shine

3. Route 50: The Loneliest Road In America (3,200 Miles)

This transcontinental highway stretches from sea to shining sea across the United States. It begins in West Sacramento, California, and terminates on the East Coast in Ocean City, Maryland.

Route 50 earned its moniker, “The Loneliest Road in America,” from Life magazine in July 1986, due to a particularly desolate 287-mile stretch through central Nevada. The magazine famously warned readers against traversing this section without proper survival skills.

For retirees seeking a unique adventure, Route 50 presents the ultimate challenge: conquering the loneliest road in America. Who wouldn’t want to add that to their retirement bucket list?

Clocking in at 3,200 miles and traversing 11 states, this route offers a journey unlike any other. Take your time, embrace the freedom of the open road, and discover some of America’s hidden and most popular attractions like:

Lake Tahoe
Great Basin National Park
Bonneville Salt Flats
Dinosaur National Monument
Royal Gorge Bridge
Sand Mountain
Utah State Capitol

4. Blue Ridge Parkway: America’s Favorite Drive (490 Miles)

Winding through Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is no wonder it’s a cherished American road trip. Renowned for its scenic beauty, it seamlessly connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

For retirees seeking a leisurely escape, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers the perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and a relaxed pace. Prepare to be captivated by verdant forests, misty mountains, blooming meadows, and endless blue horizons.

Don’t miss these captivating stops along the way:

The Natural Bridge
Mabry Mill
Blue Ridge Music Center
The Blowing Rock
Linville Falls
Southern Highland Folk Art Center
Chimney Rock State Park

5. Key West Overseas Highway: The Conch Republic Road (160 Miles)

Do you want to take a road trip in retirement and get a taste of tropical Florida? With beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal blue oceans, and many places to relax and enjoy various water sports activities, road-tripping the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West is an excellent retirement road trip idea.

The drive is 160 miles long, and it will only take you approximately four hours if you drive straight to Key West. However, you should take a couple of days to really explore and experience all the best the Florida Keys have to offer, as there is so much to see and do.

You can relax on many beaches, go sportfishing, boating, scuba diving, swim with dolphins, and enjoy water sport activities like jet skiing and paragliding. You can eat delicious seafood along the route and drink as many cocktails as you want while enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Does it sound like a great road trip idea for your retirement? Here are some must-see stops between Miami and Key West:

Everglades National Park
Key Largo
Islamorada Beer Company
Turtle Hospital
Big Pine Key
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Dolphin Research Center

6. Route 12: Scenic All-American Byway (124 Miles)

This All-American Highway takes you through forests, two national parks, and many natural wonders. You will drive through some of the most rugged and diverse landscapes in the nation. It is only 124 miles long, so you can drive it easily in a day. However, many people like to spend multiple days to make the most of their road trip.

This road trip is great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, snowmobiling, canoeing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, hunting, and camping. It also offers plenty of beautiful viewpoints, and here are some of them:

Red Canyon
Dixie National Forest
Bryce Canyon National Park
Paunsaugunt Plateau
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Hell’s Backbone Scenic Backway
Calf Creek Falls

7. Highway 61: The Blues Highway (1,400 Miles)

Highway 61 runs for 1,400 miles (2,300 km) between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Wyoming, Minnesota. The portion between Memphis and Vicksburg is known as the Blues Highway. The highway generally follows the course of the Mississippi River and was an important south-north connection in the days before the interstate highway system.

Many blues legends were born within spitting distance of Highway 61. They started out performing at picnics, parties, and barbecues throughout the Mississippi Delta between Memphis and Vicksburg. To find fame, they needed to go to Memphis and further north to big cities like Chicago and Detroit. These artists recorded many songs about Highway 61 and their sometimes harsh life in the area.

When you road trip Highway 61, listen to famous records because that will add to your experience. Visit as many cafes and local music pubs as possible to experience the roots of the blues. Here are some specific locations:

Delta Blues Museum
Crossroads Monument
Sun Studio
Elvis Presley’s Mansion
Club Ebony
The Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center And Museum
Mississippi Delta Hot Tamales

8. Going-To-The-Sun Road: Transmountain Highway (50 Miles)

This route is a 50-mile scenic mountain road in the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park. It crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. It’s a great road trip when you want to see impressive glaciers, beautiful valleys, waterfalls, mountains, colorful wildflowers, and wildlife in retirement.

This road was previously known as the Transmountain Highway. When officials wanted to formally open the road to the public in 1933, they decided to give it a more fitting name: Going-to-the-Sun Road, borrowed from the nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain.

