Thanksgiving looks peaceful in movies, but real life is a bit different. Between last-minute cleaning, turkey feasts, and endless “what are you thankful for” speeches, it’s anything but chill. And if you’re flying across states to visit family, expect jam-packed terminals, cranky passengers clutching pumpkin pies, and excited tourists chasing fall vibes. It all sounds festive until it’s not.
To escape the holiday rush, consider a low-key Thanksgiving getaway. In this guide, we’ve rounded up five accessible Thanksgiving destinations you can explore without battling the crowds.
Why Choose Accessible Thanksgiving Getaways Over Packed Hubs
Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday travel marathon, with many people flocking to Disneyland, national parks, major cities with Thanksgiving parades, or rope-dropping Black Friday sales. According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans traveled over the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2024.
When half the nation travels at once, minor inconveniences snowball into full-blown stress, especially for wheelchair users, who already have to navigate long security lines, limited accessible restrooms, and last-minute gate changes that rarely account for mobility needs.
While air travel can be exhausting, public transportation isn’t any better during the holiday season. Trains and buses fill up fast, elevators or lifts are frequently out of order, and assistance staff are often spread thin, leaving travelers on their own. To skip these logistical nightmares, book a wheelchair-accessible van via Wheelchair Getaways.
Even after arriving, travelers face packed sidewalks, uneven curbs, and inaccessible seating at crowded attractions and city centers. Restaurants are booked solid, and finding accessible parking near popular parade routes or shopping districts can turn into a game of chance.
Luckily, there are many serene beaches, quaint towns, and scenic parks that offer a festive feeling without that usual chaos.
How to Pick a Crowd-Light, Wheelchair Accessible Destination
Finding a calm spot is easy; finding one that actually works for you takes a little strategy. Here are some tips to book a crowd-light and mobility-friendly destination:
- Before you go, look for official pages that provide details on ramps, restrooms, rentals, and contact information in case you need extra assistance.
- If visiting beaches or parks, verify the terrain. Look for firm, stable paths, boardwalks, or paved loops that stay usable in late November weather.
- Parking matters more than you think. Make sure there are wide, van-accessible spaces near main entrances so you’re not stuck crossing busy lots or uneven curbs.
- When booking hotels, request photos of roll-in showers, lowered beds, and wide doorways instead of trusting vague “ADA-friendly” claims on booking sites.
- Public restrooms deserve a pre-check. Look for step-free entry, grab bars on both sides, and enough maneuvering room for a power chair or personal assistant.
- Smaller towns may have fewer accessible restaurants. If you want to enjoy that post-turkey pie in peace, check reviews or call to confirm table spacing, doorway width, and accessible restroom layout.
- Check how attractions handle crowds. Some parks and museums offer timed entry, early hours, or accessible viewing areas away from main foot traffic, which is a huge win during the holidays.
- Ask about seasonal removals. Some destinations remove beach mats or ramps after summer, so confirm they’re still in place during Thanksgiving week.
- Plan transportation early. If you’ll need a wheelchair-accessible van rental or lift-equipped shuttle, reserve it weeks ahead. Don’t forget to use a discount code to save a few bucks.
Top Accessible Thanksgiving Getaway Destinations
The following are some of the most accessible Thanksgiving getaway destinations across the USA:
Amelia Island, Florida
Located off Florida’s Atlantic coast, Amelia Island is the kind of place where you can sunbathe, watch the waves sparkle, and maybe swap mashed potatoes for a salty breeze picnic. This beautiful island includes 13 beaches, each featuring turquoise waves and shell-dotted sand.
The main beach offers a sturdy Mobi-Mat that makes sandy access simple, and you can rent beach wheelchairs through the Atlantic Recreation Center. Simmons Road Park offers an accessible trail, bathrooms, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for an outdoor Thanksgiving brunch.
If you’re in the mood for scenery, Fort Clinch State Park has ADA-compliant boardwalks and viewing platforms that open up to sweeping views of dunes, tidal creeks, and the occasional deer wandering through.
For a quieter stop, don’t miss Egan’s Creek Overlook, where you’ll find accessible parking, a wide viewing deck, and built-in binoculars for spotting the Amelia Island Lighthouse gleaming in the distance.
If you’re planning to stay through the Thanksgiving weekend, the Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers and a range of other amenities.
