San Diego is one of the best cities in America for accessible beaches. Each of it's many beaches provides different accessibility technologies. You can find both manual and power wheelchairs throughout San Diego County, including popular Mission Beach, Coronado Beach and Ocean Beach. And the best part? Chairs are free. “You go to the lifeguard station and present your Driver’s License or ID,” said Allen. “And the life guard helps you get into the chair.” Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis so call ahead.

Martha’s Vineyard has a reputation with some as being an “elitist” playground of the rich.  I believe this is an unearned criticism by folks that have never been here or just don’t know it well.   What I see is a diverse community and a variety of people coming to the island throughout the year to enjoy all that this beautiful resort has to offer.  Visitors and “Islanders” of all different ages, abilities, and income levels share this space and (for the most part) manage to get along; and yes, appreciate each other’s differences.

Accessible Docks:

Crandon Park Beach, Florida on Key Biscayne 

Non-motorized beach wheelchair rentals at Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne allows easy travel over not-so-easy terrain thanks to big balloon wheels.  This barrier island beach shows off the best of tropical Florida, not the least of which is the glittering blue water of the Atlantic on one side and Biscayne Bay on the other.

Kure (pronounced CURE-ee) Beach is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, near the southeastern tip of North Carolina. Spring and summer temps average about 82 degrees. Fall and winter temps average about 67 degrees (weather.com).

Ocean City Maryland provides much of Maryland and the nearby DC/Virginia area with closest access to a traditional beach and boardwalk experience. While there are some amenities for folks with mobility-related disabilities Ocean City has a very long way to go. Notably missing are beach mats and accessible docks so those in wheelchairs and walkers can safely get to, and enter the water. As Maryland starts to invest more in equal access for individuals with disabilities this will hopefully change in the near future.

Jekyll Island is committed to accessibility to our beaches for our residents and guests who need assistance in visiting our beaches. The following information will be helpful in your travels to the island.

Accessible Beach Access Points

Jekyll Island has public beach access points that are accessible to people with disabilities. Here is the list of those locations:

“Riviera of the Midwest”

With seven exquisite beaches, each with comfortable and convenient amenities, St. Joseph, Michigan is a beach-lover’s dream. Whether you’re planning a beach weekend getaway with your family or you’re seeking a day in the sun, you can find your perfect piece of paradise at one of St. Joseph’s beautiful beaches.

JT's Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground For EveryBODY is the first of its kind in America: a 100% accessible oceanfront park.

One of the few wheelchair accessible beaches in Maine, Echo lake provides an experience where you can get closer to the water than most places. Currently, it does not provide an accessible dock allowing those with wheelchairs or walking impairments to enter the water safely. The views, however, are breathtaking and are equally enjoyed from any vantagepoint.

People come from all over the world to enjoy the beautiful beaches on South Padre Island. Therefore, making the beaches accessible is a top priority for the City. To promote accessibility the City has 24 beach access points along the less than 3 mile stretch of Gulf Boulevard. Of the 24 Beach access points, 18 are developed providing over 200 parking spaces with 19 of those being handicap spaces. Of the 18 developed beach access points all have a walk-over, stairs or mobi-mat with 4 being wheelchair accessible.