Top wheelchair-friendly beaches in the US and beyond
For those with disabilities, enjoying a beach day can pose challenges. It’s crucial to locate a beach that accommodates wheelchairs or provides beach wheelchairs that can navigate sandy terrain. Once we discover these accessible beaches, we can relax, take in the stunning views, and listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. Nothing compares to that! Here’s how to find an accessible beach and soak up the sun.
What defines an accessible beach?
Several elements contribute to making beaches accessible for individuals with disabilities. Let’s examine these factors before we explore some of the finest wheelchair accessible beaches worldwide.
Access Mats
Since I cannot transfer myself, I prefer beaches with access mats that allow me to stay in my own wheelchair. These mats cover the sand, preventing my chair from getting stuck, and make it easy to roll across.
Accessible restrooms
Having a restroom nearby that is accessible is essential. It should be roomy, equipped with grab bars around the toilet, and have adequate space for smooth transfers. A sink with a pull-under feature and an adult-sized changing table are also beneficial. The changing table is particularly useful for changing out of wet clothes to avoid skin problems.
Beach wheelchairs available for rent
I enjoy discovering beaches that offer multiple complimentary beach wheelchair options. A manual beach wheelchair is perfect if you have a friend to push you over the sand. An amphibious chair is fantastic for rolling directly onto the beach and into the water, thanks to its built-in floats! A powered beach wheelchair is also a great asset, allowing you to independently control your speed and direction on the sand.
Assistance available for reaching the water
While this feature is more prevalent in Europe, it’s a wonderful find to encounter beaches with staff ready to help wheelchair users navigate the sand and access the water.
Availability of shaded areas
Having an umbrella or access to shaded spots on the beach is essential for enjoying the sun longer. While I love basking in the sunlight, I also value the ability to extend my time outdoors with a nice, shaded area.
Top wheelchair-friendly beaches in the US
Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., Virginia Beach is highly accessible. The boardwalks here are easy to navigate, with plenty of wheelchair-friendly parking available. Beach wheelchairs can be reserved ahead of time and borrowed from several locations along the boardwalk, specifically at 2nd street, 17th street, and 24th street.
Mission Beach - San Diego, California
Recognized as one of the most wheelchair-friendly beaches in California, Mission Beach features nearly two miles of paved, oceanfront boardwalk. Wheelchairs can glide along this path while enjoying . You can also reserve a powered beach wheelchair by calling 619.980.1876, available from May through October. Alternatively, you may borrow a manual beach wheelchair from the lifeguard stations while they are on duty.
Miami Beach - Miami, Florida
Miami Beach tops the list of wheelchair accessible beaches in Florida. It features a fully adaptive beach and playground designed for disabled visitors and residents. Here, you'll find several access mats along the sand, and beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from February through October. For visits between November and January, call 305.673.7714 to reserve one. You can also access a powered beach wheelchair for free at the Beach Patrol office located at 1001 Ocean Drive and South Pointe Park.
My curated list of wheelchair accessible beaches worldwide
It’s always useful to know where to find a wheelchair accessible beach nearby, but there are many more waiting to be discovered. If you’re planning to travel internationally soon or need some inspiration, here’s my selection of the top wheelchair accessible beaches around the globe.
Manly Beach - Australia
Just a quick ferry ride from the mainland of Sydney, Australia brings you to Manly Beach. It features a smooth, accessible boardwalk that stretches along the beach, connecting Manly Beach to Shelley Beach. Beach wheelchairs are available for use, and the area is bustling with fantastic shops and delicious dining options.
Nova Icaria - Barcelona, Spain
One of the most accessible beaches I've discovered is Nova Icaria in Barcelona, Spain. This beach offers accessible changing rooms, bathrooms, and amphibious beach/water chairs, providing easy access to the water. Wooden ramps lead all the way to the sea, allowing you to roll into the water using the amphibious chair. The beach also features multiple access points from the city sidewalks.
Las Canteras Beach - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Nestled in the Canary Islands, Las Canteras Beach captivates me with its shade tents designed for wheelchair users. You'll also find staff available to assist individuals in wheelchairs with accessing the water and facilitating transfers. This beach features accessible restrooms and changing facilities, along with amphibious beach chairs.
Plakias Beach - Crete, Greece
Greece is becoming a popular destination for accessible beaches. Plakias Beach in Crete is an excellent example of a place where wheelchair users can enjoy a beach day. This beach offers a Seatrac system, which enables individuals with mobility challenges to transfer onto a seat that glides down a rail system directly into the water. This setup allows wheelchair users to enter the water effortlessly, helping them cool off and enjoy their time. Additionally, the beach provides excellent accessible parking, changing rooms, showers, and plenty of shade from trees and umbrellas.
Playa del Carmen Public Beach - Riviera Maya, Mexico
Playa del Carmen public beach is a trailblazer for accessible beaches in Mexico. It features amphibious water chairs that can roll you right into the warm Caribbean Sea. These chairs are equipped with floats, allowing you to relax comfortably in the water while remaining seated. Additionally, the beach offers orthopedic beach walkers with seats and air-filled tires for easier movement across the sand, as well as sun loungers with wheels that can float.
Conclusion
As you can see, wheelchair accessible beaches are available worldwide. With the growth of travel, destinations are becoming increasingly aware of the needs for greater accessibility. Wheelchair users can now enjoy beaches more freely and spend valuable time with their families. So, get out there and soak up that sunshine!
How can I determine what to include in this guide?
As a powered wheelchair user, I’ve explored over 40 countries and all seven continents. During my journeys, I’ve experienced many wheelchair accessible beaches and I always relish a wonderful day in the sun.
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