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Accessible Things to Do in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge from Battery East Park

San Francisco is hilly, dense, and inconsistent — but its major cultural institutions have some of the strongest accessibility programs in California. Several of its top museums offer loaner wheelchairs, sensory kits, audio description tours, and ASL interpretation. And several of its most iconic landmarks are free.

This list covers 14 of the best accessible options across the city, with notes on what each venue actually offers. Accessibility information varies by venue — follow the link to each listing for the full picture.


Museums

1. Exploratorium

Exploratorium inside

Pier 15, Embarcadero | $30–$40

The Exploratorium sits at the top of this list for a reason. It’s a world-renowned hands-on science museum and one of the most comprehensively accessible venues in San Francisco. Loaner wheelchairs are available free at the Information Desk, tactile maps for blind and low-vision visitors are available on request, weighted lap pads can be borrowed, and magnetic hazard symbols mark exhibits that are unsafe for pacemaker users — a level of detail most museums don’t approach. Sensory guides, sensory bags, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters are all available. Staff are trained in sensory differences. The museum offers reduced rates and re-entry stamps so visitors can take breaks outside.

See full accessibility details →


2. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Dusk outside the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

SoMa | $19–$28; free for visitors 18 and under

SFMOMA has one of the strongest mobility lineups of any museum in the city — wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators to all gallery levels, accessible restrooms on every floor, and loaner wheelchairs and transport chairs at no charge from the coat check. Reserved wheelchair seating is available for programs, and assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters are available with advance notice. Staff are trained in sensory differences, and the museum publishes guidance on less crowded times for visitors who benefit from a quieter environment. Visitors with disabilities and their companions receive discounted admission.

See full accessibility details →


3. California Academy of Sciences

Exterior entrance of California Academy of Sciences

Golden Gate Park | $30–$40

A natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest under one living roof — and one of the most accessible all-in-one cultural destinations in SF. The Academy is fully wheelchair accessible with ADA-compliant ramps and alternate entrances to all exhibits. Loaner wheelchairs are available free of charge, and sensory kits — including noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools — are available to borrow. Sensory guides, sensory bags, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters (with two weeks advance notice) are all available. Interpreters accompanying guests who are deaf, hearing-impaired, blind, or partially sighted are admitted free.

See full accessibility details →


4. de Young Museum

de Young Museum exterior with park

Golden Gate Park | $15–$30

The de Young houses an extensive collection of American art, textiles, and international art from the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Loaner wheelchairs and mobility aids are available at no charge from the coat check. Elevator access to all floors, including the observation tower, provides panoramic views of the city without any stairs. Accessible parking, drop-off zones, paved level routes, and accessible restrooms throughout. ASL interpretation is available for public programs with advance notice. The Museums for All program offers discounted admission for visitors with EBT cards.

See full accessibility details →


5. Asian Art Museum

Civic Center | $20–$25

One of the largest museums in the Western world dedicated to Asian art, with more than 18,000 works spanning 6,000 years. The museum offers wheelchair loans at no charge from the coat check, elevator access to all floors, accessible restrooms, reserved wheelchair seating in the auditorium, and a drop-off area at the main entrance. ASL interpretation is available for public programs with advance notice. The Museums for All program provides discounted admission for EBT cardholders. Staff are trained to assist visitors with a range of access needs.

See full accessibility details →


6. Legion of Honor

Palace of the Legion of Honor exterior entrance and steps

Lincoln Park | $15–$30; free on the first Tuesday of each month

A fine arts museum spanning 4,000 years of art, set in a dramatic neoclassical building overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Accessible parking in the museum lot, paved routes throughout, loaner wheelchairs and transport chairs at no charge from the coat check, and accessible restrooms on all levels. Elevators provide access to all museum levels. ASL interpretation is available for programs with advance notice, and assistive listening devices are available. Free admission on the first Tuesday of each month.

See full accessibility details →


7. Walt Disney Family Museum

Exterior brick building of Walt Disney family museum

Presidio | $25–$28

Dedicated to the life and legacy of Walt Disney, this museum in the Presidio offers an unusually strong communication accessibility lineup. The WDFM mobile app includes an audio-described tour for visitors with vision impairment and an ASL video tour in addition to standard audio guides in 12 languages. Noise-canceling headphones are available free on a first-come, first-served basis for guests with auditory or sensory sensitivities. Loaner wheelchairs are available at no charge, and the museum has elevator access between floors. Sign language interpreters are available with advance notice.

See full accessibility details →


Landmarks & Outdoors

8. Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge from Battery East Park

Presidio / Marin Headlands | Free

The eastern sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge is open to pedestrians and wheelchair users daily, offering one of the most iconic accessible outdoor experiences in California. The pathway is paved and relatively level along its length. Accessible parking is available at the Welcome Center on the San Francisco side, and accessible restrooms are available at the toll plaza area. The bridge is free to cross on foot or by bicycle. Early morning visits offer quieter conditions and the best light for the views.

