three children, one in a wheelchair, throwing leaves in the air
Go for fall fun, or head south for sun!

Fall is the season for squeezing in one last hurrah over fall break. If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s one accessible foliage trip, one accessible beach trip, and the trip we’re actually taking over our extended break (we’re making up for no summer vacation, since we spent it in the hospital).

Follow the Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks

Leaf peeping is the go-to this time of year, and the Adirondacks is the perfect place for an accessible color tour. It’s the most diverse outdoor experience we’ve ever been able to have with a wheelchair. Here were some of our favorites, but you can see the full itinerary, here.

three children, one in wheelchair, on boardwalk path overlooking marshes
Paul Smith’s VIC in September
  1. The Wild Center: Treetop boardwalk, the Wild Walk, offers a bird’s eye view of the forest, otter interaction, sustainability activities, wildlife exhibits, and more.
  2. Paul Smith’s VIC: Accessible trails through diverse terrains, including marsh boardwalks, indoor exhibits, bird watching, and butterfly house. Junior ranger program available.
  3. Saranac Lake: Charming mountain town with accessible eateries, shops, and bars, unique carousel with ramped entrance.
  4. Raquette River Brewing: Brewery with small batch specialty ales, large accessible outdoor seating area with food trucks and live music.

If the Adirondacks won’t work for you, check out other accessible fall foliage road trip destinations, here. The perk of fall is that you can choose your peak season by heading north or south! Check out this map to see when each region is at its peak.

Extend Summer in Florida

If you’re like me and you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, just head south and pretend nothing’s happening! Florida sunshine is still going strong! Florida has more accessible beaches than anywhere we’ve been, and it seems they’re always adding more beach wheelchairs and mobimats. Sarasota is our current favorite, and here’s why:

three children, one in a beach wheelchair, playing in the tide
This was Siesta Key in January – it will be much warmer in October!

Siesta Key: Easy access with beach wheelchairs, mobimats, accessible restrooms, handicap parking, and ramped entrances. Accessible options also available at Venice beach.

MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: Accessible exhibits, including a shark feeding area and underwater viewing; birds, manatee, otters, and other sea life experiences.

The Ringling: Step back in time and join the circus, then roam the gardens and check out the art museum.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers a beautiful escape with an accessible treehouse and children’s area and a mangrove forest.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens provides diverse plant and wildlife experiences with accessible trails and shows.

Foodie Paradise from St. Armand’s Circle to Main Street, Sarasota features endless edible delights – including my all time favorite, The Columbia.

You can check out all our favorites, here, and read more of why it’s a great option for accessibility, here. If you can’t work Sarasota into your plans, St. Augustine, Amelia Island, and Clearwater are some other great Florida options!

Travel for Less in San Diego

Pinterest pin for three wheelchair accessible trips to take this fall

If you spent all your vacation money over the summer, this is the one for you! All October long, kids eat, stay, and play for free in San Diego, while parents enjoy great deals and big-time savings on attractions, museums, meals and more. This is what we’re doing for our fall trip, which means I can’t share accessibility experiences, but I can tell you what we’re excited to do!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a unique wildlife experience with accessible pathways and services.

La Jolla Beach: La Jolla Beach is a picturesque coastal destination with accessible features like cloth ramps, beach wheelchairs, and designated parking.

Gaslamp Quarter: The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining.

USS Midway Museum: The USS Midway Museum provides an interactive journey through naval history.

Mission Basilica: Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is a historic Spanish mission with rich cultural and architectural heritage.

The list of free admission options for kids is extensive. You could take an extended vacation without breaking the bank… which is what we plan to do. Snag a free wheelchair accessible HomeExchange and make the most of it!