The 14 Most Accessible Cities in the U.S.

Accessibility is a top priority when planning a trip or searching for a new place to live. Cities and states are doing a better job of promoting wheelchair travel, though some stand out more than others.

From coast to coast, cities have improved their infrastructure to assist wheelchair travel. Wide sidewalks and accessible transit mean your trip to Denver or Atlanta is much smoother. Once you’re in the metro area, you can take advantage of ADA-compliant museums, restaurants and hotels. Inclusiveness and disability advocacy have helped American cities shine for residents and travelers.

What are the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the U.S.? Here’s your comprehensive guide to the towns with the best infrastructure to help those with disabilities. 

Defining Accessibility 

When your family travels, you need accessibility to change destinations and enter buildings. Every facet of a city’s infrastructure matters for people with physical disabilities. Here are a few criteria to assess just how accessible a metro area is:

• Transportation: Experts say that people board public transit about 34 million times daily, making it integral to daily travel. People using wheelchairs need accessible buses, trains and subways to travel quickly between destinations. 
• Pedestrian infrastructure: City streets are more accessible when they have wide, well-paved sidewalks around each neighborhood. You should also expect ramps to help you enter businesses, restrooms and public spaces. 
• ADA compliance: From your hotel to the restaurants, businesses citywide should comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide accessible restrooms, elevators and seating.
• Inclusive regulations: Cities help people with physical disabilities when they have inclusive policies and practices. For instance, local officials could mandate disability awareness training or develop zoning laws for mixed-use development. 
• City guides: Maps and informational materials should be available to families and those who need wheelchairs for their mobility. 

The Most Handicap-Accessible Cities in the U.S.

Metropolitan areas nationwide are improving their accessibility through transit, sidewalks and zoning laws. Which ones are the best for wheelchair travel? Here are the top 14 American cities for accessibility.

1. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital is among the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the U.S., thanks to its excellent public transit and pedestrian infrastructure. Most of the town is flat, making travel between the historical sites more manageable. From the National Mall to the White House, the District boasts wide and well-paved sidewalks to make each journey a breeze.

The D.C. Metro is an excellent subway system, as it provides accommodations for people with mobility challenges. Besides the commuter rail, you can take advantage of orthopedic mobility rentals and the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) for more accessible transportation. When touring the city, you’ll find dedicated accessibility features in the museums and guided tours.

We have several guides to make the most out of your visit to DC. Here are the best things to do in DC with kids, hotels in DC for families that we recommend, great day trips from DC, and our Washington DC Christmas guide.

2. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is just a short trip from D.C., and it boasts more wheelchair-friendly infrastructure on the Atlantic Coast than anywhere else. Charm City features a beautiful Inner Harbor with accessible ferries, water taxis and dinner cruises for your enjoyment. Across the town, you’re not far from the nearest subway or light rail station, so inner-city travel is readily available. 

When in Baltimore, take advantage of the port city’s wheelchair-friendly entertainment options. For instance, Camden Yards is home to the Baltimore Orioles and provides accessible seating in every section. Check out the National Aquarium in the Inner Harbor, as the entire facility is accessible to guests using wheelchairs. Aquarium guests also get guides with touring routes and helpful information.

Here are our favorite things to do in Baltimore with kids.

3. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is in the heart of the Midwest and an attractive destination for people who need top-notch wheelchair travel. Second City’s accessibility shines through its transit system, as the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ensures all its buses have lifts, ramps and priority seating. Flat terrain is prominent across much of Chicago, so don’t worry about hilly streets and sidewalks.

The Windy City is fantastic for sightseeing, and the thoughtful infrastructure makes it possible for people in wheelchairs.

Visit the Willis Tower, which features Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the U.S., though it maintains accessibility with a supportive floor for wheelchairs and photograph opportunities. Travelers should also prioritize Grant Park and Millennium Park due to their accessibility features.

Whether you are visiting Chicago with kids or teens, we have a guide for that!

4. Orlando, Florida

When you travel to Orlando, Florida, you might be headed to Disney World for fun with Mickey Mouse. You can take solace in knowing the city has wheelchair-friendly infrastructure at Disney World, Universal Studios and the other theme parks. Disney World especially receives high praise for its accessibility and inclusive environment through the Disability Access Service (DAS). 

