Santa Cruz, CA –

Being a California born wheelchair traveler, even in the winter months it is necessary to take a trip to the ocean to get my saltwater fix. The California coastline comes to life in way never seen during the warmer season with enormous winter swells that draw surfers from miles around.

Monterey Bay offers many surfing spots along the jagged rocky shoreline, Santa Cruz being one of the most well known cities with numerous such spots. You can almost always spots s surfer or two at Steamer’s Lane, which is located right below the historic surfing museum on West Cliff Drive (Access Guide: Ocean Walkways), and during the winter months they cover this territory like ants (top 2 photos). Even right in front of the Santa Cruz Wharf and the Dream Inn at Cowell’s Beach, intermediate surfers ride the waves from sun up till darkness (bottom 2 photos).

If you follow the Pacific Coast Highway 1 north to San Francisco (below photos) there are tons of state beaches long the way, the majority having some wheelchair accessible feature to help you get closer to the ocean. It’s highly recommended that you take this journey, no matter what time of year; even if it’s for a couple of hours or a day trip while in the general area.

Boston, MA –

Boston is an accessible destination for a wheelchair traveler and one of my favorite places to date.  Just wandering around the city with no plan or tour guide you will be immersed in history. Every couple of blocks a new landmark will catch your eye and a lot of the time they line up side by side. There are so many that you’ll honestly have to be selective, though try to at least get close every time you spot one.

One common historic landmark that you’ll see all over the city are churches. All beautiful and unique in there own way. I did not venture inside all the churches; many looked to not have wheelchair access but there are enough that do, plus there’s lots of Boston to see.

I got lost in downtown Boston and happy I did because I got to see a part of Boston I did not intend to. Some architecture of downtown Boston was really remarkable. Even intermingled between corporate businesses and walking suites there are historic buildings. Adjacent to downtown Boston is Chinatown.

Wheelchair Traveling Guide: Boston, MA
brought to you by wheelchairtraveling.com

Santa Cruz, CA –

New changes have been made to a few of the Santa Cruz Wheelchair Access Guides,
including Ocean Walkways and Downtown.

Wheelchair Traveling Guide: Santa Cruz, CA
brought to you by wheelchairtraveling.com

San Francisco –

San Francisco is one of the hilliest cities in the world with unbelievable views hidden all over the city. Many overlook some of the most famous landmarks in San Francisco.  I discovered one of these such spots while getting lost on purpose, called Inspiration Point in the Marina District. Here alongside on the edge of a cliff you can see wide into the bay, including Balboa Park, Alcatraz, and Mt. Tam.  Right below Inspiration Point is Fort Mason and just up the road is the Fort Mason Center.

Wheelchair Traveling Guide: San Francisco
brought to you by wheelchairtraveling.com

Berkeley, CA —

On the East side of Bay Area is the liberal town of Berkeley. Here many children of the 1960’s mingle and new-aged hippies fine their groove. Wandering the streets of Berkeley for someone using a manual wheelchair is very possible. Most of the city that a visitor would want to explore is flat; however some areas may have a slight, like the famous Telegraph Avenue. In general the sidewalks on Telegraph  are ruff with the occasional pothole to lookout for. On the side, not too far from Telegraph Avenue is the Elmwood Shopping District known as the upscale and “sheek” part of Berkeley though it still has a very chill vibe.

There is much more accessible traveling information
and photos on these two popular hot spot destinations at:
Wheelchair Traveling Guide: Berkeley, CA

Interesting Berkeley Streets Photography:

San Fancisco, CA –

The day after Thanksgiving, like magic, San Francisco is transformed into a holiday winter wonderland of lights.  A giant tree sits in Union Square next to the outdoor ice skating rank. There is also a yummy outdoor cafe in Union Square that serves beer and wine. Most of the store dress their windows up for the season. If you want to get caught up in the holiday season then spend some time in San Francisco this winter.

The majority of all stores and restaurants are wheelchair accessible and one can count on the major department stores around Union Square, like Macy’s and Neiman Marcusas well as the Westfeild Mall to have wheelchair accessible restrooms if needed. If possible take BART to San Francisco, don’t drive; parking is limited and really expensive, even handicapped spots.

Wheelchair Traveling Guide: San Francisco

Santa Monica, CA –

For four years I went to school at USC in Los Angeles and 15 miles down the 10 Freeway was Santa Monica. I spent much time there just hanging out. I recently returned with my boyfriend and for the first time stayed at a hotel.

I found the Ambrose Hotel on 2oth street… that’s 20 blocks from the ocean… and was so pleased with my stay. The hotel was much cheaper than basically all other decent hotels There were a hand full of old, classic beach hotels but none were 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. There is also a complimentary organic breakfast served every morning until 9am.

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, which didn’t make much sense. 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.

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.

Wheelchair Traveling Guide: Santa Monica