Cape Canaveral, located midway between Jacksonville and Miami along Florida’s Space Coast, is not only the hub of our nation's space program but it also is a shining example of how an active engagement from local groups and investment from local government can result is a beautiful example of how any beach can be transformed into a welcoming, accessible vacation oasis.

Enjoy 26 miles of sugar-sand beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the longest coastlines in the U.S. featuring multiple accessible beach options. Muskegon's shores stand out thanks to the Action TrackChair—an off-road wheelchair .To reserve it, contact Muskegon State Park. If the Action TrackChair isn’t available for your travel dates, manual beach wheelchairs are available. (Discover your perfect Michigan spot.)

Tybee Island, located only 18 miles away from Historic Savannah, Georgia and consistently named as one of the top-rated beaches in the US, will let you unwind in style and comfort.

Tybee has installed beach mats which makes reaching the beach from the walkway ramps easy peasy. These beach mats wind throughout the entire tip of the peninsula and the city offers free beach wheelchairs to cross the sandy areas.

In addition to beach mats, Tybee Island has floating beach wheelchairs which allow you to enjoy the water with a companion.

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach is located in the Northwest region of Florida. One of the best parts of visiting Panama City Beach is all of the fresh seafood you get to eat

Accessibility Features: There is a wooden walkway ramp  that connects with a smooth rubber beach mat called a Mobi-Mat. Beach mats are great for manual and power wheelchairs alike, and can be helpful for walkers and canes, as well.

Stearns Park Beach in Ludington was voted as the fifth most accessible walkway in the nation. Explore the beaches of Lake Michigan without ever leaving your wheelchair. Follow the north walkway which extends to the water’s edge and works great for all types of wheelchairs. Or take the south which meets up with the concrete walkway and concludes at the pier. Various donors purchased the boards that make up the walkway, with messages and names inscribed on each board.

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. Boats feature lifts for easy transfer on and off, making this a great, safe way to explore the underwater sea life.

Boardwalks and bodacious waves: Santa Monica is a magical place to experience the magic of the pacific ocean mixed with the energy of one of California's most excellent hallmarks. Accessibility abounds with boardwalks, ramps and beach wheelchairs. Expect crowds. 

Santa Monica offers an accessible beach mat and all-terrain wheelchairs but does not yet have accessible docks/swimming rigs that allow for safe entry and swimming in the open water.  .

Wheelchair Accessible Mat At Gulf Shores Public Beach

One of the newest additions to the west end of Gulf Place Public Beach is a bright blue, 350 foot ADA-compliant beach accessibility mat that stretches from the sidewalk to the beach of the main public beach area in Gulf Shores.

The Access Mat is designed to ease the walk over sand for wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, vacationers hauling gear, or those who prefer a smoother surface on which to access the Gulf.

Lake Tahoe is known for having the largest alpine lake in North America and is found on the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This is a great place to visit to see the otherworldly cobalt blue waters and fascinating rock formations which serve as an inspiring backdrop to your visit.

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.