Accessible Summer Travel

National parks

While national parks are known for some grueling hikes and walks, some also have accessible trails for people in wheelchairs. With many wheelchair accessible trails to choose from, Badlands National Park in South Dakota, for example, is considered the most wheelchair-friendly national park in the United States, according to an analysis conducted survey by AginginPlace.org. Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park in California, and The Grand Canyon are also parks that have trails that both wheelchairs and walkers can navigate.

Cruises

Many cruise ships have rooms that you can book that are made to accommodate those with certain needs, including wider doorways to allow wheelchairs to fit through them, showers that are easy to get in and out of, and grab bars in the bathrooms. You can also, look for ships that boast ramps for wheelchair users to navigate, elevators on every floor, and on-shore excursions that cater to people of all abilities. It may be helpful to call your cruise line to discuss any needs you may have or to ask them more general questions about the trip.

Theme parks

Many parks like Disney World and Universal Studios are generally designed in a way that people can get around with wheelchairs. Some parks even have wheelchair- accessible rides. The “It’s a Small World” ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, for instance, can be enjoyed by those in wheelchairs. These theme parks may also have options for people to rent mobility devices like electric scooters, and many also have ways for people in wheelchairs to be able to board shuttle buses that take them around the park and to and from their hotels. There are also often special adaptive areas where people can watch shows without having to climb bleachers. 

For more information regarding accessibility information at Universal Studios or at Disneyland and Disney World, you can visit the park’s official site, and you can consult resources compiled by frequent visitors to the parks, including at the following site: https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/disneyland-disability-access-service-das/.

Beach resorts

Some beach resorts in the United States have wheelchair-friendly paths that people can use. These beaches may also offer wheelchairs that can be taken out onto the sand, as well as accessible bathroom and shower stalls. Some of the more accessible beaches include Santa Monica Beach in California, Siesta Key in Florida and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.  

Accessible camping

Visit campgrounds that offer accessible campsites with pathways, showers, restrooms and picnic areas that are easily wheelchair accessible. Some popular camping spots with these options can be found in Everglades National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Book an accessible tour package

Some tour companies put together travel itineraries for people of all abilities, allowing them to travel stress-free across the entire globe. Easy Access Travel, for example, offers trips on land and at sea to destinations like South Africa and Portugal. Their African safari arranges for people to stay in bed and breakfasts designed with accessible bedrooms and dining areas, and has safaris that allow wheelchair users to comfortably see animals up close and personal in a special vehicle. And Wheel the World is an entire website dedicated to helping people find accessible trips to everywhere from Alaska to the Dominican Republic. 

Big cities like Las Vegas

The bigger the city, the more accessible options you’ll find. With over 300 hotels and resorts to choose from, Las Vegas is a destination that has many places for people to stay that offer accessible rooms. These include everything from the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, to the ARIA Resort & Casino, Wynn Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Busses around the city are typically equipped with ramps and lifts to help wheelchair users on and off, and many casinos and attractions have areas that can easily accommodate wheelchairs. 

If you want to travel internationally, Dubai is another city that has undergone an accessibility upgrade in recent years. Orlando; Amsterdam; San Francisco and Vancouver are also cities that have parks and attractions and streets that are known for being easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

Scenic train rides

Trains often have areas that are specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs and those with limited mobility issues. And sitting in a train, enjoying a nice meal and looking out the window is a great way to get to see some beautiful landscape. The California Zephyr train by Amtrak is a scenic route that travels between Chicago and San Francisco and has accessible seating options, as well as accessible bathrooms and facilities onboard. This ride will allow you to enjoy everything from landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada Mountains to the deserts of Nevada and Utah.

^{The above content is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Reference to any services, third parties, or links to third-party websites does not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of such services or third parties by Brookdale or its affiliates.}