7 Great US Vacations For Seniors With Mobility Issues

Are you looking for the best vacations for seniors with mobility issues?

Going on a holiday in your golden age might seem impossible if you use walking aids for seniors, but it’s not. 

To prove our point, we’re here to talk about the best US disability vacations for senior citizens. 

Just keep on reading.

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7 Great US Vacations for Seniors With Mobility Issues

It might be a little scary to go on cruise ships, visit other countries/continents, or leave your state when you’re not that young and adventurous.

Add a mobility issue to the mix, and you might consider staying home forever. But why shouldn’t you enjoy your golden years in the best possible way and have the best trips for wheelchair users? 

Nowadays, vacations and holidays more accessible for people with limited mobility than ever, so traveling in a wheelchair isn’t as stressful as before. 

More and more destinations are wheelchair accessible and have helpful staff that will provide any assistance that you require. You just have to pick the right cities to visit!

So, let’s see our top seven picks for the best disability vacations for people with mobility issues.

Check this video for a quick summary:

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1. Daytona Beach, Florida

If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in a sunny and exciting place, what better city to visit than Daytona Beach, Florida.  

Beaches, arts, shopping, and cars – Daytona has fun outdoor activities to suit anyone’s taste.

More importantly, it has plenty of senior-friendly attractions, a nice atmosphere, and accessible entertainment for people of all ages. 

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Popular Attractions to See 

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Daytona is its beach and it’s senior-friendly. It has accessible ramps and surf chairs for no extra cost so senior beachgoers can enjoy their time. 

Besides the beach, there’s plenty to see and do in Daytona Beach because most of their attractions are wheelchair accessible. 

You can go to the International Speedway which is owned by International Speedway Corporation if you’re interested in race cars and visit its Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

What’s good about Daytona’s International Speedway is that it provides adequate access for people with disabilities. They’ve got elevators, escalators, assistance golf carts, ADA carts, and ADA information.

Daytona Beach also has its fair share of museums, historic sites, and parks. You can visit old sugar mills plantations, tour Angell&Phelps chocolate factory, and see J. D. Rockefeller’s winter home.  

Besides these exciting attractions, you can always go fishing, try golfing, or go for a walk on Daytona’s Pier.

You can also watch a movie at Paragon Theater, which has hearing devices available and is accessible for people in wheelchairs. 

Don’t worry about how you’re going to get from one place to another if you’re using a walking cane or wheelchair.

Daytona Beach also has accessible public transportations with wheelchair ramps and lifts. Some taxis are also wheelchair-friendly.

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Accommodation

Daytona Beach has plenty of accommodation to choose from, so you’re bound to find something that suits your taste. Use Expedia to search for accessible accommodation. 

You can get a hotel near the beach if you’re planning on spending most of your time relaxing and want to be close to avoid lengthy walks.

There are also plenty of motels, inns, and B&B that provide accommodation for people with limited mobility. Some are even pet-friendly, which is great if you’ve got a mobility assistance dog.

If you need a quick recommendation, though, you can’t go wrong with the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Travel Tips

• Daytona Beach might be crowded during spring break, Biketoberfest, and Bike Week. If you don’t like the noise, it’s best to plan your trip during the “quiet” weeks. 
• Also, hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th. You might want to avoid these months if there’s a high storm possibility.

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2. Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the world’s entertainment capital and is famous for its dazzling casinos, nightlife, live shows, and parties.

Naturally, you might think that the city that never sleeps isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues. But you might miss one of the best accessible vacations for seniors!

That’s because Las Vegas has many senior-friendly and disabled-friendly entertainment options available.

Popular Attractions to See

Even if you’re not a gambling person, who can resist the temptation to try their luck at one of the luxurious Las Vegas casinos?

The good news is that most casinos are wheelchair accessible, have helpful staff that will assist disabled tourists, and offer complimentary drinks.

But there’s much more to do in Las Vegas than spend your days gambling in the casinos. Most attractions do their best to accommodate people with mobility issues, so you shouldn’t have any problems with accessibility.

You can visit the Neon Museum with its iconic Las Vegas signs, ride on High Roller Ferris Wheel, see the largest permanent circus, and enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant at the Strat.

If you’re in the mood for a thrilling adventure, try the SlotZilla Zip Line and fly over Fremont Street. Bellagio’s fountain shows are also stunning and breathtaking.

Accommodation

What’s good about Las Vegas is that you’ve got more than enough accessible hotels that do their best to accommodate anyone with mobility issues.

