A Comprehensive Disability-Friendly Weekend Guide to Myrtle Beach

After years of prioritizing accessibility for travelers with physical and mental disabilities, Myrtle Beach demonstrates its commitment from the moment visitors arrive at the airport. Staff trained specifically to assist disabled travelers are ready to help with any needs that visitors and their families may have. There is also a Quiet Room where those with special requirements can relax, unwind, and enjoy a meal. Additionally, therapy dogs are available through the P.E.T.S. (Pups Easing Travel Stress) program for added comfort.

Throughout the city, accessible hotels and restaurants cater to travelers with disabilities. Complimentary beach wheelchairs and accessible access points are provided for those in need. Planning a detailed trip itinerary is straightforward thanks to the wide array of inclusive attractions and activities available. From the exhilarating heights and breathtaking views offered by the SkyWheel observation wheel to the tranquility of nature found in gardens and state parks, Myrtle Beach and the surrounding resort towns along the Grand Strand's beaches are equipped with enhanced amenities for individuals with disabilities.

Accessible Beaches and Accommodations in Myrtle Beach

The resort towns along the picturesque Grand Strand beach corridor aim to make their sandy shores accessible for all visitors, including those with disabilities. If you need a beach-going wheelchair, consider staying in North Myrtle Beach—which also features adaptive surfing options—or Surfside Beach. Both areas are more tranquil than the bustling main strip of Myrtle Beach and offer complimentary wheelchairs. (To book a wheelchair, reach out to Beach Services Warehouse in North Myrtle Beach or Surfside Beach Police Services in Surfside Beach.)

Accessible beach entry points are available along all 60 miles of the Grand Strand. Arriving early or during the enchanting golden hour in the early evening can help you avoid larger crowds. For breathtaking views of the majestic Atlantic Ocean without the sand, visit Myrtle Beach State Park, which features stunning ocean vistas and a wheelchair-accessible pier.

In Myrtle Beach, enjoying the finest views of the Atlantic is an inclusive experience—numerous beachfront hotels are either accessible or certified as autism-friendly resorts. If you're looking for more space, Dunes Realty Vacation Rentals can assist you in finding the perfect vacation home equipped with all the necessary accessibility features.

The Grande Cayman Resort features wheelchair-accessible beach access directly in front of the property, along with a portable pool lift and visual emergency alarms for guests with hearing impairments. North Beach Resort & Villas offers a range of accommodations from high-rise rooms with stunning views to luxury villas equipped with kitchens, and it also provides visual emergency alarms and a portable pool lift.

Inclusive Attractions in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, a leader in inclusivity, offers numerous wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly attractions. If you’re planning a relaxing getaway, make sure to include Brookgreen Gardens, the nation’s first public sculpture garden, on your itinerary. These gardens are both wheelchair- and sensory-friendly, showcasing beautiful art and landscapes, along with onsite dining and picnic areas. There are also wheelchair-accessible fishing piers available.

For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping experiences, take a spin on the SkyWheel observation wheel. Standing at 187 feet tall, this attraction features wheelchair accessibility and sensory-friendly options. You can also explore the shark tunnel and visit the penguins at Ripley’s Aquarium, which is designed to be both wheelchair- and sensory-inclusive.

Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf and the Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center are also welcoming to guests with disabilities. For live entertainment, consider attending a show at The Carolina Opry Theater or the Alabama Theatre, or book a ticket for the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament or Legends in Concert—all of which are wheelchair accessible. There’s even a sensory-friendly performance, the Original Motown Tribute Show, along with the Grand 14 movie theater at Market Common, which has the same designation.

Family-Friendly and Inclusive Dining in Myrtle Beach

Dining in Myrtle Beach is accessible to everyone, thanks to a growing autism-friendly initiative. (Pro tip: download the Autism Travel Club’s app to assist with planning and join the club for exclusive discounts.) Many restaurants offer wheelchair-accessible entrances, spacious dining areas, and staff trained to accommodate various needs. Popular family spots such as LuLu’s, Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts, Hamburger Joe’s, and Carolina Seafood & Steak are sensory-friendly and accessible for wheelchairs.