See full accessibility details →


9. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island from the bay

San Francisco Bay | Ferry required; tickets from $45+

Alcatraz is more accessible than most visitors expect. A tram transports visitors with mobility limitations from the ferry dock up the steep hill to the cellhouse — the main road is a significant incline and not manageable for most wheelchair users without it. Loaner wheelchairs are available on the island at no charge. The world-famous Alcatraz Audio Tour includes an audio-described version for blind and low-vision visitors. Assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters are available with advance notice. Accessible restrooms on the island. Book the tram when purchasing ferry tickets.

See full accessibility details →


10. Presidio of San Francisco

White buildings of the Presidio

Northern SF Peninsula | Free

A 1,400-acre national park at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, with forests, beaches, historic buildings, and sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge — all free to visit. Paved level pathways connect key destinations including Crissy Field, the Main Post, and the Visitor Center. Accessible parking is available throughout the park, and accessible restrooms are at major visitor areas. The Presidio is large — having your own vehicle or using the free PresidiGo shuttle (which has accessible boarding) makes navigation significantly easier.

See full accessibility details →


11. Yerba Buena Gardens

Fountain and grassy area below tall city buildings

SoMa | Free

A free public green space spanning three city blocks in downtown SF, with gardens, public art, an amphitheater, playground, and carousel. Elevators connect the upper and lower garden levels, with ADA access ramps near Howard and 4th Street as an alternative when elevators are under maintenance — the official website posts elevator status updates. Pathways throughout are paved and level. Accessible restrooms on site. The location in SoMa puts it within easy reach of SFMOMA, the Cartoon Art Museum, and the Museum of Craft and Design.

See full accessibility details →


Historic & Culture

12. Palace of Fine Arts

Large Monument with lake in foreground

Marina District | Free

A monumental classical rotunda and colonnaded lagoon originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition — one of San Francisco’s most photographed landmarks and entirely free to visit. The surrounding grounds are flat, with paved pathways around the lagoon and rotunda. Accessible restrooms are available, and street-level drop-off is possible along Bay Street. The site is naturally low-stimulation — open air, scenic, and generally uncrowded compared to more central SF attractions.

See full accessibility details →


13. Fisherman’s Wharf

Northern Waterfront | Free to visit

San Francisco’s iconic waterfront district stretches along the northern shoreline with seafood restaurants, street performers, historic attractions, and open views of the bay. As an open-air public district, the Wharf features mostly flat, paved waterfront promenades along Jefferson Street and the Embarcadero — navigable by wheelchair and mobility aids. Accessible drop-off zones are throughout the district, and public restrooms with accessible stalls are available. Accessible public transit options include SFMTA buses with low-floor boarding. Mornings on weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekend afternoons.

See full accessibility details →


Gardens

14. Conservatory of Flowers

White Conservatory building and park

Golden Gate Park | $5–$15; free for children under 5

A stunning Victorian greenhouse in Golden Gate Park housing rare and exotic plants from around the world. Wheelchair-accessible entrance, paved level pathways throughout the grounds, accessible restrooms on site, and accessible parking in the surrounding park area. Reduced rates for seniors, youth, and students. San Francisco residents receive discounted admission year-round. A quieter, lower-stimulation option compared to the larger museums in the park.

See full accessibility details →


Planning Your Visit

A few things worth knowing across all SF venues:

  • San Francisco is hilly. Even venues that are internally accessible can involve significant inclines getting to and from them. Check the approach route, not just the venue itself.
  • Book Alcatraz early. Ferry tickets sell out, especially in summer. Book the tram accommodation when you purchase tickets.
  • Sign language interpreters require advance notice at most venues — typically one to two weeks minimum.
  • Golden Gate Park has multiple major accessible venues in one area — the Academy of Sciences, de Young, and Conservatory of Flowers are all within the park. Plan accordingly if you want to combine visits.

Browse the full directory of accessible venues in San Francisco at OnlyEverywhere.com.

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8 Accessible Beaches in Los Angeles

Turquoise Life guard tower on Santa Monica Beach

Getting to the beach is one thing. Actually getting onto it is another. Sand is a natural barrier — soft, uneven, and difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or mobility aid. But several Los Angeles County beaches have made real investments in beach-specific accessibility, including loaner beach wheelchairs with wide tires designed for sand, and access mats that provide a firmer surface from the parking lot to the water’s edge.

This guide covers 8 of the most accessible beaches in the Los Angeles area, with notes on what each one actually offers. A few things worth knowing before you go:

Standard wheelchairs don’t work on sand. The beach wheelchairs provided by LA County have wide, sand-appropriate tires — a different piece of equipment from a standard chair, and they make a real difference for getting to the water’s edge.

Beach wheelchairs are free but limited. LA County provides loaner beach wheelchairs at no charge at select beaches, but availability is first-come, first-served at most locations. Dockweiler is the only beach where you can reserve one in advance. Call (424) 526-7842 for general questions about the program.

Access mats are seasonal at some beaches. Venice and Zuma have mats available April through October only.

Mobi Accessibility mat on Mother's Beach

Parking fills fast. Accessible parking spaces at popular beaches are limited and go quickly on warm weekends. Arriving early is consistently the best advice.


