25 of the Most Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in the World

Sirens Resort

There is a broad range of wheelchair accessible beaches throughout the world, from a variety within the United States to internationally in some of the most popular vacation destinations. Finding a beautiful beach to visit is fairly easy depending on where you’d like to travel, but finding information about the accessibility can be difficult.

Many beaches offer boardwalks, ramps, and assistive equipment to help wheelchair users enjoy the sand and shore. These top 25 beaches are some of the most wheelchair accessible beaches in the world and are perfect for a vacation destination because of their wheelchair accessibility.

Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in the United States

There are several amazing beaches along the coasts of the United States, and many of these beaches are wheelchair accessible, offering a destination that everyone can enjoy. The main accessibility features of these beaches include wider paved paths and handicap parking, while some may have accessibility equipment, ramps, and boardwalks.

 

1: Santa Monica and Venice Beach in California

Located on the west coast of the United States, California boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Many people are familiar with hot spots such as Santa Monica and Malibu. Those offer boardwalks and ramps, but are crowded much of the time due to their popularity as a travel destination for surfing, sunny weather and the beach life. Another thing that Santa Monica offers is a very eclectic mix of people. I’ve even had Cheetos thrown at me by a homeless man on the Santa Monica Pier before. No lie.

Santa Monica and Venice Beach are very popular tourist destinations in California, and they also happen to be very wheelchair accessible. While they do get very crowded, Santa Monica offers an accessible beach map as well as all-terrain wheelchairs. Venice Beach offers beach wheelchairs as well, usually near the lifeguard towers. The best way to visit these beaches is to call ahead to reserve a wheelchair or arrive early in the morning. Most Southern California beaches are beautiful in the morning hours and can be less crowded at this time.

 

2: Rehab Point in Oxnard, California

most wheelchair accessible beaches in the world
Rehab Point

Rehab Point in Oxnard features a paved path that is approximately 900 feet long. The path winds around sand dunes, offering great views of the ocean along the way, and you shouldn’t have a lap full of Cheetos afterwards either. The Rehab Point Project was completely designed with wheelchair users in mind, so everyone can visit the ocean. The concrete paths offer plenty of space to enjoy the area.

 

3: Virginia Beach in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach


Located on the other side of the country, the east coast state of Virginia boasts some of the most picturesque beaches to be seen. Virginia Beach, in particular, is quite popular as a tourist destination and one of the best wheelchair accessible beaches. Boardwalks span much of the terrain, making travel easy and convenient. There are a few levels on the parking deck that offer direct access to the boardwalk so be sure to look for those when you go.

Several Virginia beaches also offer beach wheelchair rentals, but be sure to call ahead to reserve them. Virginia Beach does still offer free use of beach wheelchairs that were used in their pilot program a few years ago. They only have two though, so make sure to reserve them in advance. 

Beach wheelchairs can be borrowed for free at several spots along the boardwalk. These wheelchairs are offered on a first come, first serve basis. The three beach access points with free beach wheelchair rentals are 2nd Street, 17th Street, and 24th Street. These beaches also have handicap restrooms. Several other beach access points have ramps and extended wooden walkways to enjoy the beach without a beach wheelchair. 

 

4: Hanauma Bay in Honolulu, Hawaii

Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay

This beach is located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Hanauma Bay is a state park that was restored to its “curved bay” in 1990, creating a bountiful marine ecosystem in the area. This is a very popular snorkeling destination which is what led to its deterioration. Now the site is available to enjoy once again, with a heavy emphasis on conservation and protecting the land.

As a popular site, the beach is closed every Tuesday to allow the fish to naturally feed. The visitor population is also closely monitored and regulated to keep the beach in good condition.

They offer free use of its specially equipped beach wheelchairs for users with special needs. Wet or dry sand is easy to navigate with these special chairs. All-terrain wheelchairs are available at select beaches throughout the Hawaiian islands. The best way to rent or borrow an all-terrain wheelchair is to contact the ADA coordinator for the specific county.

