NORTH COAST
Easy Rails, Gardens & Space to Breathe in Mendocino County
Fort Bragg and Willits make access feel natural, not forced, with the Skunk Train offering ramped boarding, accessible stops like Glen Blair Junction, and a smooth path connecting riders to firepits and gathering spaces at The Glen. Ride options range from upscale to seasonal specialty trains. Nearby, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens delivers 47 acres of wide, mobility-friendly paths, scooter rentals and four miles of accessible trails. Participation in Museums for All keeps admission affordable for EBT and WIC cardholders.
Railbike Adventures That Welcome All Ages & Abilities
California Railbikes operate in Mendocino County, Ventura County and West Sacramento with electric-assisted, two-person railbikes designed for wide-ranging mobility needs. There are no age or height restrictions, with adaptable seating, pedal assist and generous legroom. Guest feedback has driven design upgrades, including a footrest concept developed with a wheelchair user.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Visit Concord's Community-Led Model for Inclusive Travel
Visit Concord's Accessible Concord initiative works directly with hotels and businesses to build sensory-aware stays, staff training and real-world feedback loops. Programs have included complimentary Hilton Concord stays for guests with autism and neurodivergent-friendly Friendsgiving events with local partners. Attractions like Dave & Buster's support visits with quiet retreat rooms alongside games and dining. The city also uses the Travelability Accessibility Playbook to guide long-term accessibility planning.
Sonoma County's Wine Country Without Barriers
Across Sonoma County, accessibility shows up in hotels, restaurants, parks and attractions, including ADA rooms and step-free public spaces at properties like Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country. Outdoor experiences stay easy with paved routes at Doran Regional Park and the Joe Rodota Trail. Visitors can also book accessible wildlife tours at Safari West and lift-assisted balloon rides with Up & Away Ballooning.
GOLD COUNTRY
A Low-Stress Wine Country Base in Amador County
Plymouth delivers a relaxed wine country experience with accessibility baked in. Rest Hotel offers ground-level rooms, lift access from parking, wide walkways and quiet spaces, while nearby Taste Restaurant pairs refined dining with accessible entrances and seating. The Plymouth Foothills Rotary Club self-guided historic tour uses QR codes throughout town, letting visitors explore at their own pace.
HIGH SIERRA
Yosemite Adventures Made Easy, From Rails to Rest
Near Yosemite's South Gate, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers wheelchair accessible train rides with flexible seating and rotating experiences, from Moonlight and Jazz Trains to Halloween and Holiday Magic specials. Yosemite Valley keeps sightseeing easy year-round with the accessible Valley Floor Tour, running open-air trams in warmer months and heated motor coaches in winter. Outside the park, Firefall Ranch was built for full access across rooms, dining, meeting spaces, and pool areas.
Lake Tahoe Access That Covers Beach Days & Ski Season
Carnelian Bay's Patton Landing uses accessibility mats to connect ADA parking to restrooms, concessions, picnic areas and the shoreline. Dining stays easy with wide lakefront patios at places like Gar Woods Grill & Pier. In winter, Palisades Tahoe partners with Achieve Tahoe to offer adaptive ski and snowboard passes and instruction.
CENTRAL VALLEY
Visalia's City-Wide Autism Certification Reaches Gateway to the Parks
As the nation’s first Certified Autism Destination, Visalia welcomes everyone with a handful of accessible accommodation options. The Imagine U Children's Museum hosts monthly sensory-friendly nights with dimmed lighting and quiet spaces, while Valley Oaks Golf Course provides designated quiet zones and sensory backpacks with noise-canceling headsets. Tulare County Museum and Visalia Fox Theatre round out certified options, plus Visalia supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and serves as the perfect basecamp for nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
SHASTA CASCADE
Chico's Practical Take on Sensory-Friendly Exploration
Chico Children's Museum includes a dedicated sensory room for kids who need a calmer environment. Across Butte County, places like Burnt Barn Distilling Co. in Paradise are fully barrier-free. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center adds a joystick-operated telescope for 360-degree views from the tower. Pair that with paved, well-maintained trails and the region quietly delivers strong accessibility.
CENTRAL COAST
Oceanfront Comfort With Direct Coastal Access
Cavalier Resorts in San Simeon stands out as the area's only hotel with direct oceanfront access. ADA rooms include roll-in showers, accessible tubs with grab bars, wider doorways and hearing enhancements like closed-caption TVs. Public spaces from entrances to hallways are designed for easier navigation.
Paso Robles Light Art That Moves at Your Pace
Sensorio in Paso Robles offers a self-guided nighttime art walk with ADA-accessible pathways through large scale light installations. The experience features more than 100,000 glowing bulbs and solar-powered exhibits paired with music. Guests may bring their own wheelchair or rent one on a first-come basis, with staff available to assist. Multiple viewpoints, plus live music and food options, let visitors set their own pace.
Pismo Beach Access From Ocean to Open Space
AmpSurf in Pismo Beach runs adaptive surf programs that help more people experience the ocean. Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach supports shoreline access with beach wheelchair rentals. Inland, Positive Ride offers inclusive trail outings in the Pismo Preserve using Freedom Trax wheelchair attachments.