1. Dockweiler State Beach

Ocean and sand with overcast skies

Playa del Rey | Free; parking fees apply

Dockweiler is the best option for visitors who need a beach wheelchair — it’s the only LA County beach where you can reserve one in advance. The Beach Wheelchair Service at the Dockweiler Youth Center has 6 beach wheelchairs available daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Reserve at least 24 hours ahead (no more than 7 days out) by calling (310) 726-4128. There’s a 2-hour time limit and you’ll need a valid ID.

Beyond the wheelchair program, Dockweiler has accessible parking, paved pathways, accessible restrooms, and an access mat. RV camping is available with accessible campsites. One practical note: the beach sits directly under the LAX flight path — aircraft noise is frequent and worth knowing about for anyone with sound sensitivity.

See full accessibility details →


2. Venice Beach

Crowded beach and waves in Venice Beach

Venice | Free; parking fees apply

Venice Beach has a paved oceanfront boardwalk (Ocean Front Walk) running parallel to the beach — a flat, level route that works well for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. LA County beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the lifeguard headquarters. An access mat is available April through October, providing a firmer surface from the boardwalk to the sand.

Venice is one of the most iconic beaches in Los Angeles — street performers, murals, the famous muscle beach, and a genuinely vibrant stretch of coast. It can get extremely crowded on summer weekends, so early weekday mornings are significantly more manageable for anyone who needs space to navigate or prefers a quieter environment.

See full accessibility details →


3. Santa Monica State Beach

Wide sand beach and cliffs of Santa Monica with buildings

Santa Monica | Free; parking fees apply

Santa Monica State Beach has one of the more complete accessible setups on the LA coast. The Ocean Front Walk promenade runs the full length of the beach — paved and flat, one of the better beachfront routes in the area for wheelchair users. Accessible parking lots, accessible drop-off areas, and accessible restrooms are available at multiple points along the beach. Beach wheelchairs are available at select lifeguard stations, and beach matting assists with access onto the sand.

See full accessibility details →


4. Marina Mother’s Beach

Two people sitting on the sand of beach

Marina del Rey | Free

Marina Mother’s Beach is a sheltered, wave-free beach inside the Marina del Rey harbor — a genuinely different experience from the open-ocean beaches on this list. The calm, protected water makes it particularly well-suited for visitors with mobility needs who find ocean surf difficult to manage. Paved, level pathways connect the parking area to the beach, and an LA County access mat is available at this location. Accessible parking, drop-off zones, and accessible restrooms are on site.

The adjacent grassy picnic areas and playground are accessible via paved routes, making this a good option for families with children with disabilities.

See full accessibility details →


5. Manhattan Beach

Large Tuscan style house next to beach path in Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach | Free; parking fees apply

Manhattan Beach has a paved Strand pathway running the full length of the beachfront — well-maintained and comfortable for wheelchair users. The City of Manhattan Beach provides loaner beach wheelchairs free of charge through the Parks and Recreation Department, and an LA County access mat is also available at this location. Designated access ramps and pathways assist with the transition from the Strand to the sand.

Visitors recommend contacting the Parks and Recreation Department in advance to confirm beach wheelchair availability.

See full accessibility details →


6. Torrance Beach

Wide sand beach and bike path on a clear day

Torrance | Free; parking fees apply

Torrance Beach sits between Redondo Beach and the Palos Verdes cliffs — quieter and less crowded than the central LA beaches. LA County beach wheelchairs are available for loan, and an access mat is provided at this location. The beach has over 300 parking spaces, restrooms, showers, and a bike path connection. The lower crowd levels make it a good option for visitors who find busier beaches overwhelming or difficult to navigate.

See full accessibility details →


7. Zuma Beach

Surfers wading out in the water of Zuma Beach

Malibu | Free; parking fees apply

Zuma is one of the largest beaches in LA County — 1.8 miles of coastline with approximately 2,000 parking spaces across eight lots. The scale works in favor of accessibility: more room to spread out, plentiful parking compared to smaller beaches, and a wide flat expanse near the parking lots that is relatively manageable before reaching the waterline. LA County beach wheelchairs are available, and an access mat is in place April through October. A bus stop at the beach provides an accessible transit option for visitors without personal vehicles.

See full accessibility details →


8. Will Rogers State Beach

Aerial shot of Will Rogers State Beach, parking lot and Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Palisades | Free; parking fees apply

Will Rogers has accessible parking lots with designated spaces along PCH, accessible restrooms, and LA County beach wheelchairs available for loan. The beach tends to be less crowded than Santa Monica or Venice, and the parking area provides level access to beach amenities.

Current note: the access mat at Will Rogers is temporarily unavailable due to wildfire impacts in the area. Beach wheelchairs remain available — call ahead to verify current mat status before your visit.

See full accessibility details →


Planning Your Beach Visit

Reserve Dockweiler’s beach wheelchair in advance — it’s the only reservable option. Call (310) 726-4128 at least 24 hours before your visit.

Call ahead for mat and wheelchair availability. Conditions change seasonally and due to weather or wildfire impacts. LA County Beaches and Harbors: (424) 526-7842.

Arrive early. Accessible parking fills quickly at every beach on this list, especially on summer weekends.

Check the LA County Beach ADA Access page for the most current information on wheelchair and mat availability at all County beaches.

Browse all accessible beach listings in Los Angeles at OnlyEverywhere.com.