The road is only open during the summer months, but there is no specific date for the road to open. This depends on weather conditions, but it generally opens around late June and closes around mid or late October. You can check past opening and closing dates here.

This route is very popular and can be very busy. The parking lot at Logan Pass is usually full between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, which can lead to road delays. Preferably, you want to leave as early as possible to beat the traffic and spot more wildlife, as animals are more active earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat.

Before you plan your road trip, make sure to check the latest information about Glacier National Park and the road status on the National Park Service’s website.

And when you’re here, be sure to find these places:

Logan Pass Visitor Center
Hidden Lake
Grinnell Glacier
Lake McDonald
Bird Woman Falls
Saint Mary Visitor Center
Sun Point and Scenic Point

9. US-93: The Great Basin Highway (1,359 Miles)

Highway 93 is known as the road from border to border, officially running from Canada to Mexico. It starts in Jasper National Park, Canada, and takes you to Ambos Nogales in Mexico (or the town of Nogales in Arizona), passing through the states of Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. From alpine paradise to desert, this route is diverse and takes you through some of the wildest and most rugged lands you can imagine.

Here are some of the highlights of Highway 93 that you wouldn’t want to miss:

The Canadian Rockies
Jasper National Park
Banff National Park
Rocky Mountains
Flathead Reservation
Bitterroot Valley
Snake River Plain

10. US-1 East Coast: Atlantic Highway (2,369 Miles)

This epic road trip takes you from tropical beaches in Florida to the rocky coastline in Maine. It runs 2,300 miles from Key West, Florida, north to Fort Kent, Maine, and is the longest north-south road in the United States. The cool thing about this route is that it has something for everyone.

If you enjoy visiting big cities, then this road trip is a great idea for your retirement because the highway connects most of the major cities of the East Coast: Miami, Jacksonville, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.

If you have time, visit these places:

Acadia National Park
Fenway Park
Cliff Walk
Montauk Point State Park
Liberty Bell Center
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Castillo de San Marcos

11. Cape Breton Island: Cabot Trail (185 Miles)

Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is 185 miles long and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island.

It is considered one of the world’s best road trips and perhaps an excellent choice for your next road trip in retirement, especially if you like to see rocky coastlines, waterfalls, vibrant bays, and old forests, and enjoy amazing seafood and outdoor activities.

You’ll want to drive it in a counter-clockwise direction to get the best views and spend at least three to five days. It’s a great road trip to do in both summer and winter. In the summer, you can enjoy many food, cultural, and music festivals between May and October. In the winter, you can engage in activities such as snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing.

Here are some places of interest here:

Skyline Trail
The Margaree Valley
The Cabot Miners Museum
Baddeck
Cheticamp
Fort Louisbourg National Historic Site
Big Fiddle

12. Banff National Park: Icefields Parkway (144 Miles)

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful and scenic road trips you can do in Canada. It goes through the heart of Banff and Jasper National Parks and serves as a connection between Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. If you don’t stop anywhere, it takes about 3 hours of driving. It takes you along beautiful glaciers, waterfalls, and blue lakes.

Generally, the road is open year-round but can be occasionally closed due to ice storms or avalanches.

Below are some of the stops you can make when traversing Icefields Parkway:

Herbert Lake
Crowfoot Glacier
Helen Lake
Maligne Lake
Bow Glacier Falls
Peyto Lake
Mistaya Canyon

13. Trans-Canada Highway: The Big Road (4,860 Miles)

The Trans-Canada Highway travels through all ten provinces of Canada from the Pacific Ocean on the west to the Atlantic on the east. The main route is 4,860 miles long and is one of the world’s longest national routes. It starts at Victoria on Vancouver Island and ends at St. John’s, Newfoundland.

When you have a lot of time for your travel adventure in retirement and want to explore Canada in the most in-depth way, this is your best road trip!

Here are the places I recommend that you visit:

Banff National Park
Lake Louise
Glacier National Park
Parliament Hill
Old Quebec
Gros Morne National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park

14. Great Ocean Road: The Shipwreck Coast (150 Miles)

One of the most famous ocean roads is the Great Ocean Road in Australia. It is a 150-mile-long road in Victoria, the southeastern state of Australia. It starts at the town of Torquay, 90 minutes from Melbourne, and ends at the town of Warrnambool. You can go surfing, wine tasting, whale watching, and explore rainforests, pristine beaches, and beautiful waterfalls while witnessing the most scenic landscapes of Australia along this route.

