Everyone deserves to see the world. It’s a dream that is simply more difficult for some people, particularly when they are trying to navigate cities with no wide sidewalks or ramps, climbing too many stairs in a wheelchair without a rail, or using public transportation to get from A to B.
That said, there are destinations that are welcoming and accessible to all who are leading the pack—and Wander is here to celebrate them. The company said in its study of the most accessible U.S. destinations that “at Wander, we believe true luxury means inclusive experiences.”
To help travelers find the most accessible destinations in the U.S., it first created a seed list of the nation’s top cities, then analyzed each on its “number of wheelchair-accessible attractions, walkability, reliable public transport, and internet connectivity.” This data was gathered from GetYourGuide and AllTrails as well as Story Maps, Walk Score and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Then, after examining all the information, the name of the company was named. DetroitMichigan was rated the most accessible U.S. City with an impressive 9.7/10.
“Detroit is the most accessible U.S. town based on several key factors despite its small size,” said the team. “Detroit has a perfect score on ADA compliance, with 0 percent of public rail stations not being accessible, indicating that individuals with mobility issues have full access. The city also has 5,53 public transport stops per 100,000 residents, which provides decent transit options for its residents.
It noted that the city’s share of wheelchair-accessible attractions is lower than in other destinations around the U.S., at just 16.67 percent; however, this was balanced out by its high number of wheelchair-accessible outdoor trails, making the city “one of the best options nationwide for inclusive outdoor activities.”
Coming in a close second is Baltimore, Maryland, which scored a 9.61 out of 10 thanks to its “many accessible attractions and strong infrastructure for people with disabilities.” It also scored a 64 on a 100-point scale, making it relatively easy for people using mobility aids, to safely navigate the city by foot.
Seattle rounds out our top three with a score of 9.55 out 10. Seattle was highly praised due to its accessible public space and excellent public transport. Seattle has a large number of wheelchair-accessible walking trails (31 out 119). This makes it one of the best outdoor destinations. The city’s focus on green spaces and nature access is a great choice for both residents and tourists.
Houston and Dallas in Texas were ranked No. 4 and No. The No. 4 and 5 spots, respectively, were taken by two Texas cities: Houston and Dallas. 5 spots, respectively.
Explore the many accessible destinations around the United States. wander.com.
