Delaware’s Wheelchair Accessible Destinations and Resources
From peaceful beach towns to the bustling city-scapes, Delaware boasts a collection of accessible recreational opportunities for everyone.
When you combine pristine beaches, tax-free shopping, exciting casinos, and picturesque garden landscapes — all with convenient wheelchair accessibility — you’re talking about the great state of Delaware. This vacation destination is an all-in-one locale that draws tourists from across the nation year after year.
Outdoor Wheelchair Accessible Destinations
Visitors find Delaware’s outdoor wheelchair accessible destinations an invigorating exercise that combines excitement and relaxation in one dynamic trip. With a nickname like ‘Small Wonder’ you’ll find big fun that offers the true mobility you’d expect from such a fascinating region of the country.
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square. Visit the spectacular Longwood Gardens, which covers more than 1,500 acres with gardens, woodlands, and meadows, and features more than 11,000 types of plant species and an abundant amount of fabulous fountains. You can even watch a daily fountain show at the Open Air Theater and the Main Fountain Garden. The Longwood Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is no shuttle, and it takes about 1 1/2 hours to navigate the entire conservatory.
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach. Voted by Family Vacation Critic as one of the top 10 best beaches for families — this is the beach to hit for family fun and wheelchair accessibility. Ramps to the beach are available at Maryland Avenue, Philadelphia Street, and the Boardwalk and Surf Avenue. Beach wheelchairs are available 9am-5pm each day through Labor Day at Maryland Avenue, the Boardwalk, and Laurel Avenue. The beach wheelchairs are not allowed off the beach and are available on a first come, first served basis, with no rental fee.
Dover International Speedway, Dover. Check out the Dover International Speedway, also known as the ‘Monster Mile.’ Watch action-packed NASCAR, USAC, IRL IndyCar Series, and many more thrilling races at one of the top motorsport facilities in the country. The track has a capacity of 135,000 seats — the largest seating capacity of all sports venues in the mid-Atlantic. There is wheelchair accessible parking with shuttle services are available. Inside the track is wheelchair accessible seating, which also has one seat for a companion.
Indoor Wheelchair Accessible Destinations
Delaware’s indoor wheelchair accessible destinations literally offer something for just about everyone. Whether you are into history, recreation, or culture, you’ll find mobility friendly options to keep you busy throughout your visit. Here are just a few of the experiences waiting to be taken in.
Nemours Mansion and Gardens, Wilmington. Tour the Nemours Mansion and Garden, modeled after the late-18th-century French style. The 3,000-acre plot is full of sculptures and is lined with plants like Japanese cryptomeria, pink flowering horse chestnuts, and pine oaks — all eventually leading to a large reflecting pool. The tour involves climbing staircases. However, much of the tour is wheelchair accessible, including the gardens. For special assistance you are encouraged to call the reservation office before visiting, so they can be prepared to meet your needs.
Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover. The museum was a 4146 Base Unit during WWII, and the Dover Army Airfield used the facility for secret rocket development. The Museum is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll see many aircraft, WWII-related artifacts, a refueling exhibit, and other intriguing exhibits. The main floor of the display hangar, museum store, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. The C-141B aircraft has a ramp for wheelchair access.
Grand Opera House, Wilmington. See performances at the Grand Opera House. Shows include symphony orchestras, ballets, rock, comedy stars, jazz, family artists and many other forms of entertainment. The Grand originally opened in 1871 and was the Grand Lodge of the Masons. More than 75 shows are presented every season, bringing more than 120,000 people a year. Come see a fantastic show and magnificent architecture. The Grand Opera House is wheelchair accessible.
Delaware’s Wheelchair Accessible Resources
To plan ahead of your visit to the attraction of your choice, Delaware’s wheelchair accessible resources can be accessed either by phone or Internet. If you have special considerations — or, you just would like to customize your experience — Delaware government organizations are standing by to assist.
Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) - The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is your one-stop access point for aging and disability information and travel resources in Delaware.
Accessible Nature - Delaware has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. Here are just a few of them.
The ABCs of Accessible Trails: Connecticut, Delaware, & Florida. The ABCs of Accessible Trails series, which will detail the best accessible trails in State and National Parks across the country.