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Accessible Things to Do in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley

Aerial Rotating Tramway with view over Palm Springs

The Coachella Valley is one of the more accessible desert destinations in California. The flat terrain, wide downtown sidewalks, and relatively compact city centers make getting around easier than many urban destinations. Several of its major venues have gone well beyond baseline ADA compliance — two hold Certified Autism Center™ designations, and a number offer loaner mobility aids, sensory tools, and detailed planning resources.

This list covers 10 of the best options across the valley, with notes on what each venue actually offers. For the full picture on any listing, follow the link to its page on Only Everywhere.

One practical note for all outdoor visits: the desert heat is a real accessibility factor. Many venues are at their most manageable in the early morning, and midday visits in summer can be genuinely difficult for anyone with heat sensitivity, chronic illness, or conditions affected by temperature extremes. Plan accordingly.


Palm Springs Art Museum

exterior of palm springs art museum

Palm Springs | Free–$25; free Thursdays 5–8 PM and always for under 18 and active-duty military

The Palm Springs Art Museum has one of the strongest accessibility programs in the desert. All exhibits are wheelchair accessible, complimentary wheelchairs are available from security, and accessible parking and drop-off zones are available via the north and south lots. Assistive listening devices are available in the Annenberg Theater and Lecture Hall, all video content includes closed captioning or transcripts, and sign language interpreters are available with at least five days advance notice. The museum campus also includes the Annenberg Theater, a 430-seat performing arts venue that shares the museum’s accessibility infrastructure.

See full accessibility details →


The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Joshua Tree and other arid plants in a desert landscape

Palm Desert | $30–$40

The Living Desert is the standout accessible venue in the valley. It’s a Certified Autism Center™, with staff trained in autism and sensory awareness. Complimentary sensory bags — including fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and weighted lap pads — are available at the admissions windows with a valid ID. Detailed sensory maps highlight loud, crowded, and quieter areas throughout the park. Wheelchair, electric scooter, and stroller rentals are available at the entrance. Paved pathways run throughout the grounds. An aide accompanying a hearing- or sight-impaired guest receives free admission.

See full accessibility details →


Sunnylands Center and Gardens

Entrance to Sunnylands with wide paved entrance

Rancho Mirage | Free

The former Annenberg estate is now open to the public as a free historic landmark and garden retreat. Accessible pathways run throughout the desert gardens, and the visitor center — with multimedia exhibits, a café, and a gift shop — is fully accessible. Routes through the garden are paved and flat, making this one of the more naturally wheelchair-friendly outdoor experiences in the valley. Accessible restrooms are available at the visitor center.

See full accessibility details →


Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs | $17–$25; free for children 12 and under with a paid adult

One of the world’s largest collections of flying WWII aircraft, displayed in air-conditioned hangars with no barriers — visitors can get close to the planes. All hangars are accessible by wheelchair, walker, and scooter, and an elevator serves the second-floor education library and simulators. A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-arranged group tours with full accessibility accommodations are available daily from 10 AM to 3 PM.

See full accessibility details →


Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Aerial Rotating Tramway with view over Palm Springs

Palm Springs | $30–$40

The Aerial Tramway — the world’s largest rotating tram car — carries visitors nearly 6,000 feet up the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet. The Valley Station, tram cars, and Mountain Station are all fully wheelchair accessible. The Tramway is a Certified Autism Center™, with trained staff and sensory guides available for 14 locations throughout the facility. Braille signage is available near entrances, elevators, and restrooms. Printed scripts of the tram car narration are available for hearing-impaired guests.

One important note: at the Mountain Station, the outdoor areas of Mt. San Jacinto State Park involve wilderness terrain that is not wheelchair accessible. The Mountain Station building and its immediate surroundings are accessible, but the hiking trails are not.

See full accessibility details →


Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Palm Springs | Free

An outdoor celebrity sidewalk attraction stretching along Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way, and Museum Drive in downtown Palm Springs — similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with over 400 stars honoring celebrities with ties to the area. As a street-level outdoor attraction on flat downtown sidewalks, it’s freely accessible to wheelchair users at any time with no tickets or entry required. The stars are flush-mounted in the pavement, with no raised edges to navigate.

See full accessibility details →


Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Exterior building of Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Palm Springs | $16–$35

The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is the official museum of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, housed in a striking 48,000 sq. ft. facility in downtown Palm Springs. The entire facility is ADA compliant, with accessible entrances, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible exhibit areas throughout. Two complimentary wheelchairs and one walker are available at the Welcome Desk on a first-come, first-served basis — call ahead if you need a wheelchair delivered from the parking lot. All videos are captioned for visitors with hearing impairments.

See full accessibility details →


Desert Holocaust Memorial

Palm Desert | Free

An outdoor public memorial set within Civic Center Park in Palm Desert, featuring seven bronze figures, bas-relief panels, and granite etched with a map of European concentration camps. The surrounding park has paved walking paths, and the memorial’s informational plaques and panels are accessible at ground level. Free admission, open daily.

See full accessibility details →


Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

Exterior of the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

Palm Springs | Included with Palm Springs Art Museum admission

The Architecture and Design Center is a 13,000 sq. ft. midcentury International Style building in downtown Palm Springs, renovated with accessibility improvements including an elevator connecting the main gallery level to the lower level study center and archive spaces. The building is elevated above street level, so confirming the accessible entry point before your visit is recommended. Admission is included with a Palm Springs Art Museum ticket.

