Exploring the Most Romantic Accessible Cities in America

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, lovebirds everywhere are hurriedly hatching grand romantic plans. Some are penning swoon-worthy love letters and buying heart-shaped chocolates, while others are booking couples’ massages and romantic getaways to spice things up! If you’re stuck in the candy-or-card conundrum, why not consider a change in scenery? 

From the golden beaches of Miami to the moody jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, there are accessible romantic cities in the US that offer more than just roses and candlelit dinners (although they have plenty of those, too!). So grab your partner’s hand, leave the cliché behind, and get ready to celebrate love in a different zip code.

Top Romantic and Accessible Cities

Below are some of the most romantic cities worth exploring with your sweetheart:

Seattle Washington

With its stunning skyline, scrumptuous cuisine, and enchanting locales, Seattle is a wonderful place for a romantic weekend. The Space Needle offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Puget Sound on its observation deck, which is wheelchair accessible via elevator. After taking in the views, head over to Pike Place Market to sample some of the city’s famed seafood and peruse the lively market stalls. 

If you’re a pop art and music lover, you can visit the Seattle Art Museum. You can even take a spin on the Seattle Great Wheel, which is a fully accessible ferris wheel on the downtown waterfront that provides incredible city views. It’s old school, sure, but some things never go out of style. 

After a day full of discoveries, satiate your appetite at Canlis. With several accessible dining options, this elegant restaurant offers a diversified menu of Northwest cuisine coupled with a panoramic view of the city and a romantic atmosphere. 

Los Angeles, California

Known for its eccentric and trendy vibe, Los Angeles offers romance and accessibility amongst the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. If you’re scheming a romantic proposal with the irresistible charm of sand, surf, and sunshine, head to Venice Beach. This picturesque haven boasts an ADA mobility mat and a 10-foot by 12-foot AccessDeck platform, providing smooth access to your dreamy seaside moment. Los Angeles’ museums like The Broad, Getty Center, and LACMA are the perfect wheelchair accessible spots for impromptu kissing selfies that’ll say, “They may have the artwork, but we’re the real masterpiece.“

For those looking for a late-night date spot, LA’s famed Donut Friend has you covered. Just ignore the judgmental looks of other couples in line as you both indulge in a sweet treat.

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Savannah, Georgia

With its antebellum architecture and moss-draped oak trees, Savannah provides an effortlessly romantic backdrop for cute selfies and heartfelt promises.

You can start your date at Forsyth Park. This 30-acre sprawl of greenery is the perfect place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just sit and people-watch. Plus, this park has paved sidewalks and ramps around the iconic fountain, making navigation a breeze.

Beyond Forsyth Park’s inviting scenery, nothing says Savannah quite like its 22 historic squares.  Many of the squares have wheelchair-accessible pathways that wind through fountains and monuments.

If you and your love desire something a bit eerie, visiting the Bonaventure Cemetery might just seal the deal. Just a quick tip: if you hear something rustling behind you, it’s probably just another couple embarking on a quirky romantic escapade or a very polite ghost. 

When hunger strikes, reserve a cozy table for two at Huey’s On the River or Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. Their Southern cuisine will make you fall in love even harder, with your partner and the food! And don’t forget to sample Savannah’s famous melt-in-the-mouth pralines for dessert. 

Cap off the night with a romantic riverboat cruise down the Savannah River. This riverboat tour is fully wheelchair accessible with boarding ramps, a passenger elevator, and accessible restrooms. 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Nicknamed the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Las Vegas is one of the most exciting and romantic cities in America for adventurous couples.

The Las Vegas Strip features iconic resorts like Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and the Bellagio. These resorts go all out to create romantic atmospheres with their upscale restaurants, Flower Gardens, and singing gondoliers. You can take in the Fountains of Bellagio with a front-row view from your wheelchair. This spectacular water and lights show on Lake Bellagio happens every 30 minutes and is utterly mesmerizing.

After enjoying the fountains, place your bets on love at one of the city’s famous casinos. Try your luck, buy a round of drinks, and maybe even win a jackpot to fund a diamond ring for your significant other.

If all this high-rolling action is a bit much and you’re looking for something more low-key but literally hot, then watch the volcano eruption at The Mirage. The viewing area is fully paved, offering an easy and comfortable experience. 

Looking for a late-night dinner spot? Sneak onto the scene of an upscale speakeasy or a restaurant like Top of the World. Finally, stroll along the Las Vegas Strip to see the neon lights with your loved one, or wrap up the evening with an impromptu wedding officiated by Elvis — because in Vegas, anything goes!

The ADA has transformed accessibility on the Strip, with virtually every casino and resort offering easy entrance, wheelchair ramps, pool lifts, Braille menus, and ASL interpreters upon request. Moreover, this radiant city even has a monorail with accessible elevator service at each station, leveled boarding to accommodate wheeled mobility devices and accessible restrooms.

Practical Tips for Planning Accessible Romantic Getaways

Planning an accessible romantic getaway requires some extra preparation, but the effort is well worth it for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips:

• Do Your Homework: Before jetting off, ensure your hotel or resort is fully accessible. Make sure your suite has features like roll-in showers, grab bars, and space to maneuver a wheelchair. Also, ask about accessible parking, pool lifts, and elevators.
• Make Reservations: Book your accessible dining and show experiences in advance to secure the best spots. Nothing kills romance like the words “Sorry, all the good seats are taken.”
• Arrange Accessible Transportation: Ensure that your transportation options, be it taxis or rental vehicles, have wheelchair-friendly features. For air travel, notify the airline of your needs and request aisle chairs or lifts. You may also want to plan activities along accessible public transportation routes.
• Pack Essentials: Don’t let an emergency ruin your Romeo and Juliet moment. Bring any must-have medical equipment and some extras like chargers or batteries in case of emergencies. Be aware of the local medical facilities and how to access them if needed. 
• Seek Assistance: Figure out what’s fun and easy for you to do, then do lots of it! Don’t shy away from asking for assistance, as many destinations offer guides for travelers with disabilities. 
• Remain Flexible: Despite all your planning, there might be minor hiccups along the way. Be spontaneous and keep the humor card ready for these situations.

Ride into Romance with Wheelchair Getaways

As the nation’s largest vehicle rental provider, Wheelchair Getaways is here to make your romantic trip one for the books. We have a vast and varied fleet of wheelchair-accessible vans readily available for both short-and long-term rentals. Plus, with over 200 locations across the US, you can easily book your rental vehicle for a spontaneous cheese steak date in Philadelphia, a long honeymoon in Miami, and everywhere in between. For rental quotes and booking details, call us at 866-224-1750 or email us at info@wheelchairgateways.com.