 

5: Lydgate Beach Park in Kauai, Hawaii


The beaches on other Hawaiian islands also offer all-terrain wheelchairs, including select beaches on Kauai. For those looking for a more local beach experience, try Lydgate Beach Park on Kauai. The beach is a smaller, rock enclosed pond which keeps the waves small, creating a reef pond. This is a good place for a calmer ocean experience.

The park itself has concrete walking paths with amazing views of the open ocean. The pond offers calm waters from swimming, wading, or sitting, and with an all-terrain wheelchair, you can explore the whole area. This park also has restrooms, showers, and picnic space for a fun, relaxing day at the beach. Without an all-terrain wheelchair, you can still explore most of the park, enjoy the view, and picnic. To rent or borrow an all-terrain wheelchair, contact the County’s ADA coordinator.

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6: Kure Beach in Wilmington, North Carolina


Wilmington is a great place to explore not only the city, but also the parks and beaches. Wilmington itself has two wheelchair accessible parks with unique playground equipment or athletic fields. Hugh MacRae Park is a very popular park and has accessible playground equipment including a Liberty Wheelchair Swing. This swing is designed to support wheelchairs and the keys can be borrowed at the Parks & Gardens office. 

Olsen Park is home to The Miracle Field, which is a special rubberize turf that allows those with mobility limitations to play a variety of sports. This field also gives wheelchair users space to navigate freely. This park is also where Miracle Playground is located, another accessible playground with unique equipment. 

Wilmington has several island beaches, including Kure Beach, which offers free beach wheelchair rentals through the local fire department. These wheelchairs can be rented for a week at a time. Kure Beach has three wheelchair ramps for beach access, making it the perfect beach to visit for accessibility. 

Carolina Beach has three WaterWheel beach wheelchairs that are free to the public. These beach wheelchairs are different from standard beach wheelchairs and allow the user to sit lower to the ground. These chairs are made of stainless steel and are often used to feel the ocean and even transfer to a surfboard. 

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7: Myrtle Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina


There are three different beaches in Myrtle Beach that offer beach wheelchairs for accessibility. The entire area of Myrtle Beach prioritizes accessibility, wanting all visitors and residents to be able to enjoy the area.

All beach wheelchairs are available for free, with multiple beach access points at the Grand Stand. The beach wheelchairs are available on a first come, first serve basis but can also be reserved. With a reservation, this ensures that your beach wheelchair will be delivered to your location, if the weather cooperates. Beach wheelchairs are only available until 5pm, but can be delivered as early as 9am.  

Myrtle Beach has 31 wheelchair accessible beach access points. Several offer beach ramps, while others are completely accessible. There is a resource to help navigate the access points at Myrtle Beach as well as at North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach.

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8: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida


The beach is accessible via ramps and wooden walkways. However, one of the strong appeals to this area for disabled travelers is the ability to go snorkeling and diving. A few local companies specialize in outfitting wheelchair users for underwater experiences and even have beach friendly wheelchairs for sale or rent. Boats feature lifts for easy transfer on and off, making this a great, safe way to explore the underwater sea life.

One option for water adventures in Key Largo is Tranquil Adventures, which is a fishing vessel that is specifically equipped for wheelchairs. There is a lift to lower disabled passengers into the water for shallow water snorkeling and swimming. On board are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms, which is something many other excursions and boats don’t offer. Many state and marine parks through the Florida Keys are wheelchair accessible including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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9: Gulf Shores Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama


Gulf Shores in Alabama is another great wheelchair accessible beach destination because of the city’s priority to make their beaches more wheelchair friendly. The city has recently added a 20 foot wide concrete promenade along with access mats on the beach.

Access mats are on both the east and west ends of the beach, giving wheelchair users an opportunity to enter the sand without a beach wheelchair. The access mats stop short of the water to avoid the natural slope and give wheelchair users space to get closer to the ocean.

There are also beach wheelchairs available at the Beach Safety office at Gulf Place Public Beach. These are available on a first come, first serve basis. Both Beach Safety Officers and Lifeguards can provide assistance with accessibility while visiting the beach.

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10: Tybee Island Beach in Tybee Island, Georgia 


The beaches at Tybee Island are designed for everyone to enjoy, no matter their accessibility requirements. There are both ramps and Mobimats, or mobility mats, to allow wheelchairs access to the sand.