For example, Bellagio has one of the best ADA-compliant rooms, and you can always rely on the staff to help when there’s a problem. The casino employees are also ready to assist you in moving along the carpeted floors.

Other suitable hotels include Delano, Ceaser Palace, Excalibur, and Luxor, among a few.

Travel Tips

• Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination, so expect it to be crowded and noisy, especially around conventions.
• Plan for a midweek vacation to save money and talk to your travel agents to check for senior discounts. 
• Casinos are also farther apart than they appear. People with limited mobility issues should consider getting a taxi or use the wheelchair-accessible public transportation system (RTC). 

3. Washington D.C.

Washington D.C is an excellent vacation choice for senior citizens with mobility issues, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

That’s because most of its popular attractions are free to tour and are accessible for senior travelers, thanks to the disabled-friendly public transportation system.

You can also get around easily with accessible taxis, Lyft, Uber, and the free DC streetcars.

Popular Attractions to See

There’s much to do in Washington D.C., but you might want to start with a visit to the White House. Tours are free, but you have to book tickets in advance and bring your I.D. Expect security screening.

Other accessible free attractions include the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, the US Capitol, and the Smithsonian Institution Museums.

You can watch Congress at the session, explore the many wonders of the Smithsonian, and learn more about history and democracy.

The National Archive, Arlington National Cemetery, the International Spy Museum, and Shakespeare Theatre Company are also ideal for people with mobility devices.

Of course, you can also choose one of the many sightseeing bus tours to enjoy the spectacular views of Washington, D.C., without walking too much.

Accommodation

Washington D.C has many accessible hotels with accessible bathrooms, roll-in showers, and in-room accessibility to suit anyone’s budget. For example, Hotel Hive, Phoenix Park Hotel, Georgetown Inn, and Riggs.

Since Washington Metro has accessible stations, buses, and railcars, you might go for a cheaper hotel in Maryland or Virginia.

If you want a bit more luxury, though, we recommend the Crowne Plaza Greenbelt.

Travel Tips

• During the spring, Washington hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Independence Day’s celebrations are also quite popular on 4th July, but it’s quite hot in the summer.
• Take a bottle of water. You can refill it at numerous locations free of charge.
• You get the best prices on weekends when most business people go home.
• Tours to the White House should be booked at least 21 days in advance.

4. Boston

Boston is another great US vacation for seniors with mobility issues. It’s not as big as Washington, but there’s plenty to do, especially if you’re interested in history.

Popular Attractions to See

One of the best ways to experience Boston and see all of its wonders is the hop-on, hop-off trolleys. They’re perfect for people who can’t walk a great distance and tire quickly.

Most of the trolleys are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate scooters. You have to give them a 24-hour notice to get the best possible service.

You can also opt for a guided bus tour to explore the top Revolutionary War sites or try the Boston Historic Sightseeing cruise. Boats are wheelchair accessible, and the tours are 90 minutes long.

Boston also has many museums, parks, aquariums, and theaters that are wheelchair accessible and perfect for seniors with mobility issues.

Accommodation

Boston has plenty of hotels and inns that meet the ADA standards to accommodate people with disabilities. 

For example, Aloft Boston Seaport has roll-in showers, bathtubs with grab bars, portable tub seats, accessible swimming pools, and fitness. It also has accessible parking if you’re traveling in your own car. 

Hamilton Inn also has accessible rooms with portable shower chairs, large print menus, lowered light switches, and accessible pools. 

Travel tips

• Boston is best to visit in autumn when the weather isn’t too hot or cold. 
• People often call Boston “the walking city.” Navigating its streets with your car might be difficult. Opt for the accessible public transportation system, Uber or Lyft. 
• Book attractions ahead of time and ask if they can accommodate your mobility problem. Use Goldstar Boston.

5. New York City

New York City is so rich in sights and activities that you can spend months touring it and see only a fraction of its wonders.

While NYC might seem too chaotic and busy for senior travelers, you’re going to regret it if you never visit it at least once.

That’s because NYC is full of senior-friendly attractions that you can enjoy no matter your restricted mobility.

Popular Attractions to See

You can’t go the NYC and miss the Empire State Building. It’s completely wheelchair-friendly with accessible entrances and bathrooms and allows service dogs inside.

Empire State Building also has lowered viewing walls, and when you get tired, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.

The Rockefeller Center is also a must-see because of its shops, restaurants, and ice rinks. Guided tours follow wheelchair-accessible routes and are at a comfortable speed for seniors.

The Statue of Liberty is also an excellent choice for seniors since the interior is wheelchair-accessible, and you don’t have to worry about climbing. Unfortunately, the observation deck isn’t wheelchair accessible.

