5 Cities That Are Great for People With Mobility Challenges

Exploring the ins and outs of a city is a great way to truly understand its culture. But according to AARP’s 2026 Travel Trends report, 15 percent of travelers over age 50 need accommodations for a disability or health condition, which can be a significant deterrent to leaving a car behind. Traveling to a city with a robust downtown with accessible transportation options can help bridge that gap.

“One of the clearest signs that a city is truly accessible is when a wheelchair user can explore it confidently without needing to rely on a car,” says Andrés Villagrán, head of marketing for Wheel the World, a platform that allows users to plan and book accessible trips. “Instead of managing logistics, travelers can focus on enjoying the destination — which is what travel should feel like.”

The following cities have accessible public transportation and places to explore, such as museums and gardens. It’s always a good idea to map out your activities ahead of time and confirm accessibility before you go.

In Washington, D.C., visitors can head to the National Mall to see historic monuments and memorials, such as the Washington Monument.

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Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital is a great place to explore U.S. history with free admission to the national museums and monuments. Learn about Asian and Asian American art and culture at the Asian Art Museum. Check out the historic monuments and memorials on the National Mall, such as the Washington Monument and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Take in the views at the Tidal Basin. Enjoy the vibrant flowers at the United States Botanic Garden, which offers free admission.

Get around town using the Metrorail, where all stations and rail cars are accessible. Discounted rates are available for people with disabilities and those 65 and older.

Stay: The Hamilton Hotel offers accessible rooms. Prices range from $251 to $350 per room, per night, with rates potentially lower during the low season and higher during peak seasons.

Find nature and wide paths at the Bellevue Botanical Garden in Washington.

Wheel the World/Visit Bellevue

Bellevue, Washington

About 10 miles east of Seattle, Bellevue is known as a “city in a park” because it offers more than 2,700 acres of parks, trails and open spaces. Surround yourself in nature at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, which offers free admission. Get out on the water with adaptive kayaking at Meydenbauer Bay Park and Enatai Beach Park. Or enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment at the Bellevue Collection.

To get around the city, take the public transit buses, which are fully accessible, or take the Link light rail to Seattle and other surrounding areas.

Stay: The InterContinental Seattle Bellevue offers accessible rooms. Rates range from $259 to $452 for a standard room, depending on the season and demand.