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.  

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