In addition to the paths and Mobimats, Tybee Island offers beach wheelchairs for free rental depending on their availability. Wheelchairs can be found at the lifeguard station near Tybee Island Marine Science Center. Wheelchair availability can be confirmed if you call ahead before your trip to the beach. This will give you an opportunity to reserve a wheelchair for your visit. It’s clear that Tybee Island is working diligently to ensure their beachfront is wheelchair accessible, which makes this a great beachy destination.

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11: Stearns Park Beach in Ludington, Michigan


Stearns Beach in Ludington is one of the most popular beaches in Michigan, making it a great tourist destination as well as a wheelchair accessible beach. Knowing how popular this beach is, the city worked with Disability Connections of West Michigan to make Stearns Beach more accessible for all. 

The first step was installing accessible walkways at the beach. These walkways stretch from the North Concessions Stand to 300 yards down the beach to the water. There’s another south walkway that extends from the concrete to the pier and down to the beach. A third walkway runs down the middle of the beach, giving plenty of access through the sand as a way to visit the water and enjoy the view. 

These walkways are just the beginning of adapting the most popular beach in Michigan to be accessible. This is a great start and gives many the opportunity to enjoy the beachfront, water, and natural landscape. 

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12: South Padre Island beaches in South Padre Island, Texas


The beaches on South Padre Island are a destination, people from all over the world visit and so there are many accessibility elements in place so everyone can enjoy the space. There are a total of 18 beach access points with Mobimats for easy access and 4 of these access points are completely wheelchair accessible. Many of the access points use wide wooden ramps to allow walk-over or wheelchair access over the sand to get closer to the shoreline.

The beaches also have several Mobi-Chair units, that is amphibious wheelchairs for accessing both the sandy beach as well as the water. Half of the beach accesses use Mobimats and the addition of Mobi-Chairs allows South Padre Island to offer wheelchair accessibility to all. To reserve or rent a Mobi-Chair, contact the South Padre Island Fire Department. 

With these accessibility modifications, South Padre Island is known as one of the most wheelchair accessible beach destinations in all of Texas. The use of ramps, walkways, Mobimats, and the availability of Mobi-Chairs gives wheelchair users an opportunity to explore the beach, get closer to the water, and even splash in the shallows.

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13: Santa Barbara, California

Another great destination for relaxed beaches is Santa Barbara. The wide stretch of beachfront is lined with paved paths and several stops for snacks, dining, and relaxing. There are a few ramps leading into the sand as well as covered pavilions and beachside restrooms. Depending on where you visit, the beach may have accessible equipment, but mainly this public beach is available like a public park. There’s several parking lots and large walkways. 

Beyond the beach there’s a quaint town with State Street for dining, shopping, and exploring as well as Stearns Wharf for a great view of the ocean. The Wharf also offers unique dining and shopping, perfect for a day at the beach and exploring the city. The farther you get into the downtown, the less wheelchair friendly the sidewalks are, but most of the paths along the beach are wide enough to accommodate the foot traffic and gives everyone space to enjoy the view.

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International 


If traveling abroad is more your style, there are some amazing wheelchair accessible beaches around the globe. The following were chosen because they not only offer solid accessibility but also are beautiful destinations to enjoy sight-seeing, food and dining, tours, and views.

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14: A-One Pattaya Beach Resort, Thailand

Pattaya Beach
Pattaya Beach

One of the more popular tourist destinations for globetrotters (and my number one dream destination!), A-One Pattaya offers luxury and quality at every turn. This beach resort was designed specifically with wheelchair users in mind.

The hotel itself has a variety of wheelchair accessibility from the ramp in the car park to the seated desks for check in and a lowered elevator panel for easy access and visibility. The entire property is connected by ramps that stretch out over the water connecting the massive property.

All of the rooms are accessible and the beach offers ramp and boardwalk access. This is one of the few resorts in Thailand that has disabled travelers in mind. All these wheelchair accessible elements make this resort a great international destination for enjoying the beach and the weather.

