As a person with a disability, relaxing on the beach can have its challenges. We first must find a beach that our wheelchair can access, or find a beach wheelchair that can roll across the sand. But when we find wheelchair accessible beaches, we can just sit back, enjoy the view, and hear the ocean waves lapping across the sand. There’s nothing better! Here is how you can find an accessible beach and enjoy some fun in the sun.
What makes a beach accessible?
There are a variety of factors that make beaches accessible for people with disabilities, so let’s see what they are before exploring some of the best wheelchair accessible beaches around the world.
Access Mats
Since I am not able to transfer myself, I find it easier to visit a beach with an access mat so that I can remain in my own wheelchair. The mat covers the sand so that the weight of my chair doesn’t get stuck, and it is easy to roll across.
Accessible restrooms
Having an accessible restroom near the beach area is ideal. It needs to be spacious and have grab bars around the toilet, and space beside the toilet for an easy transfer. It also helps to have a pull under sink and an adult sized changing table. The changing table is useful for changing out of wet clothes to help prevent skin issues.
Beach wheelchairs for rent
I love finding a beach with several beach wheelchair options that are free to use. A manual beach wheelchair is great if you have a friend who is willing to push you across the sand. An amphibious chair allows you to roll across the sand and into the water, as it has floats attached to it! A powered beach wheelchair is also great to have, so that you can control the speed and direction that you move across the sand on your own.
Assistants to help with getting you to the water
Although this feature is more common in Europe in my experience, it is nice to find a beach that has staff members there to assist wheelchair users across the sand and into the water.
Options of shaded areas
Having an umbrella or access to a shaded area on the beach can be crucial to staying long enough to enjoy the sunshine. Although I do enjoy feeling the sun on my face, I also appreciate being able to stay out even longer with the access of a good, shaded area.
The best wheelchair accessible beaches in the US
Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach, Virginia
Known as one of the most picturesque beaches in the U.S., Virginia Beach is known for its accessibility. Easy to roll on, accessible boardwalks span the beaches here and wheelchair accessible parking is abundant and easy to find. Beach wheelchairs can be reserved in advance and borrowed in several places along the boardwalk. Three of them are 2nd street, 17th and 24th street.
Mission Beach - San Diego, California
Known as one of the most wheelchair accessible beaches in California, Mission Beach boasts nearly two miles of paved, oceanfront boardwalk. Wheelchairs can easily roll along this with epic views of the Pacific Ocean. You can also use their power beach wheelchair to roll across the sand by calling 619.980.1876 to reserve it anytime from May through October. You may want to use a manual beach wheelchair by borrowing one from the lifeguard stations when they are on duty.
Miami Beach - Miami, Florida
Miami Beach ranks at the top of the list of wheelchair accessible beaches in Florida. It is home to the fully adaptive beach and playground for disabled visitors and residents. Here, you will find several access mats along the sand and beach wheelchairs can be used on a first-come, first-served basis from February through October. If you’re looking to visit in November through January, call 305.673.7714 and ask to reserve yours. Free use of a powered beach wheelchair can be found at the Beach Patrol office at 1001 Ocean Drive and South Pointe Park.
My selection of wheelchair accessible beaches in the world
That's always great to know where to find a wheelchair accessible beach near you, but there are plenty more out there to discover. If you're planning to travel abroad soon, or are looking for some inspiration, here is my selection of the best wheelchair accessible beaches in the world.
Manly Beach - Australia
Just a short ferry ride from the mainland of Sydney, Australia is Manly Beach. It has a smooth, accessible boardwalk that runs along the beach and connects Manly Beach to Shelley Beach. Beach wheelchairs are available for use and the area is filled with some great shops and delicious restaurants.
Nova Icaria - Barcelona, Spain
One of the most accessible beaches that I have found is Nova Icaria in Barcelona, Spain. Here, there are accessible changing rooms, accessible bathrooms and amphibious beach/water chairs. Giving you easy access to the water, there are wooden ramps that go all the way to the sea so that you can roll in the amphibious chair directly into the water. The beach also has several access points from the city sidewalks.
Las Canteras Beach - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Located in the Canary Islands is Las Canteras Beach. What makes me fall in love with this beach is that it offers shadow tents for wheelchair users. Here, you will also find staff members to assist people who use wheelchairs to access the water and help with transfers. This beach includes accessible toilets and changing rooms and offers amphibious beach chairs.
Plakias Beach - Crete, Greece
Greece is a destination that is growing with accessible beaches. Plakias Beach, located in Crete, Greece, is a perfect example of how a wheelchair user can enjoy a day at the beach. This beach includes a Seatrac system, which allows people with mobility issues to transfer onto a seat that then glides down a rail system directly into the water. This system puts wheelchair users in the water with ease and allows them to cool down and enjoy a day in the water. This beach also has great accessible parking, accessible changing rooms and showers, and also offers shade from both trees and umbrellas.
Playa del Carmen Public Beach - Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Playa del Carmen public beach is a pioneer for accessible beaches in Mexico. It includes amphibious water chairs that can roll you into the warm Caribbean Sea. These chairs have floats on them that allow you to remain in the chair and relax in the water. This beach also has orthopedic beach walkers with seats and air-filled tires that make it easier to walk across the sand if you are able and also boasts sun loungers with wheels that can float as well.
Conclusion
As you can tell, wheelchair accessible beaches can be found across the world. As travel continues to grow, destinations are having greater awareness of what is needed to accommodate more people. Wheelchair users can now enjoy the beaches more freely and spend that much needed time with their families. Now, get out there and find that sunshine!
