As a wheelchair user, beach destinations can often be very hit or miss. I have visited many fantastic beaches that are accessible, but I've also seen a lot of beaches that are not as accessible to me. It’s hard to know if a beach will truly be accessible for you in advance of your beach trip, so I’ve put together a list of some of the accessible beaches I've visited in the US. They are all wonderful options, so no matter what part of the country you’re planning to travel in, you are sure to enjoy one of these accessible beaches!

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Carolina Beach is high on my list of wheelchair-accessible beaches in the US. Beach wheelchairs, including floating beach wheelchairs that allow access into the water, are available for free from the Carolina Beach Parks and Recreation Department and can be reserved by calling 910-458-2977. Beach wheelchairs are available by reservation for up to 1 week. I’d recommend reserving in advance since they have a limited number of beach chairs for loan. During the peak season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day), access mats are placed on the beach strand near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, specifically at Pavilion Avenue South and Cape Fear Boulevard. In my experience, these mats are usually located near the seasonal restrooms.

Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater Beach, located in Clearwater, Florida, is accessible, offering multiple options for some fun in the sun. Near Pier 60, you will find access to manual beach wheelchairs at the lifeguard station, which are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Access mats are located at key beach access points: Pier 60, Lot 32 Beach Access (420 S Gulfview Blvd), and Lot 36 Beach Access (4 Rockaway St). These mats extend a good distance onto the sand, getting you near the water. Along the coastline at Clearwater Beach, it is also great to use the wide, paved pathway that runs along the beach. This allows visitors using wheelchairs to remain in their own chair, have great views of the beach, and enjoy a leisurely stroll with views of the Gulf. Additionally, several private companies like All Season Beach Stuff Rentals (727-557-6902) and Sand Helper (727-213-5700) offer rentals, including motorized beach wheelchairs. 

Florence, Oregon

While the Oregon coast is known for its rugged beauty, Florence has made specific efforts for accessibility, particularly at Heceta Beach County Park. Here you can find an all-terrain track chair available for free use through David's Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems. Reservations are required and must be made through their online reservation system. You can find David’s Chair rentals all along the Oregon coast, so even if you’re visiting a location other than Florence, you shouldn’t be far from an accessible beach. In my opinion, the Oregon coast has gone to great efforts to ensure that it’s one of the best accessible beach destinations in the country.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores prioritizes beach access with the installation of access mats and beach wheelchair availability. Based on my visit, the city of Gulf Shores currently has 4 access mats on the beach: 3 at Gulf Place and 1 at East Gulf Place near the resident-parking area. These mats provide a stable pathway over the soft sand. For those needing beach wheelchairs, Beach Power Rentals LLC (251-978-2953) is a local company that rents motorized beach wheelchairs, which can navigate deep sand, and reach close to the water's edge. Gulf Shores is absolutely beautiful and has made excellent strides over the past few years to become one of the most accessible beach destinations in the southeast.

Long Beach, California

Long Beach, with its urban beachfront, focuses on accessible pathways and provides beach wheelchair options. Granada Beach, located there, is one of the best accessible beach options in all of Southern California. This beach offers a beach mat that is smooth and runs pretty close to the water. There are accessible companion-care restrooms located in this area as well, making it a great place to visit. If you would like to reserve a complimentary beach wheelchair, call 562-570-1360 prior to your day at the beach. You will also find a 5.5-mile paved path that runs along the beaches. It is perfect for enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean, allowing wheelchair users to remain in their own customized wheelchairs. Alamitos Beach, also located in Long Beach, offers beach access mats and complimentary beach wheelchairs, which can be used for free and reserved by calling the same number mentioned above for Granada Beach.

Ludington, Michigan

Ludington is highly regarded for its accessible beaches on Lake Michigan. At Stearns Park Beach, there are 3 wheelchair-accessible beach pathways leading to the water: 1 at the south end, 1 at the north end, and 1 in the middle of the park. A free beach wheelchair is available at Stearns Park on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can inquire at The Sandbox concession stand for more information. Ludington State Park also has a wheelchair-accessible pathway near the Beach House and offers 2 beach wheelchairs for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the Lake Michigan Beach House. Similarly, Hamlin Lake Beach at Ludington State Park has a beach mat to the water's edge and offers 2 beach wheelchairs for loan.

Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach has invested in beach access mats to enhance accessibility. Several public beach crossovers are equipped with these nonslip mats, and you can also find them at St. Andrew’s State Park, along with complimentary manual beach wheelchairs. For motorized beach wheelchairs, Beach Powered Mobility provides rentals of electric beach wheelchairs and all-terrain mobility scooters designed to navigate sandy terrain effortlessly. It's advisable to contact them in advance for reservations and details. They can deliver the powered beach wheelchair to hotels in Panama City Beach.  

Santa Monica, California

In my experience, Santa Monica Beach is a standout for accessibility. Free beach wheelchairs are available at 3 Perry's Café and Beach Rentals locations on Ocean Front Walk: 1 north of the pier near Arizona Avenue and 2 south of the pier near Ocean Park Boulevard. The Heal the Bay Aquarium also offers free, 2-hour manual beach wheelchair rentals with a valid photo ID on a first-come, first-served basis during operating hours (call 310-393-6149 for availability). The Annenberg Community Beach House provides complimentary beach wheelchairs as well. Wooden access ramps lead closer to the water at various points along the beach in Santa Monica.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island has beach access mats and wheelchairs. The access mats are located at the following beach access points and dune crossovers: North Beach Mid-Lot Cross-Over, Second Avenue Cross-Over (East Gate), and Tybrisa Street Cross-Over. Manual beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Ocean Rescue HQ at South Beach, near the ramp up to the Pier and Pavilion off the end of Tybrisa Street. You can check availability by calling the lifeguards at 912-472-5089.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach offers comprehensive accessibility. The entire 3-mile boardwalk is paved and wheelchair friendly, with ramps from the boardwalk to the beach located at every street along the boardwalk. Free beach wheelchairs are available and managed by Beach Ambassadors. To arrange use, you can contact them at 757-439-9565. Wheelchairs are typically available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at several locations, including 2nd Street (adjacent to Grommet Island Park), 8th Street, 17th Street, 24th Street, and 36th Street. It's important to note that these are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis during tourist season. Several private companies like Beach Power Mobility (757-255-8439) also offer rentals of beach wheelchairs and powered beach wheelchairs.

These 10 beaches are some of the best I've visited in the country, and now that you know where to go, it’s time to start planning your accessible beach getaway. There’s nothing better than a relaxing day on the sand, and luckily, that’s possible no matter what your abilities are!