Daytona Beach is a sun-shining example of an inclusive, mobility-friendly destination. One of the highlights of any getaway to Daytona Beach is a full day on the 23-miles of pristine beaches known as the “World’s Most Famous Beach.”
Watch video: Witness the ease of enjoying the beach with a free beach wheelchair.
Whether you're a wheelchair traveler or simply someone looking for disability access options, here's your guide to a fun, accessible beach day in Daytona Beach:
Get onto the Sand
There are several beach access ramps where you can drive your handicap vehicles directly onto the beach at select access points. And don't worry, vehicles with a handicap placard are admitted free; some beaches in Florida don't offer that perk! There are numerous beach approaches that have this vehicle access, and the beachside parks all have numerous ADA-compliant parking spots.
All-Terrain & Electric Beach Wheelchairs
If you have someone who pushes a wheelchair, you can use one of the county's free all-terrain beach wheelchairs. These manual chairs are built to handle both sand and surf as they are constructed of noncorrosive, waterproof materials.
These beach wheelchairs have huge balloon-like tires that could roll almost anywhere! Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at these lifeguard stations in the Daytona Beach area: Dunlawton Blvd., Daytona Beach Shores; Beach Headquarters, Daytona Beach; Ormond Beach Station, Cardinal Drive. For more details, visit the Beach Information for the Disabled page.
If you would rather have powered mobility, local vendor Beach Mobility Rentals will deliver an electric beach wheelchair to your hotel or beach location and allow you to independently ride directly on the sand. Please remember that these electric vehicles absolutely cannot go into the water!
ADA Compliant Restrooms
The restrooms at the beachfront parks or near the beach ramps ("beach approaches" as the locals say) in the area are ADA-compliant, complete with grab bars and sufficient room for wheelchair maneuvering. Accessible beachfront parks like Breakers Oceanfront Park offer parking, paved paths, picnic areas, shaded spaces, and warm, sunny ocean views.
Planning Tips for Accessibility Travelers
Be sure to arrive early at the lifeguard station to secure a beach wheelchair before they're all checked out, and try to check the local tide, weather, and beach-driving conditions on the Volusia County’s Beaches Mobile App before heading out. Also, don't forget your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen! And if you happen to fly to the Daytona Beach area, you can rent a wheelchair accessible van (Mobility Works) to comfortably get you to and from wherever you want to go.
Final Thoughts
For the wheelchair accessible traveler, Daytona Beach comes through for you. With ADA-compliant parking, paved ramps, free manual beach wheelchair options, electric beach wheelchair rental options, and vehicle beach access, the Daytona Beach area has one of the most welcoming beachfronts in Florida. Whether you're a wheelchair user seeking independence or a family member assisting a loved one, this beach delivers a day full of sun, fun, and unforgettable memories.
Ready to start planning your vacation in Daytona Beach? Check out all the great accommodations available in the area now, and start planning your sensational beach getaway today! We’ll be looking forward to seeing you in Daytona Beach soon!
About the author:
Steve Deal lives locally in the Daytona Beach area and here are some of his favorite places to explore and experience. As an active quadriplegic, he has found the community to be incredibly accommodating to visitors with disabilities. Learn more about Steve Deal
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