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Discovering Wheelchair Accessible and Chronic Illness-Friendly USA Destinations
- jennifer96117
- May 22
- 6 min read
If you haven’t been reading the news lately, flight prices are skyrocketing. Travel is more expensive than ever. Many Americans are skipping international flights and opting for road trips or cruises this year. I have clients who refuse to fly, either because they have specially designed wheelchairs that could be damaged or because they are COVID-conscious or immunocompromised. The thought of being stuck in a metal tube with hundreds of other passengers doesn’t seem safe (see how to mitigate risks on flights here).
In this blog, I’m focusing on vacation destinations in the mainland USA that are wheelchair-accessible and chronic-illness-friendly. I’ll cover one East Coast city, one West Coast city, one Mid-West city, and a national park and beach destination. There are many more options out there! The United States is much better with wheelchair accessibility than most European countries, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, listing every accessible feature in every city would be longer than a book. I’m not here to write a book, and you’re not here to read one. If you have a destination in mind, feel free to reach out. I can help you plan a vacation that fits your accessibility needs. Many places can be accessible as long as you have the right information, resources, and support network.
PS: I know some of you are not located in the United States, but I am, and most of my clients are here too. That’s why I’m focusing on the USA in this article.
Washington, D.C.: A City of Accessibility
Ah, the closest city to me! I had multiple internships downtown before I became sick with long COVID. My husband and I often attended concerts there. If there’s any city I know intimately, it’s this one. I was honestly shocked to learn that Washington D.C. is often rated the highest in wheelchair accessibility among travel destinations in the USA.
Many cities lack elevators at every metro stop. However, the metro here is one of the most wheelchair-accessible public transportation systems in the United States. You can view all of WMATA’s accessibility features here. A word of warning: I highly recommend checking out their ELstat system if you rely on elevators. I’ve seen many elevator outages at various metro stations.
Here are a few reasons why D.C. is accessible for wheelchair users and those with chronic illnesses:
All federal museums are ADA-compliant, making them the most wheelchair-accessible museums in the United States.
All monuments are wheelchair accessible, offering a good mix of outdoor and indoor activities.
The zoo is extremely wheelchair accessible, with multiple outdoor eateries available.
Most sidewalks in tourist areas are considered very “roll-able.”
We have many wheelchair-accessible taxis and tours.
Our climate is comfortable in late fall and early spring for those with heat intolerances.
Of course, going to D.C. feels like taking a tour of my backyard. However, if you love history or museums, this is an excellent place to visit.
Seattle, Washington: A Dream Destination
Spoiler alert: I haven’t been to Seattle yet, but I desperately want to go! In the summer, the highs only reach 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for my heat intolerance. Seattle’s public transportation is quite wheelchair-friendly. The Link Light Rail, city buses, South Lake Union Streetcar, and some water taxis all have wheelchair-accessible options that don’t require transfers. There are also plenty of wheelchair-accessible activities, such as:
The Space Needle
The local zoo and aquarium
Puget Sound Harbor Cruise & Tillicum Village
Seattle Great Wheel
And more!
Just a heads-up: Seattle is very hilly. Not all streets are wheelchair accessible, especially if you’re a manual wheelchair user.
Chicago, Illinois: A City of Wonders
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 used Lyft. For those who can’t, there are taxis with side or rear entries that offer ramps.
One thing I love about Chicago is its proximity to Lake Michigan. There are many beautiful hotels and rentals nearby with excellent views of the lake. Plus, there are plenty of places to relax by the lake, which is perfect for those of us who need rest days or a calm atmosphere.
Other wheelchair-accessible activities include:
Skydeck at Willis Tower (not great if you’re afraid of heights)
Art Institute
Millennium Park and “The Bean”
Navy Pier
Multiple museums
River and lake day cruises
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’s 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 provides the NPS Yellowstone App, which includes a “Wheelchair Access” filter to identify accessible areas, including the park’s most popular destinations. Yellowstone National Park Lodges offers many wheelchair-accessible tours and activities as well.
It’s 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 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 ideal 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.
Best Beach - Ludington, Michigan
There are many wheelchair-accessible beaches in the southern United States. However, I chose not to highlight them because the humidity and frequent storms can be downright inaccessible for many during the summer (like me). That’s when most people like to take their beach vacations. The Lake Michigan waters are often much calmer than the ocean on a clear day (don’t go out in a storm!), making it easier to swim for those who can.
Ludington 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 similar amenities, with Hamlin Lake beach often being less crowded. Many campsites are wheelchair accessible. Other wheelchair-accessible activities include the North Breakwater Light, the Sculpture Park, the maritime museum, The Beach House, and more. This track chair can help you explore 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 suit your style better.
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 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 fully enjoy your trip.
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.
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