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15: Nassau Beach in New Providence, Bahamas


The Bahamas is a popular cruise destination, which can be a great wheelchair accessible vacation. Choosing to cruise to the Bahamas is often a more accessible option, as the cruise line port is very wheelchair friendly compared to navigating your own transportation to Nassau. The port offers a smooth transition from the ship to land and as a destination there are many wheelchair accessible activities along with wheelchair accessible van transportation. Be sure to book your transportation in advance, maybe even months in advance to get your shuttle to the beach. 

The beaches in Nassau are more wheelchair accessible than other cruise ship port beaches. These have wooden boardwalks to allow wheelchair users access to the space and to get closer to the water. The boardwalk extends into the water, allowing wheelchair users to roll into the water. Beach wheelchairs are also available to explore the sand as well as the shore. There’s even beach excursions like swimming with dolphins that are wheelchair accessible, depending on your ability.

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16: Sirens Resort, Loutraki, Greece

most wheelchair accessible beaches in the world
Sirens Resort

Sirens offers one of the best wheelchair travel experiences in the world. This Mediterranean resort in Loutraki, Greece is equipped with wheelchair accessible rooms throughout as well as showers that offer roll in access. The property features nice wide walkways that make navigation easy. It also has the distinction of being one of the only resorts in the world that offers direct access to the ocean. A ramp extends into the sea. Yes, it really is as epic as it sounds! You can roll right into the ocean for a total immersion experience, but I recommend not doing so in a powered chair unless you want a bit of a shock.

The beach is a resort style beach with plenty of wheelchair accessible accommodations. The highlight is the sea-access ramp which is wide enough to allow manual sea-wheelchairs entry directly into the sea. A sea-wheelchair is provided to each guest at no rental fee or extra cost, allowing all visitors to experience the wonders of the Greek Sea. The beach is fully accessible including sun umbrellas and lounge chairs as well as covered cabanas. The paved paths through the garden make it easy to explore the entire resort and truly get to experience all the wonders of the beach.

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17: Sandals Beach Resort in Negril, Jamaica

For a wheelchair accessible all inclusive resort experience along 7 miles of white sandy beaches, consider Sandals Beach Resort in Negril, Jamaica. This resort has 6 completely wheelchair accessible rooms, which range in their specific accessibility. Some include ramps, level room entrances, and wider doors to accommodate wheelchairs. The bathrooms are also accessible with lower sinks, grab bars, and roll-in showers. The restaurants are all wheelchair accessible which makes it easy to choose your favorites and dine in luxury. 

The 7 miles of beach runs parallel to the resort and some rooms even have beach access directly from their door. There is 1 beach wheelchair available upon request, along with several manual wheelchairs. Many guests rent or bring their own motorized scooter for enjoying the grounds. This resort is mainly flat, which makes it easy for wheelchair users to explore and enjoy the space. The beach is wheelchair accessible and accessibility equipment can be requested such as ramps for patios and bathroom benches. 

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18: Freedom Shores, Isla Aguada, Mexico

Freedom Shores
Freedom Shores

A war veteran who became quadriplegic after a diving accident created this resort property and the entire development was crafted with wheelchair users in mind, making it the place to go if you’re looking for a tropical Mexican getaway. Beach access at this 4 star resort is made possible via a large promenade designed specifically so disabled travelers could enjoy the beach. Many other perks such as roll-in showers exist and local taxis were made to transport wheelchair users back and forth on the property. You can even enjoy an accessible and relaxing boat ride in the waters if you wish.

This is a great accessible beach destination because the beach is one of the best in the area. It’s not only a place to enjoy the sand and water with the use of a free beach wheelchair, it’s also the place most people enjoy the sunrise, sunset, drinks by the water, and even full meals. If you’re looking for a destination where you can enjoy the beach all day everyday, this is a great place.

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19: Cancun, Mexico


In addition to offering some of the most stunning scenery on the planet, Cancun is one of the most wheelchair accessible beach destinations. Plenty of boardwalks are located along the beach and resorts in Cancun, Mexico offer wide paths (enough space for you and the countless iguanas that are plentiful in Mexico) and private beach access as well. Umbrellas can even be rented for a small fee if you want to spend the day on the sand without roasting like a lobster. Staying at a resort is the best way to have private access to a less crowded beach. 

