Accessible Travel in San Diego
With its mild climate, 70 miles of sun-kissed beaches, world-famous family attractions and popular year-round events and festivals, San Diego is an ideal vacation destination. To ensure that our visitors with disabilities can experience and enjoy San Diego to the fullest, this travel guide provides resources and information on accessible hotels, tours, lift transportation, attractions and more.
San Diego Accessibility Resources
No matter the time of year, a trip to San Diego isn't complete without time spent at the beach. To make sure all San Diego visitors can enjoy the sand and water, free beach wheelchairs are available at seven San Diego beaches for children and adults with special needs or disabilities.
For beach access on-demand year-round, the local company Access Trax rents and sells lightweight, portable wheelchair-accessible mats you can take anywhere. Invented by occupational therapists, the mats are easy to use and can be set up in seconds by one person.
Looking for a special night out? San Diego abounds with award-winning theater and concert options that meet the needs of theater visitors with disabilities.
Enjoy seeing the San Diego sights as narrated by a local expert. Accessible San Diego sightseeing tours happen on land or water, via a bus, boat or old-fashioned trolley.
Don't miss two of San Diego's most popular annual events, the Del Mar Racing Season from mid-July through early September and San Diego Comic-Con International in July. Both provide special services for disabled visitors.
Additional Travel Tips
- Call ahead. Service providers are required to accommodate travelers with special needs; however, some may need time to make the necessary arrangements. Mention your needs at the time of reservation, and call the provider 24 to 48 hours before your arrival to confirm that proper accommodations have been made.
- Be specific and clear when describing a disability. Not all service providers know the terminology of accessible travel, or the needs for certain conditions. Give as many details as you can do and what you might need assistance with. The more information a service provider has, the better they will be able to accommodate you.
- Considering traveling with a statement from your doctor covering your condition, medications, potential complications, special needs and other pertinent information. Be sure you have a number where your doctor (or another medical professional) can be reached in an emergency situation.
