Greater Fort Lauderdale stands out as a top-tier accessible destination, where our
attractions range from bustling beaches to vibrant arts venues, which welcomes visitors of all abilities. With comprehensive ADA-compliance across parks, museums, and transportation hubs, this part of South Florida aims for seamless exploration for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying the shoreline, a live performance, or cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, you’ll find first-class facilities – and a warm welcome — at every turn. From sensory-sensitive theater nights to kayaking through mangroves, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers an unmatched blend of accessibility and adventure.
Arts, Culture & History Beyond Barriers
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Parker offer an array of
performances with accessible seating, complimentary assisted-listening devices, open- captioned shows, and sign-interpreted events. Both venues also welcome service animals, guaranteeing a comfortable experience for all guests. Art enthusiasts can explore the Coral Springs Museum of Art and NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, while the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) hosts sensory-friendly film screenings in its IMAX theater on select days—perfect for family outings and sensory-sensitive
audiences alike.
Nature & Heritage Unleashed
Step back in time at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a preserved 1920s estate nestled just off Fort Lauderdale Beach. Free wheelchairs and service-animal access make touring its lush grounds effortless. In nearby Davie, Flamingo Gardens invites visitors to wander accessible paved paths through botanical treasures and a wildlife sanctuary. Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek and the Jungle Queen Riverboat tour further expand options for barrier-free wildlife encounters, take the full riverboat tour for a trip to secret island, its complete with wheelchair-accessible boats and boardwalks.
Coastline Adventures Accessible to All!
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s parks and beaches are designed with universal access in mind. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park feature accessible picnic pavilions, restrooms, and beach wheelchairs. Broward County Parks offer a range of accessible activities – take a splash in Paradise Cove at C.B. Smith Park’s water park in Pembroke Pines or kayak the mangrove preserve at West Lake Park in Hollywood. Broward County Parks also offers specialized services and programs for guests with disabilities across Greater Fort Lauderdale. Service animals are welcome, and many parks and beaches provide mobility mats to ensure smooth passage across sandy shores.
Retail & Recreation Made Easy
Shopping destinations like Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise and Broward Mall in Plantation cater to every visitor with complimentary wheelchairs, ample handicapped parking, and service-animal accommodations. Both malls offer wide corridors and clear signage, making window-shopping—and serious retail therapy—accessible to everyone. Broward Mall also is home to Island Space Caribbean Museum, a haven of art, culture and history highlighting the contributions of the Caribbean diaspora to the South Florida community.
Broward County Parks: Special Populations Programs
The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division’s Special Populations Section
designs year-round recreation and leisure programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors with disabilities. Through social events, sports leagues, and leisure-education workshops, participants build motor skills, social connections, and overall well-being in fully supported settings. Staff collaborate with families and caregivers to provide equipment, training, and modifications that ensure full inclusion in all activities. Find more information here.
Spotlight on Inclusive Programs
- 3Rs (Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse) Arts & Crafts: Weekly sessions where adults
with developmental disabilities create art from recycled materials, fostering
creativity and environmental awareness. - Adaptive Kayaking: Quarterly outings for individuals who are blind or visually
impaired, offering mangrove tours from accessible kayak platforms. - Boccia & Chair Volleyball: Competitive, skill-building sports programs for adults and veterans with physical disabilities, emphasizing teamwork and fine-motor
development. - Bowling & Disc Golf 101: Structured group activities teaching etiquette and
fundamentals at local facilities, culminating in friendly competitions. - C.O.R.E.S. (Connecting Others Recreationally, Educationally & Socially): A
rotating leisure program linking participants to community events and resources to promote lifelong inclusion. - Cross-Round Fitness: Non-contact boxing and adaptive exercises that improve strength, coordination, and confidence in a supportive group environment.
- Drum to the Beat: weekly drumming program that promotes enjoyment for
adults living with Alzheimer’s Disease. - Special Olympics Little ELITES: weekly sport-specific program for youth
with developmental disabilities that encourages peer cooperation and
socialization. - Social for adults living with mental illness: annual event that encourages
involvement in community activities with peers.
- Drum to the Beat: weekly drumming program that promotes enjoyment for
We look forward to welcoming you to Greater Fort Lauderdale, your accessible adventure
awaits!
When you come, please check our Wheel the World page for verified accessible hotels, attractions and more. Wheel The World’s partnership with Visit Lauderdale highlights properties with detailed accessibility audits.
Top picks include:
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Downtown Roll-in shower; accessible
bathtub; pool lift; step-free entrance - Courtyard by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Downtown Roll-in shower; shower seat; pool lift; lowered counters; automatic doors
- The Atlantic Hotel & Spa Oceanfront accessible rooms; bathtub seat; pool lift; step-free entry
- Residence Inn by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Roll-in shower;
shower seat; wide door entrance; designated accessible parking
For more info, visit Greater Fort Lauderdale.