Many resorts offer beach wheelchairs and some can even be reserved ahead of time through companies like Accessible Cancun. In addition to the beach wheelchairs, resorts are more likely to have wheelchair accommodations from wheelchair friendly dining to handicap accessible rooms, and even a lift for using the pool. 

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20: Manly Beach, Australia

Manly Beach
Manly Beach

A short ferry ride from the mainland will land you at Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia. Very accessible with a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and shops, there is plenty to see and do beyond just spending time on the beach itself. Be sure to eat some pizza at Hugo’s if you visit. I ate it back in 2014 and am still thinking about it… Delicious!! However, if lounging seaside is on the agenda then there is a nice walkway between Manly and Shelley Beach with beach wheelchairs available if you desire.

The beach itself is accessible to wheelchairs by a pedestrian boardwalk that leads to Shelley Beach. This is a great way to explore the local wildlife and there are plenty of places to stop, grab a snack, and take a break while enjoying the sights. The ferry along with the beach is a great way to spend a day and gives you that perfect day at the beach. 

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21: Tobacco Bay in Bermuda 

There are plenty of beaches to visit in Bermuda, but Tobacco Bay is a shallow, crystal clear bay with reef which makes it perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the calm waters. This beach is on the small side compared to resort beaches which are typically long stretches of sand.

Visiting Tobacco Bay is a great few hours at the beach, but Bermuda takes it a step further with a wheelchair accessible island tour. This air-conditioned bus tour allows you to see all the sights, make stops at historic land and enjoy the beach. These tours can also be customized to your liking, making it easier to visit the beaches you’d like to see and make sure you get a chance to see all destinations during your stay. Visiting Bermuda can be completely wheelchair accessible with the right resources, and there are plenty of options from transportation to beach destinations.

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22: Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany
Tuscany

This great Italian region has several wheelchair accessible beaches. Ramps and boardwalks are abound in this tourist Mecca with the top four most accessible beaches in Tuscany being Alcione Beach, Bagno Auroria, Fossa Maestra, and Stella del Mare. A few of them offer showers and changing rooms. Many of the resorts in Tuscany offer accessible rooms as well. Make sure you call ahead to check availability or you might get booked in a regular room even if you requested an accessible room online. 

Finding a specific beach in Tuscany can be a little tricky, as many public beaches are considered free beaches and may be little spots along the coast. The best way to find a wheelchair accessible beach and accommodations is to consider a resort because these establishments often have their own beach access, or know the best way to go about accessing a local beach.

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23: Nova Icaria in Barcelona, Spain


The beach in Barcelona is very wheelchair accessible with several access points. Each access point uses a ramp to merge the city sidewalk with a beach boardwalk, allowing you to move through the sand easily. The wooden ramps go all the way to the water on some paths, making it very easy to enjoy the view and the water as well as the sand. 

Of all the beaches in Barcelona, Nova Icaria is one of the most wheelchair accessible. Here they not only have amphibious wheelchairs, but also provide accessible bathrooms, changing rooms, and a hoist to assist with transferring from a wheelchair to an amphibious wheelchair.

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24: Wellington Beach in Wellington, New Zealand


New Zealand is a great destination for a vacation because there’s so much to do. Ships Creek is a trail lined with boardwalks that allow you to get close to the coast as well as explore the natural terrain. The boardwalks are broken up with hard terrain to give you a full trekking experience. Napier and Kaikoura are also great for enjoying the waterfront. Most locations have paved paths which make them easily accessible. 

If you’re looking to get into the water in New Zealand, there’s a variety of beach wheelchairs available at many beaches. These wheelchairs are capable of going into the water as well as across the sand for a full day at the beach. Destinations that have aquatic wheelchairs available include Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland. Beach mats are also available in Wellington, allowing wheelchair users better traction across the sand. 

