Unearth The Voyage
Everyone deserves to feel the ocean breeze and wiggle their toes in the sand, no matter their mobility. Across the United States, more and more beaches are stepping up to offer wheelchair-friendly paths, special beach wheelchairs, and thoughtful amenities that make coastal adventures possible for all visitors. From the sunny shores of California to the warm waters of Florida and beyond, these accessible beaches prove that fun in the sun should never be out of reach.
1. Santa Monica State Beach, California (Los Angeles County)
Santa Monica State Beach makes that dream a reality with smooth pathways leading directly to the water’s edge.
What really sets this beach apart? Free electric beach wheelchairs that you can borrow for the entire day. The famous pier and all beachfront parking spots were designed with everyone in mind, ensuring no one misses out on the California coast experience.
California’s coastal access page even lists extra wheelchair rental spots around the pier area, so you have plenty of options for your beach day adventure.
2. Huntington Beach, California (Surf City USA)
Surf City USA isn’t just for wave riders anymore—it’s become a leader in beach accessibility too. Huntington Beach has rolled out special Mobi-Mats that stretch toward the shoreline on Huntington City Beach, creating stable paths over the shifting sand.
Beach wheelchairs are ready and waiting for visitors who need them. The city hasn’t stopped there, though; plans are already underway to add even more mats along the impressive 10-mile coastline.
Whether you want to watch surfers catch waves or simply enjoy the endless ocean views, Huntington Beach ensures that everyone can join the coastal fun without barriers getting in the way.
3. Coronado Central Beach, California (San Diego County)
Coronado’s lifeguards are true beach heroes, running a completely free wheelchair program that helps everyone experience this stunning stretch of sand. These aren’t just any wheelchairs—they feature extra-wide tires specially designed to glide smoothly over sand instead of sinking in.
The beach itself is long and beautifully flat, which makes rolling around much easier than at many other coastal spots. With the iconic Hotel del Coronado as your backdrop, the scenery alone is worth the trip.
Thanks to the thoughtful lifeguard team, what was once an impossible beach to navigate has become far more reachable for wheelchair users and their families.
4. Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia
Did you know Virginia Beach hands out free beach-accessible wheelchairs just for asking? Simply request one through the friendly Beach Ambassadors who patrol the resort area, and you’re all set for a day by the Atlantic.
Handicap access points line the famous boardwalk, making it simple to move from the promenade down to the sand. Nearby, Grommet Island Park offers an inclusive, oceanfront playground where kids of all abilities can play together while enjoying ocean breezes.
The combination of accessible equipment, thoughtful design, and welcoming staff makes Virginia Beach a top choice for families seeking barrier-free coastal vacations on the East Coast.
5. Siesta Key Beach, Florida (Sarasota County)
Siesta Key’s powdery white sand is famous worldwide, but it used to be nearly impossible to cross in a wheelchair—until now. A 450-foot Mobi-Mat path stretches from the pavilion area all the way across the sand, creating a stable route that wheelchairs can easily travel.
Beach wheelchairs are available right on site, so you don’t need to bring your own equipment. Local tourism proudly highlights Siesta as the only Sarasota-area beach featuring an access mat, though other beaches nearby do offer accessible amenities.
That combination of the softest sand you’ll ever feel and genuine accessibility makes Siesta Key a Florida treasure everyone can enjoy.
6. Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach brings style and accessibility together in one gorgeous package. Access mats stretch across the sand, and free manual beach wheelchairs are available for loan—just bring your ID and you’re good to go.
These wheelchairs are designed for shallow water use with assistance, meaning you can actually get into the warm Atlantic waves. Visitor guides also point out local wheelchair rental companies that offer equipment specifically built to handle both sand and water.
With the vibrant Art Deco district as your backdrop and accessible ocean fun at your fingertips, Miami Beach proves that inclusive travel can be glamorous and exciting for everyone involved.
7. Clearwater Beach, Florida (St. Pete/Clearwater)
Clearwater Beach’s reputation for crystal-clear Gulf waters just got even better. The city’s lifeguard division lends out beach wheelchairs completely free of charge from Lifeguard Tower 0—no fees, no hassle, just friendly service.
The local destination marketing organization has gone the extra mile by creating an updated accessibility guide covering all public beaches in the St. Pete/Clearwater area. This means you can plan your entire beach vacation with confidence, knowing exactly what accommodations await.
Between the stunning sunsets, sugar-white sand, and genuine commitment to accessibility, Clearwater Beach has earned its spot as a must-visit destination for travelers of all abilities.
8. Pensacola Beach, Florida (Escambia County)
Pensacola Beach has taken accessibility seriously by installing not one, not two, but five Mobi-Mats across different beach areas. These stable mats provide reliable paths over the fluffy white sand that the Florida Panhandle is famous for.
Local news coverage and accessibility blogs have confirmed mat locations, including spots at Langdon Beach within the beautiful Gulf Islands National Seashore. This means even protected natural areas are becoming more welcoming to everyone.
Whether you’re visiting for the emerald-green waters or the laid-back beach town vibe, Pensacola Beach ensures that mobility challenges won’t keep you from experiencing this slice of coastal paradise.
9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Grand Strand’s most famous beach town has rolled out the welcome mat—literally. Myrtle Beach provides detailed accessibility information and beach-going wheelchairs designed specifically for sand travel.
Multiple access points feature mats that reach right over the sand, and the city even offers a local map showing exactly where each mat is located. No more guessing or getting stuck—you can plan your beach entrance with precision.
With 60 miles of coastline to explore, amusement parks nearby, and a strong commitment to inclusive tourism, Myrtle Beach has become a favorite destination for families who want beach fun without the accessibility headaches.
10. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Up on the Delaware shore, Rehoboth Beach transforms each summer with the arrival of special polyester Mobi-Mats at dune crossings. Extra mats appear at Maryland Avenue and Laurel Street, making the sand reachable for wheelchair users and anyone else using mobility devices.
These seasonal mats acknowledge that beach accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be part of the summer tradition. The city’s commitment means that more families can create beach memories together without anyone being left behind.
Rehoboth’s charming boardwalk, delicious saltwater taffy, and now-accessible beaches combine to offer a classic East Coast beach vacation that truly welcomes everyone to the shore.