You can drive it in one day, but to make the most of your road trip, you’ll want to spend a couple of days along the route. You can combine road-tripping the Great Ocean Road with visiting other places in Australia like Melbourne or Tasmania Island. Or, while you’re there, why not make a big road trip along the east coast of Australia, starting in Cairns in the north and ending with driving the Great Ocean Road in the south?

Here are some amazing stops you got to visit here:

The Twelve Apostles
London Arch
Loch Ard Gorge
The Grotto
The Bay of Islands
Great Otway National Park
Cape Otway Lightstation

15. Costiera Amalfitana: Divine Coast (37 Miles)

The most famous coast in Europe is probably the Amalfi Coast (locally, Costiera Amalfitana) in Italy. It’s only a 37-mile-long coastal route between Sorrento and Salerno, located just south of the Bay of Naples. Since 1997, the Amalfi Coast has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s famous for its picturesque villages, lemon terraces, vineyards, and stunning cliffs. Driving down the Amalfi Coast, you can experience beautiful views, eat delicious Italian food, and drink the famous Italian drink, Limoncello.

It’s a great road trip idea in retirement when you’re looking for a second honeymoon destination. This road trip is not just about driving the route but experiencing the southern Italian vibe and the amazing scenery along the route. So, you might want to spend a couple of days along the Amalfi Coast to really experience it.

If you want some idea of where are the top destinations in these places, here are some of them:

Positano
Amalfi Cathedral
Ravello
Villa Rufolo
Fiordo di Furore
Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)
Emerald Grotto

16. Ruta 40: The Road Of Dreams (3,227 Miles)

Are you an adventurous retiree? Then road-tripping Ruta 40 in Argentina is something up your alley. Ruta 40 is the ultimate Argentine road trip, running 3,227 miles along the slopes of the Andes. It starts from the town of La Quiaca in the north on the Bolivian border in the Puna highlands (+12,000 feet altitude) and travels all the way south to Cabo Vírgenes on the Strait of Magellan in Patagonia.

This route takes you along magnificent scenery and extreme heights (16,050 feet above sea level). The variety of regions makes it a road trip of a lifetime.

Here are some places you may want to take a detour to when taking this route:

La Quiaca
Salinas Grandes Salt Flats
Abra del Acay
Quebrada de Humahuaca
El Chaltén
Perito Moreno Glacier
Bariloche

17. North Coast 500: Scotland’s Route 66 (516 Miles)

The North Coast 500 is a complete loop of a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland. It starts and ends at Inverness Castle, linking many features in the north Highlands of Scotland into one touring route. If you like driving coastal roads, then this is a great retirement road trip idea.

Ideally, you’ll want to take at least five days or more to make this road trip and have enough time for sightseeing and exploring the region. Springtime would be the best time to make this road trip, as flowers bloom and there are plenty of activities to do.

However, temperatures in the spring are between 7°C (45°F) to 13°C (55°F), so bring warm clothes. There is an old Scottish saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!” With that said, here are some points of interest you may want to check out:

Inverness Castle
Dunrobin Castle
John o’ Groats
Duncansby Stacks
Smoo Cave
Ullapool
Bealach na Bà

18. Iceland’s National Road 1: Ring Road (828 Miles)

The Ring Road, also known as Route 1 in Iceland, is an 828-mile national road that runs around the island and connects most of the inhabited parts of the country. Visiting Iceland means experiencing a country of extreme geological contrasts.

Iceland is also known as “The Land of Fire and Ice” because it is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Driving around Iceland means seeing nature at its finest, and there aren’t many places in the world with such natural diversity. It has some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls, many long, deep fjords, and glaciers. Additionally, Iceland is an excellent place to see the Northern Lights.

It takes approximately 13 hours to drive around Iceland if you don’t stop anywhere. However, you will want to spend at least seven to 10 days exploring the Ring Road and have time for sightseeing and activities, rather than just having short photo stops. If you drive the route counterclockwise, you’ll hit the most touristy parts of Iceland first. Alternatively, you can drive the other way around; there is no best answer.

As you drive around, you’ll definitely want to stop in these places:

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Skogafoss Waterfall
The Golden Circle
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Dettifoss Waterfall
Lake Myvatn
Vestrahorn

19. Garden Route: South Africa’s Garden Paradise (190 Miles)

The Garden Route is a famous route in South Africa and is loved by many travelers. It gets its name from the vividly colored wildflowers along this coastal route.