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25: Jaco Beach in Costa Rica


To increase accessible tourism in Costa Rica, Jaco Beach was the first beach to have recycled plastic mats installed on the beach to provide access to the shore. These beach mats allow wheelchair users to navigate through the sand with a more sturdy base, making the beach more enjoyable for all. 

Other beach amenities that make it more wheelchair accessible include reserved parking for those with a disability, ramps, adapted bathrooms, locker rooms, and shaded areas. There are also amphibious wheelchairs available along with a defined beach area. Jaco Beach has a lift to help wheelchair users in and out of the water. These adaptations have made this destination in Costa Rica more wheelchair accessible, giving those that would like to visit a place to have a day at the beach.

There are a variety of wheelchair accessible beaches throughout the world. Many of the beaches in the United States are wheelchair accessible due to the ADA regulations, as well as adapted equipment and beach paths. Wheelchair users can explore the beaches both within the United States and abroad, allowing everyone to travel internationally to enjoy the waters around the globe.

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*A Note from Curb Free with Cory Lee: This post about wheelchair accessible beaches includes affiliate links. When you click on a link, I may receive a small compensation, which will help this blog grow into a better resource for disabled travelers.

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52 Comments

  • Susan says:

    Great resource for so many!! My favorite would be the Sirens resort in Greece.
    Susan recently posted…Hotel Review: Park Hyatt Buenos AiresMy Profile

  • Sarah says:

    These look incredible! So happy you are exploring the world and living life. You are an inspiration and a gift! Playa del Carmen, Mexico has a wheel chair accessible beach too. An hour south of Cancun, it is beautiful there also.
    Sarah recently posted…Evolving in RecoveryMy Profile

    • Cory Lee says:

      Aww thank you so much Sarah! That really means a lot to me. And thanks for letting me know about Playa del Carmen. I’ll be sure to check it out. 🙂

      • Amy Scott says:

        My husband and I honeymooned in Playa del Carmen… one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life! We are huge fans! And, you can take a short ferry ride to Cozumel for some incredible snorkeling!

  • Mime Orobona says:

    so much more useful, for so many people, than the usual top ten tweet.
    Mime Orobona recently posted…Moeraki Boulders – Crystalline Eggs Hatch Beautiful Birds?My Profile

  • Edwina says:

    Hey Cory,
    These beaches look lovely! Barcelona, Spain also has ramps to all its beaches and Nova Icaria Beach (right in the middle of Barcelona beach) has a ramp down to the sea, accessible bath rooms and showers and amphibious / floating wheelchairs plus a team of volunteers to provide assistance if needed during the bathing season. I don’t know how good their facilities and services are but there are always wheelchair users around. It’s not as picturesque as Isla Aguada, but maybe not bad for a combined beach/city break!
    Edwina recently posted…My Top Lessons and Takeaways from TBEX Athens 2014My Profile

    • Cory Lee says:

      Wow, sounds amazing Edwina!! Barcelona has been on my list of places to visit for a while now. Sounds like I need to visit sooner than I thought. 🙂

  • Hey Cory!

    What a great resource!! I’m going to share this with my friends who will find this really useful. I love the look of the ramp that goes all the way into the water – what a wonderful idea!

    Martina 🙂
    Martina Donkers recently posted…Street Art in SiberiaMy Profile

  • garrett says:

    Daytona Beach and New Smyrna beach in Florida are the best. You can drive on the beach for free with a disabled parking pass and most of the sand is packed hard enough to roll on.

    • Cory Lee says:

      Thanks for the suggestion! I visited Daytona Beach about 15 years ago and loved it. I remember driving our van on the sand, but I didn’t try my wheelchair. Definitely will have to soon though. 🙂

  • Dennis Kopp says:

    That is really a great collection of accessible beaches that you found there Cory! I have actually been to some of these beaches and it’s really great to know that they are making an effort to allow handicapped people to participate in the sandy fun as well. So no more good excuses to stay at home… 😉
    Dennis Kopp recently posted…Adventure Climb of Great Saint Rock in MeteoraMy Profile

  • jalm says:

    We found the beaches in Galveston, TX to be accessible. You can drive right on to the beach and the sand is packed hard enough that wheelchair wheels don’t sink in. The only time in 18 years of being together that my husband and I have been on the sand together. 🙂

  • Larry Kern says:

    I’m a fish out of water and am working my way towards SCUBA diving in 2015. Snorking is fun, but I have a need to go deep. Thanks for the great info Cory!

