The ocean and sandy beaches of Virginia Beach are meant to be enjoyed by everyone. From ADA-compliant ramps and extended walkways to free beach wheelchairs, accessible restrooms and inclusive playgrounds, Virginia Beach has designed its shoreline so visitors of all abilities can revel in a fun-filled beach day. Below, we’ve compiled everything you need for a full, accessible day at the beach.
Beach Wheelchairs in Virginia Beach
Non-motorized beach wheelchairs are available year-round for day use at both Oceanfront and Sandbridge beaches — both free, on a first-come, first-served basis, and from a variety of rental companies.
Free Beach Wheelchairs, Oceanfront
Free beach wheelchairs can be picked up at five locations along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. They are available seven days a week, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be used for one hour or for the entire day. To reserve, simply call a Beach Ambassador at 757-439-9565 on the day you’d like to use one — a team member will meet you at one of the designated Boardwalk locations. When you’re finished, call a Beach Ambassador and allow 15 minutes for pickup. Free beach wheelchairs are available at these Oceanfront locations:
- 2nd Street (adjacent to Grommet Island Park)
- 8th street shed
- 17th Street
- 24th Street
- 36th Street
NOTE: wheelchairs are for sand use only and should remain within the general beach area near the pickup location.
Free Beach Wheelchairs, Sandbridge
There are also three free beach wheelchairs available for check-out from the park office at Little Island Park in Sandbridge. To reserve, visit the park office with a valid photo ID. A $5/car parking fee is in effect from May through September. Wheelchairs must remain on-site within the park. For more information, call 757-385-7324.
Beach Wheelchair Rentals in Virginia Beach
For guaranteed availability, extended rental periods or electric mobility options, renting a beach wheelchair can be a convenient choice. Several local providers offer delivery and pickup. Advance reservations are recommended, but same-day rentals may be possible, depending on demand.
Beach Power Mobility: Offers both motorized and non-motorized beach wheelchairs year-round.
- Delivery available to Oceanfront, Sandbridge and Shore Drive beaches.
- Daily and weekly rentals available.
- Reserve online or call 757-855-8439.
Money$worth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals: Offers non-motorized beach wheelchairs year-round.
- Delivery available in Sandbridge only.
- Weekly rentals in peak season; daily and weekly rentals available in the off-season.
- Reservations must be made by phone at 800-662-2122.
Hudson’s Wheelchair Rentals: Provides non-motorized beach wheelchairs year-round with flexible rental terms.
- Delivery available throughout Virginia Beach.
- Rentals available for any length of stay.
- Book online or call 757-675-1791.
Accessible Beach Entrances, Ramps & Extended Walkways
Along the Oceanfront, beach access ramps are available from 1st through 58th Streets. Extended wooden walkways — not just rubber mats — that reach close to the water’s edge are located at:
- 8th Street
- 13th Street
- 17th Street
- 24th Street
- 30th Street
- 36th Street
- 40th Street
Accessible Beach Parking for Visitors
Virginia Beach provides accessible parking options throughout the Oceanfront, helping make the trip from car to coastline simple and stress-free. Accessible parking is available in municipal parking lots and garages across the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Accessible parking is also available on-street, along:
- Arctic Avenue
- Atlantic Avenue
- Rudee Loop
- Atlantic Avenue cross streets from 2nd through 37th streets
Vehicles displaying a valid disabled parking placard or license plate may park at on-street metered spaces for free for up to four hours. Parking beyond the four-hour limit at a metered space may result in a citation.
Accessible Public Restrooms Near the Beach
Accessible public restrooms are located along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, including:
- 2nd Street
- 17th Street
- 20th Street
- 24th Street
- 30th Street
- 31st Street
Grommet Island Park: A Fully Accessible Beach Playground
Located at 2nd Street and the Boardwalk, Grommet Island Park is a fully accessible oceanfront playground for children and adults of all abilities. This 15,000-square-foot park invites families to play, explore and relax in a welcoming beach setting.
Grommet Island Park playground highlights include:
• A hand-operated sand scoop on the beach, specifically designed for use by visitors in wheelchairs
• Raised sand tables for sandcastle building at wheelchair-accessible heights
• A sensory board designed for children who are autistic or visually impaired
• Accessible sculptural features — including dolphins, a surfboard and a wave — that encourage imaginative play
Beyond the Oceanfront
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park offers 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront with a range of accessibility features, including free beach wheelchairs, an accessible dune crossover behind the visitor center, accessible restrooms in all bathhouses and the visitor center and an all-abilities playground near campsite 69 for breaks away from the beach. Park entry fees are $7/car on weekdays and $10/car on weekends. April–October.
How to check out a free beach wheelchair at First Landing State Park:
- Two push beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Call 757-412-2300 for details. Advance reservations are not accepted.
- Wheelchair rentals are available during Visitor Center hours:
Memorial Day–Labor Day, 8 a.m.–midnight; and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. during the off season.
PRO TIP: During the peak summer season, the park can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive by 8 a.m. for the best chance at a beach wheelchair.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Just south of Sandbridge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers coastal scenery and a variety of accessible trails for visitors of all abilities. One all-terrain beach wheelchair is available for those who want to reach the shoreline. The park entry fee is $5/car, April–October. or free with the America the Beautiful annual pass. For more information, call 757-301-7329.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge accessibility highlights:
- Seaside Trail: wooden boardwalk from the parking lot to beach access mats
- Other accessible trails: Dunes Trail, Raptor Trail, Charles Kuralt Trail
- Trail surfaces: flat grades with boardwalk and crushed gravel
Planning Tips for an Accessible Beach Day
- Arrive early during peak summer months to secure a beach wheelchair.
- Call ahead if visiting outside peak season to confirm availability.
- Use extended walkways for the easiest access to the shoreline.
- Ask a Beach Ambassador for help. They’re available daily and happy to assist.
Free beach wheelchairs, accessible ramps and inclusive playgrounds in Virginia Beach make the beaches accessible to all visitors — we hope to help your family make meaningful memories soon.
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Written by Erin Gifford
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she has checked off 36 states).