Spring break usually means wild itineraries, overpacked beach bags, and sunscreen decisions that haunt us for days. But this year, we are choosing destinations that don’t just look good on Instagram but actually work for everyone.
We’re talking about extended shuttle service, smooth boardwalks, wheelchair-friendly viewpoints, and accessible ramps that lead straight to ocean breezes and good tacos. Sounds fun, right? This guide is your cheat sheet to the most accessible spring break destinations to make tons of memories with your group.
How We Chose the Best Accessible Spring Break Destinations
There is nothing like arriving somewhere beautiful only to realize the trail is gravel, the boardwalk ends too soon, or the museum entrance is around the back near the trash bins. Been there, but never again.
To help you avoid that experience, we’ve sourced only accessible destinations with the following design standards:
- Handicapped parking located close to entrances with clear signage
- Step-free routes from parking, transit stops, and entrances
- Smooth, stable, and slip-resistant pathways without any gravel or uneven pavers
- Curb cuts at every crossing, not just the “main” intersection
- Ramps with proper slope and handrails
- Wide doorways for wheelchairs and mobility devices to pass comfortably
- Operational and clearly marked elevators and lifts
- Accessible restrooms with proper turning space, grab bars, and reachable sinks
- Beach wheelchairs and access mats to get close to the shore
- Restaurants with spacious seating, accessible counters, and easily readable menus
- Visual, audio, and tactile accommodations in museums and cultural spaces
Accessible Beach Destinations for Spring Break
If your perfect spring break involves salty hair, ocean air, and snacks that somehow taste better by the water, check out the following accessible beaches:
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach has the classic Florida energy that makes you slow down the second you see the water. You can work on your tan, grab fresh seafood, visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see ocean creatures, or attend the nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60.
The beach has accessible parking at places like Coachman Park and around the BayCare Sound area. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge, so you can get near the water instead of just looking at it from a distance.
One of the best features is the beachfront promenade, which connects hotels, restaurants, and shops along a smooth, wide pathway, making it perfect for evening strolls, late-night ice cream runs, and people-watching.
Santa Monica State Beach, California
Santa Monica State Beach stretches for 3.5 miles, which means plenty of room to soak up the coastal vibes and enjoy coconut cocktails without worrying about volleyballs flying out of nowhere.
The iconic Santa Monica Pier is wheelchair-friendly throughout, while Pacific Park offers classic amusement-park fun with accessible rides, souvenir shops, and just enough eateries for something fried or sweet.
There are six points along Santa Monica State Beach, with wheelchair-accessible pathways down to the water. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge from several spots along Ocean Front Walk, including locations like Perry’s Cafe.
Plus, the Marvin Braude Beach Trail runs right along the coast, making it perfect for beachfront biking or simply watching a few people regretting their decision to rollerblade.
Lake Michigan Beach, Ludington
Located at Ludington State Park, Lake Michigan Beach boasts sugary sand perfect for lounging or building your dream sandcastle, soothing waves for skipping rocks, spring breezes ideal for flying a kite, and epic vistas for capturing sunset selfies.
The main beach area has an access mat, while beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Beach House and Ludington State Park’s Hamlin Lake concession stand.
The North Breakwater Light is another highlight of Lake Michigan that features its own access mat and a half-mile break wall. However, there are no guardrails on either side, so be careful!
Accessible Theme Park & Entertainment Destinations
Below are some of the best accessible theme parks and entertainment destinations to scream, spin, and snack on spring break:
Morgan’s Wonderland, Texas
Located in San Antonio, Morgan’s Wonderland is an ultra-accessible adventure park, featuring more than 25 rides and attractions, including Joy’s Happy Swing, Jette’s Wonder Bikes, Whirling Wonder Ferris Wheel, Rocket’s Sky Flight Adventure, and five tropically themed splash pads.
The Sensory Village is the perfect reset zone for those overexcited friends who need a second to chill. Since spring break calories don’t count, visit Morgan’s Munchies to gobble up churros, pretzels, or chili cheese dogs.
Las Vegas, Nevada
While Vegas is famous for its casinos, you can enjoy different seasonal shows and events such as Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend for retro vibes, Great American Foodie Fest to eat like no one’s watching, and Derby Day for fancy hats and faux galloping.
If you’re here for the classics, the Bellagio Conservatory is perfect for strolling through seasonal floral displays, the High Roller at The LINQ for a 30‑minute skyline view of Sin City, and the Mob Museum to learn all the gangster stories without risking a life sentence.
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Wheelchair Accessible Culture & History Destinations
From interactive museums to iconic monuments, the following spring break destinations let you soak up culture, snap pics, and feel like a local historian:
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston may be famous for cobblestones and marathoners, but its history comes alive during spring break. You can start your adventure on the Freedom Trail, which winds through countless historic areas.
If your idea of fun includes a little food, the Quincy Market is basically snack central with clam chowder, lobster rolls, and chocolates. While most of the pathway is wide and flat enough for a smooth ride, consider sticking to the side streets around Faneuil Hall to avoid crowds.
