top of page
Search

A Few Wheelchair Accessible and Chronic Illness Friendly Vacation Destinations in the USA

A Brief Overview


Yellow poster with title about wheelchair accessible chronic illness-friendly USA destinations, showing a wheelchair on a beach and U.S. flag


If you haven’t been reading the news lately, flight prices are skyrocketing, and travel is more expensive than it has ever been. Many Americans are forgoing international flights and opting for road or cruise trips this year. Additionally, I have a lot of clients who refuse to fly - either because they have specially designed wheelchairs that could be easily damaged, or because they are COVID-conscious/immunocompromised, and the idea of being stuck in a metal tube with hundreds of other passengers doesn’t seem very safe (see how to mitigate risks on flights here).


For this blog, I am focusing on vacation destinations in the mainland USA that are wheelchair-accessible and/or chronic-illness-friendly. I am posting about one East Coast city, one West Coast city, one Mid-West city, and a national park and beach destination. Of course, there are many, many others. The United States is a lot better with wheelchair accessibility than most European countries due to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, listing every way every city or tourist destination is accessible would be…longer than a book. I am not here to write a book, and you are not here to read one. If you have a destination you would like to go to, feel free to reach out to me, and I can help you plan a vacation that fits your accessibility needs. A lot of places can be accessible to most people as long as you have the right information, resources, and support network.


PS I know that some of y’all are not located in the United States, but I am, and most of my clients are here as well, so that is why I am focusing on the USA in this article.



Smiling girl in glasses at a tropical bird exhibit, with a pink spoonbill on a railing and visitors taking photos
Me at the zoo way back in 2018 while I was in college. I was so young!

Washington, D.C.


Ah, the closest city to me. I had multiple internships downtown before I became sick with long COVID, and my husband and I would often go to multiple concerts there. If there’s any city I’m intimately familiar with, it is this one. Which is why I was honestly shocked that Washington DC is often rated the highest in wheelchair accessibility for travel destinations in the USA.


Apparently, a lot of cities do not have elevators at every metro stop. In fact, the metro is one of the most wheelchair accessible public transportation systems in the United States. You can view all of WMATA’s accessibility features here. Word of warning: I highly recommend checking out their ELstat system if you are relying on elevators. I have seen many elevator outages at many metro stations in my lifetime.


A few other reasons why it is accessible to wheelchair users and those with a chronic illness:


  • All federal museums are ADA-compliant, leading to the most wheelchair accessible museums anywhere in the United States.

  • All monuments are wheelchair accessible and offer a good mix of outdoor and indoor activities

  • The zoo is extremely wheelchair accessible, and there are multiple outdoor eateries

  • Most sidewalks in tourist areas are considered very “roll-able.”

  • We have many wheelchair accessible taxis and tours

  • Our climate is pretty comfortable in the late fall and early spring for those with heat intolerances


Of course, going to DC for me is like taking a tour of my backyard. However, if you love history or museums, this is an excellent place to visit.






Seattle skyline with the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier at sunset, framed by green trees in the foreground.

Seattle, Washington


Spoiler alert: I have not been to Seattle, but I so desperately want to go. In the summer, the highs reach only 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for my heat intolerance. Seattle’s public transportation is also pretty wheelchair friendly. The Link Light Rail, the city bus, the South Lake Union Streetcar, and some water taxis all have wheelchair accessible options that do not require transfers. There are also a lot of wheelchair accessible activities, like:


  • The Space Needle

  • The local zoo and aquarium

  • Puget Sound Harbor Cruise & Tillicum Village

  • Seattle Great Wheel

  • And more!


Just a warning: Seattle is very hilly, so not all streets are wheelchair accessible, especially if you are a manual wheelchair user.





Masked person with glasses takes a selfie on an outdoor boat deck, with downtown skyscrapers and seated passengers behind them.
I'm on the river cruise we took in Chicago last week. Note that although it says it is wheelchair accessible, I opted to walk onto the boat myself, so if you can’t walk a few steps or transfer, I would ask before purchasing tickets.

Chicago, Illinois


Hey, I was just there last week! Chicago offers many exciting outdoor and wheelchair accessible activities, like this architecture cruise I took along the Chicago river! I highly recommend it if you want to see the highlights in a short amount of time.


Not all of Chicago’s metro stations ( or the “L” system) have elevators. This was especially inconvenient for me, since my husband’s brother lives near one of those stations. Since I can transfer to a car, we utilized Lyft. For those who can’t, there are taxis with side or rear entries that offer ramps.


One thing I like about Chicago is its proximity to Lake Michigan. There are a lot of beautiful hotels and rentals nearby with an excellent view of the lake. There are also plenty of places to relax by the lake, which is excellent for those of us who need rest days or require a calm atmosphere.