It officially starts in Mossel Bay in the west and ends at Storms River in the east. However, many travelers like to refer to the Garden Route as the road between Cape Town and Addo Elephant Park, which is around 600 miles if you drive along the coast.

This route takes you along beautiful landscapes, the southernmost part of Africa, and offers the possibility to see whales (August-October). It also provides endless activities like surfing, swimming with white sharks or seals, experiencing African wildlife, visiting wineries, and enjoying various cultures and exquisite cuisine.

You can fly into Cape Town and have your road trip end in Addo Elephant Park, where you will fly out from the city of Port Elizabeth. However, I highly recommend ending your road trip with a few days in Cape Town. In my opinion, you want to leave the best for last, and spending a couple of days in Cape Town is an excellent choice.

Meanwhile, here are some other tourist spots you need to check out:

Knysna Heads
Tsitsikamma National Park
Cango Caves
Robberg Nature Reserve
Mossel Bay
Wilderness National Park
Addo Elephant National Park

20. Algarve Coast: The Southern Jewel Of Portugal (93 Miles)

The Algarve is the most popular region in Portugal among tourists, and for good reason. It has beautiful dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, fishing villages, historic towns with traditional mosaic tiles, and more than 150 beaches. It’s a beautiful area to explore by car and spend a couple of days sightseeing and relaxing among the many beaches.

The hottest and busiest months are July and August. These months are also the most expensive. So, it’s best to book your trip to the Algarve in the spring or fall. Temperatures are still great, and it’s less crowded.

You can easily pick one city or town in the Algarve to stay in and explore the region from there. The best place to stay is the town of Lagos. Also, you may want to visit these places:

Ponta da Piedade
Benagil Cave
Praia da Marinha
Tavira Island
Sagres Point
Cape St. Vincent
Zoomarine Algarve

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you ready to get your road trip started? Before you rev your engine and hit the open highway, you might have some lingering questions. This section addresses some of the most commonly asked questions to help you make a confident decision and get your adventure rolling!

Is it safe for seniors to go on road trips?

Yes, it is generally safe for seniors to go on road trips. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and have a plan for regular rest stops to stay alert and comfortable. It’s also wise to have a medical check-up before long trips.

How can I stay comfortable during long drives?

Use a supportive seat cushion and take breaks every one to two hours to stretch and move around. Stay hydrated and adjust your seat to maintain good posture. Consider using cruise control to reduce leg fatigue.

What should I pack for a road trip?

Pack comfortable clothing, medications, a first aid kit, water, snacks, and important documents. Bring a cell phone charger, maps, and emergency contact numbers. Don’t forget entertainment like books, music, or audiobooks.

How do I plan an itinerary for a road trip?

Plan your route with stops at interesting attractions and ensure you have accommodations booked in advance. Allow flexibility for spontaneous detours and rest periods. Use travel apps and guides to discover senior-friendly activities and destinations.

What are the best times of year for road trips?

The best times are spring and fall when the weather is mild and roads are less crowded. Avoid peak holiday seasons to reduce stress and enjoy quieter attractions. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you go.

How can I save money on a road trip?

Travel during off-peak times, use fuel-efficient routes and take advantage of senior discounts for accommodations and attractions. Pack your own snacks and meals to avoid frequent dining expenses. Consider staying in budget-friendly hotels or renting vacation homes.

Are there specific health considerations for seniors on road trips?

Yes, keep medications and medical supplies easily accessible. Monitor your health and know the location of medical facilities along your route. Stay hydrated and avoid long periods of sitting without movement.

How can I ensure my vehicle is road trip ready?

Have your vehicle serviced before the trip, checking tires, brakes, oil, and battery. Ensure you have a spare tire, jack, and emergency kit. Familiarize yourself with basic car maintenance and emergency procedures.

What are some tips for finding senior-friendly accommodations?

Look for hotels or rentals that offer senior discounts and amenities like elevators, ground-floor rooms, and accessible bathrooms. Read reviews to ensure comfort and safety. Consider staying at well-known chains that cater to senior travelers.

How do I handle unexpected situations or emergencies?

Have a plan in place for medical emergencies, vehicle breakdowns, and changes in weather. Keep emergency contact numbers and roadside assistance information handy. Stay calm and seek help from local services or nearby travelers if needed.

Conclusion

Buckle up and get ready to shift into adventure mode! Hopefully, this article has equipped you with some of the most scenic routes and practical tips to navigate your perfect retirement road trip.

And if you need more retiree and senior-related information, check my other posts! Here are some of them:

Happy reading!