South Carolina Wheelchair Travel Overview

South Carolina is a beautiful and diverse state, offering everything from historic cities to pristine beaches and scenic national parks. For wheelchair users, many locations in South Carolina are accessible and accommodating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy what the state has to offer. This review covers major destinations, including accessible pathways, accommodations, transportation, and attractions.

Charleston (Historic District)

Many sidewalks in Charleston are accessible with curb cuts, though older streets might have cobblestones.

Attractions

• The Charleston Museum and the South Carolina Aquarium have ramps and elevators.
• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: The main pathways are gravel or hard-packed dirt, making them generally accessible.

Accommodations

• Francis Marion Hotel: Roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered amenities, accessible entrances and elevators.
• Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and accessible public spaces including the entrance and dining areas.

Transportation

• CARTA buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with lifts, typically accommodating one or two wheelchairs per bus.
• The DASH trolley service is free and accessible.

Myrtle Beach

Beach Access

• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: Accessible with smooth, wide pathways. Several access points to the beach have wooden walkways and mats extending to the sand.
• Cherry Grove Oceanfront Park and Pavilion Area: Accessible parking and restrooms, with beach access points having mats extending to the sand.
• Beach Wheelchairs: Free beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 Accommodations

• Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered sinks. The hotel also has accessible entrance pool lifts, and beach access.
• Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and accessible amenities. The resort has accessible pathways to the pool and beach.

Transportation

• Coast RTA buses are accessible, with lifts for wheelchairs. Typically, they can accommodate one or two wheelchairs per bus.

Greenville

In the downtown area, pathways are well-maintained with smooth surfaces and curb cuts.

Attractions

• Falls Park on the Reedy has paved pathways suitable for wheelchairs.
• The Greenville Zoo has accessible pathways and facilities.

Accommodations

• Hyatt Regency Greenville: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alarms. The hotel also offers accessible entrances and public areas.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. The hotel features accessible entrances, elevators, and public areas.

Transportation

• Greenlink buses are equipped with lifts and can accommodate one or two wheelchairs at a time.

Columbia

Attractions

• Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has accessible pathways and facilities.
• South Carolina State Museum offers elevators and accessible exhibits.
• Congaree National Park has the Boardwalk Loop Trail, an elevated boardwalk, making it highly accessible for wheelchairs. The surface is smooth and even.

  Accommodations

• Hilton Columbia Center: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alarms. The hotel has accessible entrances, elevators, and dining areas.
• Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, visual alarms, and accessible public spaces including the entrance and dining areas.
• Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. The hotel has accessible entrances, elevators, and public spaces.
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Downtown/The Vista: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. The hotel offers accessible entrances, elevators, and public areas.

  Transportation

• The COMET bus system is accessible, with buses equipped with lifts or ramps, typically accommodating one or two wheelchairs per bus.

More Beaches and Beachfront Walkways

Hilton Head Island

• Coligny Beach Park: The park features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading directly to the beach. Accessible restrooms, showers, and parking are available. Beach mats provide access to the sand.
• Driessen Beach Park: Accessible boardwalks lead to the beach. The park has accessible parking, restrooms, and showers. Beach mats are available.

Isle of Palms

• Isle of Palms County Park: The park offers a boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible, leading to the beach. Accessible restrooms, showers, and parking are available. Beach wheelchairs can be rented.

 Folly Beach

• Folly Beach County Park: Accessible walkways and ramps lead to the beach. Accessible restrooms, showers, and parking are available. Beach wheelchairs are available for rent.

 Kiawah Island

• Beachwalker Park: The park features accessible boardwalks and pathways leading to the beach. Accessible restrooms, showers, and parking are available. Beach wheelchairs can be rented.