As the air gets nippy and snowflakes start falling from the sky, it’s easy to bundle up and turn into a couch potato. But if you’re someone who can’t get enough of winter adventure, you’d be glad to know that the USA has many destinations featuring snow-covered landscapes, thrilling ski slopes, and husky dog sled rides. While some places or winter activities might seem out of reach, most of them are easily accessible, so everyone can enjoy snowy fun.
Top Accessible Winter Wonderlands in the USA
Below are some of the best winter destinations in the USA:
New York City, New York – A Festive Urban Extravaganza
There’s always a long list of things to do in New York City, but the winter season brings a different kind of charm, with sparkling lights draped over every building, massive Christmas trees, and a magical vibe that puts you into the holiday spirit.
While in the Big Apple, you can visit Central Park for ice skating or simply watch others awkwardly balancing themselves, enjoy the snowfall at Riverside Park, go Christmas shopping at Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s, or visit Bryant Park’s European-inspired open-air holiday market to shop and savor holiday treats.
If you need a break from all that retail therapy, why not catch a Broadway show? From the magical “Aladdin” to the jaw-dropping “The Lion King,” there’s something that’ll either leave you in awe or stitches.
The best part? New York City is incredibly accessible to guests with mobility issues. There are wide sidewalks, well-maintained roads, and ADA-compliant stores for easy navigation. It is important to note that since NYC’s winters can turn into a slushy mess, you might want to bring along a wheelchair with snow tires for better traction on ice and snow.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho – A Winter Wildlife Wonderland
Spanning across 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit during your winter vacations. This park transforms into a pristine winter wonderland, teeming with different wildlife. You might see bison plowing through the snow, elk grazing peacefully, or a pack of wolves stealthily on the hunt.
If you have never been to Old Faithful, you can book a guided tour with park partners, concessioners, and authorized businesses who can tell you all about the park’s history and show hidden gems along the way. There are boardwalks strategically placed throughout the location, but the park advises wearing traction aids and using snow tires to reduce the risk of slipping and sliding.
Due to winter conditions, most park roads are open to limited snowmobile and snowcoach travel, so you must book those adventures in advance. When tired, visit one of the nearby lodges to cozy up by the fireplace or enjoy other winter amenities.
Banff National Park, Canada – A Majestic Mountain Playground
Banff National Park offers jaw-dropping views of snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and enchanting forests. Over here, you can partake in different winter sports, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, and downhill skiing.
At Banff Upper Hot Springs, you can take a relaxing soak in the thermal water that might melt away all your worries and possibly some stubborn knots in your back. After a day of adventure, you can stay at one of many luxurious hotels, family-friendly chalets, or cozy bed & breakfasts offering stunning mountain views.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – A Winter Sports Paradise
Lake Tahoe is the ultimate playground for adrenaline junkies and snow bunnies who don’t mind braving the cold. There, you’ll find that the pristine white snow contrasts dramatically with Lake Tahoe’s famously clear blue waters, making for one epic Instagram shot.
This winter wonderland has a number of world-class ski resorts, including Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe, where you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling on sublime, level terrain. Although these resorts have beginner-friendly slopes, you can always request adaptive equipment to carve through this snowy paradise.
Not feeling the slopes? How about a rousing snowball fight on the beach instead? It’s equally fun and has half the chance of face-planting. After you have battled it out, warm up with some hot chocolate and watch the sun dip behind those majestic peaks. As night approaches, you can enjoy live music, dancing, and Nevada-style nightlife that’ll keep you rocking till the wee hours.
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Park City, Utah – A Historic Mining Town Turned Ski Mecca
Founded as a humble mining town in the 19th century, Park City is a beautiful resort town that has everything you could ever dream of in a snowy getaway. While there, head over to Park City Mountain, which is one of the most accessible ski resorts in Northern America, offering 7,300 acres of expansive terrain for skiing and snowboarding.
