Staying Fit
For the past three decades, my family has vacationed in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama, where I have loved hunting for seashells and floating in the warm waves. As the years passed, a progressive neuromuscular disease weakened my limbs. Walking became impossible, and now I use a wheelchair full-time.
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My love for the beach never waned, but how I enjoy it changed. Mostly, I appreciate the water from afar. I like spotting wildlife while meandering on wheelchair-accessible pathways at Gulf State Park, sitting on the outdoor deck of a beachfront hotel watching sea oats sway on the dunes, and dining at restaurants with ocean views.
In 2018, Gulf Shores began installing beach access mats. These nonslip mats create a temporary pathway that prevents individuals with mobility challenges — or anyone who needs extra support — from sinking in the soft sand. Today, there are four access mats on the Gulf Shores beach and one at Gulf State Park's Cotton Bayou Beach in Orange Beach.
The beach access mat at Cotton Bayou beach in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
Small and large communities across the country are making their beaches more accessible for people who have disabilities. The addition of beach access mats, ramps, boardwalks, viewing areas, designated parking and beach wheelchairs removes physical barriers and allows everyone an outing at the beach. Here are six beaches in addition to Gulf Shores that are welcoming for wheelchair users like me.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Visitors can borrow or rent a beach wheelchair in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
When it comes to easy access, Daytona Beach allows parking right on the beach on 11 of the shoreline’s 23 miles. Vehicles displaying handicapped insignia park for free on the beach.
You can borrow a beach wheelchair (first come, first served) from lifeguard stations at Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach Station on Cardinal Drive, and at Beach Headquarters in Daytona Beach. Note: The amount of time you have the loan depends upon the waiting list.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
People who use wheelchairs can borrow one at Coligny Beach Park in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Images-USA / Alamy Stock Photo
Lounge on this Lowcountry barrier island where 12 miles of beach hugs the Atlantic Ocean. Last year, Hilton Head unveiled an elevated overlook pavilion at Islanders Beach Park. Located beside a boardwalk surrounded by trees, the wheelchair-accessible viewing area provides benches and shade.
All of Hilton Head’s beaches have access mats stretching to the hard-packed sand and near the high tide line. Three beach wheelchairs are available to borrow at both Islanders Beach Park and Coligny Beach Park. Reserve a beach wheelchair on the town’s website up to three days prior to your visit. A $25 refundable credit card charge is required.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island has four accessible beach access points.
rschnaible/Getty
A barrier island that’s also a Georgia state park, Jekyll Island boasts 10 miles of pristine shoreline. People who have disabilities can access the beaches from four entry crossover points (Oceanview Beach Park #26, Great Dunes Park #32, Beach Village #38, St. Andrews Beach #67) using mats or a ramp. A limited number of beach wheelchairs may be borrowed at these entrances.
