The Getty Museum is a MUST see if ever in Los Angeles.
Parking costs only $10 and enterance into the museum is free. Guided tours and ear phones are available but costs extra.
The Getty has an impressive collection of fine art of various mediums and has a couple of wings that featured artists which changes every couple of months or so.
The architecture in itself is worth the visit. beautiful white buildings with bold angles and clean lines were enticing to this photographer. Breathtaking views of the surrounding Los Angeles area.
Once parked in one of the many handicapped spots, you walk out to the tram area where a wheelchair accessible, mordern people mover glides up a hill where the Getty Museum rests (right photo).
There are also the Getty Gardens. There’s a long, wheelchair accessible pathway that takes you from the top, meanders over a. stream with flowers and plants bordering it, to the bottom where a giant water fountain and more plant-life awaits. The trip will be an incline but there are plenty of places to rest along the way if needed.
Discover more information and photos on The Getty and more destination at www.wheelchairtraveling.com.
admin Southern California Travels
For four years I went to school at USC in Los Angeles and 15 miles down the 10 Freeway was Santa Monica Beach. I 
spent much time there just hanging out. I recently returned with my boyfriend and for the first time stayed at a hotel in Santa Monica. While in school, I would just spend the day there but now as a traveler I could enjoyed my 3 day, 2 night vacation.
I found the Ambrose Hotel on 2oth street… that’s 20 blocks from the ocean and was so pleased with my find. This hotel was much cheaper than basically all other decent hotels There were a hand full of old, classic beach hotels but were not wheelchair friendly. The Ambrose was wheelchair accessible and had free parking, which is very unusual for this town. Most hotels charge about $30 per day; outrageous.
At the Ambose I stayed in room #330 a wheelchair friendly room with a roll in shower. There actually were two showers: one with a tub, hand railings, and a hand held shower head while the other roll-in one had a permanent shower head position. This didn’t make much sense but as a wheelchair traveler one must sometimes accept such lack of attention to these details. There was also no built in shower bench but the hotel lent me a plastic one that was two feet long and about 8″ wide. The legs were adjustable. I have very good balance but could be an issue for those not as fortunate. The dresser/closet was reasonable; some may have a little trouble hanging up items. Also there’s a ironing board and iron, Aveda Solon shampoos and soaps, and a delicious complimentary continental breakfast. The breakfast ends at I believe 9am and consists of various pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, healthy cereal and fine coffee and teas.
Here’s some pictures of the hotel:
There’s great shopping in Santa Monica, wonderful restaurants of all different kinds and price ranges. Cafes, music stores, and bars are all over. Personally, my favorite is just to hang out near the beach and walk around. I love to let my senses enjoy all the pleasures of the ocean. I have always been drawn to the ocean; she is a very powerful force.
More information and photos on Santa Monica are available or look at other destinations brought to you by the wheelchair travler here: www.wheelchairtraveling.com
admin Southern California Travels
For my little sisters graduation I traveled to Boulder, Colorado and wonderful mountain city with so much do. Nestled against the Flat Iron rocks and entrance to the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is overwhelmingly filled with restaurants, cafes, shops and boutiques. Pearl Street (shown below) is the main outdoor hang out spot where the exceptionally wide side walks are totally blocked off from cars.
When dining, I would highly recommend The Kitchen. The menu features all organic items which makes anything you oh so very good and good for you. I had French Toast one morning with pecan, caramel syrup (photo below) and a side of bacon cooked exactly how I wanted it. Later that night the whole family came and I enjoyed a cheese platter with fresh fruit, honey, and baked almonds along with tomato soup for dinner. Everything the rest of my family got looked scumpus too, so it’s all about what you’re in the mood for (I wanted something light). I was particuarlary impressed with this place because not only did The Kitchen have a spacious and lovely accessible restroom, it had an elevator to the second floor where there was a second bar and a dining/lounge area. Way cool! Here’s some pics of The Kitchen:
Boulder, Colorado is a great place for the wheelchair traveler. Check out more photos and information on my
website as well as other wheelchair friendly destinations all over.
Sincerely,
Ashley
admin Colorado Travels
LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
For my last winter get-a-way I traveled to Lake Tahoe for one more snow fling and to explore a new hotel to share with the wheelchair-using world. This time I stayed at the Best Western Station House Inn, which was warm and welcoming and included a sit-down complimentary breakfast of your choice every morning.
The ground-floor room was spacious and had handicapped parking. The roll-in shower was a plus, but I had to turn it on, set the temperature and place the hand-held showerhead within reach before transferring since the hardware was placed out of reach of the shower bench. Furthermore, there were a few other things that lacked attention to detail for this specifically modified “handicapped-friendly” room. For example, the closet bar was abnormally high and almost pulled my arm out of its socket trying to hang up my clothes. Also, the hair dryer wouldn’t turn on unless a button was pushed that was located on the docking holder completely out of reach for me and probably for an other wheelchair-user.
Nonetheless, the fact that the hotel had a strong AC/Heating system and roll-in shower made it above average for me. It’s these small things that makes traveling that much easier and makes me willing to return to a destination for another visit. Although it is the law that a building must have accessible accommodations (based on the date it was built or has had any additions), many destinations walk a thin line so let’s share the ones we know work for what we need. Our lives take a great deal of strength so let’s not waste it on the daily routines getting ready for it!
Click here for more photos and information about traveling to Lake Tahoe, California. 
admin Northern California Traveles
