If you think Texas is all about cowboy culture and barbecue feasts under starlit skies, you’re missing out big time.
Sure, the Lone Star State has its roots deep in rodeos and ranching, but if you take a closer look, you’ll find accessible nature trails, wheelchair-friendly beaches, and even sensory-friendly museums. This makes it perfect for adventure junkies, chill seekers, and the Instagram squad who wants to capture every moment of their trip.
Since Texas has a vast landscape, it can be hard to know where to start your adventure — especially if you’re visiting for the first time. To help you, we’ve got the lowdown on the most accessible activities in Texas that’ll turn ‘I wish’ into ‘I did’!
Accessible Outdoor Activities in Texas
Below are some accessible outdoor activities that you can try in Texas:
Tour Iconic Historical Sites
If you’re a history buff, touring historic sites should be at the top of your to-do list. Depending on your city, you can visit the majestic Texas State Capitol in Austin, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte, Dealey Plaza in Dallas, or the famous Fort Worth Stockyards in Fort Worth.
Now, if the thought of something a bit eerie and spine-tingling excites you, why not check out a Texas ghost tour? The Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours offers wheelchair-accessible tours to experience the eerie silence of The Alamo, sneak a peek at the Spanish Governor’s Mansion under the cloak of night, chill out (literally) at The Menger Hotel, and explore the Old Bexar County Jail’s spooky corridors.
Explore Accessible Parks and Trails
Texas has two national parks, Big Bend National Park and the Guadalupe Mountains, along with 14 protected areas that fall under the National Park Service. Spanning over 801,163 acres, Big Bend National Park has two wheelchair-friendly trails, including Panther Path and the Window View Trail, where you can marvel at white-tailed deer, wild hogs, roadrunners and mountain loins or catch the perfect sunset.
There are three fully ADA-compliant campgrounds: Cottonwood Campground, Chisos Basin Campground, and Rio Grande Village Campground, where you can roast marshmallows, share stories, or simply lie back to watch the starry Texas sky. The park also hosts various programs at Rio Grande Village Amphitheater, Chisos Basin Amphitheater, or Panther Junction Theater to make the most of your visit.
If you plan on hiking, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is right up your alley. While this park boasts rugged wilderness, it doesn’t skimp on accessibility. You can trek the Pinery Trail or the Manzanita Spring Trail. These trails have smooth paths that are short but packed with the kind of scenery you’ll be talking about for years.
Beat the Heat at Beaches
Since Texas temperatures can reach as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the best way to keep your cool is by visiting some of the state’s most accessible beaches. You can choose between the breezy stretches of Whitecap Beach, the inviting sands of McGee Beach, or the picturesque shores of Rockport to enjoy a friendly game of volleyball or just get that golden tan.
What’s great about these spots is that some of these beaches are decked out with wheelchair-friendly amenities such as dune walkovers and fixed footpaths, while others boast mobi mats and boardwalks, making beach access a breeze for everyone.
Spend a Thrilling Day at an Amusement Park
When in Texas, you must visit Morgan’s Wonderland where smiles are as unstoppable as the rides, and laughter fills the air just as much as the scent of popcorn.
As one of the most ADA-compliant Texas destinations, this wonderland has more than 25 ultra-accessible attractions and permits wheelchairs on the rides, allowing you to spin on the carousel, glide up to the skies on the Ferris wheel, and feel the wind in your hair with the Rocket’s Sky Flight Adventure ride.
There’s even a sensory-friendly village with four activity rooms, including the 4D Magic Cinema, where you become a part of the movie, the Village Market for pretend shopping, the Exploration Station with interactive sand station, and the KWML-TV Newsroom where you can act as a news anchor and report the latest park happenings.
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Attend an Exhilarating Rodeo Event
If you want to get a glimpse of true Texas culture mixed with a dash of big-city thrill, attend the RodeoHouston Super Series at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. From bull riding to team roping and women’s barrel racing, this rodeo offers the ultimate showdown of skill, speed, and raw courage.
Once you’ve had your fill of the adrenaline-pumping action, you can play carnival games to win oversized stuffed toys, try mouthwatering BBQ, or buy rancher-style cowboy attire. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s a concert to cap off the night.
As for accessibility, there are handicapped parking spots in all NRG Park lots, designated seating within NRG Stadium that gives you an unobstructed view of the action, and complimentary wheelchair service for those attending the event.
Accessible Indoor Activities in Texas
If you plan on visiting Texas in the summer, consider adding the following activities to your itinerary:
Marvel at Oceanic Wonders
The Dallas World Aquarium isn’t just fish-friendly; it’s fully wheelchair accessible with entrance ramps, elevators, smooth pathways, and accessible restrooms. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of Palm Tree Polyps, Blackeye Goby, the Harlequin Shrimp, Pot-Bellied Seahorse, and the Zebra Angelfish, among others. Besides the aquatic wonders, you’ll find enigmatic Spectacled Owl, Ocelots, American Flamingo, Saffron Toucanet, Palm Cockatoo, and other animals of all sorts, so don’t forget to charge your phone for the photofest!
Catch a Live Performance or Show
Whether you’re in the mood for a Broadway blockbuster or a thrilling opera, the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas caters to every taste and age. Between July and August, you can watch family-friendly shows like Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Shrek the Musical, Mean Girls, Ain’t Too Proud, and Life of Pi.
Concerned about accessibility? Don’t be! The AT&T Performing Arts Center has fully accessible entrances and elevators to all levels. Friendly ushers can guide you from the front door right to your seat. The venue is equipped with wheelchair- and scooter-accessible locations, seats with removable armrests across all floors, and bariatric chairs available upon request.
Putt It Out at an Indoor Golf Course
If you want to have a blast with your friends, check out the Holey Moley Golf Club. Based in Houston and Austin, this club features 27 of the most creative and delightfully quirky holes that’ll keep you wanting more. At the MAKIN’ IT RAIN course, you and your friends can see the cash flying while swinging your clubs.
You can also opt for the MORNING TEE WITH GRANNY course. Here, you’ll have to navigate your ball through Granny Gadget’s house all the way to her bedroom—all without waking her up. And for the sweet-toothed swingers, there’s a KID IN A CANDY SHOP course.
Once you have put through the final hole, head over to the private karaoke room to sing your heart out and cap off your victory with some of the most Instagrammable cocktails and mocktails.
Travel Around Texas with Wheelchair Getaways
From the scenic trails of Austin to the lively streets of Dallas, there are different accessible attractions in Texas that are a little out of the ordinary and chock-full of fun.
Ready to hit the road? With availability in more than 200 locations nationwide, Wheelchair Getaways has your ride ready to roll. We boast an extensive fleet of ADA-compliant wheelchair-accessible vehicles that are available for short- and long-term rental. So, why wait? Book your ride now and create memories that will last a lifetime!