Top Wheelchair-Accessible Beach Destinations in the U.S.

Everyone enjoys a day at the beach, but for those who rely on wheelchairs, navigating sandy shores can be challenging. Standard manual and powered wheelchairs aren't designed for sand, which often makes many beaches inaccessible without special arrangements.

Sounds discouraging, right? Not quite! Fortunately, numerous beaches now feature access mats and beach wheelchairs, enabling visitors of all abilities to enjoy a day by the water. Here are some of the best wheelchair-accessible beach destinations in the U.S.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Situated along Alabama's stunning Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores has emerged as a top beach destination for wheelchair users in recent years. Visitors can rent motorized beach wheelchairs from two local companies, Beach'N Buggy's and Beach Power Rentals. These motorized chairs enable wheelchair users to navigate the sand with ease and fully enjoy the beach atmosphere. While they can't be taken into the water, an amphibious beach wheelchair is available at The Beach Club Resort & Spa by Spectrum Resorts, allowing guests to roll on the sand and float in the water. Additionally, Gulf Shores Public Beach features two AccessMats that extend about 350 feet onto the beach, enabling wheelchair users to utilize their own manual or motorized wheelchairs on the sand.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Florida boasts several accessible beaches, but Clearwater Beach stands out as one of the best. Frequently named the nation's top beach by various publications, its crystal-clear waters are hard to resist! Wheelchair users can enjoy ocean views from the adjacent sidewalk or Pier 60. For those wanting to get onto the sand, free manual beach wheelchairs are available at the lifeguard station near Pier 60 on a first-come, first-served basis. For more independence, visitors can rent motorized beach wheelchairs from Sand Helper.

Muskegon, Michigan

When considering U.S. beach destinations, Michigan might not be the first state that comes to mind, but it certainly deserves attention. Muskegon is particularly welcoming for wheelchair users looking to enjoy the beach. Muskegon State Park beach offers free manual beach wheelchairs as well as an Action Trackchair, available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Unlike standard beach wheelchairs, the Trackchair features tank treads, making it perfect for rolling over mud, sand, rocks, and more. To reserve it for a specific day, contact Muskegon State Park at 231-744-3480.

Santa Monica, California

Southern California is home to several accessible beach spots, but the vibrant city of Santa Monica truly shines as one of the finest. Wheelchair users can explore the shops or grab a bite at the Santa Monica Pier before enjoying some beach time. Stretching approximately 1,600 feet, the pier features an amusement park, ensuring endless entertainment. When it's time to head to the beach, beach wheelchairs are available in multiple locations. The Annenberg Community Beach House offers one free beach wheelchair on a first-come, first-served basis, while Perry's Cafe provides several complimentary beach wheelchairs, including both manual and motorized options. For added fun, check out the North Beach Playground, a universally accessible play area equipped with barrier-free equipment, accessible surfaces, and sensory play elements.

Honolulu

For a premier tropical beach getaway in the U.S., look no further than Hawaii. While many islands offer varying levels of beach accessibility, the capital city of Honolulu leads the way in accommodation. Ala Moana Beach Park features both amphibious beach wheelchairs, available for free on a first-come, first-served basis, and beach access mats. Access mats and amphibious beach wheelchairs can also be found at the Diamond Head and Ewa concession stands within Ala Moana Beach Park. A short drive from Honolulu will take you to Kailua Beach, another highly accessible beach in Hawaii. Like Ala Moana Beach Park, Kailua Beach offers beach access mats and amphibious beach wheelchairs, though the latter must be reserved at least one day in advance by contacting the Department of Parks and Recreation at 808-768-8980.

Miami

Last but certainly not least on our list is Miami Beach. It’s hard to discuss accessible beach destinations without highlighting Miami, as the city has made significant strides in recent years. You can now find both manual and motorized beach wheelchairs available for free at Beach Patrol locations on 1001 Ocean Drive and at South Pointe Park. Additionally, Mobi-Mat beach access mats are installed at several beach entrances throughout Miami Beach.

Bottom line

The six beaches highlighted above offer amenities that make them genuinely inclusive sandy getaways. Just because someone uses a wheelchair doesn’t mean they have to forgo the joy of these beautiful U.S. beaches. In fact, wheelchair users might even have more fun than their able-bodied friends while racing down the beach in a fantastic beach wheelchair!