See full accessibility details →


Moorten Botanical Garden

Palm Springs | $5–$10

A beloved family-owned living museum and the world’s first Cactarium, with over 3,000 varieties of desert cacti and plants from around the world. Accessible parking is available near the entrance, and the main garden paths are wide enough for wheelchairs — though paths are sandy and packed dirt rather than paved, and some areas include a slight incline. Wheelchair users may need assistance in certain sections. The accessibility of the Cactarium greenhouse is unconfirmed. Leashed dogs are welcome.

See full accessibility details →


Worth Knowing: Limited Accessibility

A few more venues in the area are worth a visit, with some honest caveats:

Indian Canyons — Accessible routes are available at the Murray Canyon and Andreas Canyon trailheads, where relatively level paths wind through native palm groves alongside a stream. Most other trails are unpaved dirt and not suitable for wheelchairs. Contact the site directly to discuss your specific needs before visiting.

Tahquitz Canyon — The visitor center at the entrance has cultural exhibits and is worth a stop. The main trail, however, gains 350 feet in elevation over rocky, uneven terrain and is not ADA accessible.

Pioneertown — The main attraction is Mane Street, a pedestrian walkway lined with original 1940s movie set facades. The street is generally flat and manageable, though as an open community rather than a ticketed venue there are no formal accessibility programs or services.

Joshua Tree National Park — Vehicle-based touring along paved park roads works well for visitors with limited mobility, and several short accessible trails are available including the Cap Rock Nature Trail. The America the Beautiful Access Pass provides free entry for eligible visitors with permanent disabilities. Most of the backcountry and wilderness trails are not accessible.


Browse the full directory of accessible venues in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley at OnlyEverywhere.com.

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Disability Access Passes at California Theme Parks

Disneyland entrance clocktower lit up at night

California has more major theme parks than any other state, and most of them have some form of disability access program. But the programs vary significantly — different names, different eligibility rules, different processes, and different levels of accommodation depending on your disability type.

This guide covers the disability access programs at California’s major theme parks, with notes on what each actually offers and what to expect. Accessibility information changes — always verify current policies directly with the park before your visit, as programs like DAS have changed significantly in recent years.


What Is a Disability Access Pass?

Most large theme parks offer some version of a disability access program for guests who cannot wait in a standard queue. Instead of standing in line, guests with eligible disabilities can return to a ride at a specified time — essentially a virtual queue that accommodates guests who cannot tolerate long waits due to physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities.

These programs go by different names at different parks and have different eligibility requirements. Some require pre-registration weeks in advance. Some are handled at Guest Services on the day of your visit. Some now require third-party documentation through IBCCES (the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards).


Southern California Parks

Disneyland Resort — Disability Access Service (DAS)

Anaheim | Two parks: Disneyland Park + Disney California Adventure

Disneyland entrance clocktower lit up at night

Disneyland’s program is called the Disability Access Service (DAS). It’s available for guests with developmental disabilities — including autism — who cannot tolerate waiting in a standard queue environment. As of June 2024, DAS is no longer available for guests with mobility or medical conditions; those guests may instead use Location Return Times at select attractions.

DAS requires pre-registration via live video chat with a cast member, available 30–60 days before your visit through the Disneyland app or website. Walk-up registration is not currently available.

Beyond DAS, Disneyland has one of the strongest overall accessibility programs of any theme park: sensory guides and social narratives downloadable before your visit, sign language interpretation on a rotating daily schedule, assistive listening devices, audio description guides, companion restrooms, and loaner mobility aids. Cast Members receive sensory difference training.

See full accessibility details →


Universal Studios Hollywood — Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP)

Los Angeles

Universal’s program is called the Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP). As of 2024, it requires pre-registration through IBCCES at least 48 hours before your visit — walk-up registration is no longer available. Guests register at ibcces.org, and the pass is then presented at Guest Services on arrival.

A few important practical notes: none of Universal’s rides can be boarded while remaining in a wheelchair — all attractions require a transfer to the ride vehicle, and park staff are not trained to assist with lifting. Guests who need transfer assistance should bring a companion. Wheelchair rentals are available, but accessible parking fills quickly on busy days — arrive early.

Assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters are available for select shows and events.

See full accessibility details →


Knott’s Berry Farm — IBCCES Accessibility Card

Buena Park

exterior entrance to Knotts Berry Farm

Knott’s uses the IBCCES Accessibility Card system. Guests with mobility or cognitive impairments register at ibcces.org before visiting, then present the card at Guest Services on arrival. Staff will explain the accommodations available for your specific needs.

Knott’s has strong general accessibility infrastructure: wheelchair and ECV rentals (book in advance — they sell out, and are not available during Knott’s Scary Farm), accessible restrooms throughout the park, Braille and large print copies of the Guest Accessibility Guide at Guest Services, and ASL interpreters for live shows with at least one week’s notice (request by emailing info@knotts.com). Scripts and score sheets are available at each show venue on request. Almost every ride accommodates wheelchairs. The park is fully cashless — bring a card or use the cash-to-card kiosks.