  • Dennis Shakesby says:

    I we was in Tennerife last year ,and we on our lst day and as we walked down the front ,we saw a part of the beach ,was kitted out for disabled people,as i say it was our last day and time was getting on so we could not find out any information,so if there is anyone out there who knows about this beach could you please let me know as i like tennerife i used to go before i was a parpligic any information will be very helpful thankyo

  • Cindy Lotring says:

    Fantastic info, thanks for sharing…I am recently new to wheelchair life and went to Bermuda on a cruise, although Bermuda itself isn’t very wheelchair friendly , although they are getting better. Go see Larry at Daniels Head Beach, its a cheap cab ride away, he owns SurfSup and if you tell him in advance the red carpet will be waiting. He took me snorkeling, paddleboarding. He and his crew are FANTASTIC. I can’t tell you how great we were treated except to say we went back again the next day and he brought us back to the pier to catch the boat we were having so much fun…..

  • Constantine Zografopoulos says:

    Chicago has by far the most accessible beaches. Out on the lakefront, 16 of 31 Chicago beaches have an accessible beach walk. These “walkways over the sand” allow all patrons young or old, with or without a physical disability or mobility limitation, to stroll all the way to the water’s edge with ease. Nearly $500,000 in material and equipment. In most cases it includes accessible concessions, restrooms, parking and transportation.

  • Cindy DeAngelis says:

    This is wonderful

  • Judy Giallongo says:

    really enjoyed reading this, please do more

    • Cory Lee says:

      Hi Judy! Thanks for commenting. I’m really glad that you enjoyed this post. I have many more posts on this site. Please check them out & let me know what you think 🙂

  • Bob says:

    I was very interested in your Tuscany post. You mentioned certain hotels are accessible. Could you recommend a few? Thanks so much for your efforts.

  • Here is Oarai universal beach in Japan.
    Please have a look.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk-RwIPdHms

    This is our website for wheelchair users.
    http://www.oda-y.com/#!all/cizg

  • Janet says:

    Virginia Beach also offers a fully accessible beach..check it out!
    http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/Listings/Grommet_Island_Beach_Park___Playground.aspx

  • Anita Robinette says:

    Finding your site is truly the best gift I would never have thought to dream of asking for. Thank You ★◇☆◆

  • John Lee says:

    Great list! Thanks Cory. Let me also recommend Avila Beach, CA where there are ramps down to the beach and a motorized beach wheelchair available to checkout for free by anyone who is otherwise unable to get around on the beach: http://www.ccatc.org/avila-beach-wheelchair/

  • Biff Martinkoski says:

    In Corpus Cristi, Tx. I used my pwr. chair on the beach as well as driving my van on sand.

  • Chrstina says:

    Isle of Palms, SC was very wheelchair friendly as well!

    Not only do they have wood access ramps, they offer FREE beach wheelchairs and FREE parking at the city beach.

  • Sunita Sancheti says:

    Wow!!! all the places look amazing, I wish I can visit all these beaches & have similar facilities in India.

  • Matthew says:

    I love the idea of the ramp going into the sea. It’s awful but I never knew a wheelchair would struggle to get across the sand but that ramp is a great idea.

  • Altaira Hatton says:

    The Hague, Netherlands offers power beach chairs(very fun!) and cement over sand walkways to near the water.

  • Great post! Really useful, thanks for putting this together! I also have to say, you do have a great sense of humor. I chuckled at the cheetos thing, not because it’s okay to throw cheetos at someone (because it isn’t!!) but at the way you wrote about the views without a lap full of cheetos. I grew up close to Santa Monica and I can totally see that happening -_-
    Francesca @onegrloneworld recently posted…Reader Question: How Do You Afford to Travel?My Profile

  • Caroline MacDonald says:

    Great list, thanks Cory

    Dennis Shakesby – I’ve stayed in Tenerife a few times and found Los Christianos beach has great accessibility – boardwalks and large boarded areas with sun loungers reserved for wheelchair users, disabled showers and toilets close by, and best of all the local lifeguards have adapted beach buggies which take you out into the sea for a swim – one of the few places in the world where I have been able to get into the sea. All of this is offered free of charge by well trained and enthusiastic professionals. I love it so much I’m going back for my fourth visit this year.

