The 5 Best Vacations for Disabled Adults (2026)
The best vacations for travelers with disabilities aren't just about ramps and roll-in showers. They're about experiences that are authentic, free, and satisfying. We believe everyone should be able to have these experiences, regardless of disability. We've rounded up five destinations that deliver exactly that, from adaptive surfing in Costa Rica to incredible outdoor excursions on the Oregon Coast.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica might just be the best accessible vacation you could take. Few destinations can match it for its sheer variety of accessible experiences, from crossing hanging bridges high above the rainforest canopy to catching waves with adapted surfing, Costa Rica delivers the kind of travel moments you want.
And the country has poured a lot into accessible tourism, including walkways and access points on beaches, amphibious equipment, and ensuring national park trails are inclusive. They've even used recycled plastic and turned it into walkways on beaches – pointing to Costa Rica's intentional and careful efforts in not just accessibility, but sustainability.
Part of this is working with Wheel the World to offer many accessible group trips and vacation packages covering the best parts of the country. What makes these worth it is not just the experiences you can have, but the accessibility. You can book trips where transportation include accessible vans with lifts, every hotel guarantees a roll-in shower, and guides are trained in accessible tourism.
Anna Schmid, who wrote about her experience in detail after the trip, said the hanging bridges at Mistico Park — which she crossed during a tropical rainstorm — were something she "never imagined would be possible." She also caught multiple waves independently during the adaptive surfing session in Manuel Antonio. Her honest take on the one challenge: the wildlife center had several hills that required a little assistance for manual wheelchair users, though guides stepped in without making it feel like a burden.
And because Costa Rica's terrain can be hilly in certain areas, manual wheelchair users may want to bring or rent a power assist device for optimal independence. Guides are available to help, but coming prepared makes a difference.
"I recently returned from a group tour to Costa Rica with my husband. It was the most amazing experience from the time our driver Alan picked us up at the airport in San Jose, to meeting Diego our incredible, informative Costa Rican tour guide who made every excursion enjoyable and absolutely worry free! We were immersed in the culture, beautiful landscapes, and amazing wildlife that Costa Rica has to offer! It was a truly amazing and unique experience and I can't wait to travel with Wheel the World in the future!" - Monica Riordan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Accessible highlights in Costa Rica:
- Adaptive surfing at Manuel Antonio — instructors customize to your ability, not a one-size-fits-all class
- Mistico Park hanging bridges — cross the rainforest canopy on an accessible trail, even in a tropical rainstorm
- Accessible boat safaris on the Tarcoles River — spot crocodiles and tropical birds from a ramp-entry boat
- Hot springs at Arenal Springs — accessible pools with flotation devices available
- Farm-to-table cooking class near Arenal Volcano — cook a traditional Costa Rican dinner at a working organic farm
- Guided sloth tours on the Las Mariolas trail — accessible path, guides spot what you'd miss on your own
Oregon State
Most people don't associate rugged coastal wilderness with wheelchair accessibility. Oregon is changing that and it's doing it in a way that's been independently verified.
And yes, the whole state is a vacation spot. Why? Oregon is the first state to earn Accessibility Verified status from Wheel the World, meaning over 750 hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses across 43 communities have been assessed by experts for real, accurate accessibility information. This means many of the areas, from the hundreds of miles of coastline to the outdoor ruggedness of Central Oregon, has options for you.
What makes Oregon stand out is the depth of accessible programs across the state. Oregon Adaptive Sports, based in Bend, has been running year-round adaptive outdoor recreation since 1996, from adaptive skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo to mountain biking, rock climbing, and golf. In Central Oregon, Wanderlust Tours has partnered with AdvenChair — an all-terrain wheelchair built like a mountain bike — to offer AdvenTours. They offer guided tours at places like Smith Rock State Park and Lava Lands that were previously considered unreachable for wheelchair users.
Shane Burcaw, disability advocate and co-creator of the Squirmy and Grubs YouTube channel, visited the Oregon Coast with his wife Hannah in spring 2025.
"There were so many areas where I was able to get right up in the thick of nature right in my wheelchair, and that is not always the case. Being able to really feel like I was out there experiencing nature in its fullest form was really a special feeling for me and Hannah." - Shane Burcaw
Kaylee Bays visited Central as a wheelchair user and was able to try all of the outdoor things you'd dream of when thinking of Oregon: hiking Smith Rock with an all-terrain wheelchair (thanks to AdvenChair), kayaking on lakes, and stargazing at Prineville Reservoir State Park.
"When I thought of going somewhere like Central Oregon, my fear came from automatically thinking I was going to be excluded because it's outdoors. But this weekend has shown me that there are so many places and so many people who have taken steps to make it inclusive." - Kaylee Bays
Accessible highlights on the Oregon Coast:
- Seaside's 1.5-mile fully paved oceanfront promenade — roll alongside the surf with multiple ramped beach access points
- Free David's Chair track rentals – tank-tracked all-terrain chairs built for sand, gravel, and trails in 10+ locations in Oregon
- Mobi-mats at Seaside, Lincoln City, Florence, Gold Beach, and Beverly Beach — firm surface pathways straight to the waterline
- Wanderlust Tours + AdvenChair AdvenTours — guided accessible hikes at Smith Rock, Lava Lands, and Fort Rock on an all-terrain off-road wheelchair
- Oregon Adaptive Sports — adaptive skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking year-round at Mt. Bachelor and beyond
Greater Fort Lauderdale
Florida is full of coastal destinations, but Fort Lauderdale is the rare one that pairs golden beaches and 300 miles of navigable waterways with the wild adventure of the Everglades. There are so many accessible things to do here – you won't be bored.
