Top 9 Things to Do on Vacation in Daytona Beach for Accessible Travelers

1. Beach Wheelchairs

Volusia County welcomes wheelchair users and accessibility travelers to fully enjoy its beautiful beaches. If you use a wheelchair or have a vehicle with a handicapped placard, you can request a free manual beach wheelchair from a Beach Patrol officer. These chairs have huge balloon-type tires designed for the sand while the chairs themselves are specially designed to provide safe, comfortable mobility on soft sand and even in the surf, making the shoreline truly mobility friendly. 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 Driver. For more details, visit the Beach Information for the Disabled page.

If you would rather control the wheelchair yourself instead of being pushed, a local beach wheelchair rental company, Get on the Sand, has rental power wheelchairs and scooters in addition to their manual beach wheelchairs. While these impressive machines can plow right through even the toughest sandy terrain, you still can't take these guys into the water because of the electronics. That said, I can tell you firsthand they have the power and performance to take you where most vehicles cannot.

2. Riverfront Esplanade and Downtown Daytona Beach

Located between the scenic Halifax River and historic Beach Street, Riverfront Esplanade is a relatively new, mile-long park in the heart of downtown Daytona Beach. The beautifully maintained botanical garden is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and it’s easy to see why. It’s ideally suited for the wheelchair accessible traveler and is perfect for a relaxing stroll/roll on the wide mobility friendly walkways. You'll love cruising along the lush lawns, colorful gardens, and shady pavilions while listening to “chill” tunes coming out of the rock-shaped speakers lining the walkways.

And if you have kids, they can splash around at the kid-friendly splash pad. As an accessibility traveler, you might want to try out the unique, adult-sized accessibility swing, complete with an ADA compliant safety belt.

Once you’ve explored this riverside retreat, consider continuing the fun on the west side of Beach Street. Use one of the convenient crosswalks and treat yourself to the happening local scene. You’ll find everything from cozy cafés, ice cream shops, and wine bars to museums, antique stores, unique boutiques, and even a cigar shop. And if you're up for some evening entertainment, don't miss Cinematique Theater, where you can sip a glass of wine while watch an Indie film, enjoy live music, or laugh along at Improv Comedy Night.

3. The Central Park Trails

Inconspicuously tucked away in an Ormond Beach neighborhood lies one of the area’s best-kept secrets (even to the locals!) – The Central Park Trails. Once abandoned mineral pits, this now-popular nature escape is a peaceful string of ponds connected by a beautifully maintained, wheelchair-accessible path that winds through lush Florida flora and over turtle-filled ponds. As a long-time wheelchair user, this trail has become one of my favorite places to unwind as my wife gets in her daily 10,000 steps.

The 1.5-mile path stretches from Hammock Lane on the north end to Fleming Avenue on the south. It’s a smooth and solid mix of asphalt, concrete, and treated decking, and it's ideal for walkers, runners, cyclers, and wheelchair travelers. Every inch of this trail is surrounded by natural Florida beauty including seemingly ancient, towering trees naturally decorated with Spanish moss, local exotic birds, and rare plants that collectively resemble a Tarzan movie. It's a scenic journey with complete disability access that highlights the natural and lush charm of a subtropical Florida forest. Pro tip: Bring a couple of bottles of water and don’t forget your camera.

4. Andy Romano Park in Ormond Beach

Andy Romano Park is a popular palm tree-filled beachside park that is located just inside Ormond Beach only a few hundred feet north of Daytona Beach’s northeast corner. It’s a favorite destination for the wheelchair accessible traveler and visitors from around the world, and for good reason. Kids and adults can cool off at the splash pad or burn off energy on the jungle gym. Just to the north, you’ll find one of the county’s few dog-friendly stretches of beach. (Note: dogs are not allowed in the park itself or directly in front of it, so they must remain leashed on the designated beach area north of the park).

This park has free parking with plenty of disabled parking spots, ADA compliant bathrooms, and it is only one block south of the lifeguard stand that has the free manual beach-wheelchairs for a wheelchair user. The park is also directly next to a beach approach (Millsap Road) where you can drive your vehicle onto the beach.

Feeling hungry? Stop by the concession stand, which serves up a variety of delicious lunch options perfect for a beach picnic. But if you prefer a sit-down meal, you’ll find at least half a dozen restaurants within easy walking/rolling distance. If you’re in the mood to grill, reserve one of the shady pavilions complete with picnic tables and charcoal grills for a laid-back meal with family or friends.

Access to the beach is typically via stairs, though ramps are occasionally available for those with disabilities. However, with Florida’s challenging and unpredictable weather, the ramps are sometimes out of service, so it's wise to check in advance if that’s a need for your visit. Do yourself a favor and visit Andy Romano Park. You will love this park!

5. Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier is a fantastic place for an accessibility traveler to have a truly relaxing, old-school type of beach experience. The entire Boardwalk itself is completely and easily accessible from the north end at the Ocean Walk Shoppes down to the south end at the Main Street Arch and Pier. The boardwalk is super wide and spacious for a wheelchair user to see the sites, get a bite to eat, view the beach, and explore one of Daytona Beach's most historic and iconic destination spots. This unique boardwalk/pier combination allows easy access to beachfront shops, arcades, restaurants, and events at the Bandshell, and the navigation is effortless. You'll find smooth concrete pathways with ramps and elevators throughout the area, and there are ADA compliant restrooms at the Ocean Walk Shoppes. Don't forget to take a stroll/roll out over the ocean on the Daytona Beach Pier. It has a level surface that will take you right to the end where you can check out the surfers and sunbathers or just soak up the sun.

6. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and the Marine Science Center

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is an impressive and beautiful 175-foot tall, brick colored lighthouse that first opened in 1887. It’s an icon in the Daytona Beach area and a favorite destination for visitors to the area. While the 203-step lighthouse itself doesn't have disability access, it is still an incredibly beautiful site surrounded by wheelchair user-offerings with appropriate facilities for the wheelchair accessible traveler. Some features include a gift shop, the Woodshed Theater and the Ayres Davies Lens Exhibit with a wheelchair lift to both floors and a mural reflecting the view from the top of the lighthouse.

Located near the Lighthouse is the engaging and interactive Marine Science Center. Accessible amenities on the grounds of the lighthouse include ADA compliant parking near the main entrance, ADA accessible restrooms, wheelchair ramps, mobility friendly paths, interactive exhibits including rehabilitation of sea wildlife, a stingray touch pool, and a nature trail.

When you're finished checking out both attractions, grab a bite at some of the nearby restaurants including Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill , Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar & Grille, Off The Hook at Inlet Harbor, and Jerry's Italian Grill & Tiki Bar.

7. Track tour at Daytona International Speedway and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

Daytona International Speedway is considered the most iconic and recognized NASCAR track in the world, and its hour-long track tour delivers an unforgettable experience for any wheelchair-accessible traveler. Fully ADA compliant, Daytona International Speedway has complete disability access, including accessible ramps, elevators, and seating throughout the facility. From the open-air tram, wheelchair users can enjoy up-close views of legendary landmarks like the start/finish line, Victory Lane, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

The guided tour takes visitors down onto the track itself and even into the seating areas, with views of the entire tri-oval layout and its heart-stopping 31-degree banked turns. The staff is friendly, attentive, and trained to ensure a fun, smooth experience for every guest. Whether you're a lifelong racing enthusiast or simply sightseeing, this tour will make every accessibility traveler feel welcomed and valued. Be sure to call ahead about tickets and to confirm any specific accessibility needs; Daytona International Speedway is very accommodating and wants everyone to feel the thrill of this legendary track.

The track tour concludes at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, a fun, cool, and attraction for a "gearhead" wheelchair accessible traveler. The museum highlights the legends from across all different forms of motorsports, including stock cars, drag racing, motorcycles, and more. Completely ADA compliant, the facility boasts full disability access with ramps, elevators, and accessible walkways, making it a snap for wheelchair users to get the most out of every exhibit. The interactive displays and historic vehicles are set up at eye level, making them easier for someone in a wheelchair to see. Accessibility travelers can also learn about famous racers and history-changing innovations that guided the future of motorsports. Whether you're a race fan or just like learning a little bit about Americana history, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is an impressive mobility friendly experience.

8. Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure

Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring wide ADA compliant pathways for an accessibility traveler throughout the building and seldomly seen companion-care restrooms. That's a nice feature! You'll find accessible parking close to the entrance, and the exhibits have plenty of space to accommodate your wheelchair.

The venue includes over 40 exhibits including a 110,000-gallon shark exhibit and interactive touch pools with starfish, stingrays, and bamboo sharks. The recently added indoor rainforest offers more accessible exhibits showcasing sloths, tamarins, toucans, otters, and exotic birds. Visitors can enjoy educational sessions, reptile presentations, and optional up-close encounters with stingrays or baby alligators. It’s so peaceful and fascinating to safely ride alongside the mysterious marine life and rainforest wildlife you'll experience at Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure. You're gonna love this!

9. The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail

The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail is a 34-mile scenic drive, including a natural 8-mile tunnel made of picturesque overhanging oak trees accented with that southern bayou-like moss draping from their limbs. The Loop is way more than just riding up one side the Halifax River and down the other side. It’s the coolest and most beautiful nature route you might ever experience.

You can begin the Loop on Beach Street in Ormond Beach heading north. After a couple of miles, you will leave the neighborhood and continue through the long, beautiful tree-tunnel. You might not notice, but Beach Street turns into Old Dixie Highway. Along the way, you’ll also pass by the entrance to Tomoka State Park, the Tomoka River and the huge Tomoka Basin, and the Fairchild Oak.

A little further down the road, you will turn right onto Walter Boardman Lane. After another minute of the moss-draped jungle, you'll start crossing over wetlands and marshes. This is the type of scenery usually only found in books or movies. Most people drive slowly through this part so they can soak in the raw, natural beauty. There have been occasional sightings of alligators, and there are always several species of exotic birds to be seen.

After about a mile or so, you'll want to take a right onto High Bridge Road where you'll have different views of the canals and waterways winding through tall, wavy, green-golden seagrass. After another mile or two, you will end up at a stop sign facing the ocean. Hang a right onto the famous A1A and continue the last leg of the Loop with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean on your left. This is an inexpensive, stunning, and relaxing way to spend an hour of pure visual bliss.

Pro tip: Don't forget your camera or cell phone and feel free to go the opposite way! It’s just as beautiful.

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