When my partner and I decided to plan a long weekend away, Myrtle Beach jumped out as an approachable oceanfront option. However, as anyone navigating life in a chair knows, "beach getaway" can mean anything from seamless boardwalk cruising to getting marooned in three inches of loose sand. I wanted to see how accessible this classic South Carolina spot actually was.
The Beach & Boarding: Getting Right to the Water
The biggest win of the trip was Myrtle Beach’s Beach Wheelchair Program. The city offers balloon-tire wheelchairs free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at several locations along the coast (we grabbed ours near the Ocean Boulevard access point). Transferred over, the oversized tires glided effortlessly across the soft sand right down to the hardpack near the tide line. For the first time in years, I was right at the edge of the water watching the waves crash, rather than viewing the ocean from a distant concrete patio.
Navigating the Ocean Boulevard Boardwalk
The main Myrtle Beach Boardwalk stretches 1.2 miles along the ocean, and it’s completely wide, paved, and flat. Access ramps from the main drag down to the boardwalk level are well-graded without steep inclines. We rolled the full length of the strip, taking in the sights, stopping for ice cream, and checking out the local shops.
The SkyWheel: I was skeptical about the giant ferris wheel on the boardwalk, but the operation is impressively accessible. The loading platform elevates to match the height of the gondola, the staff brought out a smooth ramp, and my mid-wheel drive power chair fit into the enclosed, climate-controlled cabin with room to spare. The view of the Atlantic from 187 feet up was smooth and breathtaking.
Dining Along the Strip: Most of the oceanfront restaurants along the boardwalk featured step-free entryways and low-top seating. Restrooms in the newer establishments along the main strip were spacious, though a few older spots further down had tighter turns near the doors.
Where We Stayed & Practical Tips
We opted for a oceanfront resort along the Grand Strand that advertised accessible suites. The room featured a roll-in shower with a sturdy drop-down bench, grab bars strategically placed by the toilet, and an open bed frame that easily allowed space for a portable lift if needed.
Traveler’s Note: While the city-provided beach wheelchairs are fantastic, they are manual and require someone to push them. If you’re traveling solo, you may want to look into local equipment rental companies that deliver motorized beach chairs directly to your hotel.
Myrtle Beach exceeded my expectations. With accessible beach access, a completely rollable boardwalk, and accommodating staff everywhere we went, it proved that a classic beach vacation doesn't have to be off-limits.
