A top destination for inclusive travel experiences, Virginia’s accessible beaches offer plenty of fun year-round. Whether you’re a traveler with mobility challenges or a family looking for an inclusive vacation, Virginia Beach has you covered with so much more than ocean access. Here’s a quick overview of what makes it a top destination for accessible beach fun:
- Accessible Beaches: Virginia Beaches offer beach ramps, extended wooden walkways, and multiple accessible access points, making it easy for wheelchair users to enjoy the surf and sand.
- Beach Wheelchairs: Free beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at a variety of beach locatins ensuring everyone can access the beach.
- Inclusive Playgrounds: Play areas such as JT’s Grommet Island Park feature accessible equipment and sensory-friendly structures, allowing children of all abilities to play together in a beachside setting.
- All Abilities Camps: Camp Grom was developed specifically for children and adults with differing physical abilities and wounded veterans and their families, as well as the families of fallen war heroes. The accessible beach camp offers an aquatic center, an outdoor lake with fishing, a gym, picnic shelters, a sports field, and a water spray park, and an abundance of activities like ropes courses, lakeside trails, swimming, wakeboarding putt-putt, archery and more.
- Accessible National Wildlife Refuge: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has boardwalk paths, and accessible facilities to get everyone into nature.
- Barrier Free Beach Boardwalks: Ramps from accessible parking to smooth and/or paved boardwalks make it easy to explore.
Beyond the boardwalk, you can explore art museums, aquariums, a wildlife refuge, and other accessible family options. This makes the region a top spot for creating memorable family trips without the stress of accessibility barriers.
Wheelchair Accessible Virginia Beaches
Virginia is a standout destination for accessible beach fun, thanks to thoughtful design and inclusive amenities at four different beach locations.
1. Chincoteague
- Handicap Beach Access Points: Beach can be accessed with beach wheelchairs. The following trails are also paved and wheelchair accessible. Black Duck Marsh Trail – 1 mile Swan Cove Trail – 1/2 mile Wildlife Loop – 3.2 mile loop Woodland Trail – 1.6 mile loop
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: Please check at the Toms Cove Visitor Center (757-336-6577)
- Accessible Restrooms: All bathhouses
- Entrance Fee: Free entrance with America the Beautiful – Access pass
2. First Landing State Park
- Handicap Beach Access Points: Dune crossover behind the visitor center
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: Call 757-412-2300 for details and to reserve
- Accessible Restrooms: In all bathhouses, by the picnic area, and in the visitor center
*All abilities playground by campsite 69
3. Hampton (Buckroe Beach)
- Handicap Beach Access Points: Off of Buckroe Beach parking
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- How to reserve: Pick up from maintenance office behind playground
- Accessible Restrooms: Behind playground
4. Virginia Beach
- Handicap Beach Access Points: Ramps from each street along the boardwalk to the beach. Extended boardwalks to beach on: 8th St 16th St 24th St 30th St and 40th St
- Beach Wheelchairs: ✅ (free)
- Surf Wheelchairs: ❌
- How to reserve: You’ll find them on the sand in a storage container on 24th and 17th streets at the bottom of the beach ramps. (Also on 2nd Street for Grommet Isle Park.) These wheelchairs are free and open to the public, but as there is a limited supply, we ask that you call the phone number on the back of the storage container to reserve the chair for 1/2 day increments, and that you don’t travel further than 2 blocks away from the storage container. These chairs are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Accessible Restrooms: 17th, 24th, and 31st street
*Grommet Island Park is a 100% handicap accessible beach park featuring wheelchair accessible entrances and an incredible playground that includes poured-in-place surfacing, raised sand tables for sandcastle building at an accessible height, a sensory board for children who are autistic and visually impaired, and a sway boat.
Beyond Accessible Beaches
In addition to the beaches, Virginia Beach offers a range of accessible attractions and accommodations, making it an ideal destination for inclusive travel. From the lively boardwalk to the serene state parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
5. JT’s Grommet Island Park: A Playground for All
JT’s Grommet Island Park is what brought my family to Virginia’s accessible coast for the first time. Nestled in southern Virginia Beach at the Boardwalk and 2nd Street, this 15,000-square-foot beach park offers an inclusive playground experience for visitors of all abilities. Beach play and accessibility don’t usually go hand in hand, but here they do. The universally designed playground has beautiful views of Rudee Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean, accessible restrooms, and it’s a pick-up spot for beach wheelchairs.