The beaches stretch 24 miles and several have accessible boardwalks and beach wheelchair rentals. The city's famous water taxi stops at major attractions along the canals, making it both an easy and fun way to get around. Add world-class waterfront dining on Las Olas Boulevard and you have a destination that covers every kind of vacation day.
Brianna Paauwe, wheelchair user and Executive Director of the Wheel With Me Foundation, called her hotel room "possibly one of the best accessible suites I have ever had the pleasure of staying in". The bed and couch were at the perfect transfer height, a spacious bathroom, and a fold-down shower bench with the head within reach. It's easier to find a hotel that works for your needs when it is assessed and verified, and Fort Lauderdale has over 20 hotels covered. You can view hotels verified by Wheel the World here.
Beyond the hotel, she kayaked, went swimming in the ocean, and took a private airboat tour through the Everglades.
"I felt safe, secure, and empowered enough to move my travel independence to new heights." Brianna Paauwe
Kristy Durso, a wheelchair user, traveled with her family including a member with a cognitive disability, captured what makes Fort Lauderdale genuinely different:
"There is something for every personality and every ability level. It doesn't matter if you have a cognitive or intellectual disability. It doesn't matter if you use a wheelchair. There is something for you here, and they are willing to work with you to make sure that your needs are met." - Kristy Durso
Accessible highlights in Fort Lauderdale:
- 24 miles of beaches with accessible boardwalks and beach wheelchair rentals
- Las Olas Beach — accessible beach mats straight to the waterline
- Hollywood Beach Broadwalk — 2.5 miles of paved accessible path along the ocean
- Jungle Queen Riverboat — verified accessible dinner cruise with live entertainment on the New River
- Private airboat tours through the Everglades — adapted for wheelchair users
- Verified dining along Las Olas Boulevard — including Louie Bossi's, Rocco's Tacos, and The Floridian, all step-free with accessible dining areas
Take An Accessible Cruise
A cruise is one of the most practical ways to vacation and see multiple destinations without the exhausting logistics of planning everything.
There are many fun and accessible cruises to choose from, depending on where you want to go. But a key consideration is to ensure that not only is the cruise and cabins accessible, but the port stops.
Kim Lisa Sobotta booked her first-ever cruise through Wheel the World – an 8-day scenic cruise through Alaska's inside passage — and described the ship as "beautiful and very wheelchair-friendly" with "top notch accommodations, service, and food." It has a range of accessible excursions and stunning views at every port, too.
Anna, who joined the Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise to the Dominican Republic and Bahamas, captured what makes the shore experience matter:
"On beach day in Bimini, an accessible shuttle took us to the beach club, where I got to enjoy both the pool (thanks to a pool lift) and the ocean with a beach wheelchair. The entire beach club was thoughtfully designed with ramps, accessible changing areas, and just the most incredible energy." - Anna Schmid
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of Europe's most visited cities for good reason — the architecture, the food, the coastline, and the culture are world-class. It's also more wheelchair accessible than most European cities. It has excellent public transportation options, including all of the buses which are wheelchair accessible, and most metro stations are accessible too. This makes it extremely convenient for getting around the city.
Barcelona has top-notch beaches, and they might be the most accessible in Europe. Nova Icària Beach, the most popular beach, has ramp access, adaptive changing rooms, and amphibious wheelchairs to roll on the sand and soak in the Mediterranean. In the summer months, a local volunteer service assists anyone in need. If you need help transferring or getting in and out of the water, look no further.
But it doesn't stop with beaches. Barcelona's art and cultural scene is woven throughout the city. There are many accessible tour options to maximize your time spent at these spots, but self-guided visits work well, too. The famous Picasso Museum, Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera all have accessible entrances, elevators, and borrowed wheelchairs on site. Day trips to Montserrat Abbey, the coastal town of Sitges, and a family-owned winery with Mediterranean views are all within an hour of the city.
Kim Goslin, a solo manual wheelchair user, loved the amount of things to do and see in Barcelona. He also offers some practical advice from a firsthand experience: "Barcelona is very accessible but there are hills. I would recommend a power assist for your manual chair." He pushed 3–5km a day and flagged notable inclines at Sagrada Família and Park Güell – but says "Don't hesitate to ask for assistance." It's worth knowing before you go.
Accessible highlights in Barcelona:
- Accessible beaches and facilities - ramp access, Mobi-mat sand pathways, and adaptive changing rooms.
- Sagrada Família — accessible entrance, elevator, stained glass interior that has to be seen in person
- Casa Batlló & La Pedrera — Gaudí's most celebrated works, both fully accessible with audio guides and borrowed wheelchairs
- Gothic Quarter & El Born — accessible wheeling routes through one of Europe's best-preserved medieval neighborhoods
- Picasso Museum — fully accessible across all floors, free entry for visitors with disabilities
- Beach day at Sitges — accessible coastal town 30 minutes from the city
- Montserrat Abbey — 11th century Benedictine monastery in the Catalan mountains, accessible restrooms and spaces throughout
- Winery tour in the Penedès region — family-owned vineyard with Mediterranean views, 20 minutes from the city
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