New York Wheelchair Travel Guide

New York State offers a plethora of accessible attractions beyond the bustling streets of Manhattan. From scenic natural parks to cultural institutions, these destinations provide excellent opportunities for wheelchair travelers to explore. This review focuses on accessible travel in New York, highlighting attractions outside of Manhattan, including details on bathrooms, hotels, transportation, and adapted recreation programs. For information on wheelchair accessibility in Manhattan, see this detailed article.

Attractions

New York City Boroughs

• The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx): The New York Botanical Garden features accessible pathways, ramps, and exhibits. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the garden.
• Bronx Zoo: The Bronx Zoo offers accessible pathways and exhibits, allowing visitors to explore the extensive animal habitats. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the zoo.
• Coney Island (Brooklyn): Coney Island provides accessible boardwalks and beaches, including beach wheelchairs for rent. The Luna Park amusement park offers some accessible rides. Accessible restrooms are available along the boardwalk and at attractions.
• Brooklyn Museum: The Brooklyn Museum is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and wide pathways throughout the museum. Accessible restrooms are available on each floor.
• Prospect Park (Brooklyn): Prospect Park offers accessible pathways, including the Lakeside area and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden adjacent to the park. Accessible restrooms are available at various locations within the park.
• The High Line (New York City): The High Line is an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line. It features accessible pathways, ramps, and elevators. Accessible restrooms are available at various locations along the park.
• Roosevelt Island: Roosevelt Island, located in the East River, offers accessible pathways and attractions, including Four Freedoms Park. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center and parks.
• Wave Hill (Bronx): Wave Hill is a public garden and cultural center offering accessible pathways and gardens. Accessible restrooms are available in the visitor center and throughout the grounds.
• Green-Wood Cemetery (Brooklyn): Green-Wood Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark, features accessible pathways through its historic grounds. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center.
• Queens Botanical Garden:Queens Botanical Garden features accessible pathways, ramps, and exhibits. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the garden.

Long Island

• Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead): The Long Island Aquarium offers accessible pathways, ramps, and exhibits, allowing visitors to explore marine life. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the aquarium.
• Old Westbury Gardens: Old Westbury Gardens offers accessible pathways through beautiful gardens and historic buildings. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center.
• Fire Island National Seashore: Fire Island offers accessible beaches, boardwalks, and trails. Beach wheelchairs are available for rent. Accessible restrooms are available at various points along the seashore.

Upstate New York

• Niagara Falls State Park: Niagara Falls offers stunning views and accessible pathways, including the Niagara Falls Observation Tower and the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Accessible restrooms are available at various points in the park.
• Storm King Art Center (New Windsor): Storm King Art Center is an outdoor sculpture park featuring accessible pathways and exhibits. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center and throughout the park.
• Saratoga Spa State Park (Saratoga Springs): Saratoga Spa State Park offers accessible trails, mineral springs, and cultural institutions like the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Accessible restrooms are available at various points in the park.
• Hudson River Park (Various Locations): Hudson River Park stretches along the Hudson River and features accessible pathways, piers, and parks. Accessible restrooms are available throughout the park.
• Adirondack Park: Adirondack Park offers several accessible trails and attractions, including the Wild Center and the Adirondack Experience. Accessible restrooms are available at visitor centers and major attractions.
• Watkins Glen State Park: Watkins Glen State Park features an accessible trail that offers stunning views of the park’s waterfalls and gorges. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center.
• Boldt Castle (Alexandria Bay): Boldt Castle, located in the Thousand Islands region, offers accessible pathways and exhibits. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center.
• Letchworth State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park offers accessible trails and viewpoints. Accessible restrooms are available at visitor centers and trailheads.

Hotels

• The Inn at Great Neck (Long Island): This hotel offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and spacious layouts. The property features ramps and elevators throughout, ensuring convenience for wheelchair users. Accessible restrooms are available in public areas.
• The Garden City Hotel (Long Island): Located in Garden City, this hotel provides accessible rooms equipped with necessary amenities for wheelchair users. The hotel has ramps, elevators, and accessible common areas. Accessible restrooms are available in public areas.
• Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown: This hotel offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers and other amenities. The property has accessible pathways and ramps throughout. Accessible restrooms are available in common areas.
• Sheraton Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls): This hotel offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers and other amenities. The property has accessible pathways and ramps throughout. Accessible restrooms are available in common areas.
• The Gideon Putnam (Saratoga Springs): Located in Saratoga Spa State Park, this historic hotel offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers and other amenities. The property features ramps and elevators throughout. Accessible restrooms are available in public areas.

Transportation

• Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are the main gateways to New York City. All airports offer accessibility services, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and elevators.
• Taxis and Transfers: Several companies in New York offer accessible transportation services. Reliable options include NYC Wheelchair Accessible Transportation which provides wheelchair-accessible taxis in New York City, equipped with ramps and securement systems as well as Accessible Dispatch that offers accessible transportation throughout New York City with vehicles equipped for wheelchair users.
• Public Transportation: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) offers accessible buses and subways. All buses are equipped with lifts or ramps, and many subway stations have elevators and accessible features. Additionally, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad provide accessible services.

Adapted Recreation Programs

• New York offers a variety of adaptive sports programs, including wheelchair basketball, adaptive sailing, and sled hockey. Organizations like NYC Parks Adaptive Sports provide adaptive sports and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Accessible boating and fishing programs are available on many of New York’s lakes and rivers. Accessible docks, fishing piers, and boat launches can be found in state parks and recreation areas.