Traveling with adaptive equipment or a wheelchair can be a challenge. Fortunately, many cities have recognized the need for more accessible transportation for those with mobility needs.
San Francisco, California is famously named “the City by the Bay,” and it may not be your first choice when thinking about traveling with a disability due to its many hills and challenging terrain.
However, there are so many amazing places the city has to offer to those in wheelchairs. In case you missed last week’s post, we featured several top attractions in San Francisco:
- Alcatraz
- Aquatic Park Cove
- Embarcadero
- Exploratorium by the Bay
Now, let’s check out several other wonderful wheelchair capable destinations in San Francisco:
Fort Mason
Located just north of the city, in between the Marina Green and Aquatic Park, lies Fort Mason. During World War II, more than 1,640,000 troops were stationed in the barracks along the water.
Today, the fort brings over a million visitors per year. Enjoy tasty cafes as well as a variety of exhibits and museums. Popular museums include the Museum on Mexican Heritage, the Museo Italo Americano, the Magic Museum and several other frequently changing and dynamic art exhibits.
Friday nights are designated for “Off The Grid,” a popular collaboration of food trucks featuring truly unique fare. Live bands, DJs and music are featured.
Fort Mason also hosts a popular farmer’s market each Sunday morning.
More information: https://fortmason.org
Pier 39
Folks of all ages will love Pier 39 for its many entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities. Visit the Aquarium of the Bay, enjoy street performers, take a ferry ride, whale watch and, of course, snap a photo the famous San Francisco sea lions. Numerous restaurants feature seafood and the city’s famous sourdough bread bowls with clam chowder.
More information: https://www.pier39.com
Marina Green Park
On a clear day, Marina Green Park features some of the greatest views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. The perfect place to picnic and lounge, the park offers 74 acres of land in between Fort Mason and the Presidio. Grab a coffee at Dynamo Donut and Coffee Kiosk and people watch.
More information: https://sfrecpark.org/770/Golden-Gate-Park/
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park boasts over 1,000 acres of luscious green gardens, museums, lakes and much more. If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, visiting this park is an absolute must. Some of the country’s best museums are located at Golden Gate Park, including the De Young Museum (art/natural history) as well as the California Academy of Sciences.
Most of the park’s pathways are wheelchair accessible, as are the restrooms and picnic benches.
More information: https://goldengatepark.com
San Francisco Zoo
Located off of the Great Highway, across from the Pacific Ocean in the southwest part of the city, is the San Francisco Zoo. Most of the zoo is fairly level, so it’s pretty easy to navigate in your wheelchair. There are several parts that have small uphill inclines so either have a friend give you a push or pace yourself. Parking is easy and free for those with a handicap placard. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Be sure to check out the Little Puffer Steam Train.
More information: https://www.sfzoo.org/
Yerba Buena Gardens
Yerba Buena Gardens can be found right in downtown San Francisco, between Third, Fourth, Mission and Folsom Streets. Enjoy strolling around the gardens on mostly level paths and checking out the Martin Luther King Memorial and Fountain. Visit the Contemporary Jewish Museum as well the Children’s Creativity Museum. Numerous dining options are located in the center.
More information: https://yerbabuenagardens.com
As you can see, San Francisco is a wonderful city that doesn’t have to be missed due to a mobility impairment. Plan your visit and enjoy all the city has to offer.
Searching for a mobility van? Classic Vans is the San Francisco Bay Area’s top dealer of full-sized and mini wheelchair vans. For over 30 years, we’ve been supplying the West Coast with high quality conversion vans. Browse our inventory of new and used mobility vans for sale online or contact us to find your next van today!
Don’t live in California? No problem! Ask about low-cost nationwide van delivery.