Seeking a destination that ensures attendees of all abilities can participate with ease? Florida has you covered, as many of its regions have earned San Francisco-based Wheel the World’s Destination Verified status, a designation identifying locales that supply accurate accessibility information in relation to hotels, activities, and restaurants.
One such hot spot is Amelia Island, about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville, known for pristine beaches, historic sites, and a quaint atmosphere. Wheel the World notes Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island in Fernandina Beach is one of the island’s top accessible hotels, with 6,060 square feet of meeting and event space and in-room amenities like roll-in showers and guest-room door widths of 36 inches. Accessible Amelia Island activities include crafting handmade artwork at Fernandina Beach’s Paisley Grace Makery or enjoying a round of mini golf and libations at Gregor MacGregor’s Mini Links & Drinks, also in Fernandina Beach—Gregor MacGregor’s overall premises contains little to no slopes, a step-free entrance, and paved pathways throughout the course.
Down the coast lies Palm Beach County, with accessible meetings hotels like the Eau Palm Beaches Resort & Spa in Manalapan, which not only offers amenities like a pool lift and visual fire alarms, but also provides staff to aid attendees in wheelchairs upon request. Palm Beach International Airport stands out with accessible pathways throughout its main terminal, visual paging for deaf travelers, and more, while the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach is equipped with wheelchair-accessible seats, restrooms, and entrances, and also stocks assistive-listening devices to aid those with hearing difficulties.
For meetings on the Gulf, the vibrant city of Tampa also proves inclusive. Tampa’s popular Pirate Water Taxi, which cruises along the Hillsborough River and other waterways near downtown, offers ramps to access the pier and enter the boat. Accessible restrooms are available at each stop along the taxi’s route, including at the Tampa Convention Center. Must-try accessible eateries in the city include Ulele, with a menu inspired by the cuisine of area Native American tribes, such as the Tocobaga. The entrance has step-free access, and flat surfaces throughout make it easy to get around.
ameliaisland.com
thepalmbeaches.com
visittampabay.com
wheeltheworld.com