If you’re looking for unforgettable, breathtaking views, the Staten Island Ferry also won’t disappoint. And its terminals have elevators and escalators to make it easy for people with limited mobility.

New York City also has plenty of museums, parks, stadiums, and public libraries that you can visit during your vacation.

NYC Accommodation

There’s no shortage of accessible hotels, inns, and motels in New York. And whatever establishment you choose, you’ll be close to some main attraction.

Our top choices include Conrad New York, Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, and Gramercy Park Hotel. Most hotels in NYC have accessible bathrooms, roll-in showers, and ADA-compliant rooms.

You can also use Expedia to search for accessible and affordable hotels in the New York City area.

Travel Tips

• Plan ahead of what you’re going to visit for the day
• Ask at the ticket counter about all the available offers. You’ll find some great deals!
• If you’re going to the Empire State Building, go between 8 am, and 11 am to avoid large crowds.
• Get a New York CityPass to save money if you’re planning on visiting many attractions.

6. San Antonio

Do you want to see exciting historical sights, walk along a river, and visit a theme park?

Then you won’t be disappointed by San Antonio, which is next on the list of wheelchair-access vacations for seniors.

In recent years, San Antonio has made great progress in making the city and its attractions accessible. As such, it’s one of the perfect travel destinations for anyone with mobility issues.

Popular Attractions to See

The most popular attraction that you shouldn’t miss is the Alamo, with its framed church, shrine, and beautiful gardens.

While the historic part might be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair, the public areas are completely accessible. They have plenty of wheelchair-friendly features, such as accessible fountains and restrooms.

You can also request a wheelchair for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Besides Alamo, you can explore the River Walk, which is senior-friendly and wheelchair-accessible for the most part. Its mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and art installations will keep you busy all day long.

San Antonio is also famous for its Morgan’s Wonderland theme park. The best thing is that the park is completely wheelchair-accessible and has plenty of rides and playgrounds that even people in their golden age can enjoy.

You can also reserve tours for SeaWorld, Witte Museum, and San Antonio Missions National Park.

Accommodation

One of the best hotels for seniors with mobility issues is the Emily Morgan Hotel. It’s located near the River Walk and takes your breath with its Gothic revival style and gargoyles.

The hotel has plenty of accessible rooms with roll-in showers, sensor systems, and accessible tubs.

Travel Tips

• Morgan’s Wonderland is closed in January and February.
• Use the accessible River Walk map to orientate and be careful not to walk too close to the river edge.
• Some attractions have free admission on certain days, like the Institute of Texas Culture.

7. San Francisco

The magnificent and mysterious San Francisco is our last suggestion for a great US vacation for disabled people and seniors.

From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz, you’re bound to find activities and sights that suit your taste and activity level.

Popular Attractions to See

If you love prison-escape movies and history, visiting Alcatraz Island is a must. During the guided tour, you’ll learn more about its story and hear interesting legends, ghost tales, and myths.

For the most part, Alcatraz is accessible to people with mobility issues, but you might find it hard to enter some of the buildings on hilly/rough terrain.

But there’s an accessible bathroom on the dock and close to the cell house. Moreover, the boats are wheelchair-accessible.

Besides Alcatraz, you’d want to visit Golden Gate Park with its numerous attractions, sports facilities, and breathtaking gardens. It’s a perfect vacation destination if you’re going for serenity.

Moreover, most of Golden Gate Park is accessible and has a helpful ADA coordinator that will answer any inquires you might have.

Other suitable tourist attractions include the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Modern Art. You can also get on a bus tour if you contact them 48 hours in advance. 

Accommodation

San Francisco has plenty of new and renovated hotels with accessible rooms where you can stay during your vacation.

If you’re going for luxury and style, you can try Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, with its gorgeous combination of old-world style and modern conveniences. Motel Capri or Motel 6 Downtown is also an excellent choice if you’re on a restricted budget.

Travel Tips

• Most attractions in San Francisco offer discounts for people over a certain age. Public transportation and theaters also might have a reduced fee for seniors, so carry an ID with you.
• If you’re a member of the American Association of Retired Persons, you can also get reduced rates for hotels, air travel, and rentals. 

Conclusion

Age and disability shouldn’t be an obstacle to have an amazing vacation and have fun in these great US vacation sites. You just have to plan a little bit to ensure you’ve got the best experience.

When you’re booking a vacation, don’t forget to ask about the senior discount and other available offers your travel agent might have.

What do you think about these 7 vacations for seniors with mobility issues? Which disability vacation is your favorite? Tell us in the comment section!