Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

Upon arriving to the Gulf Coast, everyone in your group should be able to access the beaches. Feel the sun on their face, savor the salty air, and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the sand. We understand that members of your travel party who are in a wheelchair might find it difficult to navigate the sand. Thankfully, the areas along the Gulf Coast have recognized this and taken action to ensure everyone can fully experience the joy that comes from seeing the beach. There are programs set in place and options available for visitors to take advantage of. Continue reading to learn more about the wheelchair-accessible beaches in Destin and 30A.

It is not too late to book your spring break stay! We have added multiple new properties to our website that would be the perfect spot for a family getaway.

Destin

Old Highway 98 is a strip of land that connects Destin to Miramar Beach and Sandestin. Staying along this strip of road means being close to tons of public beach access points. There are some in particular that are wheelchair-friendly. For example, Crab Trap in Destin has direct access from the parking lot to the sand. However, there are better options for those staying in Destin.

The Destin Fire Control District has created a program where they provide wheelchairs with beach-friendly tires making it much easier to cruise through the sand. The beach wheels are on a first come first serve basis and are located at a few different beach access points. To receive a beach wheelchair, you must call and make a reservation at (850) 837-8413.

The wheelchairs are available at the three beach access points listed below. There are also lifeguards nearby in case you need help maneuvering to the perfect spot on the beach.

James Lee Park – 3510 Scenic Highway 98, near the Crab Trap restaurant

Shirah Street public beach access – 2850 Scenic Highway 98

June Decker public beach access – 1950 Scenic Highway 98, near the Back Porch restaurant

30A

The South Walton Fire District has also made changes to ensure beach access points along 30A receive the same beach wheels. You can find beach wheelchairs free of charge at five different South Walton Fire District Lifeguard Stations. They are available during lifeguard duty season which is March through September, and each chair must be operated by an on-duty lifeguard. They are on a first come first serve basis as well so make sure to get there early so you can snag one before they are gone for the day. The beach access points where you can find these wheels are listed below.

Miramar Beach Regional Access – 2375 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach

Ed Walline Regional Beach Access – 4447 West County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

Van Ness Butler Regional Beach Access – 1931 East County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Clara Regional Beach Access – 3468 East County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

Inlet Beach Regional Access – 438 South Orange Street Center, Panama City Beach

We hope this information on wheelchair-accessible beaches in Destin and 30A encourages you to take a family trip focused on quality time this spring break!