Huntington Beach ranked among America’s most accessible coastal destinations

Huntington Beach in California, known worldwide as Surf City USA®, is raising the standard for inclusive coastal travel with a host of experiences designed to welcome visitors of all abilities. Its efforts have earned national recognition, with WalletHub ranking Huntington Beach as the sixth-best city in the United States for people with disabilities and Condé Nast Traveler naming it among the top 10 wheelchair-accessible beaches in the U.S.

Accessible tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel market. In the United States alone it is valued at more than $58 billion. Huntington Beach is ensuring that its ocean setting, sun, surf, and signature laid-back culture can be enjoyed by everyone.

Kelly Miller, President and CEO of Visit Huntington Beach, said: “Huntington Beach has always been about connection with the ocean, with each other and with the spirit of our community. Making our beaches and experiences accessible, means everyone can share in what makes the city so special. It is not just about meeting a standard; it is about living our values as Surf City USA®. Visitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising how easy it is to move between attractions and enjoy the shoreline with ease. The destination values every visitor and continues to invest in key ways that make everyone feel welcome and part of Surf City USA®.”

A clear path to the ocean:
Two Mobi-Mats have been installed north and south of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, providing safe, stable shoreline access for visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, or with limited mobility. Made from non-slip, 100% recyclable materials, the mats allow direct access to the water’s edge at high tide. These Mobi Mats not only provide access to the shoreline, but the opportunity for all residents and visitors to experience a fun day at the beach.

Playtime for everyone:

Just north of the city’s pier, Huntington Beach’s first All-Inclusive Beach Playground invites children of all abilities to play together. ADA-compliant rubber surfacing and thoughtfully designed play structures encourage interactive, shared play. Accessible pathways link the playground directly to nearby parking and the beach path. This May, the playground just completed a major refresh with nearly 1,000 parts replaced, rebuilding the popular AeroGlider – a swaying platform that promotes cooperation and teamwork among kids of all ages and abilities.

Adaptive surf and paddleboard experiences:

At McKinnon Surf & SUP, former professional surfer Rocky McKinnon offers adaptive surf and stand-up paddle board lessons for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Rocky set out on a mission to change the way people surf in Surf City USA. Participants use custom-built boards including a 15-foot chair board and multi-rider designs. Lessons include professional instruction and safety escorts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the waves. Each chair is crafted specifically so individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities can experience the thrill of catching waves in a safe and adaptive way. Hour long adaptive surfing lessons are accompanied by a safety escort, and each surfer is provided a wetsuit and a board tailored to their body type and skill level.

Horses that heal:

At the Huntington Beach Equestrian Center, the Free Rein Foundation offers equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning programs with rescued horses. Free Rein Tours is a safe, outdoor activity for those with a heart for horses, humans, and wildlife. Guests are guided through the pasture to meet the herd of horses and learn about the services they provide. The tour then moseys through Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center and the neighbouring Urban Forest. Free Rein also hosts “Hug & Groom” events on the first Sunday of every month. Participants spend time grooming, touching, and interacting with horses under the guidance of Free Rein volunteers. Proceeds from both events go towards the care and feeding of the foundation’s rescued horses. .

Coffee with purpose:

Founded by two special education professionals, INC Coffee Roasters provides meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Huntington Beach café combines excellent coffee with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Their goal is to close the gap between the employed and unemployed one roast at a time. Their first location opened in Huntington Beach with a second in Fullerton, California.

Accessible Beach Bonfires at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach:
The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has partnered with Access Trax to make its beachfront bonfire experiences accessible for guests using mobility devices. These gatherings are available to hotel guests during the summer and will open to non-guests after Labor Day.

About Visit Huntington Beach:

Visit Huntington Beach is the official destination marketing organization of Huntington Beach, California, also known famously as Surf City USA®. Located along Pacific Coast Highway with convenient access from three airports (LAX, Long Beach and Orange County), Huntington Beach boasts 16 km of wide-open beaches, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and a laid-back welcoming community known for its vibrant surfing history and culture, making it the ultimate Southern California destination for travelers from around the world. To learn more about Huntington Beach, visit SurfCityUSA.com.