Accessibility in North Myrtle Beach

In North Myrtle Beach, everyone is invited to experience the beauty and relaxation our beaches have to offer. We want visitors of all abilities to enjoy their time here, so come as you are and let the waves wash your worries away.

Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

With nine miles of gorgeous coastline, North Myrtle Beach has six public wheelchair-accessible access points. Here’s where you can find them:

Questions about accessibility? Beach Services is ready to help at (843) 280-5684.

Beach Wheelchair Rentals

The city of North Myrtle Beach provides beach wheelchairs that roll smoothly over the sand. They’re free to use and can be picked up Monday through Friday at the Beach Services Warehouse at 1024 6th Ave. South. Delivery is also available for a $25 fee. Call ahead at (843) 280-5684 to reserve yours up to a year in advance.

North Strand Beach Services also rents beach wheelchairs as well as other equipment or beach gear you may need while you’re in town. Delivery and pick-up are included.

Spectrum Friendly Resources

Champion Autism Network offers an Autism Travel Card that families can carry with them throughout their stay. This card discreetly alerts participating businesses that your family would like autism-friendly accommodations, ensuring you receive the proper support and services during your visit.

STAR Academy is a sensory learning center that offers a friendly and supportive environment where all children can shine. With sensory equipment and fun toys, kids can play while improving their sensory skills and managing their emotions. STAR Academy also has great programs like open play sessions and enrichment classes, ensuring every child feels included.

For details about these local resources and more, our autism-friendly travel blog offers additional information about North Myrtle Beach’s sensory-friendly options.

Where to Stay

There are a wide variety of accommodations in North Myrtle Beach that offer rooms and amenities for those using wheelchairs or those who simply need a bit of assistance. From large resorts to hotels, motels, beach houses, and condos, there is no shortage of choices. Here are a couple of standout options:

BEST WESTERN Ocean Sands Resort Hotel: Family-owned with beautiful oceanfront rooms for wheelchair users. Check out their first-floor king efficiency with a roll-in shower and private balcony.
Avista Resort: Offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos right on the beach

You can also find several accommodations that have taken a sensory-friendly pledge to offer assistance and understanding to those travelers looking for an autism-friendly vacation, like North Beach Resort and Villas.

Where to Eat

North Myrtle Beach is a food lover’s paradise with options for everyone. From fresh seafood to BBQ, pizza, steaks, ice cream, and more, you’ll find most restaurants are easily accessible, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead to make sure. A couple of options that offer an autism-friendly environment are:

Lulu’s: Located in beautiful Barefoot Landing, you get great food, a full bar and gift shop, and sensory-friendly service for those who need it.
Johnny D’s Waffles & Benedicts: This spot is committed to being a haven for those on the autism spectrum. They’ll even provide expedited service and less busy seating when requested.

Attractions & Events

Barefoot Landing is a sprawling complex of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and beautiful outdoor spaces around a 27-acre lake. They offer wheelchairs for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing goes above and beyond for those who require special accommodations. Wheelchairs can be reserved for use in the accessible theater, and they even offer parking lot assistance when requested. Amplified hearing devices, wheelchairs, and sight-impaired seating are also available.

The new Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre offers wheelchair seating and accessibility as well as aids for the hearing impaired.

The Cherry Grove Pier is accessible by wheelchair for fishing, sightseeing, and taking in the salty air.

For an educational and exciting outing, check out Alligator Adventure, one of the largest facilities for reptile life in the world. The park is self-guided and wheelchair accessible.

Accessible outdoor adventures can be enjoyed at The North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, a 162-acre park that boasts an ADA-accessible playground and miles of flat ADA trails.

If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing, but thought you couldn’t due to physical limitations, check out the Adaptive Surf Project! It was founded in the Cherry Grove neighborhood of North Myrtle Beach in 2013, and they will fit you with an adapted surfboard to meet your needs. Check the schedule of events on their website.