Cape Canaveral - a model for getting beach accessibility done!

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.

Hanauma Hawaii Bay State Park - back to mother nature, back to peace

 

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii. Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem.

All-Terrain Wheelchairs are available from the Beach Information Kiosk. Not a "beach park" for beach sport, but a Nature Preserve dedicated to safeguarding the fragile marine life in the Bay, Hanauma is the first Marine Life Conservation District in the State.

Muskegon, Michigan - 200 FOOT BEACH MAT!

 

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.)

Cannon Beach, Oregon - National Geographic says "one of the world's 100 most beautiful places"

 

Cannon Beach Oregon is famous for Haystack Rock which is a 235 foot sea-stack, jutting out along the Pacific Coast. National Geographic listed Cannon Beach as "one of the world's 100 most beautiful places." Cannon Beach is new to the accessible game and is still working on making its the beach wheelchairs easily accessible. Here are some bullet points they share which you should keep in mind prior to scheduling your trip. Reservations are definitely advised but if you're making a visit on the spur of the moment decision, you may still be able to get a beach wheelchair.

Myrtle Beach South Carolina - accessible ferris wheel!!!

 

Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938 and became a city in 1957, when the permanent population first topped 5,000.  The name "Myrtle Beach" comes from the wax myrtle, an abundant local shrub, and was chosen in a name-the-town contest in 1900.  Myrtle Beach has been separated from the continental United States since 1936 by the Intracoastal Waterway.

Edisto Beach, South Carolina - 6 Accessible Beach Points

 

A popular vacation spot in South Carolina, the fire department in town loans beach wheelchairs free of charge. There are also 6 accessible public access points to the main beach. 

Camping on Edisto is a great experience, with water and electrical hookups available ocean-side or near the salt marsh. Each campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers.

It’s a simple fact that Edisto Beach has the best shrimp in the entire world. It’s sweeter, juicier, and meatier than its counterparts anywhere else. 

Cape Cod, MA - home of the Brewster Flats phenomenon

 

Along the coast of Massachusetts, you will find a number of beaches towns throughout Cape Cod that provide beach wheelchairs (free of charge), accessible boardwalks (at some beaches) and ADA changing areas. A few of the most accessible beaches are Brewster Beach (they offer 3 beach wheelchairs), South Cape Beach (accessible picnic tables) and Old Silver Beach.

They do not currently offer swimming rigs or "accessible docks" to allow safe swimming access for wheelchairs.

Tybee Island, GA - consistently ranked as top beach in US

 

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.

Panama City Beach, Florida - named the top 3 beach in the United States by TripAdvisor

 

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.

Santa Monica, California

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.  .

Subscribe to Beach Wheelchair