Soft Play Sculptures and Accessible Play Equipment
The park is home to a variety of soft play sculptures that spark imagination and creativity. These sculptures are not just visually appealing; they’re designed with safety and accessibility in mind. The soft surfaces ensure a gentle play environment, reducing the risk of injury for children of all abilities.
Accessible play equipment is a key feature of JT’s Grommet Island Park. From swings that accommodate wheelchairs to sensory boards for children who are autistic or visually impaired, every piece of equipment is thoughtfully designed to ensure that everyone can join in the fun. The sway boat and raised sand tables are particularly popular: imagine building a sand castle at an accessible height.
6. Surf Camps and Therapeutic Experiences
Virginia Beach isn’t just about soaking up the sun; it’s a place where surf therapy turns waves into healing experiences. Two standout programs—Wave Warriors Surf Camp and Surfers Healing Team Camp Day—offer unique opportunities for individuals of all abilities to connect with the ocean.
Wave Warriors Surf Camp: Honoring Heroes
Every year at the First Street Jetty, the Wave Warriors Surf Camp creates unforgettable moments for injured service members and their families. The instructors, skilled in adaptive surfing techniques, guide participants through the waves, offering both a challenge and a sense of freedom. The experience is empowering and therapeutic, proving that the ocean can be a powerful ally in healing.
Surfers Healing Team Camp Day: Riding the Waves of Change
The Surfers Healing Team Camp Day is an event for children with autism and their families. This camp invites kids to face their fears and celebrate their achievements in the ocean. With the help of experienced volunteers, children learn to ride the waves, gaining confidence with each swell. The day is filled with joy and triumph, as families witness their children accept new abilities.
7. Exploring the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Virginia Beach’s boardwalk is less “board” and more wide, smoothly paved access to a treasure trove of experiences, offering something for everyone. This wide paved path stretches for three miles along the oceanfront, providing easy access for wheelchair users and their families. The smooth surface is so much easier – whether you’re strolling, rolling, or biking.
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers all of the typical boardwalk dreams:
- a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants
- oceanfront dining with outdoor seating
- live music, art shows, and seasonal events and entertainment
Accessible Nature Beyond the Beach
Virginia Beaches aren’t just about the sand and surf. They’re also a gateway to stunning natural landscapes that are beautifully accessible.
8. First Landing State Park: Where History Meets Nature
First Landing State Park is a hidden gem nestled along the Chesapeake Bay. It’s not only a place of natural beauty but also rich in history. This is where English colonists first landed in 1607 before heading to Jamestown.
The park offers 20 miles of trails, inviting you to explore its lush forests and serene waterways. These trails vary in length and difficulty, so there’s something for everyone. Many paths are wide and flat, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The visitor center offers accessible exhibits and restrooms.
The Cape Henry Trail is universally accessible from Kendall to 64th Street. It’s perfect for an accessible family hike. Don’t forget your camera—wildlife sightings are common, and the park’s diverse ecosystems offer plenty of photo opportunities (if your children aren’t as loud as mine).
9. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: A Haven for Wildlife
Just a short drive from the busy boardwalk, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Spanning over 8,000 acres, this refuge is home to a variety of habitats, including freshwater marshes, dunes, and oceanfront.
For wheelchair users, the refuge provides several accessible boardwalk trails. These trails are about 0.1 mile each and offer a gentle grade, perfect for observing the abundant wildlife. Bring your binoculars! This is your chance to see migratory birds up close.
Check out the full trail list here to find the trail that’s best for your family.
Tips for Your Nature Trip
- Plan Ahead: Check trail conditions and accessibility features before you go.
- Pack Essentials: Water, snacks, and sun protection are must-haves.
- Stay Informed: Visitor centers provide maps and information about the park’s history and wildlife.
These natural wonders are a beautiful side journey on your beach trip. Whether you’re a history buff, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking to explore beyond the boardwalk, a nature preserve makes a great escape.