Don’t miss the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum that features live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replicas of 18th-century sailing vessels. If you want to attend a concert or catch a classical performance, check out Symphony Hall, the Boston Opera House, or the Boch Center, which offer accessible entrances, elevators, and seating.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is the only city where the colors are loud, the music is louder, and even a random Tuesday can feel like a festival.
The French Quarter has bumpy and narrow sidewalks, but there’s usually enough flat pavement to park, listen to a street musician, and watch painters and tarot readers work the crowd. Don’t miss the Historic Voodoo Museum for spooky, quirky local lore.
The St. Louis Cathedral towers over Jackson Square and makes the whole place feel like a movie scene, especially when you’re just sitting there taking it in. Foodies must try gumbo, po’boys, and beignets, then pretend you’ll “eat light tomorrow”. When you need a breather, head to the riverfront and watch steamboats and ferries drift by.
Savannah, Georgia
Ever wanted a spring break that feels like a cozy movie, but with better snacks and more ghosts? That’s Savannah. The Savannah History Museum boasts wheelchair-accessible entrances, wide pathways, and clear displays that make it easy to learn about the city’s history without feeling cramped.
Next, head to Bonaventure Cemetery, which sounds spooky but is honestly peaceful. The main paths are wheelchair friendly, so you can easily glide past towering angel statues, catch river views, and roll under curtains of Spanish moss.
Nestled in the Historic Landmark District, Forsyth Park is a 30-acre green space that features smooth paths, giant oak trees, and an iconic fountain. After all that, reward yourself at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen with saltwater taffy, candied apples, fudge, or jelly beans, and cap the day on Tybee Island.
Accessible Nature & Scenic Escapes
If you want to catch all the natural beauty without visiting beaches, check out the following accessible scenic destinations and national parks:
Saguaro National Park, Tucson
With mild weather and mountain views, Tucson is the perfect spring break destination for outdoorsy individuals. Saguaro National Park is split into East and West districts, with both featuring solid accessible paths. The Rincon Mountain Visitor Center has ramps, tactile exhibits, and rangers who can point you to the smoothest routes.
Located off Cactus Forest Loop Drive, the Desert Ecology Trail features wide, paved paths that let you get close to saguaros, prickly pears, and other desert plants without dealing with loose sand. When in Tucson, don’t forget to visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is part zoo, part botanical garden, part outdoor museum, and part aquarium.
Zion National Park, Utah
If you’re tired of crowded beaches and overpriced cocktails, Zion National Park is the ideal spring break alternative. Zion Canyon has wheelchair-friendly shuttle stops and paved paths that make it easy to soak in the cliffs without worrying about uneven trails.
There are various accessible hiking trails, including Riverside Walk and Pa’rus Trail, that give you perfect views of the canyon. The Zion Human History Museum features fascinating exhibits about the park’s geology, native cultures, and early settlers.
The park has plenty of picnic areas with extended tables for a chill snack break or an impromptu sunset photoshoot, while the Watchman Campground features fire pits to toast marshmallows and plot your next adventure.
Why Accessible Van Travel Changes Everything
Once you’ve created that dream spring break itinerary, it’s time to figure out logistics. If you don’t have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, you’re probably thinking about public transportation or ridesharing apps. Sometimes that works. Often, it does not.
To save yourself the headache, rent a wheelchair-accessible van from Wheelchair Getaways. With a rental, you can move at your own pace and actually enjoy the trip instead of planning around transportation. Beach at sunrise? Easy. Museum hopping without rushing? Done. Late-night food run because someone mentioned fries? Say less.
Our vans are equipped with easy-entry ramps, secure tie-downs, comfortable seating, and spacious interiors to accommodate your mobility devices, medical equipment, and travel essentials for any road trip.
Tips for Planning an Accessible Spring Break Road Trip
When planning an accessible spring break road trip, keep the following tips in mind:
- Spring weather can be warm one minute, stormy the next. Look up temperature averages and humidity levels before you pack.
- Before you fall for a scenic destination, confirm accessibility features. If you use a wheelchair or walker, look for paved paths, boardwalks, or asphalt surfaces.
- Secure your wheelchair-accessible van early, as availability is limited during spring break.
- Loading and unloading takes time. Plan accordingly and don’t forget bathroom breaks.
- Call ahead to ask about beach mats, wheelchairs, curb cuts, and trail gradients.
- Accessible shuttles, trams, and assistance programs often operate on limited schedules during spring. Confirm the exact start dates and hours to make the most of it.
- Pick one main activity per day and let everything else be optional. It’s spring break, so be spontaneous!
Plan an Accessible Spring Break With Wheelchair Getaways
With 200+ locations across the country, Wheelchair Getaways makes it easy to secure wheelchair-accessible transportation during spring break. Our fleet of mobility vehicles can carry your group to every destination on your list.
Thanks to flexible rental schedules, you have total freedom to chase sunsets or sleep in. Spring deals make it even sweeter, letting you score premium rides without the premium price tag. Fill out the online form or call (866) 224-1750 to reserve your wheelchair-accessible vehicle for a spring break adventure.