Other wheelchair accessible activities include:


  • Skydeck at Willis Tower (not great if you are afraid of heights)

  • Art Institute

  • Millennium Park and “The Bean”

  • Navy Pier

  • Multiple museums

  • River and lake day cruises





Tourists walk boardwalks around a steaming rainbow-colored hot spring with blue center and orange mineral edges in a forested park

Best Wheelchair Accessible National Park - Yellowstone National Park


Yellowstone National Park is one of the top three national parks to visit in the United States, and it is extremely wheelchair friendly. The park offers accessible trails, boardwalks, and even accessible lodging options, including standalone cabins. The Grand Loop Road is fully drivable, with plenty of accessible viewpoints where you can take in geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife. The park offers the NPS Yellowstone App, which provides visitors with a “Wheelchair Access” filter to identify accessible areas, which includes the park’s most popular destinations. Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers many wheelchair accessible tours and activities as well.


Do note that it is highly recommended that you bring your own car, either personal or rental. If you need a fully accessible van rental, there are a few options available. The Access Pass also allows for free or highly discounted admission for permanently disabled individuals.


One of many people’s favorite spots is the Old Faithful area, where you can watch the geyser erupt from a wheelchair-friendly viewing platform. Other wheelchair accessible things to do include:


  • Canyon Village

  • Lake Yellowstone Cruises

  • Mammoth Hot Springs

  • Tower-Roosevelt

  • And more!


Higher elevations offer cooler temperatures in the summer, although it may not be great for those with elevation sensitivity. For a private experience, Yellowstone offers private guided tours. For a more relaxing experience, you can visit the Mammoth Hot Springs hotel and cabins in the winter.




Calm pebbly beach under a cloudy sky, with still water and distant birds on the horizon.

Best beach - Luddington, Michigan


There are many wheelchair accessible beaches in the southern United States, but I decided not to choose them for the simple reason that the humidity and frequent storms are downright inaccessible to many people in the summer (like me), and that’s when most people like to take their beach vacations. The Lake Michigan waters are often much calmer than the ocean as well, on a clear day (don’t go out in a storm!), making it easier to swim for those who are able.


Luddington has three wheelchair accessible beaches on Lake Michigan. Stearns Beach Park offers three wheelchair-accessible beach pathways and free beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. Ludington State Park and Hamlin Lake beach offer something similar, with Hamlin Lake beach often being less crowded. Many campsites are wheelchair accessible. Other wheelchair accessible things to do include the North Breakwater Light, the Sculpture Park, the maritime museum, The Beach House, and more. This track chair can also help you go on trails normally not considered wheelchair accessible. There are multiple wheelchair accessible hotels and resorts in the area, and you can also reserve cabins if those are more your speed.



Tips for Planning Your Wheelchair Accessible and Chronic Illness Friendly Trip


Planning a trip with accessibility in mind can feel overwhelming, but a few simple tips can make all the difference. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own travels:


  • Research ahead: Check official websites for accessibility information. Many places now provide detailed guides on their facilities. Or book with me, and I can do this for you! I have a lot of contacts not available to the public.

  • Call ahead: Don’t hesitate to reach out to hotels, attractions, or transportation services to ask specific questions. Again, this is something I can do on your behalf.

  • Pack smart: Bring any necessary medical supplies, mobility aids, and comfort items. A portable charger and a travel pillow can be lifesavers.

  • Use accessible travel resources: Blogs like mine offer great insights and booking options tailored to your needs.

  • Plan for rest: Build downtime into your itinerary to avoid fatigue and enjoy your trip fully.

  • Buy good travel insurance or get refundable options!


When accessibility is part of the equation, it opens doors to experiences that might have seemed out of reach before. The USA is full of destinations that understand this and have made incredible strides to welcome everyone. So, what are you waiting for? The world is wide open, and it’s ready for you.


Ready to book your accessible adventure? I can help plan a vacation that matches your needs, not anyone else’s. Reach out, and let’s start planning the vacation you deserve.




We have a new wheelchair accessible group cruise! Join me on Holland America’s Zuiderdam for an 11-DAY WILD BRITISH ISLES: IRELAND & CLIFFS OF MOHER. June 22, 2027, round-trip from Amsterdam. Only 5 cabins left at the group rate!




If you do not need a travel agent but have been helped by my resources, I would really appreciate a tip! Thank you!


NOTE: I cannot actually drink coffee or any caffeinated beverage due to my POTS, so you will not actually be buying me coffee. Money will most likely go to treats for my dog, instead.





Comments

bottom of page