Discover Accessible Fort Lauderdale

When I set off for a three-day trip to Fort Lauderdale, I wasn’t just seeking a relaxing getaway – I was on a mission to understand and see the city’s parks and attractions from an accessibility standpoint. As a seasoned traveller and manual wheelchair user, I’ve encountered a fair share of challenges on the road, but what I found in Fort Lauderdale was a refreshing surprise: a city that not only met, but exceeded my expectations in terms of accessibility. 

Day 1: Arrival

My husband and I arrived at Fort Lauderdale and checked into The Plunge Beach Resort. Located in the charming Lauderdale-By-The-Sea area. From the moment we arrived, the resort offered an accessible experience. There weren’t any surprises, which is rare. As a wheelchair user, you often encounter unexpected barriers, but here everything was smooth. I could enjoy my stay without having to pivot and problem-solve.

We spent the evening relaxing, allowing ourselves to unwind and settle into our temporary home. The resort’s accessibility features, including the spacious lobby, easily navigable paths, and accessible room made it clear this trip was off to a good start.

Day 2: Nature Exploration Day

The next morning, we kicked it off with nature exploration, starting with the Anne Kolb Nature Center. This park is known for its accessible trails and observation tower, and it did not disappoint. I was super impressed by the elevator that took me up to the 68-foot observation tower – that’s not something you usually see! Being able to enjoy the view from the top without any barriers was just really cool. The Anne Kolb Nature Centre is a 4.7km loop that has accessible trails and boardwalks such as the Mangrove Trail or the Lake Trail, which beautifully connect and lead to a 68-foot observation tower with an accessible elevator.

The wheelchair-height look-out binoculars were another thoughtful touch that made the experience even better.

After a morning of exploring mangrove trails and taking in the views, we moved on to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. Here, we found accessible boardwalks leading to the beach and a wheelchair-friendly fishing marina.

The day ended off with a visit to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. As I explored the vast areas of the pack, I was able to find multiple accessible picnic tables, washrooms, and trails. A beach wheelchair was readily available, and the staff were on hand to unlock it for me right away. The process was seamless, and I truly appreciated their attention and assistance when I arrived at the park.

Day 3: Adventure and Leisure Day

Our final full day in Fort Lauderdale was combined adventure with relaxation. The morning began at Topeekeegee Yugnee (TY) Park, where I explored accessible trails and tried out the fitness zones. The highlight of the day was Castaway Island Water Park, and trying out the accessible water playgrounds!

It was great to see that the water park had features designed with accessibility in mind, like zero-entry pools and ramps. After a fun morning in the water, we enjoyed lunch at Luka Restaurant and Coffee.

I ended the day at the Tree Tops Park. The park’s accessible observation tower and sports complex added to the list of places where I could fully participate in many different activities without facing barriers.

Final Thoughts

As I was making my way back to Toronto, I reflected on my recent experience. I realized the accessibility in Fort Lauderdale was better than in most places I’ve traveled to. Whether it was finding accessible transportation, dining, exploring the city and nature spots – everything was simple to plan and execute. I didn’t have to really worry about running into barriers, which is such a rare thing to experience. 

One thing that stood out me is how I was never worried if my access needs would be met during the trip. From finding accessible karaoke bars (which I love so much) to restaurants and activities, everything was smooth. Every place we went, I was able to have a seamless experience and enjoy my time, plus I could always count on there being an accessible restroom. It made the whole experience stress-free.

For anyone with a disability who’s looking to travel but might be nervous about the accessibility aspect, Fort Lauderdale is a great place to start. The city seems to prioritize accessibility in a way that many other places don’t. However, do keep in mind that during this time of the year Florida can get very hot and humid. Some disabilities might not tolerate that well, so be mindful of giving yourself breaks and finding air-conditioned spots.

For me, this trip was a chance to see how well a popular destination could accommodate my needs. Fort Lauderdale delivered, and I’d definitely recommend it to other travellers looking for an accessible and enjoyable experience.

Follow me (@sweet.satellite) and AccessNow (@accessnowapp) on Instagram to learn more about this epic trip! Check out this itinerary if you need help planning your next trip to Fort Lauderdale. 

Explore these accessible parks trails and many more on AccessNow app.

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