A leader in accessibility, California goes above and beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with its own state-level regulations that create a more inclusive environment for both residents and visitors. From wheelchair-accessible state parks, beaches, trails, and transportation options to sensory-friendly attractions and events, there are plenty of ways for people of all abilities to experience the magic of the Golden State.
Here are some key questions and answers that commonly arise about accessible travel in California. More information about ADA requirements can be found on the Americans with Disabilities Association website.
What accessibility services are available at California airports?
You can expect a range of services such as wheelchair assistance, visual paging, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones at major airports such as LAX, SFO, SAN, and SMF.
A good place to start, as you plan your trip, is to request any assistance in advance through your airline, then check the airport’s accessibility page to see what onsite services they offer, such as sensory rooms or electric cart transport. You can also make a request through TSA Cares to smooth your way through airport security.
Airports including Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) also participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which allows staffers to easily and discreetly ID travelers who may need a little extra time or support.
Can I fly to California with a service dog?
Under the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines must permit passengers with a disability to travel with service animals. Check with your airline for specific requirements. You and your service animal will also be subject to standard TSA screenings at your departure airport.
Service dogs are allowed in all areas of California airports, and all major airports offer animal relief areas; LAX and SFO have several located both pre- and post-security.
What public places in California allow service dogs?
Service dogs in California are permitted in virtually all public spaces, including state parks, restaurants, hotels, theaters, and public transportation. The Unruh Civil Rights Acts protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in businesses open to the public.
Service dogs do not require special identification or registration. Psychiatric service dogs are also considered service animals in California if they are trained to assist with specific scenarios that might arise because of their owner’s impairment.
How can I rent a wheelchair or mobility scooter in California?
Mobility equipment providers like Scootaround and Cloud of Goods can connect you to local providers to rent equipment such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and walking aids. Many deliver directly to your hotel or airport.
Where can I rent an accessible or ADA-compliant vehicle in California?
Rental car companies are required by the ADA to offer adaptive driving devices such as hand controls, left foot accelerators, spinner knobs, and pedal extenders at no additional charge. Individual companies may have limited quantities of accessible vehicles on hand, so contact your preferred location in advance to confirm availability.
Can I use my disability parking placard in California?
Yes, California honors valid disability parking placards issued in any U.S. state. You can park in blue-curb spaces and are exempt from metered parking fees.
If you are not traveling in your registered vehicle, you’ll need to apply for a travel parking placard through the California DMV. These permits are valid for up to 90 days, or until the date noted on the application by a licensed medical professional.
Is public transportation in California wheelchair-accessible?
California has a public transportation network that includes buses, subways, light rail, and ferry boats. They offer ample travel services for passengers with disabilities such as transfer seats, priority seating, wheelchair spaces, access ramps, and assistive device storage.
Some transit organizations, such as Bay Area Rapid Transit, offer reduced fares for those who have a DMV disability placard; others like Metrolink also allow personal care attendants to travel without purchasing a ticket. When traveling, keep in mind that reservations for accessible spaces and requests for accommodations may be required in advance.
Are hotels in California required to offer accessible rooms?
Hotels in California must follow ADA rules, which require a minimum number of guest rooms that must be provided based on its size. These rooms must meet certain standards and provide the same level of amenities as standard rooms, in addition to features such as wider doorways, lowered closet rods and shelves, accessible controls, and bathroom accessibility.
Are California beaches accessible for wheelchair users?
Many California beaches offer paved paths, boardwalks, or even beach mats that make it easier for wheelchair users to enjoy these coastal gems. Some even loan out free beach wheelchairs, which are equipped with wide tires made to navigate the sand. Santa Monica State Beach, Coronado Central Beach, and Huntington Beach are all very wheelchair-friendly.
Peruse the city’s website beforehand for availability or check in at the local lifeguard station when you arrive if you have any questions.
Where are there wheelchair-accessible hiking trails and nature experiences in California?
California’s state and national parks offer a range of wheelchair- or walker-friendly trails, like paved paths or compacted dirt trails. Just a few of California’s accessible trails with beautiful views include:
- Muir Woods Main Trail at Muir Woods National Monument
- Lower Yosemite Falls Trail and Mariposa Grove Trail in Yosemite National Park
- Bumpass Hell Trail boardwalk at Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Redwood Grove Trail in Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- The free Equal Access Tours to see elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park, near Santa Cruz
Be sure to stop at any park’s visitor center where you can also find options such as audio guides, braille signage, or tactile exhibits.
What other kinds of activities can I do if I’m in a wheelchair?
Iconic destinations across the state are wheelchair-accessible, including a wide range of theme parks and other attractions, as well as landmarks such as Alcatraz Island, which also has assistive listening devices and an ASL dock orientation.
Tours of all kinds are also wheelchair-accessible in California, whether you want to take a train through wine country or spot celebrities aboard the TMZ Celebrity Tour bus.
What adaptive sports are available in California?
There are plenty of athletic activities in California for people with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities. Take an adaptive surf lesson in Huntington Beach, hit the slopes for some inclusive skiing at world-class resorts near Lake Tahoe, or kayak in the protected waters of La Jolla.
What autism-friendly attractions or activities are in California?
California’s family-friendly museums often offer sensory accommodations for children with autism. Places like San Francisco’s Exploratorium and California Academy of Sciences provide sensory kits with tactile and fidget toys, as well as additional items such as weighted lap pads.
In Southern California, museums such as the Discovery Cube (which has locations in Orange County and Los Angeles) offer sensory-friendly hours every month that provide maps, visual cue cards, and free admission for aides.
Major theme parks have supportive services for guests with developmental disabilities who are unable to wait in conventional lines for an extended period of time. At Disneyland Resort, families can register in advance via video chat or onsite at an accessibility services kiosk to determine eligibility for the Disability Access Service.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags parks all participate in the IBCCES Accessibility Card program, which can be completed online at least 48 hours prior to your visit. Families visiting SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California can visit guest services to enroll in at each park’s ride accessibility program.
For more ideas, check out these autism-friendly attractions in California.
Are there accessible dining and entertainment options?
California’s restaurants, theaters, and other venues are all required to follow ADA guidelines. Along with ramped entrances, accessible seating, and restrooms, many entertainment venues also offer assistive listening devices, captioning, or ASL-interpreted performances, along with sensory-friendly showtimes or quiet spaces.
Some of these services are only available upon request, so be sure to check the attraction’s website or call ahead with any requests.
Are there any specific apps or other resources that will help me plan an accessible trip in California?
Start with the accessibility pages of California State Parks, theme parks, or local tourism boards. Use Google Maps' accessibility filters and consider downloading helpful apps such as AccessNow and Wheelmap, which highlight accessible restaurants, hotels, parks, and other attractions.