Accessible Travel at Virginia Beach

Guest blogger: Merlyn Crawford
Franchise Support Account Manager at 101 Mobility.

Venturing out to the shores of Virginia Beach? Look no further for great and easily accessible spots to go on your vacation! The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees that disabled travelers receive equal treatment under the law. Check out some information on the best areas and activities around Virginia Beach designed with accessibility in mind.

Beach Access and Parking
The City of Virginia Beach has designated 103 parking spaces at the Oceanfront for the physically challenged. Additionally, Virginia Beach has ramps located at every beach access from 1^st to 58^th streets. There are wooden walkways that are handicap accessible extending from the boardwalk to the water located at 8^th, 17^th, 24^th, and 30^th streets. In addition, designated disabled off-street parking is available at ALL municipal parking lots.

Restrooms
You can find handicap-accessible restrooms on 17^th, 24^th, and 31^st Street. Portable handicapped restrooms are located on 2^nd Street, the Boardwalk, and the parking lots located on 4^th, 19^th, and 25^th Street.

Grommet Island (photo: grommetisland.org)

JT’s Grommet Island

Grommet Island is the first of its kind in the country. This oceanfront park is 100% accessible. It features wheelchair-accessible entrances and an incredible playground that includes poured-in-place surfacing, raised sand tables for sandcastle building at an accessible height, a sensory board for children who are autistic and visually impaired, and a swaying boat. Beach Wheelchairs are also available at no cost and can be checked out by a parking attendant.

Lodging
The Ramada on the beach is at 7^th and Oceanfront is accommodating for all visitors. The ramp at 7^th comes off of the boardwalk to a wooden pathway on the sand. The Ramada also has a key-activated rear door to the boardwalk. If arriving by car, there is free valet parking which makes it easier for disabled visitors and it is free for hotel guests. More lodging options for disabled visitors include The Quality Inn and Suites Oceanfront.

Restaurants
Mahi Mahi’s at the Ramada is great for an exceptional dining experience. It is easy to wheel into the best section, and there is outdoor dining available with a wonderful ocean view. Waterman’s is excellent and is also on the ocean. An elevator from the parking lot to the restaurant makes things easy for a wheelchair user or for any other mobility device.

Entertainment
Throughout the summer, there is free nightly entertainment at the 17^th Street stage, 24^th Street Stage, and the 7^th Street gazebo stage. If you happen to be staying at The Ramada, the music carries far enough for you to enjoy tunes from your balcony.

For more wheelchair-accessible travel spots, check out our blog post on Wheelchair Accessible National Parks and Monuments. Live in Virginia Beach or visiting and in need of a mobility solution, visit 101 Mobility Virginia Beach online.