Oregon State: The First Accessible Travel Destination in the USA
Oregon has just staked its claim as the first accessible travel state in the country. They are doing something no other state has. Big words, right? But what it really means is this: if you’re planning a trip here, you don’t have to cross your fingers and hope. Accessibility details — for things like activities, hotels, restaurants, and parks — are now verified. That makes it a whole lot easier to pick where you want to go and know it’ll actually work for you.
And Oregon is an exciting state for this to happen in. Why? Because it has everything. From the rugged coastline on the west to sand dunes in the east, mountains in the north and forests in the south, and waterfalls and lakes in-between, Oregon has it all.
Verified for Accessibility
Now, let’s be clear: we're not saying every trail, restaurant, or viewpoint in Oregon is accessible. But here’s the difference: the state has put in the work to verify a wide range of places, from hotels and wineries to museums and parks.
How was this "verifying" done?
Through a partnership between Wheel the World and Travel Oregon, accessibility has been measured across the entire state. This means that a "mapper" goes to a place, like a hotel, park, or attraction, and physically measures the accessibility details that matter. Things like what the entrance is like, how the bathroom is set up, if there are auditory or tactile guides, and plenty more. For hotels alone, that can be over 200 different measurements.
They also take photos, so you don’t just have the information but a clear visual too. All of that gets turned into a listing you can scroll through and decide: will this hotel, activity, or restaurant work for me?
Because accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for you might not work for someone else. And vice-versa.
This initiative took place over seven distinct regions (listed below in travel guides), each with its own unique feel within Oregon. This way, people with disabilities can plan their own getaways and have their own adventures that are fit for them.
Because the details are accurate, reliable, and verified – for hundreds of businesses and establishments across the state.
This goes for travelers with all kinds of needs. Whether you use a wheelchair, are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or low vision, or are neurodivergent and looking for sensory-friendly spaces. Oregon has something for everyone.
This is truly a game-changer. Instead of spending hours calling ahead or digging for information that may or may not be accurate (or exist), you can focus on building a trip that’s fun, stress-free, and uniquely yours.
Where to Go in Oregon for Your Next Accessible Getaway
We’ve broken down Oregon into seven regions and created detailed guides for each one. Think of this as your starting point — skim what catches your eye, then dive into the full guide for itineraries, food stops, hotel picks, and activities with verified accessibility.
The question to ask now is: where do you want to go next?
Roadtrip Down the Oregon Coast
Read the Accessible Guide
Epic Adventures in Central Oregon
Read the Accessible Guide
Portland's Inclusivity
Read the Accessible Guide
Eastern Oregon's Wide Open Spaces
Read the Accessible Guide
Southern Oregon's Nature and Small Towns
Read the Accessible Guide
Stunning Views Along the Gorge
Read the Accessible Guide
Taste Your Way Through Oregon's Wine Country
Read the Accessible GuideWhy Oregon Leads
Accessibility isn’t just a footnote here — it’s part of the way Oregon shows itself to the world. Verified details, statewide mapping, and a genuine focus on making travel easier for everyone all add up to something new: a place where you can plan with confidence.
That’s why Oregon can say, with a straight face, it’s the first accessible travel destination in the USA.
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