My Wheelchair Accessible Vacation in Martin County With My Family

I traveled to Martin County with my husband, two kids, and some help in November, and the weather alone was worth it. It was sunny, warm, and beautiful the entire time.

Before any trip, the two things I think about most are accommodation and transportation. As a wheelchair user, those are usually what determine whether a trip feels smooth or stressful. Having both planned in advance made a real difference here. It allowed me to focus on enjoying the experience with my family instead of problem-solving the entire time.

Accessible Things to Do in Martin County

A Beach Day at Jensen Beach

The highlight of the trip has to be our time at Jensen Beach. Wheel the World had arranged a beach wheelchair ahead of time, which allowed me to get close to the water while my kids played nearby. As a wheelchair user, the beach is usually somewhere I admire from a distance. Being able to roll across the sand and sit near the shoreline with my family felt incredibly special. We took photos, laughed together, and it became one of those memories I know will stay with me for a long time. It reminded me how powerful accessibility can be when it's thoughtfully planned. Make sure to confirm the beach wheelchair is available before you arrive — it made all the difference for our family.

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Downtown Stuart

We spent some time walking around Downtown Stuart, which has such a charming feel — colorful buildings, murals, and beautiful waterfront views. It was easy to navigate throughout and a great place to just stroll around together as a family. Downtown Stuart, the waterfronts, sidewalks, and public restrooms were all very accessible.

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

We visited the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center and it was such a calm, educational experience. We saw stingrays, turtles, and different types of fish, and the kids loved being able to watch and learn about marine life up close. The pathways were comfortable to move through, which meant I could fully participate and explore alongside them rather than hanging back.

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Pool Time and Opal Spa at Hutchinson Shores

Back at the resort, we spent time at the pool — a nice way to slow down between activities and just enjoy being together without rushing anywhere. I also took some time for myself and visited the Opal Spa at the hotel. It was a peaceful, relaxing experience, and the spa was accessible, which made it easy to enjoy fully. Traveling with kids is wonderful, but having a moment to recharge during a trip is something I really appreciated.

Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast

The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast was a stop my kids absolutely loved. There were so many hands-on activities and interactive exhibits for them to explore. As a parent, it's always great when you find a place where your children can really enjoy themselves — and the space was accessible enough that I could move around and be part of the experience too, not just watch from the sidelines.

View accessibility information here.

Where I Stayed: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa

The accessible room at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa worked really well for me. I was able to move around comfortably in my wheelchair, and the bathroom had a roll-in shower with grab bars. When a room is set up properly for accessibility, it lets you settle in quickly and actually enjoy your time instead of constantly figuring out how to navigate the space. The hotel made me feel comfortable and heard throughout the stay.

Beyond the room, the entire property was accessible with a pool, jacuzzi, spa, and beach. This matters a lot when you're traveling with a family and want everyone to be able to use the same spaces. For families specifically, it's worth knowing that accessible king suites with a pull-out sofa are available at the property. We weren't able to get one on this trip, but for families traveling with kids it's the kind of configuration that makes the stay a lot more comfortable and is worth requesting in advance.

Where to Eat & Drink

Martin County has a great food scene, especially when it comes to fresh, local seafood. I probably had three favorite spots, all of which had not only great food, but every one of them was easy to navigate, with no tight spaces, no barriers, and seating that worked without any issues. Conchy Joe's Seafood was my personal favorite of the trip. It's a classic waterfront spot serving fresh seafood, fish, and local catches in a casual setting right on the water. Black Marlin, located in Downtown Stuart, is another solid choice known for fresh-catch seafood, American fare, and quality craft cocktails. And Locals Lane is a fun one, especially if you're traveling with kids. It's a retro-meets-modern spot on Hutchinson Island with duckpin bowling, an arcade, and a menu of elevated bar food and handcrafted cocktails. All three were great meals and would easily recommend any of them.

Getting Around Martin County

We used an accessible van for transportation throughout the trip. One thing to know: ours wasn't available when we first arrived, which required some adapting on day one. It came the following day and made the rest of the trip seamless. If accessible transportation is essential for your trip — and it usually is — it's worth confirming the logistics before you land so there are no surprises on arrival.

Visit Martin County With Peace of Mind

Wheel the World has verified accessibility information for hotels, activities, and restaurants across Martin County — including room measurements, entrance types, restroom details, and more. Browse listings, filter by your specific needs, and book directly at wheeltheworld.com.

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