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A woman pushes another woman seated in a beach wheelchair along a paved boardwalk by the ocean with tall buildings in the background.

Virginia Beach is Accessible for All

In Virginia Beach, everyone belongs and every traveler should feel comfortable exploring at their own pace. Virginia Beach is designed so visitors with mobility, auditory, visual and sensory considerations can experience it fully, comfortably and confidently — right alongside everyone in their group.

Getting Around Virginia Beach: Accessible Transportation and Arrival

Getting here is refreshingly smooth. Norfolk International Airport — the primary gateway to Virginia Beach — participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, offering a discreet way for travelers with non-visible conditions to signal the need for extra time, assistance or support. We want your getaway to begin with less stress so you can focus on the fun (and there’s plenty of it here). 

Once you arrive, accessible transportation options keep everything within reach. Wheelchair-accessible seasonal shuttles connect key areas, like the Oceanfront, Rudee Inlet and First Landing State Park, to make getting around feel straightforward and convenient. As a bonus, service animals are welcome. 

Beaches, Attractions and Accommodations Designed for Accessibility

Of course, our shoreline is the star, and our accessible beaches are for everyone to enjoy. The iconic three-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk offers a wide, smooth path for strolling or rolling along the Oceanfront, with ramps at every beach access point. Extended walkways and free beach wheelchairs bring the sand and surf to you, while sensory-friendly beach areas offer a quiet, more relaxed coastal experience. Grommet Island Park adds to the fun as a fully accessible oceanfront playground where children of all abilities can play side by side.

Across Virginia Beach, accessible offerings span museums, cultural attractions, waterparks and performance venues, each reflecting the city’s spirit of inclusion. Look for accessible parking and restrooms alongside sensory-friendly programming and assistive services, like sign language interpreters and large-print materials. Nature is also a big part of the experience, and it’s accessible, too. Accessible trails and overlooks invite you to explore at your own pace, helping make the outdoors more welcoming for everyone.

When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find accommodations with accessible amenities like roll-in showers and Braille signage. And when you’re ready to eat, you’ll discover restaurants with accessible layouts, adaptable seating and teams ready to accommodate a range of considerations and preferences.

Whether planning a relaxing beach getaway or an activity-filled escape, Virginia Beach offers a thoughtful blend of accessibility and adventure, so everyone in your group can enjoy the experience.  

Accessible Experiences Across Virginia Beach

From riding waves to rolling onto the sand, Virginia Beach delivers accessible ways for everyone to experience the ocean with confidence and ease.

Entrance gate to Grommet Island Park, a beach playground in Virginia Beach, with colorful surfboards and palm trees under a clear blue sky.

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Two women on Virginia Beach; one is sitting in a wheelchair designed for the beach, while the other stands behind her, both facing the ocean with arms outstretched.

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A man sits on a surfboard in chest high waters in the ocean with a vibrant sunrise in the background in Virginia Beach.

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