  • Nicole says:

    We recently went to pensacola, and while my brother can walk he was born with bilateral clubfoot and walking through sand is very difficult for him (he was actually in tears). A ramp to the shore would have been remarkable! It’s nice to know other beaches are better!

  • Moi says:

    went to Miami Beach this year and used a beach ELECTRIC wheelchair (they currently have 2) to cruise the entire beach (no fee) and they also have these heavy towel-like things on the sand at certain spots that I suppose would be called sand ramps so you can take your own wheelchair on to a bit of the sand.

  • TJ Baker says:

    Thanks for this great list! As the father of a daughter with many special needs including her wheels, who loves the beach and nature in general, it’s great to see such a list.
    We also have need to be sure there are good hospitals nearby wherever we go…but I suppose that not all do.

  • Cas says:

    You forgot Rockingham Beach 🙂

  • Betty gammon says:

    Thank you for so much wonderful, informative ideas. I live in Ford, VA, an hour south of Richmond. My family and I have always been a huge beach going family. Usually my parents, my family, and sometimes my brothers and their families rent a house for a week. Virginia Beach used to be the place everyone went but it started becoming dirty and over crowded. So we moved a little farther south and rented at OBX and Nags Head. That was fine but soon everyone got the same idea and it became overcrowded. When I went into my wheelchair in 2005, we all pretty much stopped going. Then, about four years ago my parents and my brother and his family went to Myrtle Beach, SC and just fell in love with the area (Surfside) and the rental agency personnel were excellent. The next year and every year since, I have been going, too. The house we rented the first two years had a private suite on the lowest level with a huge shower and sliding glass doors opening up right out to the pool. We also found out if you went to the police or fire department and requested a beach wheelchair, you could get one first come, first served FREE!! It was the best thing ever. I was able to go to the beach everyday with my family. Last year we rented a different house, same rental agency. This house had an elevator…….an elevator!!!! How wonderful!!! I look forward each year to going back to the beach because now I can participate like I used to. Thanks again for your information!!!!

  • Disability should not stop someone from being who they are. But rather it must be overcome for a greater adventure.

  • Sherryl MacPhee says:

    There’s one in Polis in Cyprus too. I’m a carer and took my disabled client to the C&A Apartments in Polis. It is a great place to stay and was built by the Neophitu family when their son Chris became disabled. The beach has a walkway all the way along, and there is a rolling chair into the sea. You are also able to go on a wheelchair friendly glass bottomed boat with a hoist, so that when the boat stops, EVERY guest can have a dip in the beautiful Mediterranean. Highly recommended.

  • David Collins says:

    One of the greatest things about your posts, Cory, is the ability to share information with others, and your blog has given me some very useful pointers for planning a recent trip for a wheelchair bound friend.

    Another accessible beach to add now is the beach at New Brighton in Christchurch, where SmileDial NZ and SURF New Brighton has recently provided an adult size and a child size beach chair that can be booked for free (though donations are encouraged), a scheme sponsored by a local radio station, the local city council and a local school.

  • Peggy Moore says:

    Thank you for sharing such valuable information, Cory. Could you provide more specific information about Key Largo, Fla. – boats with access for wheelchair users?

  • Bob Drinan says:

    Hi Cory. I haven’t been in the water since 2008. I Googled ´wheelchair beaches’ and found you. I would love to go to Sirens in Greece.

    Hey, what do you do with roll in showers?
    I don’t want to get my chair wet.

  • Bob Drinan says:

    Hi Cory. I haven’t been in the water since before my accident in 2008. I would love to check out Sirens. Too bad it’s so far away.

    Hey, what do you do with a roll-in shower? I don’t want to get my chair wet.

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