Wheelchair Accessible Spring Break Destinations

As the weather gets warmer, you may be considering the perfect accessible vacation.

Whether you're dreaming of sandy beaches, thrilling theme parks, or a relaxing cruise, these accessible destinations are perfect for spring break travels.

1. Beach Destinations for Wheelchair Users

If you’re looking to sink your toes in the sand, consider a wheelchair-friendly beach destination. Many coastal spots welcome people with disabilities offering specialized beach wheelchairs designed for sand. For a list of the best accessible beaches in the U.S., check out Cory Lee’s Blog, Top Five Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in the U.S. Some of his favorites include Panama City Beach in Florida and Long Beach in California. 

2. Wheelchair Accessible Nature Trails and Parks

Whether you're a camping enthusiast or someone who enjoys day trips in nature with the comfort of a hotel at night, the U.S. offers a diverse range of accessible nature trails to suit your needs. 

• Accessible Hiking Trails in National Parks: Those with permanent disabilities can visit any U.S. National Park without paying an entry fee, thanks to the Access Pass from the National Park Service. You’ll find accessible hiking trails at many national parks, but if you wish to stay close to home, you can find them in state parks too. You may need to pay an entry fee for state parks.
• Wheelchair-Friendly Camping Options: Our guides to wheelchair friendly campgrounds and parks and our camping checklist for wheelchair users can help you plan a wheelchair accessible camping trip. For those who prefer the comfort of a cabin or resort over a tent, you can find a variety of accessible accommodations near national parks and other scenic outdoor areas. 
• Exploring Accessible Nature Reserves: The Access Pass is not exclusive to national parks. It also covers entry to nature reserves like wildlife refuges and national forests. It is important to note these properties must be federally owned, so before visiting a nature reserve, call ahead to see if the Access Pass is accepted.

3. Exploring Cultural and Historic Sites

When planning a wheelchair accessible spring break, consider visiting a cultural or historical site. Many of America's historical landmarks are surprisingly wheelchair accessible. Take Washington, D.C., for example—not only is it steeped in American history, but it's also ranked among the top ten most accessible cities in the U.S.

• Accessible Museums and Landmarks: Luckily, because so many people visit museums and landmarks, they tend to be wheelchair accessible. You'll find a variety of museums wherever you travel including children’s museums, art museums, and history museums. You can also consider visiting landmarks like Times Square in New York, or the “Bean” sculpture and Willis Tower in Chicago.
• Historical Sites with Wheelchair Accessibility: For history enthusiasts, we’ve compiled a few recommendations for historical vacations. These places not only offer rich historical narratives but also ensure accessibility is a priority, so you can explore with ease. 
• Festivals and Events for Wheelchair Users: If you’re a fan of live entertainment, traveling provides a great opportunity to see live shows including concerts, musicals, and plays. You may also find local art, music, and food festivals.

4. Enjoying Theme Parks and Attractions

Spring break is a great time to visit a theme park, as it’s typically not too hot, and parks are likely to be a bit less crowded than they would in the summer months. Many theme parks ensure accessibility with rides and attractions. A few theme parks to consider include:

• Disney World and Disneyland: The most popular theme parks in the world, Disney World and Disneyland have accessible rides and accommodations services available to guests with disabilities.
• Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood: Like Disney World and Disneyland, Universal Studios theme parks also offer accessible rides and services to make the park experience more accessible to people with disabilities.
• Morgan’s Wonderland: The first fully accessible theme park in the world, Morgan’s Wonderland is in San Antonio, Texas.

5. Taking Accessible Cruises and Tours

If you’re eager to sail the seas this spring, consider a cruise. Whether you're up for the cool breezes of an Alaskan cruise, or the tropical warmth of the Caribbean, cruising has become more accessible for people with disabilities.

Travel blogger Cory Lee enjoys cruising with his wheelchair and has shared tips for smooth sailing in his article on accessible cruising, which includes his favorite cruise lines and accessible activities to do if the ship is docked in an inaccessible area. Whether you're exploring onshore or aboard, follow Cory’s tips to set sail for a fantastic voyage.

If you have yet to find your spring break travel destination, be sure to check out our travel hub, and, if you’re looking to rent a wheelchair accessible vehicle for travel, be sure to contact your local BraunAbility dealer.