Going to the beach is everyone’s favorite pastime, right? It doesn’t matter whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s just something wonderful about the combination of cool water and warm sand. Unfortunately, maneuvering your wheelchair on the sand can be tricky.
Luckily, there are many beaches in the US that offer wide boardwalks, long rubber mats, and beach wheelchairs. These facilities give offer independence and make it possible for wheelchair users to enjoy nature and its soothing ambiance.
Travel Tips For Wheelchair Accessible Beaches
There are many things to consider when choosing a suitable beach for wheelchair users. Some beaches are more accessible than others, depending on their location, type of terrain, and proximity to parking areas. The following tips will help you choose a great beach:
– If staying nearby, always look for hotels, resorts, and cruise ships that have ramps, elevators, and rooms with roll-in showers or tubs.
– Check the type of terrain and beware of weather and tides before booking your beach vacation trip.
– Take precautions when venturing out into the ocean. Know your own body, abilities, and how you can best handle yourself in the water.
– Check with local aquatic centers for surf lessons and beach accommodations for your wheelchair. Most aquatic centers offer chair-specific lessons for people with disabilities.
– Make sure that your chosen beach provides wheelchair-accessible amenities like rubber mats or transportation from the parking lot to the beach.
Wheelchair Getaways clients having fun at the beach. Share your #wheelchairgetaway on Instagram
Top Wheelchair Accessible Beaches
From the East Coast to the West Coast, there are plenty of wheelchair-accessible beaches in the US. We’ve rounded up our top picks for accessible beaches so you can add them to your travel bucket list.
#8 Corpus Christi, Texas
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the state of Texas is Corpus Christi. It’s home to beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and plenty of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and one very-friendly seal that loves to make friends with humans.
The beach features ramps and wide sidewalks, making it easy to get around in a wheelchair or scooter. If you’re worried about getting there, you can contact ADA wheelchair van rentals and they will provide reliable transportation at a reasonable rate.
#7 Bradford Beach, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Bradford Beach is a hidden tropical gem in Wisconsin. The beach has a solid concrete ramp for wheelchair users that’s 100 feet long and 8 feet wide. This wheelchair-accessible beach also offers four wheelchairs free of charge, and the nearby MobilityWorks ensures a comfortable, wheelchair-accessible ride from the airport to the beach. They have different van rental packages so you can choose the one according to your budget and trip duration.
#6 Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola, Florida, is a coastal city that combines the charm of a small town with all the amenities of an urban center. It features a variety of beaches; four of which are equipped with beach mats and ramps that lead directly into the Gulf’s waters. Additionally, there are many vendors that rent motorized and traditional wheelchairs that allow you to explore the shoreline.
#5 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Situated on the coast of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is a prime vacation destination for those looking to escape hustle and bustle of city life. This beach offers a wide array of activities, from parasailing and fishing to snorkeling and underwater diving – and it’s wheelchair-accessible.
For example, most of the boardwalk is built on a wooden structure that sits just above the beach, allowing people in wheelchairs to roll out onto the sand without difficulty. Additionally, the local Ilderton Conversion Company offers van rentals to help make getting around that much easier.
#4 Tybee Island, GA
Located in south Georgia, Tybee Island features white sandy beaches, azure water, and beautiful sunsets. The beach is also home to Mobi-mats, a floatable wheelchair, and a free beach chair to traverse the sand and enjoy water-based activities with ease. You can also rent a vehicle from MobilityWorks for transportation and enjoy your laid-back tropical weekend to the fullest.
#3 Mission Beach, San Diego, California
If you’re looking for a place to relax in San Diego, Mission Beach is your spot. It has the most beautiful sunsets and a long stretch of white sand, making it a great place to work on your tan. The beach includes facilities such as ramps, benches, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. They also offer both motorized and manual chairs free of charge, allowing you to feel the sand between your toes.
#2 St. Pete Beach, FL
If you’re looking for a beach adventure, look no further than St. Pete Beach, FL! The town is next to the Gulf of Mexico and features a 1.3-mile wheelchair-accessible beach. With soft white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and salty air, this beach also offers wheelchair rentals for as low as $20 per day. You can contact Mobility Works to get there in a wheelchair-accessible van.
#1 Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu, HI
From the largest man-made lagoon in the United States to an underground network of tunnels, Honolulu’s Ala Moana Beach Park has plenty of sights to see. The beach is filled with powdery, soft sand and crystal clear water. There are many vendors who provide beach chairs, towels, snorkeling equipment, surfboards, and other necessities for fun in the sun.
Along with these beach amenities, the beach staff also offer paddleboards, wheelchairs, and Mobi mats that assist people with disabilities in experiencing the joy of riding the waves. You can book a wheelchair van rental with Soderholm Mobility to reach the beach and make the most of your tropical getaway.
What Are You Waiting For?
America has a large coastline, so you can rest assured that any beach you choose is bound to be spectacular. From Maine to California, the wheelchair-accessible beaches of the United States are definitely worth exploring. So pack your bag, grab your sunglasses, and head to one of these beaches for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!