See full accessibility details →


Six Flags Magic Mountain — IBCCES Accessibility Card

Valencia

Six Flags Magic Mountain with california hillside in the background

Magic Mountain also uses the IBCCES Accessibility Card. Visit Guest Services upon arrival with your card to discuss accommodations and ride eligibility. The park participates in the IBCCES Accessibility Certification Program, and staff are trained to support guests with sensory differences.

Accessible parking and drop-off zones are available. The park provides Braille and large print guides. One practical note: the park covers a large footprint with long distances between attractions — comfortable footwear and planning rest stops is advisable. Accessible parking can fill quickly on busy days; arriving early is recommended.

See full accessibility details →


Northern California Parks

California’s Great America — Attraction Access Program

Santa Clara (near San Francisco)

Entrance to California's Great America with fountain and carousel

Great America’s program is called the Attraction Access Program (formerly the Guest Assistance Card). It’s available for guests who are unable to wait in a standard queue due to a disability. Obtain the pass at Guest Services upon arrival — pre-registration is not currently required.

The park offers accessible parking, drop-off zones, loaner mobility aids, and accessible restrooms throughout. Pathways are largely paved, though some areas involve inclines. Visitors note the park gets very crowded on weekends and summer days — weekday visits are recommended for a calmer experience.

See full accessibility details →


Six Flags Discovery Kingdom — Attraction Accessibility Card

Vallejo (near San Francisco)

Entrance to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Discovery Kingdom offers an Attraction Accessibility Card (AAC) for guests who cannot wait in standard queues. Visit Guest Relations upon arrival to obtain the card. The park’s terrain is mostly flat and manageable for wheelchair users, and ECV rentals are available at the entrance — arrive early on peak days as they sell out.

The park is a hybrid theme park and animal park, which makes it a distinctive option for visitors who want both ride access and animal encounters. Staff are trained to support guests with sensory differences. Visitors with sensory sensitivities should note the park can get loud and crowded on peak days — weekday mornings are recommended.

See full accessibility details →


Also Worth Knowing: San Diego Parks

Two major San Diego parks round out California’s theme park landscape. We don’t yet have full listings for these — coming soon — but both have documented accessibility programs worth knowing about.

Legoland California (Carlsbad) is particularly well regarded in the autism and sensory community. The park has a sensory-friendly reputation and is a Certified Autism Center™.

SeaWorld San Diego offers a similar queue accommodation program and has accessible infrastructure throughout.


Practical Notes for All Parks

Pre-register when required — don’t wait. Both Disneyland’s DAS and Universal’s AAP now require advance registration, not day-of. For Disneyland, registration opens 30–60 days out and slots fill up. For Universal, IBCCES registration must be completed at least 48 hours before your visit.

Mobility aids sell out. Wheelchair and ECV rentals at most parks are first-come, first-served and sell out on busy days. Book in advance where possible or plan to arrive early.

Ride transfer is almost universal. At most parks, guests cannot remain in their wheelchair or mobility device on actual rides — transfer to the ride vehicle is required. Staff are generally not trained to assist with transfers; bring a companion if you need help.

Programs change. Disneyland’s DAS policy changed significantly in June 2024. These programs evolve — verify current policies on each park’s official accessibility page before your visit.

Browse all California theme park listings at OnlyEverywhere.com.

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Top 15 Accessible Things to Do in Los Angeles

Walt Disney Concert Hall exterior

Los Angeles has a lot going for it as a destination — world-class museums, outdoor venues, sports, culture — and many of its major attractions have put real effort into accessibility. Not just ramps and elevators, but sensory accommodations, communication supports, loaner equipment, and detailed planning resources.

This list covers 15 of the best options across the city, with notes on what each venue actually offers. Accessibility information varies by venue and disability type — for the full picture on any listing, follow the link to its page on Only Everywhere.

If you’re specifically looking for sensory-friendly options, we’ve put together a separate guide to the most sensory-friendly things to do in Los Angeles — several venues below also appear there.


Museums & Cultural Institutions

1. Getty Center

Brentwood | Free

The Getty Center is free and one of the most comprehensively accessible venues in Los Angeles. Loaner mobility aids — including wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles — are available at no charge. The campus has accessible routes throughout, including a tram from the arrival plaza to the hilltop buildings. Quiet zones are available in the galleries, captioning and audio guides are offered for programs and exhibitions, and assistive listening devices are available for events.

See full accessibility details →


2. California Science Center

Exposition Park | Free

Free admission and one of the strongest accessibility toolkits of any LA venue. High-contrast and Braille signage throughout, captioning and audio guides for exhibits, assistive listening devices, sensory guide and map, borrowable sensory bags, and private nursing rooms. Visitors report weekdays after 2pm and the months of September, October, January, and February as the quietest times to visit.

See full accessibility details →


3. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Exposition Park | Free for LA County residents on select days

The Natural History Museum has a strong lineup across multiple accessibility categories: loaner mobility aids, captioning and sign language interpreters for programs, and a full sensory toolkit — sensory guide, sensory bags, and a social narrative to review before your visit. Free for LA County residents on select days.

