Miami, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions, offers a range of wheelchair-accessible options. From indoor museums to outdoor parks, Miami ensures an inclusive experience for all visitors. This review provides detailed information on indoor and outdoor attractions, accessible beaches, adaptive recreation, accommodations, and transportation, including pathway makeup, amenities, and potential barriers.
Indoor Attractions
- Miami Seaquarium: Discover marine life at Miami Seaquarium, a family-friendly attraction featuring exciting shows and exhibits. Paved and smooth surfaces throughout the facility. Accessible restrooms available near the entrance and throughout the park. Ramps, elevators, and designated viewing areas for wheelchair users. Some older exhibits may have limited access.
- Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Enjoy contemporary art and stunning architecture at PAMM, a premier museum in Miami. Smooth, flat surfaces with wide pathways. Fully accessible restrooms on each floor. Elevators, ramps, and accessible parking.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Explore the historic Vizcaya Museum and its beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into Miami’s past. Mixed surfaces; some areas have cobblestone paths which might be challenging. Gardens have some steep and uneven paths. Accessible restrooms available at the main house. Manual wheelchairs available, accessible parking.
Outdoor Attractions
- Bayfront Park: Relax and enjoy the scenic views at Bayfront Park, located in the heart of downtown Miami. Paved and well-maintained pathways. Accessible picnic areas. Accessible restrooms located throughout the park.
- Zoo Miami: Experience wildlife up close at Zoo Miami, one of the largest and most accessible zoos in the country. Paved and mostly flat pathways. Wheelchair rentals, accessible trams, and shaded resting areas. The large park size might require stamina for longer visits. Accessible restrooms available in multiple locations.
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Wander through lush landscapes and exotic plants at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Paved and gravel paths. Some paths are gravel and can be uneven. Wheelchair rentals, accessible trams, and guided tours. Accessible restrooms in the main building and scattered throughout.
Accessible Beaches
- South Beach: Famous for its lively atmosphere, South Beach offers accessible amenities for a fun day at the beach. Find beach mats and paved walkways. Beach mats may not extend all the way to the water. Beach wheelchairs available for rent. There’s also accessible parking and restrooms near the beach entrances.
- Crandon Park Beach: Enjoy a tranquil beach experience at Crandon Park Beach, with facilities designed for accessibility, like paved pathways and beach mats. Beach wheelchairs, accessible picnic areas, and parking are additional amenities. Limited beach wheelchair availability; call ahead. Accessible restrooms located near picnic areas.
- Haulover Park Beach: Offers a serene beach setting with accessible features for all visitors. Wheelchair travelers will enjoy paved walkways and beach mats in addition to beach wheelchairs, accessible parking, and picnic areas. Accessible restrooms available.
Adaptive Recreation
- Shake-a-Leg Miami: Engage in adaptive water sports with Shake-a-Leg Miami, providing accessible sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are fully accessible boats and equipment. Accessible docks and restrooms.
- Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services: Participate in various adaptive sports and activities through Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services.
Accommodations
- Kimpton EPIC Hotel: Stay in luxury at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, offering accessible rooms and amenities in downtown Miami. Roll-in showers, accessible pools, and rooms with wide doorways.
- Marriott Stanton South Beach: Enjoy beachfront accommodation at the Marriott Stanton South Beach, with accessible features. Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, beach access with beach wheelchairs. Some pool areas may have steps; inquire for pool lift.
- Hilton Miami Downtown: Experience comfort and convenience at Hilton Miami Downtown, with accessible amenities. Accessible rooms, roll-in showers, and city views.
Transportation
- Miami-Dade Transit (MDT): Navigate Miami easily with Miami-Dade Transit, offering accessible bus services equipped with lifts/ramps and priority seating. Some older bus stops may lack ramps.
- Metromover: Enjoy free and accessible transportation around downtown Miami with the Metromover. This transportation option is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and level boarding.
- Wheelchair Accessible Taxis: Travel comfortably in Miami with wheelchair-accessible taxis from SuperShuttle and Yellow Cab equipped with ramps/lifts. Limited availability; pre-booking recommended.