Outside the theme parks, Orlando stakes its claim as one of the most accessible cities in the U.S. through the LYNX bus system. All buses contain the proper equipment to accommodate your wheelchair on the lifts and ramps. If you need further assistance, ACCESS LYNX provides door-to-door transportation services for people with disabilities or other limitations.

Looking for a place to stay? These are 12 of our favorite Orlando hotels for families. Unsure of what to do in Orlando besides Disney and Universal? Here is a great article highlighting 20 fun things to do in Orlando on a family vacation.

5. Berkeley, California

Berkeley, California, was home to the Disability Rights Movement of the mid-20th century. Disability advocates influenced change, as Berkeley became the first city to implement curb cuts and other integral infrastructure. In the 21st century, it remains one of the best examples of accessibility in the United States. Now, the town and university have an inclusive culture for people of all abilities. 

Check out our article highlighing a weekend of fun in Berkeley.

Northern California has hilly terrain that makes travel more challenging, but Berkeley’s infrastructure includes plenty of ramps and pathways to increase accessibility. The Disability Compliance Program strongly advocates for wheelchair travel by enforcing accessibility laws and addressing grievances. For transportation services, consider the Berkeley Rides for Seniors and the Disabled (BRSD) for free vouchers.

6. San Diego, California

Travel a few hundred miles down the California coast to enter San Diego. This town is just minutes from the beach and the Mexico border, providing numerous options for your next vacation. Residents call it the City in Motion, which fits San Diego because of its wheelchair accessibility. While some of the city is hilly, the flatter coastal areas make moving around much easier. 

Wheelchair-friendly attractions are prominent across the city, so check out the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California.

The zoo is one of San Diego’s best attractions, and it provides special accommodations for parking and restrooms. The zoo is very hilly so take advantage of the ADA-compliant shuttle and elevators inside the zoo to navigate the extensive facility. When touring San Diego, use the city’s buses and trolleys with convenient ramps and lifts.

San Diego is one of our all-time favorite cities for families to visit. We have articles highlighting dozens of things to do in San Diego with kids as well as teens. We also highlight the best beaches in San Diego for families.

7. Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama, is one of the most underrated handicap-accessible cities in the U.S., as recent improvements have put the town on the map. In 2024, Birmingham removed its mandatory parking minimums to make the city more accessible for all residents and travelers. Nature lovers can find wheelchair-accessible walkways around the city, such as the and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 

Public transportation is improving around Birmingham, and people with physical disabilities can ride the paratransit buses. These vehicles operate within city limits and ride along the same routes as the city’s other transit options. Being in Magic City is advantageous because you’re around the University of Alabama at Birmingham, one of the best hospitals nationwide.

Explore more of the state! Here are our favorite things to do in Alabama with kids.

8. Denver, Colorado

You might think Denver, Colorado, is less accessible because it’s near the Rocky Mountains. However, the Mile High City is friendly to those in wheelchairs because of its relatively flat terrain within the metropolitan area.

Denver’s accessibility starts with its transportation system, which includes light rail and wheelchair-friendly buses. Once you get off the transit, you can take advantage of wide and well-paved sidewalks. 

Families enjoy traveling to Denver because of places like Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Residents say the baseball stadium has helpful staff providing wheelchair transportation to and from the parking area. When you buy one accessible seat, the rest of your family can sit together and enjoy the game.

It should be no surprise that we have guides highlighting the best things to do in Denver with kids and teens. Denver also serves as a great home base for exploration. Here are 15 awesome national parks near Denver.

9. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Travel south of Denver to Albuquerque, another underrated town for wheelchair travel. The largest city in New Mexico has improved its accessibility features, starting at Albuquerque International Sunport. When in Albuquerque, visitors can take advantage of the Sun Van Paratransit Service for up to 21 days. The city also offers ABQ RIDE when getting around town.

Trips to Albuquerque should include time at the ABQ BioPark, which features accessible parking and paved paths in the zoo and botanical gardens. New Mexico’s mild climate means you’ll find numerous residents and travelers on the Bosque Trail and its wheelchair accessibility. The pathways have no car traffic, and you benefit from well-maintained trails through the underpasses and bridges.

We love Albuquerque during the holidays. Use this guide to Albuquerque Christmas events to plan a holiday visit.

10. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh is the state capital of North Carolina and is in the heart of The Triangle, which also includes Durham and Chapel Hill. These cities are among the most accessible in the southern U.S. due to their walkability and transit options.

GoTriangle Access provides curb-to-curb paratransit services in Orange, Wake and Durham counties if you can’t use the standard fixed-route bus service. 

Within Raleigh, travelers can take advantage of handicap-friendly activities like the city’s walking tours. These paths occur on the downtown sidewalks, making it easier for people of all abilities to navigate. Raleigh is an educational center, so tour the capital city’s history and science exhibits.

Check out the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the Marbles Kids Museum, which are excellent for families. As a matter of fact, we have an article highlighting several more things to do in Raleigh with kids.

11. Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach is famous for its architecture, nightlife and year-round warm weather. However, the location doesn’t get enough credit for its wheelchair travel accommodations. Most of the terrain is low and flat, making it easier to get around. The sidewalks are wide and ADA compliant, and reduced speed limits mean crossing the streets is safer. 

When traveling to this South Florida destination, prioritize the Miami Culinary Tours for an unforgettable experience. The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, totaling about a half-mile. On this culinary excursion, you can visit Little Havana, the Design District and the other neighborhoods famous for their South Beach eats.

Visiting with childen? Here are favorite things to do in Miami with kids.

12. Seattle, Washington

Seattle leads the way in the Pacific Northwest thanks to its advanced accessibility features and numerous wheelchair-friendly activities. The coffee capital of the U.S. makes accessing transit easier, as the streetcars have low floors and high platforms for safety. King County, home to the Seattle Metro area, provides Access Transportation if your disability prevents you from riding other transit system options. 

Your Seattle itinerary should include a visit to the Space Needle, which stands at 605 feet tall over the city. The tower recently installed a platform lift into the stairwell, making the building more accessible for all families. If you enjoy skyline views, carve out time for the Sky View Observatory for even more Seattle fun.

Need a place to stay? Here are 10 hotels in Seattle that we love and our favorite things to do in Seattle. Love the great outdoors? Here are 13 national parks near Seattle.

13. Portland, Oregon

Portland is a short ride south of Seattle, and its friendly infrastructure makes it one of the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the U.S. PDX eases transportation worries through its comprehensive system of streetcars, buses and light rail. All the transit options have wheelchair accessibility to help you navigate the neighborhoods. 

Inclusiveness and accessibility are significant hallmarks of the city’s recent improvements. For example, the Portland Japanese Garden has redesigned its facilities and introduced a free ADA-compliant shuttle to help those with disabilities.

From the city’s zoo to the Oregon Historical Society, Portland prioritizes ramps, wide sidewalks and fewer barriers to aid wheelchair use. Plan a fun afternoon with Adaptive BIKETOWN for accessible bicycle rides. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Portland with kids.

14. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is another underrated accessible city, though it has significantly improved its infrastructure to accommodate wheelchair use. Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has expanded its light rail and bus system to reach more parts of the region. People using wheelchairs benefit from the elevators and ramps while also using MARTA Mobility for paratransit services. 

The Hollywood of the South has become a hotbed of accessible entertainment for families. Start your Atlanta journey at the Georgia Aquarium, which offers free wheelchair rentals and accessible parking in the parking deck. Here are our favorite things to do in Atlanta on a family vacation.

Atlanta’s mild year-round climate means taking a stroll on the Beltline, the city’s urban park network. The paths are flat, paved and ready for your family to stroll on warm, sunny days. 

What to Consider for Wheelchair Travel

Before you leave the house, consider how you can improve your comfort and bring peace of mind. Here are five considerations for traveling with a wheelchair:

• Quality wheelchair: Traveling and sightseeing means spending a lot of time in your wheelchair. Having a comfortable seat is essential to avoid soreness and restlessness when you want to enjoy the day. 
• Repair kit: Bring a repair kit to fix wheelchair issues on the trip. It might be beneficial to service your seat before you leave.
• Access to medicine: Ensure access to prescriptions or other medications during your trip. Experts recommend packing medical supplies separately and bringing enough to account for being stranded. 
• Travel documentation: Visiting a healthcare facility is easier when you have your travel documents. Bring copies of your identification and medical information if emergencies arise. 
• Contingency plans: Government data shows that about 22% of flights experienced delays in 2024. Therefore, it’s wise to have contingency plans, such as alternative transportation and lodging options.