Accessible Accommodations Along Virginia’s Coast
Virginia is home to plenty of wheelchair-friendly hotels that cater to a range of needs and preferences. You can find all of your favorite chains, and Wheel the World has a handful of listings (money back guarantee!). The following are our favorites.
Hampton Inn and Suites
It’s a beautiful thing to wake up to the sun rising over the ocean.
We made a last minute switch to Hampton Inn and Suites after we found our original hotel was filthy and inaccessible. Because we’ve stayed with Hampton Inn many times, I knew that I could rely on both their cleanliness and their customer service. The view was incredible. They have locations overlooking the beach on both the north and south ends. The north end is a better neighborhood and more centrally located.
Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center
Because the attractions surrounding Virginia Beach are so spread out, staying in Virginia Beach Town Center actually turned out to be a great option.
A) It’s much more budget friendly, since you can’t walk to the sand; and
B) It’s central to everything you want to do. It’s about a 15 minute drive from the beach and it puts you right in between everything else: the aquarium, the botanical gardens, the outlets, the cruises, the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Henry, Virginia Air and Space Museum, yada yada, etc., etc..
We stayed at Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center. In addition to meeting our standard of cleanliness, they gave us the best customer service that I have received in my entire life. We’ve stayed at a lot of hotels, so that’s saying something. The other big perk of the Hyatt was breakfast. They make espresso drinks to order. I’m not really sure how it could get any better.
Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Town Center is my top pick in the Virginia Beach area.
Casa De Grandview
Casa de Grandview, in Hampton Virginia, is not fully ADA, but it’s perfect for a family like ours with mobility needs. The entrance is ramped (but steeper than ADA), and there’s a chair lift just inside the door. The master bathroom, bedrooms, and main living areas were all fully accessible. The owner is constantly working to make the space more inclusive, so just reach out if you have any questions. Proceeds from your stay help provide gifted retreats for soldiers struggling with PTSD.
Tips for Choosing Accessible Accommodations
- Check Accessibility Features: Before booking, confirm the availability of ADA rooms and other accessibility features (booking with Wheel the World is a great way to skip this hassle)
- Consider Location: Choose a hotel close to the attractions you plan to visit for easier navigation.
- Inquire About Amenities: Ask about the availability of specific amenities like accessible pools or dining areas before arriving. There’s nothing worse than traveling for an accessible pool only to find the lift is out of order.
Virginia Beach offers a variety of accessible accommodations to meet your needs. Whether you prefer a lively beachfront experience or a more secluded escape, these hotels provide the perfect base for your trips.
Getting to Virginia Beach
Norfolk International Airport is the closest airport for visiting Virginia’s accessible beaches. The airport is serviced by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze, Frontier, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines flights.
The airport itself is designed for inclusion with family restrooms, adult size changing tables, and accessibility features throughout.
This would be a great one for booking on points for cheap flights through Southwest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wheelchair Accessible Virginia Beaches
Are beach wheelchairs available for free?
Yes, beach wheelchairs are available for free use in Chincoteague, Buckroe Beach, First Landing State Park, and Virginia Beach. These special wheelchairs are designed to easily navigate the sandy shores, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the beach. They’re offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Find more information on reserving your chair here.
How do I access the beach with a wheelchair?
Accessing the beach with a wheelchair in Virginia’s beaches is straightforward, thanks to intentional infrastructure. Beach ramps and wooden walkways are available at many points, making it easy to reach the sand. Key streets in Virginia Beach with extended boardwalks include 8th, 16th, 24th, 30th, and 40th Streets. These pathways ensure smooth and safe access, allowing you to enjoy the oceanfront without barriers.
What other accessible attractions are near Virginia’s Beaches?
Virginia has plenty of other accessible attractions to explore. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits and wheelchair-friendly facilities. For art enthusiasts, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) provides accessible galleries and events. Additionally, the Oceanfront playgrounds at 15th and 35th Streets feature equipment designed for children of all abilities, ensuring fun for the whole family.Wander farther from the shore to enjoy some of our favorite accessible Virginia destinations like Williamsburg, Richmond, Fairfax, or Shenandoah National Park.
Find more accessible U.S. beach destinations on our accessible beach map!