There’s a high-speed gondola that can whisk you between villages, while Snowed Inn Sleigh offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through pristine snowy slopes. When hunger strikes, you can visit the Cloud Dine to savor freshly baked donuts, Tombstone Grill for juicy BBQ, or Red Pine Lodge to grab a quick lunch before getting back on the mountain.
After shredding the slopes, head over to Park City’s Main Street to explore quirky boutiques, charming art galleries, and other historic buildings. If you time your visit just right, you might catch the world-famous Sundance Film Festival, where you might brush shoulders with your favorite Hollywood stars. Besides that, you should also check out Silver Sky Nights to enjoy live music and fireworks displays.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – A Rugged Western Winter Adventure
If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland that screams adventure, it’s time to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There, you can head to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which offers aerial trams and lift access to activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding for winter sports enthusiasts.
After enjoying some winter sports, you can visit the Teton Village or the Town of Jackson to sip on some whiskey at a local saloon, try your hand at some country line dancing, or converse with the friendly locals who will tell you a tale or two about the Wild West.
Sunny Winter Retreats in the USA
If you’re tired of bundling up in 20 layers and want a break from the chilly winters, consider visiting the following destinations in the USA:
Maui, Hawaii – A Tropical Paradise
With 120 miles of coastline, Maui boasts over 30 miles of black and white sand beaches where you can swim through crystal-clear water and mix it up with some colorful fish. Feeling adventurous? Try snorkeling or scuba diving. You may even spot some humpback whales migrating just off the shore. Most of these beaches offer beach wheelchairs for rent so you can get close to the water with ease.
You should also explore Haleakalā National Park, which features volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forests. Maui is also home to several beautiful districts, including Wailea, Haiku, Wailuku, Makawao, and Paia, offering accessible dining and shopping opportunities.
Key West, Florida – A Laid-Back Island Escape
If there is one place that’s guaranteed to warm your winter-chilled soul, it’s Key West. This sun-drenched paradise is famous for its watersports, lively nightlife, stunning beaches, historic sites, and all-around good vibes.
You can spend days soaking up rays at Smathers Beach, explore the charming Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory for a fluttering good time, or hang out on the ever-energetic Duval Street, lined with bars and cafes serving local seafood and ethnic cuisines.
For retail therapy, we recommend the famed Mallory Square, where you’ll find everything from quirky souvenirs to unique art pieces. Don’t skip out on the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum – just keep an eye out for the six-toed cats!
One of the best parts? Most attractions in Key West are designed with accessibility in mind. You’ll find wheelchair-wide entrances, ADA-accessible features, convenient parking, and ramps for guests with mobility issues.
San Diego, California – A Year-Round Sunny Destination
Renowned for its idyllic climate, San Diego is the ultimate winter retreat that still feels like a beach vacation with over 70 miles of stunning coastline. La Jolla Shores is perfect for some serene wave-watching, or if you’re feeling adventurous, bring out those boogie boards or play some volleyball.
You can take your kids to the world-famous San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park for observing wildlife. LEGOLAND California is another theme park packed with brightly-colored bricks, but it’s also wildly entertaining for all ages. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and a history buff, visit Balboa Park, which is home to 15 museums, umpteen art galleries, and gardens sprawling with Spanish Colonial Revival charm.
Regarding accessibility, most attractions in San Diego feature wheelchair-friendly pathways, wide layouts, and accessible restrooms, making it easy for everyone to enjoy them.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – A Caribbean Winter Getaway
When most people think of winter, they imagine cold feet and even colder noses. Not in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This Caribbean paradise is perfect for sipping piña coladas on pristine white sand beaches, salsa dancing under the stars, hiking through lush rainforests at El Yunque National Forest, and exploring the pastel-colored colonial architecture of Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plan Your Winter Adventure with Wheelchair Getaways
Whether you’re a snow bunny excited to try almost any winter sport, someone who would rather sip hot cocoa while tucked away from the frigid cold, or looking for a sunny winter getaway, the USA has plenty of retreats to fit your whim. However, not all winter destinations offer accessible transportation.
If you want to make your winter adventures smoother, why not rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle from Wheelchair Getaways?