10 Genuinely Accessible U.S. Vacation Destinations

Every destination claims to be 'wheelchair friendly.' Far fewer actually are. After three years of reader surveys and on-the-ground reporting, here are ten U.S. destinations that genuinely deliver.

1. Washington, D.C.

All Smithsonian museums are free and fully accessible. The Metro is one of the few U.S. transit systems with elevators at every station. The National Mall is flat and continuous.

2. Chicago, IL

Wide sidewalks, an accessible 'L' system on most lines, and a flat lakefront trail that runs 18 miles. The Art Institute and Field Museum are exemplary.

3. San Antonio, TX

The River Walk has been retrofitted with elevators and ramps at most access points. The Alamo grounds are flat. Most attractions are within a half-mile radius.

4. Walt Disney World, FL

Disney sets the bar for theme park accessibility — every attraction has a documented access plan, and the Disability Access Service eliminates standing in queue lines.

5. Yellowstone National Park, WY

Almost every major thermal feature (Old Faithful, Mammoth, Norris) has paved or boardwalked viewing. The park's accessibility guide is detailed and honest.

6. New Orleans, LA — French Quarter

Cobblestones are real, but the main thoroughfares (Decatur, Canal) are smooth and the streetcars are wheelchair accessible.

7. Portland, OR

Flat downtown grid, accessible MAX light rail, and one of the best curb-cut programs in the country.

8. Acadia National Park, ME

Three carriage roads are designated wheelchair accessible and run for miles through forest and along the coast.

9. Charleston, SC

The historic district has been carefully retrofitted; horse-and-carriage tours offer wheelchair-accessible options.

10. Branson, MO

An under-the-radar pick. Nearly every theater is purpose-built with accessible seating and the town's compact layout keeps distances short.