Spring Break presents the perfect chance for exhausted students who’ve had enough of late-night cramming sessions and hectic lectures or parents looking to shake off the winter blues.
From adrenaline-pumping amusement parks to stunning national parks, there is no shortage of places to chill out during spring break. But when it comes to feeling the ultimate rush, nothing quite compares to the sandy shores and shimmering waters of America’s most accessible beaches!
Depending on the location and terrain type, many beaches feature wide boardwalks, handicap-friendly restrooms, and specialized beach wheelchairs, ensuring every spring breaker, regardless of age or mobility, can make unforgettable memories.
Top Accessible Beaches for Spring Break 2025
Below are the most accessible beaches for a sun-soaked and accessible Spring Break adventure in the United States:
Clearwater Beach, Florida
With pristine sugar-sand beaches, calm crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere, Clearwater Beach offers the ultimate spring break adventure. Here, you can sunbathe to get that golden tan, play a game of cornhole or kubb, or sip on something refreshing while you watch the world go by.
The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Lifeguards offer beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. There are three mobi mats available at Lot 32 Beach Access, Lot 36 Beach Access, and Pier 60 Parking Lot Beach Access at 160 S Gulfview Blvd. It is important to mention that the last lot is currently closed for maintenance.
During Spring Break, attend the Pier 60 Sunset Celebration. This free, nightly shindig kicks off two hours before sunset and features all sorts of artisans and street performers. If you’re feeling a bit more daring, check out the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center to meet some scaly friends who might just become the highlight of your trip. After a day of adventure, stop at Jimmy’s Fish House for some Instagrammable drinks.
Santa Monica State Beach, California
Located west of Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica State Beach is split into two sections, north and south of the pier, offering endless activities to fill your days with sun and fun.
The north pier features walkways, stairs, and bridges to get you safely from the hustle and bustle of the city to the serene beach without getting stuck. Here, you can check out the North Beach Playground, which boasts universally accessible equipment, including slides, swings, or sensory play elements. The Annenberg Community Beach House features bike racks, picnic tables, a soccer field, a volleyball court, and even a splash pad to beat the heat.
The south side is more leveled with the city and features swanky hotels like Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar. As for accessibility, there are six points along the beach where wheelchair-accessible pathways lead straight to the water. When all that fresh salt air makes you hungry, Blue Plate Oysterette is your go-to spot for beachside dining.
South Beach, Miami, Florida
If you’re tired of all those all-nighters, why not trade them with a vibrant sunrise at South Beach in Miami? During the day, you can lounge on the beach, splash in the ocean, or grab a bite at one of the quirky cafes lining Ocean Drive.
This beach features smooth pathways along with boardwalks and specially designed mats for easy navigation. If you’re vacationing with little ones, North Shore Beach and Bar Harbour Beach have calm waves and soft sand for building sandcastles. Or, visit South Pointe Park, which is home to sandy strands, swaying palms, and those famous pastel-colored Art Deco buildings that scream “Instagram me!”
If you’re more into retail therapy, head over to the Lincoln Road Mall, an epic eight-block-long shopping extravaganza featuring over 200 shops and restaurants. When night falls, you have to check out Bâoli for some energetic dancing or hit up Mango’s Tropical Cafe for laid-back vibes and mouthwatering Latin food.
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Virginia Beach, Virginia
If your idea of a dream spring break involves non-stop fun, you must add Virginia Beach to your itinerary. This accessible beach is famous for its 3-mile boardwalk that’s perfect for people-watching, admiring street performers, or just casual strolling while munching on some delicious corn dog or caramel popcorn.
Virginia Beach is super accessible with boardwalk, beach access mats, and even special beach-friendly wheelchairs. Beyond the sand, you can hit up ViBe Creative District to take a picture in front of funky murals or visit Town Center to buy a cute beach outfit.
Don’t miss out on the Inland and Pungo areas. Quaint shops? Check. Lovely parks? You bet. Local farms with the freshest produce? Absolutely! These spots offer a taste of the good ol’ countryside right in the middle of your beach vacation. Plus, if you’re history buffs, you can take a short drive to see colonial Williamsburg or the famous Jamestown Settlement.
When the sun finally gives up for the day, dance the night away at a beachside bar, catch live music at one of the local venues, or just chill with some fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Nestled along the rugged and breathtaking Oregon coastline, Cannon Beach is perfect for both chill vibes and wild adventures. While there, check out the Haystack Rock — a basalt sea stack that rises 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline that’s completely Instagram-worthy. At low tide, wander around at the base and make friends with the most incredible sea creatures — sea stars, anemones, and crabs! Plus, the sunsets here are straight-up Instagram gold.
Cannon Beach has also gone above and beyond with paved pathways that wind through the town and along the beach, making it a breeze to explore without any pesky obstacles. While beach wheelchairs are currently out of service and being replaced, you can always bring your own wheelchair to enjoy other accessible activities.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Ecola State Park offers hiking trails with jaw-dropping viewpoints. You can also visit the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum featuring fascinating tidbits and exhibits. When hunger strikes, head to the Sleepy Monk Coffee or the Bistro to enjoy scrumptious food.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Located just a few minutes away from Downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is known for its serene coastline that stretches across five beautiful beaches. Over here, you can watch fascinating birds like the Purple Sandpiper or the Long-tailed Duck flapping their wings, visit Sunrise Restaurant to chow down on Mahi tacos and try soft shell crab sandwiches at Sting Ray’s, or drop by quaint boutiques to purchase some coastal-themed artwork.
Tybee Island also offers yoga classes, meditation sessions, and spa treatments that’ll have you all relaxed before your next semester or term. Plus, this island provides beach wheelchairs, mobi mats, and other accessible amenities to accommodate people with limited mobility.
If you’re planning your visit between February 14th and 28th, don’t miss Tybee Island’s Restaurant Week 2025 to gobble down signature seafood items and savor refreshing drinks you won’t find anywhere else.
When you’re worn out from all the fun, head over to the Beachside Colony Resort for a blissful beachfront retreat. With stunning views, luxurious accommodations, a beachside bar, and a pool, it’s the kind of place that might just make you “accidentally” forget your return flight.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
If your Spring Break desires scream “Southern charm with a side of sunshine,” then Gulf Shores has you covered. There is handicapped parking available behind The Hangout restaurant and a concrete 20-foot-wide promenade that runs along the beach. Gulf Shores public beach is equipped with several beach access mats, which means you can easily get close to the shoreline.
Three local companies – Beach Power Rentals, Beach ’N Buggys, and Ike’s Beach Service – offer a variety of wheelchairs, including manual, power, or even amphibious beach chairs. When you’re tired of beach fun, visit the Gulf State Park, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, or Fort Morgan for endless adventure. The Wharf is a mini-theme park right by the beach, featuring from shopping and dining to an arcade and a Ferris wheel, so it might become your new favorite spring break spot.
Enjoy an Accessible Vacation with Wheelchair Getaways
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a beach bum, the USA’s top accessible beaches are perfect for playing watersports, building epic sandcastles, exploring tide pools, or admiring breathtaking sunsets.
If you plan on beachcombing or visiting different destinations for spring break, it’s important to have a reliable wheelchair-accessible vehicle that suits your needs. Serving more than 200 locations across the nation, Wheelchair Getaways is here to end your transportation woes.
We have a wide range of wheelchair-accessible vans for short and long-term rental, providing seamless travel experiences. While booking, explore our deals section to take advantage of limited-time promotions. For booking information and rental quotes, call us at (866) 224-1750 or email at info@wheelchairgetaways.com.