Accessible Guide to Niagara Falls, NY: Hotels, Things to Do & More

Niagara Falls isn’t just a waterfall — it’s a whole destination. The city on the U.S. side, known as Niagara Falls USA, blends natural wonders, family-friendly attractions, and a growing food scene. Whether you’re standing at the edge of the Falls, exploring historic forts, or grabbing chocolate at a local factory, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

The best part? Much of it is already mapped for accessibility. From paved trails and trolley rides in the state park to accessible hotel options steps from the water, you don’t have to guess whether something will work. You can check ahead of time and roll in with confidence.

This guide goes in depth — where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and how to get around — so you can plan your trip without stress.

Getting Around Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is compact compared to a big city, but you’ll still want to think about how you’re going to move between the park, downtown, and nearby towns. The good news? There are a few solid options, and many of them are built with accessibility in mind.

One of the easiest ways to explore is the Discover Niagara Shuttle. It runs seasonally (usually May through October) and is completely free. The buses are wheelchair accessible with lifts, securement areas, and audio announcements, and they connect more than a dozen stops between Niagara Falls, Lewiston, and Youngstown.

Inside the park itself, the Niagara Scenic Trolley is a great option. It’s a hop-on, hop-off tram that loops through Niagara Falls State Park with stops at major attractions like Cave of the Winds and the Observation Tower. The trolleys are accessible and come with ramps and designated seating areas.

Public transportation is another option. The NFTA Metro Bus system covers Niagara Falls and the greater Buffalo-Niagara region. All buses are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and securement areas. It’s not the fastest way to get around, but it’s reliable for trips between downtown, the outlet malls, or even into Buffalo for a day.

Of course, many visitors still find that driving gives the most flexibility. The city has plenty of parking garages and surface lots, and accessible spaces are well marked near park entrances and attractions. If you’re planning to cross into Canada, just remember to bring proper documentation (passport or equivalent) and be aware that traffic at the border can slow things down, especially in peak summer.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

Where you stay in Niagara Falls changes the feel of your trip. Some places put you right at the edge of the park, others give you easy access to restaurants and attractions, while a few sit just far enough away to feel quiet after a busy day.

Staying downtown puts you in the middle of everything. You can roll to Niagara Falls State Park in minutes, grab dinner without needing a car, and hop on the Niagara Scenic Trolley or the Discover Niagara Shuttle when you want to venture further. It’s the most convenient choice if you want to spend most of your time near the Falls. If location is your top priority, Comfort Inn The Pointe sits practically at the park entrance. It’s more budget-friendly than some of the larger hotels, but it doesn't have a roll-in shower. A few blocks back, Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls is one of the newer options, with modern rooms and verified roll-in access. Sheraton Niagara Falls leans toward the full-service style—several on-site restaurants, a spa, and a pool (check the listing for lift details)—which makes it easy to settle in after a busy day. Hyatt Place Niagara Falls is a solid family pick, with larger layouts, sofa beds, and breakfast often included.

If you’d rather avoid the busiest streets but still be within reach, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York offers a quieter atmosphere along the river with a restaurant and bar right on-site. Prices swing a lot depending on the season. Summer weekends are steep, while spring and fall can be surprisingly affordable, so timing your stay makes a big difference.

Accessible Things to Do in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls State Park

This is the heart of the trip. Niagara Falls State Park is America’s oldest state park, with paved walkways that connect different overlooks of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. The paths are wide and mostly level, and benches along the way make it easy to pause.

The Niagara Scenic Trolley runs loops through the park with accessible boarding, so you don’t need to walk the full route to see the main viewpoints.

Cave of the Winds & The World Changed Here Pavilion

If you want to feel the power of the Falls up close, Cave of the Winds is the place. An elevator takes you down to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. The full wooden walkway isn’t step-free, but the lower observation decks are accessible, so you can still get close enough to feel the spray. The attached pavilion has exhibits about the history and science of the Falls, and it’s fully accessible.

Aquarium of Niagara

A short roll from the park, the Aquarium of Niagara is compact but full of life — sea lions, penguins, jellyfish, and more. The layout is easy to navigate with ramps and wide viewing areas. It’s a nice option for families or a quieter break between outdoor attractions.

Niagara Power Vista

Up in Lewiston, the Niagara Power Vista shows off the hydroelectric side of Niagara. It’s an interactive visitor center with touchscreens, exhibits, and big glass windows overlooking the river. Everything is step-free, and staff are used to helping all kinds of visitors.

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

A little drive east, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises is worth the trip. You board a boat that goes through working canal locks, rising and lowering with the water. The docks and boats are accessible, so you can roll right on board and experience this piece of history. Check out photos and more information on its' accessibility here.

Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara takes you back centuries. This military fort has been held by the French, British, and Americans, and it sits on a scenic point where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. Some areas have cobblestones and grass, but main exhibits and pathways are accessible, and staff are helpful in guiding routes.

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

For something quirky, the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in North Tonawanda is a fun detour. It’s a historic factory where carousels were built, and you can still see restored rides. Accessibility details are mapped, so you’ll know which areas are easiest to explore.

Fallsview Balloon Ride

Want a bird’s-eye view? The Fallsview Balloon Ride lifts you up in a tethered balloon for panoramic views of the river and city. Boarding is step-free, and staff assist with getting situated.

Where to Eat & Drink

Here are a couple restaurants that are mapped and verified for accessibility. Of course, there are plenty of other options, but you can at least know the accessibility of these prior to going.

• Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls USA: Classic Hard Rock energy with music memorabilia. Right downtown, with step-free access.
• Rainforest Cafe: Inside the Sheraton, this is a hit with kids thanks to the jungle décor, animatronic animals, and waterfalls.
• Platter’s Chocolate Factory: A family-run chocolate shop where you can see candy being made. The store and café are accessible, and it’s a sweet stop outside the main tourist zone.

Events in Niagara Falls

If you time it right, you can pair your trip with a local festival:

• Lewiston Art Festival (August): Hundreds of artists line the streets with paintings, jewelry, and crafts. The village is small and walkable, with street closures that make it easier to roll around.
• Northwest Jazz Festival (August): Also in Lewiston, this brings big-name jazz acts and food vendors. It’s outdoors and accessible with smooth streets and open layouts.
• Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival (September): A celebration of Celtic culture with music, dance, food, and games. The fairgrounds have step-free entry and open grass areas.

Plan Your Accessible Niagara Falls Visit

Niagara Falls is one of those places that lives up to the hype. The Falls themselves are the headline, but what makes the trip really special is everything around them — the historic sites, the small towns, the food stops, and the fact that you can find accessibility verified options. With hotels, attractions, and restaurants already mapped for accessibility, you can plan ahead and know exactly what works for you.

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Accessible Niagara Falls