Virginia Beach is a beach for people of all abilities. Our boardwalk provides accessibility to individuals with varying degrees of mobility to explore the lively strip that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. Ramps are available at each street to take visitors from the boardwalk to the sand and beach wheelchairs are available on a first- come, first-serve basis at 17th and 24th Streets – free of charge.

JT’s Grommet Island Park

 

Grommet Island Park

Grommet Island, the first beach playground in the country designed specifically for children and adults of all physical abilities, is located right on the sand across from the Rudee Loop. Soft play sculptures, accessible play equipment and cushioned play surfaces on the sand make up this one-of-a-kind playground.

 

JT’s Camp Grom

 

A short drive from the Oceanfront, Camp Grom was developed specifically for children and adults with differing physical abilities and wounded veterans and their families, as well as the families of fallen war heroes. The 70-acre beach-themed camp boasts an aquatic center, an outdoor lake with fishing, a gym, picnic shelters, a sports field, and a water spray park, and an abundance of activities like ropes courses, lakeside trails, swimming, wakeboarding putt-putt, archery and more. The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation spent more than a decade fundraising to open up the camp, in honor of a friend with ALS who loved being outside, and we think the wait was well worth it!

 

Other Accessible Attractions in Virginia Beach

 

 

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

  • Parking: Four designated accessible parking spaces, located adjacent to visitor center.
  • Types of paths: Hard-packed stone dust in combination with boardwalk trails.
  • Entrance: Located about 30 yards off main parking area. Ramps provided.
  • Public restrooms: Located on deck area outside visitor center.
  • Special services
  • Staff Training: Type of staff trained are field and supervisors. Personnel have been trained to serve guests using wheelchairs, and guests with mobility disabilities.
  • For guests with visual disabilities: There are hands-on exhibits and  signs in large print, with contrasting background, printed on a non-glossy surface.

 

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

  • Parking: Five designated accessible parking spaces located at front of center.
  • Types of paths: Sidewalks and tile.
  • Entrance: Front of lobby.
  • Public Restrooms: Accessible stalls available.
  • Special services
  • For guests with hearing disabilities: Written scripts available.
  • For guests with visual disabilities: Signs are in large print, with contrasting background. Free audio tours with IPod at visitor center.

 

First Landing State Park

  • Parking: Four wheelchair accessible parking spaces.
  • Types of paths: Click here.
  • Public Restrooms: Accessible stalls available.
  • Special services
  • For guests with visual disabilities: Hands-on exhibits include touch and feel table containing plant and animal specimens from the area. Documents in large print on non-glossy surface.

 

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

  • Parking: Six wheelchair accessible parking spaces located near entrance of both buildings. Ramp nearby.
  • Types of paths: A 1/3 mile long asphalt path connecting both buildings. Interior pathways are accessible, no steep grades.
  • Entrance: At front of both buildings. Ramps provided.
  • Public restrooms: Located in main lobby area, accessible stalls.
  • Elevator: Wheelchair accessible located in main building, main lobby.
  • Special services
  • For guests with hearing disabilities: There are signing interpreters available with advance notice, and Assistive Listening Systems.
  • For guests with visual disabilities: There are hands-on exhibits among the 300 interactive exhibits. Signs with contrasting background, printed on a non-glossy surface. There is increased wattage lighting in dining and meeting areas.

 

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

  • Parking: On-street accessible parking available.
  • Types of paths: Wood and concrete
  • Entrance: Access ramps are located at every beach access point from 1st to 58th streets.
  • Public restrooms: Permanent public restrooms located next to the boardwalk at 17th, 24th and 39th streets.

 

To learn more, visit accessiblevirginia.org

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