Monterey & Pacific Grove, California
If your idea of Thanksgiving involves ocean mist instead of oven heat, Monterey and Pacific Grove should be on your accessible holiday itinerary. Start your morning at Lover’s Point Beach & Park, which features firm and paved paths for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
If you want to go right up to the sand, there are beach wheelchairs available at the Pacific Grove Recreation Department. Next, glide your way through the wheelchair accessible Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail that runs 18 miles from Pacific Grove all the way to Castroville.
At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, there are ADA-compliant ramps, elevators, automatic doors, and a spacious layout, so you can glide straight to the glowing jellyfish. When hunger strikes, grab a sandwich from Compagno’s Market or settle in at Aliotti’s Victorian Corner for homestyle comfort food.
If you’re visiting in November, don’t miss the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary to see thousands of monarchs fluttering through eucalyptus trees. As daylight fades, head toward Asilomar State Beach to catch the golden sunset.
Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get new updates directly to your inbox.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona (Tucson)
Where better to spend Thanksgiving than among giants? At Saguaro National Park, you’ll find miles of desert vistas, warm sunshine, and giant cacti offering you company. While there are several trails, the Desert Discovery Trail is a total win for wheelchair users. The trail has hard-paved paths with shady structures and benches for snack breaks.
The visitor centers are equally welcoming, featuring accessible parking, restrooms, and paved cactus-garden paths that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life nature documentary. Bonus points for the captioned videos, tactile exhibits, and brochures in alternate formats, so everyone can experience the park in their own way.
If you want to avoid the Thanksgiving rush, arrive early to find the best parking spot and claim a shady picnic nook before anyone else. And don’t forget to pack a turkey sandwich and bring a friend to share Thanksgiving stories.
San Antonio Missions, Texas
Nestled in the heart of Texas, the San Antonio Missions serve up centuries of stories and Spanish architecture without the battling crowds. The park includes five beautifully preserved missions, including The Alamo, Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada, all connected by the scenic San Antonio River.
The Mission San José Visitor Center arranges a short film screening about the people who built and lived in these missions centuries ago. Then, wander through the stone archways of Mission Concepción, which is famous for its frescoes that have somehow survived centuries of Texas heat.
When it’s lunchtime, Mission San Juan has accessible picnic areas that are perfect for enjoying a Thanksgiving-style sandwich while taking in the nearby views. If you’re up for a little adventure, follow the Hike and Bike Trail, which connects all five missions with easy, paved access for both walkers and wheelchair users.
And who knows? After a day exploring these centuries-old sites, you might just feel thankful your Thanksgiving plans didn’t involve building a stone church by hand.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May offers ocean views, charming streets, and enough seaside calm to make you actually thankful. Over here, you can visit the Washington Street Mall, which is dotted with charming boutiques, coffee spots, and fudge shops. Most of the sidewalks are smooth and wide, and curb ramps make it easy to stop every 10 feet for chocolate samples.
Next, wheel down to Cape May’s Promenade, a paved oceanfront path perfect for watching seagulls or maybe a dolphin. If birdwatching is your idea of calm, head to the Cape May Bird Observatory to see migrating hawks and seabirds.
Feeling festive? Mosey over to the Emlen Physick Estate, a fully accessible Victorian mansion that kicks off the holiday season with old-fashioned charm, carolers, and hot cider.
When it’s time to eat, stop at one of the town’s many accessible restaurants along Beach Avenue for crab cakes, clam chowder, or a lobster roll that might just make you rethink turkey forever. Many spots offer accessible seating both indoors and outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the ocean soundtrack with your meal.
Perhaps the best part is that Cape May has recently installed beach mats for wheelchair users so they can finally get that perfect oceanfront selfie.
Enjoy an Accessible Thanksgiving Adventure with Wheelchair Getaways
Thanksgiving travel can be a bit chaotic, but Wheelchair Getaways makes the road trips effortless.
With over 200 rental locations nationwide, you can find wheelchair-accessible vans equipped with lowered floors, power ramps, secure tie-downs, and optional hand controls for independent drivers. We offer side-entry vans that are ideal for tight curbs, while rear-entry models make trailhead parking a breeze. When booking, confirm your preferred setup so everything’s ready the moment you roll up.
Since holiday weekends book up quickly, reserve early and ask about delivery to your hotel or airport to avoid transfer headaches. Call us at (866) 224-1750 or complete our online form to lock in your accessible van for Thanksgiving.