When planning a vacation, one of the first questions you may ponder is if the destination is wheelchair friendly. However, with the growing need for inclusivity and awareness in travel, wheelchair vacations are becoming increasingly popular. From lush landscapes to scenic adventures, consider these top wheelchair friendly destinations in the US for your next vacation.
Maui, Hawaii
Adaptive surfing, scenic drives, and whale watching are just a few of many adaptive activities you can enjoy in Maui. The island offers many wheelchair accessible attractions and activities for travelers to enjoy.
- Haleakala National Park: Breathtaking landscapes, scenic sunsets and unique flora and fauna, the 30,000-acre Haleakala National Park is a must stop when visiting this beautiful island.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: This tour consists of a boat trip combining food, music and the best sunset views Maui has to offer!
- Adaptive Kayaking: Paddle out to enjoy the incredible and inspiring views of the Makena coastline and the rising green hills up Haleakala. You may even see a turtle or two! Each tour includes two guides for safety and comfort.
If you’d like to enjoy a relaxing beach day, consider visiting Kaanapali Beach, Kamaole Beach, and Wailea. Beach wheelchair rentals are also available.
San Diego California
Well known for picturesque beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and world renown attractions, San Diego is an amazing choice for a wheelchair friendly vacation.
Add these accessible activities to your list of things to do.
- USS Midway Museum: Named after the famous World War II naval and aerial battle, The Midway is a retired aircraft carrier and museum in San Diego. With restored aircrafts and 10 acres of exhibits, not only helicopters and airplanes can be found, but also real objects and testimonies about crew members are exhibited.
- La Jolla Shores Beach: A perfect beach for surfing, scuba-diving and paddle boarding, La Jolla Shores is a 1-mile-long sandy beach in San Diego. A permanent lifeguard station is available and shops and restaurants are nearby. There is a park with seating areas and a playground for children to play in, with beach views and palm trees.
- San Diego Zoo: Considered one of the top zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo offers many unique experiences, tours, and attractions.
San Francisco, California
Regarded as one of the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the US, San Francisco offers a variety of attractions and outdoor activities. Below are some of the most accessible activities in the area.
- Guided Handbike Tour: Hit the trails, the streets, and idyllic San Francisco walkways as you make the most of the adaptive biking equipment available and cycle to see one of San Francisco’s most prominent monuments – the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Explore the waterfront of the San Francisco Bay. A lively area with beautiful views, fun street performers, the famous Ghirardelli square, and delicious seafood.
- Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour: This accessible tour will take you out of San Francisco to explore California’s scenic landscapes.
- The Golden Gate Bridge: See San Francisco’s skyline from its most famous landmark. Running, walking, strolling, and wheeling can be possible and accessible. A cafe and a step-free visitor center can be found on-site, as well as accessible restrooms.
Mesa, Arizona
Named America’s First Ever Autism Certified City, Mesa Arizona invites accessible travelers to explore the city limitlessly. As the home of two Spring training teams—The Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s, the city has a wide variety of accessible attractions.
The Dolly Steamboat is a scenic boat ride that takes guests on a tour of the beautiful Canyon Lake. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the crew is accommodating and friendly. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Canyon Lake Scenic Beach is a beautiful spot to enjoy the great outdoors. The beach is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking spots and restrooms. Guests can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and fishing.
This museum showcases the history of Arizona. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and the exhibits are informative and engaging. Guests can learn about the state’s rich history and culture.
The Autism GeoTour in Mesa, Arizona is a fun and educational outdoor activity that allows families with children on the autism spectrum to explore the city’s parks and cultural attractions. While the tour is primarily designed for children with autism, it is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about Mesa’s history and culture.
New Orleans, Louisiana
With it’s rich Creole and Cajun culture, you can easily immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant streets. Indulge in delightful cuisine and the sounds of the city’s iconic jazz scene with these activities.
- French Quarter Food Tour: Led by a local guide, this tour showcases the highlights of New Orleans cuisine where you’ll taste some of the most delicious food available in the famous French Quarter.
- Treme Cultural and Food Tour: This accessible private tour features the highlights of New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood, one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the country. See Creole architecture, try classic Creole cuisine, and immerse yourself in New Orleans culture.
- National WWII Museum: This accessible, immersive museum offers a captivating journey through the war’s history, with interactive exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts that bring the era to life
Inspired by these destinations? Plan and customize your next accessible vacation with guaranteed accessibility by visiting wheeltheworld.com