Los Olivos Luxury With Thoughtful Access
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Collection has 67 luxury guest rooms and cottages that blend historic character with modern accessibility across the property. ADA-compliant rooms, accessible paths to the pool, spa, dining, event spaces and fitness center keep movement easy. Service animals are welcome, with Braille and tactile signage supporting navigation in public areas. Recently repaved roads added another layer of ease.
Morgan Hill's Easygoing Mix of Play, Food & Art
Magical Bridge Playground anchors Morgan Hill's inclusive feel as a fully accessible space designed for all abilities. Downtown's wide sidewalks and layout make shopping, art stops and strolling low-pressure. Accessible dining includes Rosy's at the Beach and Ladera Grill, with stops like Cura Contemporary and LUXE Flower Bar. Guglielmo Winery rounds out the itinerary with accessible paths and tastings.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Santa Monica's Welcoming Beach Days
Santa Monica supports beach access with six wheelchair-friendly paths to the sand and complimentary beach wheelchairs available at multiple locations. Inclusive play continues off the shore, with North Beach Playground's sensory garden and South Beach Park Playground's ADA-accessible equipment.
San Pedro's Waterfront Built Flat on Purpose
West Harbor in San Pedro is rolling out as an accessible waterfront destination with phased openings beginning summer 2026. The 42-acre development includes a mile-long, flat promenade connecting dining, shopping and entertainment. Current offerings include the San Pedro Fish Market and ADA-accessible Harbor Breeze Cruises. Plans also include a 6,200-seat amphitheater and a strong lineup of food and drink spots.
Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific Goes Beyond Basic Access
The Aquarium of the Pacific supports varied abilities with touchable animal encounters, service animal access and Braille visitor guides. Audio features include voice-over support in the app and dedicated audio tours for blind guests. The Honda Pacific Visions Theater adds assisted listening, Telecoil support and mid-air touch tech that lets visitors feel effects. Free KultureCity sensory bags are available for guests with sensory needs.
Torrance's Transit, Shoreline & First-of-Its-Kind Treehouse
Connect Torrance offers on-demand, curb-to-curb micro-transit, with the first six rides free. Torrance Beach features accessible mats, ramps, ADA parking, restrooms and free-use beach wheelchairs along 1.5 miles of shoreline. The fully paved Strand Beach Bike Path stretches 22 miles for walkers, cyclists and mobility device users. Families can also visit California's first universally accessible public treehouse at Wilson Park.
ORANGE COUNTY
Huntington Beach's Verified Approach to Surf City Access
Huntington Beach's Wheel the World verification provides clear accessibility details for trip planning. Beach access is supported by Mobi-Mats and Access Trax along 10 miles of coastline. The city also offers a certified adaptive surf program, an inclusive beach playground and equine therapy at the equestrian center.
Buena Park's All-in-One Accessible Fun Zone
Buena Park stacks accessible attractions, shows and lodging in one place. Knott's Berry Farm and Knott's Soak City offer ride accommodations and non-ride entertainment, while dinner shows like Medieval Times and Pirates Dinner Adventure welcome guests with advance planning. Hotels range from Knott's Hotel to DoubleTree, Courtyard Marriott and family-friendly Hilton brands.
INLAND EMPIRE
Big Bear Lake Access From Slopes to Lakeside Paths
Big Bear Lake supports accessibility across lodging, recreation and dining. Hampton Inn Big Bear Lake serves as a convenient, accessible base. The United States Adaptive Recreation Center expands winter access with adaptive ski and snowboard instruction and equipment. The fully paved Alpine Pedal Path delivers scenic lake views for wheelchairs and strollers (with grades assistance), with Big Bear Lake Brewing Co. closing out the day.
DESERTS
Indian Wells Resort Access, Verified & Clear
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas is Wheel the World verified, offering independently assessed accessibility details. ADA rooms include roll-in showers, wide doorways and lowered switches and thermostats. Accessible parking, entrances and pathways extend throughout the resort. Dining, pools, meeting spaces and outdoor areas are designed for full participation.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Carlsbad's Sensory Smart Destination Approach
Carlsbad highlights a growing network of Certified Autism Centers to support sensory-sensitive travel. These certified attractions and businesses aim to reduce stress and improve comfort for visitors with autism and their families. A dedicated city landing page organizes options for easy trip planning.
Oceanside Access That Flows From Shoreline to Stadium
Oceanside access feels seamless with flat, easy beach entry near the pier and harbor, free beach wheelchair rentals from the fire department, and mobility chair rentals from Ride O'side. The city's adaptive surf legacy runs deep, having hosted the first U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in 2017 and continuing with USA Surfing's Para Surfing Championships. Oceanside Adventures offers fully wheelchair-accessible whale watching cruises with gradual ramps, spacious decks, and a two-hour format designed for comfort. Live sports at Frontwave Arena features ADA parking, accessible seating on every level, ramps and elevators, wheelchair escorts, service-animal-friendly policies and sign language interpretation for select events.