Not every retiree chooses to travel abroad. A good number of them stay domestic as the sheer size of this country offers a broad range of vacation experiences for travelers seeking a diverse set of enriching travel experiences. From the sun kissed beaches of Miami to the multi-hued red-rock formations of Sedona, retirees travel to all corners of the States to admire the beauty this country has to offer. While dining spots can be found at every destination, not every venue delivers a satisfying experience as much as the sights themselves. RETIRETY has partnered with food enthusiast and food trend expert Andrew Lim (me) to come up with a list of restaurants that retired travelers can go to for a satisfying dining experience without breaking the bank. There are over half a million restaurants in this country so we are emphasizing on those in five cities/places most commonly visited by retirees.

KEY WEST, FL

With consistently warm weather, great beaches, a rich historic and cultural heritage, and Caribbean style wooden homes painted with tropical pastel colors, it’s no wonder why Key West is a perfect destination for retired travelers. The rich dining choices here are what attract travelers too.

Santiago’s Bodega entrance

1. Santiago’s Bodega

Cuisine Type: Spanish tapas/Mediterranean

Address: 207 Petronia St., Key West FL 33040

Website: http://www.santiagosbodega.com/home.php?restaurant=1

Average spending: $25-$40 per person

2. Deuce’s Off the Hook Grill

Cuisine Type: Seafood

Address: 728 Simonton St., Key West FL 33040

Website: http://offthehookkeywest.com/

Average spending: $15-$30 per person

3. Cuban Coffee Queen

Cuisine Type: Cuban

Address: 284 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040

Website: https://www.cubancoffeequeen.com/

Average spending: $7-$15 per person

4. Fisherman’s Cafe

Cuisine Type: American/Caribbean/Cafe

Address: 205 Elizabeth St, Unit D, Key West, FL 33040

Website: https://fishermanscafekeywest.com/

Average spending: $7-$15 per person

MIAMI, FL

The white sand beaches and scantily clad sunbathers may not encourage you to eat too much, but the restaurants here which offer a fantastic selection of cuisine from American to Cuban will sure tempt you to do so.

Signature dish at El Mago de Las Fritas

1. Old Lisbon Restaurant

Cuisine Type: Seafood, prepared Portuguese style

Addresses: Three locations (Carol Way — 1698 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145, South Miami — 5837 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL. 33143 and Sunny Isles — 17100 Collins AVE, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160)

Website: http://oldlisbonrestaurants.com/

Average spending: $25-$50 per person

2. Ferrero’s Kitchen Restaurant and Wine Bar

Cuisine Type: Italian/Mediterranean

Address: 1099 NE 79th St., Miami FL 33138

Website: https://www.ferraroskitchen.com/

Average spending: $25-$50 per person

3. El Mago de Las Fritas

Cuisine: Cuban

Address: 5828 SW 8th St., Miami FL 33144

Website: http://www.elmagodelasfritas.com/

Average spending: $10-$15 per person

4. Jimmy’s East Side Diner

Cuisine: American

Address: 7201 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmys-Eastside-Diner/113463148687221

Average spending: $10-$15 per person

SEDONA, AZ

With a multitude of hiking trails surrounded by red rocks, Sedona is a perfect getaway for retired travelers seeking an active itinerary like hiking or a romantic itinerary like hot air balloon ride. These are some dining choices here that are worth your consideration after a day of fun and unforgettable activities.

Dessert at Bella Vista Ristorante

1. Red Rock Cafe (open for breakfast and lunch only)

Cuisine Type: Southwestern/American

Address: 100 Verde Valley School Rd Ste 107, Sedona, AZ 86351

Website: http://redrockcafeaz.com/

Average spending: $7-$15 per person

2. Bella Vista Ristorante

Cuisine Type: Italian

Address: 6701 W State Route 89a, Sedona Pines Resort, Sedona, AZ 86336

Website: http://www.bellavitasedona.com/

Average spending: $15-$30 per person

3. A Taste of Marrakech

Cuisine Type: International/street food

Address: 25 Bell Rock Plaza, Suite C, Sedona, AZ 86351

Website: http://atom-organic.com/

Average spending: $10-$25 per person

4. Red Chopstick

Cuisine Type: Chinese/Asian

Address: 65 Bell Rock Plz, Sedona, AZ 86351–8804

Website: http://redchopstick.mapforfood.com/

Average spending: $15-$30 per person

SANTA FE, NM

The oldest capital in the U.S. is an unforgettable city to visit with its colorful history, charming adobe architecture, wide array of art galleries and extraordinary choices of museums. The city is also home to an outstanding selection of restaurants.

Clafoutis Eclairs

1. Clafoutis (open for breakfast and lunch only)

Cuisine Type: French Bakery/Cafe

Address: 333 W. Cordova Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Website: http://restaurantwebexpert.com/Clafoutis/

Average spending: $5-$20 per person

2. The Ranch House

Cuisine Type: American/Southwestern/Barbecue

Address: 2571 Cristos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507–3265

Website: http://theranchhousesantafe.com/

Average spending: $10-$20 per person

3. Bang Bite Filling Station

Cuisine Type: American/Grill

Address: 411 W Water St, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Website: https://www.bangbitesantafe.com/

Average spending: $10-$20 per person

4. Pizza Centro

Cuisine Type: Pizza

Address: 418 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Website: http://www.pizzacentronys.com/

Average spending: $5-$20 per person

BIG SUR, CA

The rugged coastline and the popular and narrow highway 1 offer breathtaking views along the drive but provide hair-raising corners which will sure jolt your adrenaline and work up your appetite. Fortunately, there are some good dining options along the way.

Tommy’s Wok dumplings

1. Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant

Cuisine Type: American

Address: 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Website: http://www.deetjens.com/

Average spending: $10-$40 per person

2. Café Kevah (open for breakfast and lunch only)

Cuisine Type: American

Address: 48510 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Website: https://www.nepenthe.com/info-hours/

Average spending: $10-$30 per person

3. Ripplewood Café (open for breakfast and lunch only)

Cuisine Type: American

Address: 47047 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Website: http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/restaurant.htm

Average spending: $10-$30 per person

4. Tommy’s Wok

Cuisine Type: Chinese/Asian

Address: Mission between Ocean & 7th, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

Website: http://www.tommyswokcarmel.com/

Average spending: $10-$30 per person

If none of the proposed options above looks appealing to you, there is always a McDonald’s around the corner — and I’m being serious. Never underestimate the power of Mickey D’s. Capturing one in every ten away from home food transactions in the U.S., McDonald’s, with its consistent and standardized menu and an increasing focus on improving food quality and taste, could be a decent and convenient option for a tired and hungry traveler after a long day of sightseeing.