By: Matt Swenson | From: AARP

In January, Nancy Papazian, 85, of Denver, traded the mountains for the ocean.

Papazian, who is retired, fondly recalls strolling toward the Atlantic from her hotel in Amelia Island, Florida. “It wasn’t even a 10-minute walk,” says Papazian, who grew up in California. “For me to be able to walk in sand again and hear the sound of the ocean, it was fabulous.”

Such transformative moments demonstrate the power of travel. Getting away can be an escape from the stress of daily life. 

A 2024 report from nonprofit organization FAIR Health found that the percentage of patients with mental health diagnoses increased across all age groups, with the largest increase (57.4 percent) seen in those 65 and older. There was a nearly 36 percent increase among adults 51 to 64. Among the most common mental health diagnoses were generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.

The best medicine is often a brief respite from it all – namely an easy-to-plan vacation where older travelers can relax, enjoy new places, and socialize with potential new friends – without fear that physical limitations will dampen their enjoyment. Indeed, a recent AARP study shows that Americans 50-plus are eager to travel in 2025, with 70 percent planning trips this year and 75 percent of respondents need accommodations for mobility. In a separate AARP study on travel challenges, 66 percent of respondents indicated their conditions have caused them to change where they travel for leisure.

Here, we look at seven accessible destinations to consider for a hassle-free trip.

San Antonio

Jennifer Barger, 57, a professional writer in Washington, D.C., has hopscotched the globe with her husband and friends yet remains drawn to her Southwestern roots. After her father died, she began experiencing her hometown of San Antonio as more of a tourist. Downtown has really expanded, says Barger. For instance, the entertainment district, The Pearl, built around a former brewhouse that is now the luxurious Hotel Emma, is bustling with coffee shops, shopping, and a weekend farmer’s market.

Approximately 75 percent of the pathways at the famed River Walk are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, according to Visit San Antonio, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau, and elevators and ramps are available at multiple locations. Meanwhile, The Alamo is undergoing a $550-million renovation that will improve its wheelchair accessibility. American Sign Language and tactical tours are available with advance notice.

As unforgettable as the Alamo is, Barger encourages visiting San Antonio’s other historic Spanish missions, which she recommends cycling to. The World Heritage Center, which opened as a gateway to the missions in February, includes indoor and outdoor space and is fully accessible.

Getting there: San Antonio International Airport is about 10 minutes from downtown; Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is a two-hour drive. Dallas is a four- to five-hour drive.