See full accessibility details →


4. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Mid-Wilshire | $10–$25; free for some visitors

One of the most accessible newer museums in the city. Drop-off zones, loaner mobility aids, sensory bags at the entrance, a social narrative, published guidance on less crowded times, captioning for screenings, audio guides, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters. The accessibility information is detailed enough to genuinely plan around before you arrive.

See full accessibility details →


5. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Mid-Wilshire | $15–$30

The largest art museum in the western US, with accessible parking, drop-off zones, loaner mobility aids, and rest areas throughout the campus. High-contrast signage is used throughout, and LACMA publishes guidance on less crowded times for visitors who benefit from a quieter environment. Service animals are welcome.

LACMA exterior

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6. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Mid-Wilshire | $7–$15; free for some visitors

A genuinely unique LA attraction — an active fossil excavation site in the middle of the city. Accessible parking, loaner mobility aids, reserved wheelchair seating for programs, captioning, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters for programs and events. Free admission for LA County residents on select days.

See full accessibility details →


7. The Broad

Downtown Los Angeles | Free

Free contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue with loaner mobility aids, audio guides, and a social narrative to help visitors prepare for their visit. Street-level entry, elevators to all floors, and wide gallery spaces make it one of the more navigable downtown museums. One note: the Infinity Mirrored Room involves a small, enclosed dark space with flashing LED lights — worth knowing before you go.

See full accessibility details →


8. Hammer Museum

Westwood | Free

Free admission and a strong mobility lineup — drop-off zones, accessible routes, rest areas, reserved wheelchair seating, and loaner mobility aids. Captioning, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters for programs. One practical note from the museum: some gallery and restroom doors don’t have push-to-open switches — Hammer Ambassadors stationed throughout the galleries can assist.

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9. Skirball Cultural Center

Santa Monica Mountains | $15–$20

A cultural institution with museums, galleries, and the popular Noah’s Ark children’s exhibition. Accessible parking, drop-off zones, loaner mobility aids, assistive listening devices for programs, and sensory bags available to borrow. Private nursing rooms on site.

See full accessibility details →


10. Norton Simon Museum

Pasadena | Free–$20

One of the finest art collections in Southern California, with accessible parking, loaner wheelchairs at no charge, reserved wheelchair seating for programs, high-contrast signage, audio guides, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters. Free admission on the first Friday of each month.

See full accessibility details →


Performing Arts & Live Venues

11. Walt Disney Concert Hall

Downtown Los Angeles | Prices vary by performance

Home of the LA Philharmonic and one of the most architecturally striking buildings in LA. Accessible parking and drop-off zones, reserved wheelchair seating throughout the hall, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters for performances. Free self-guided audio tours of the building are available.

Walt Disney Concert Hall exterior

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12. Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood | Prices vary by performance

LA’s iconic outdoor amphitheater, open June through September. Accessible parking and drop-off zones, accessible routes throughout, reserved wheelchair seating, audio guides, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters. Worth noting: the Bowl is set on a hillside — some areas involve slopes, and reviewing the accessibility guide before your visit is recommended.

See full accessibility details →


Sports & Entertainment

13. Crypto.com Arena

Downtown Los Angeles | Prices vary by event

Home to the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks — and one of the better large venues in LA for accessibility across the board. Reserved wheelchair seating, captioning, audio guides, assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, quiet zones, sensory bags, and a social narrative. Nursing rooms and changing stations on site.

Exterior entrance of Crypto Arena

See full accessibility details →


14. Dodger Stadium

Chavez Ravine | Prices vary by game

Accessible parking, reserved wheelchair seating, captioning on stadium screens, assistive listening devices, and sensory bags available to borrow. Nursing rooms and changing stations on site. Visitors report that staff are generally attentive — parking attendants in accessible lots actively assist with placement.

See full accessibility details →


Outdoors & Animals

15. Los Angeles Zoo

Griffith Park | $17–$22

Over 1,400 animals in Griffith Park, with accessible parking, loaner mobility aids at the entrance, assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters for programs, and sensory bags to borrow. Worth knowing: the zoo’s terrain is hilly — the accessibility map available at the entrance is useful for planning your route.

Entrance to Los Angeles Zoo

See full accessibility details →


Planning Your Visit

A few things worth knowing before you go:

  • Call ahead for interpreter services. Sign language interpreters at most venues require advance notice — typically a few days to a week minimum.
  • Loaner mobility aids are first-come, first-served at most venues. Arrive early or call ahead if you need one.
  • Weekday mornings are almost always the quietest option at any venue without a dedicated low-stimulation program.
  • Accessibility features change. Always check the venue’s own accessibility page before your visit — equipment, hours, and available services can change without notice.

Browse the full directory of accessible venues in Los Angeles at OnlyEverywhere.com.

Posted on

10 Most Sensory-Friendly Things to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is loud, crowded, and overwhelming by default — but a growing number of its major venues have built real sensory accommodations into the visitor experience. Not just “it’s not that loud” but actual sensory guides, social narratives, quiet zones, sensory bags, and dedicated low-stimulation hours. This list covers the best of them, across museums, entertainment, and kids’ venues.

A few notes before you go: sensory programming at many venues requires advance planning — social narratives and sensory guides are often available to download before your visit, and some programs require tickets or registration. Call ahead if you have specific needs.


1. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Exposition Park, Los Angeles | Free for LA County residents on select days

The Natural History Museum offers one of the most complete sensory toolkits of any LA venue: a sensory guide and map, sensory bags available to borrow, and a social narrative to review before your visit. The social narrative walks through what to expect room by room, which is particularly useful for visitors who benefit from knowing the environment in advance. The museum spans dinosaurs, gems, California ecosystems, and cultural history — a lot of ground, so the sensory map is genuinely useful for pacing the visit. Admission is free for LA County residents on select days.

See full accessibility details →


2. California Science Center

Exposition Park, Los Angeles | Free admission

Inside the rotunda of California Science Center outside the main entrance

Free admission and a strong sensory toolkit make the California Science Center one of the easiest venues on this list to recommend. Sensory guides, sensory bags, and high-contrast signage throughout. Visitors report weekdays after 2pm and the months of September, October, January, and February as the quietest times to visit.

The Space Shuttle Endeavour is the anchor exhibit — the sensory guide is especially useful for pacing a visit across multiple floors.

See full accessibility details →


3. Aquarium of the Pacific

Long Beach | $35–$45

large blue building and palm trees

The Aquarium of the Pacific has a sensory guide, sensory bags, and a social narrative — the full set. The social narrative is available to download before your visit so you can walk through the space mentally before arriving. Visitors describe the space as generally uncrowded on weekday mornings, with wide pathways and a calm atmosphere compared to other major LA-area attractions.

See full accessibility details →


4. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles | $10–$25; free for some visitors

exterior of the sphere at Academy Museum

The Academy Museum checks most of the boxes: sensory bags distributed at the entrance, a social narrative available before your visit, and published guidance on less crowded times. The social narrative and accessibility information are detailed enough to genuinely plan around.

See full accessibility details →


5. GRAMMY Museum

Downtown Los Angeles | $12–$23

The GRAMMY Museum is a Certified Autism Center™ — the first museum in California and first destination in LA County to earn the designation — which means staff have completed ongoing autism and sensory awareness training. Beyond the certification, the museum runs Sensory Friendly Saturdays on the second Saturday of every month from 9:00–11:00 am: reduced crowding, lower lighting, and quieter sound levels. The museum spans four floors of interactive music exhibits, a live performance theater, and archival collections.

See full accessibility details →


6. Crypto.com Arena

Downtown Los Angeles | Ticket prices vary by event

Exterior entrance of Crypto Arena

A stadium that actually has sensory accommodations is worth noting. Crypto.com Arena has quiet zones within the venue for visitors who need a break from crowd noise, sensory bags available to borrow, and a social narrative to review before attending an event. For a major sports and entertainment venue — home to the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks — that’s a meaningful set of provisions. One practical note: visitors cannot stay in the quiet zones between periods/halftimes — plan for brief retreats rather than extended stays.

See full accessibility details →


7. Cayton Children’s Museum

Santa Monica | $15

The Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica has a dedicated Quiet Room for visitors who need a break from stimulation, sensory-friendly hours on select mornings with dimmed lights and lower sound levels, and guidance on less crowded visit times. It’s a well-run small museum with five exhibit wings geared toward kids under 10. The sensory-friendly mornings are worth checking the schedule for if you’re planning around a specific visit.

See full accessibility details →


8. Zimmer Children’s Museum

Mid-City, Los Angeles | $13–$16

The Zimmer Children’s Museum offers sensory bags at the front desk and sensory-friendly hours with reduced noise and lighting — aimed specifically at children with autism and sensory processing differences. It’s a smaller, community-focused museum built around cultural awareness and social responsibility, which means it tends to run at lower capacity than the larger children’s museums in the area. Check the museum’s schedule for current sensory-friendly hour times before visiting.

See full accessibility details →


9. The Broad

Downtown Los Angeles | Free

The Broad is free, central, and offers a social narrative to help visitors prepare for the experience. One thing worth knowing: the Infinity Mirrored Room involves entering a small, enclosed dark space with flashing LED lights. It’s one of the most popular exhibits in the museum and the most likely to be a problem for light-sensitive visitors — flag it when planning your visit.

See full accessibility details →


10. Getty Center

Brentwood, Los Angeles | Free

Labyrinth bush maze fountain with the Getty museum in the back

The Getty Center is free, has quiet zones within the galleries, and offers a genuinely spacious, unhurried environment compared to most major LA museums. Benches and rest areas are positioned throughout the campus and gardens. It’s not a venue with a formal sensory program, but the scale, pacing, and open outdoor spaces make it naturally lower-stimulation than enclosed venues. The tram ride from the arrival plaza to the hilltop buildings is a useful buffer for visitors who need transition time between environments.

See full accessibility details →


Planning Your Visit

A few things that apply across all of these venues:

  • Download social narratives before you go. Several venues on this list offer them — they’re most useful when reviewed at home, not in the parking lot.
  • Weekday mornings are almost always the quietest option at any venue that doesn’t have a dedicated sensory program.
  • Sensory bags vary by venue. Some are fully stocked kits; others are a pair of ear defenders and a fidget. Worth asking what’s included when you arrive.

Browse the full directory of accessible venues in Los Angeles at OnlyEverywhere.com.