Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to some of the most gorgeous beaches and views in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, you will find white sandy beaches, amazing restaurants, and tons of great shopping and entertainment venues. This area is my annual go-to destination to both unwind and relax.
Every year, I find myself loving the destination even more than I did the year before, as there are constantly new things to see and do. As a person who uses a wheelchair, it can sometimes be a little more challenging to book accessible vacation rentals and hotels, but not here! There are plenty of options to find the perfect place that fits your needs, and here are five of my favorite accessible places to stay.
Accessible Vacation Rentals
1. Phoenix West II Unit 803, Orange Beach
Located in Orange Beach, Unit 803 in Phoenix West II by Brett Robinson Vacation Rentals is wheelchair accessible and is a gorgeous beachfront condo. It is a 3-bed, 4-bath condo that can sleep up to 10 guests. It’s on the 8th floor with accessible parking on the same level. The living area has floor-to-ceiling windows with the most epic view of the Gulf of Mexico, and there is a large balcony complete with a ramp to access it. The master bath has a roll-in shower, roll-under sink, and plenty of grab bars. A Hoyer lift and a shower chair with wheels are also provided, so just bring your sling. The living room has a lift chair, while the front bath has a raised toilet. If you’re still not hooked, the property also has a ramp to the beach, with beach wheelchair rentals available for delivery from businesses like Beach ‘N Buggys.
2. Snell’s Pace, Orange Beach
Snell’s Pace is a 3-bed, 3-bath-accessible vacation rental on the bay in Orange Beach. It can sleep up to 17 people and is only about a five to 10-minute drive to the beach. This rental home has a ramped entry with a large accessible deck. There is also a roll-in shower that connects to the main bedroom. A Hoyer lift can easily roll under the queen-sized bed, and wide doorways are throughout this home. It is all on one level, so wheelchair users can access the entire house, including the spacious kitchen and living area.
Accessible Hotels and Resorts
3. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores
Located right on the beach, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is one of my favorite hotels in Gulf Shores. It sits in Gulf State Park and has an accessible path to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. The Lodge has around 30 wheelchair-accessible rooms, some with roll-in showers. Beds have clearance underneath for a Hoyer lift and are quite spacious. The pool has a zero-entry ramp, and there is also a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the beach.
4. Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach, Orange Beach
Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach is a beachfront property and is another one of my favorites for accessibility. Here, you will find wheelchair-accessible rooms with a roll-in shower and beds that a Hoyer lift will fit underneath. Both the pool and hot tub have access lifts, meaning the water can be easily accessed. There is also beach wheelchair access from the parking garage, so getting to the sand is a breeze.
5. Hotel Indigo, Orange Beach
Located in Orange Beach is Hotel Indigo. It sits right across the street from the beach and includes a wheelchair-accessible path to the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. This is a very clean and pet-friendly hotel and even has a wheelchair-accessible suite on the first floor with a roll-in shower, pull-under sink, and a king-sized bed with enough clearance for a Hoyer lift. The living room also has a pull-out sofa. The indoor pool has an access lift, and the outdoor pool has zero entry. This property is also connected to a coffee shop and a smoothie bar.
As you can tell, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have lots of options to visit as a wheelchair user. Several providers here offer beach wheelchair rentals and can deliver them to any of these properties. No matter where you stay, you won’t be disappointed with your time in this incredible destination.
Check out Cory Lee's five favorite wheelchair-accessible lodging options in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach!
