Hobby Holidays: 10 Great Trips for Retirees Who Love Golf, Cooking, or Art
Retirement is the perfect time to explore the world while indulging in your favorite pastimes. Whether you’re passionate about golf, culinary arts, or painting, there are incredible travel experiences designed for hobby-loving retirees. From playing legendary golf courses to taking hands-on cooking classes in world-famous culinary capitals, these themed vacations blend relaxation with enrichment, ensuring every trip is both enjoyable and fulfilling.
Here are some of the best hobby-focused destinations for retirees who want to combine their love for travel with their favorite activities.
1. Golf Getaway: Tee Off in Scottsdale, Arizona
For retirees who love golf, Scottsdale, Arizona is a dream destination. With over 200 golf courses, sunny weather year-round, and luxurious resorts, it’s a paradise for those who want to spend their days on the greens and their evenings enjoying world-class dining and spas.
Why It’s Perfect for Golf Enthusiasts:
- Play at TPC Scottsdale, home of the famous Phoenix Open.
- Stay at The Phoenician, a five-star resort with an 18-hole championship course and spa.
- Enjoy private golf lessons with PGA professionals to refine your swing.
Beyond Golf:
When you’re not on the course, explore Old Town Scottsdale’s art galleries and upscale shopping, or take a scenic hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert.
2. A Culinary Escape: Cooking Classes in Tuscany, Italy
If you’re passionate about food and wine, a cooking holiday in Tuscany is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Italian cuisine. Experience hands-on cooking classes, vineyard visits, and authentic farm-to-table meals, all while surrounded by rolling vineyards and medieval villages.
Why It’s Perfect for Culinary Enthusiasts:
- Take a multi-day cooking class at Villa del Golfo, where local chefs teach you to make handmade pasta, Tuscan bread, and traditional sauces.
- Tour Chianti’s best wineries, sampling world-class wines with expert sommeliers.
- Stay at Castello di Casole, a luxurious converted castle in the Tuscan countryside.
Beyond the Kitchen:
Visit Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, explore Siena’s historic center, or take a truffle-hunting excursion with local guides.
3. Art and Culture in Paris, France
For art lovers, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in creativity than Paris. Home to world-class museums, historic ateliers, and stunning architecture, the city offers endless inspiration for painters, photographers, and history buffs alike.
Why It’s Perfect for Art Enthusiasts:
- Explore The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, home to works by Da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh.
- Take a painting workshop in Montmartre, the historic neighborhood where Picasso and Renoir once lived.
- Stay at Le Meurice, an elegant hotel known for its artistic heritage.
Beyond the Museums:
Enjoy a Seine River dinner cruise, visit the Palace of Versailles, or spend an afternoon strolling through the artists’ market at Place du Tertre.
4. Wine and Wellness Retreat in Napa Valley, California
For retirees who love wine and relaxation, Napa Valley offers the perfect blend of indulgence and tranquility. From vineyard tastings to spa retreats, this is the ultimate destination for those who want to unwind while enjoying some of the world’s best wines.
Why It’s Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts:
- Stay at Auberge du Soleil, a luxury resort with vineyard views and spa treatments.
- Take a private wine tour and tasting at top wineries like Opus One and Domaine Carneros.
- Join a wine and food pairing class, led by expert sommeliers.
Beyond Wine Tasting:
Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, explore downtown Napa’s fine dining scene, or take a scenic bike tour through the valley.
5. A Scottish Golf Adventure in St. Andrews, Scotland
Scotland is the birthplace of golf, and St. Andrews is a bucket-list destination for any golfer. With its legendary courses, historic clubhouses, and stunning coastal scenery, it’s a must-visit for those looking to play where the game was born.
Why It’s Perfect for Golf Enthusiasts:
- Play a round at The Old Course, one of the most famous golf courses in the world.
- Stay at The Old Course Hotel, overlooking the historic fairways.
- Tour the British Golf Museum, which traces the sport’s origins.
Beyond Golf:
Explore the charming town of St. Andrews, visit Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, or take a day trip to Scotland’s famous whisky distilleries.
6. A Painting Retreat in Provence, France
For retirees who love to paint and sketch, Provence offers golden light, stunning landscapes, and charming villages that have inspired artists for centuries.
Why It’s Perfect for Artists:
- Take a plein air painting class in Gordes or Roussillon, where Van Gogh and Cézanne once worked.
- Stay at Domaine de Manville, a luxurious countryside retreat with art workshops and wine tastings.
- Visit Arles, where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works.
Beyond the Canvas:
Explore lavender fields, visit medieval hilltop villages, or tour the art-filled city of Aix-en-Provence.
7. A Foodie Adventure in New Orleans, Louisiana
For those who love Southern cuisine, New Orleans offers an unforgettable culinary journey. From Creole cooking classes to live jazz brunches, every meal is an experience.
Why It’s Perfect for Food Lovers:
- Take a Creole and Cajun cooking class, learning to make gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.
- Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, known for its exquisite dining and jazz club.
- Dine at Commander’s Palace, one of the city’s most historic restaurants.
Beyond the Food Scene:
Enjoy a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi, visit the French Quarter’s historic sites, or take a swamp tour to see Louisiana’s natural beauty.
8. A Wellness Retreat in Sedona, Arizona
For retirees looking to relax, recharge, and reconnect, Sedona is the perfect place for a wellness-focused getaway. With its spiritual energy, red rock landscapes, and luxury spas, it’s an ideal destination for those who want to prioritize health and well-being.
Why It’s Perfect for Wellness Enthusiasts:
- Stay at Mii Amo Spa, offering healing treatments inspired by Native American traditions.
- Take a guided meditation or yoga session at one of Sedona’s famous vortex sites.
- Enjoy holistic dining with organic, farm-to-table ingredients.
Beyond Wellness:
Go on a scenic jeep tour of Sedona’s red rock formations, visit local art galleries, or experience a stargazing night tour.
9. Photography Adventure in Alaska
For retirees passionate about photography and nature, Alaska provides some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. From glaciers and wildlife to the Northern Lights, this destination offers countless opportunities to capture once-in-a-lifetime shots. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just learning, Alaska’s natural beauty is the ultimate inspiration.
Why It’s Perfect for Photography Enthusiasts:
- Take a small-group wildlife photography tour in Denali National Park, where you can capture grizzly bears, moose, and caribou in their natural habitat.
- Stay at Alyeska Resort, a luxury mountain lodge offering incredible views and guided photography excursions.
- Embark on a glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, photographing towering ice formations, orcas, and puffins.
Beyond the Lens:
Take a flightseeing tour over Mount McKinley, experience dog sledding with an Iditarod team, or relax in Chena Hot Springs while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.
10. Music and History Tour in Nashville, Tennessee
For retirees who love music, history, and Southern charm, Nashville is a must-visit destination. Known as the “Music City, USA,” it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in live performances, explore historic recording studios, and learn about country music legends.
Why It’s Perfect for Music Enthusiasts:
- Take a VIP backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry, where country music’s biggest stars perform.
- Stay at The Hermitage Hotel, a five-star property that blends historic elegance with modern luxury.
- Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, home to exhibits featuring icons like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley.
Beyond the Music Scene:
Enjoy a private whiskey tasting at a Tennessee distillery, take a riverboat cruise along the Cumberland River, or explore Franklin, a charming nearby town known for its Civil War history and boutique shopping.
