Handicap accessible attractions in LA do their best to accommodate every visitor’s needs. While there is still work to be done at attractions throughout Southern California, several attractions are taking steps to ensure quality visits for everyone.
Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is the fourth most-attended aquarium in the nation, with over 1.5 million people visiting each year—not too shabby for a city that has more than its fare share of attractions. The aquarium displays over 11,000 animals in more than 50 exhibits, all of which represent the diversity of the Pacific Ocean. All of its world famous exhibits are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available to rent through the aquarium’s Information Center.
Disneyland
Although there is still much more work to be done, Disneyland is working toward complete wheelchair accessibility. While the classic park is still gradually undergoing changes to better serve all visitors, the California Adventure addition is almost entirely wheelchair accessible. Rides are marked with one of four handicap category symbols to inform riders and wheelchairs are available to rent close to the park’s entrance.
Universal Studios
At Universal Studios, the disabled are given a host of park-wide coverage, with options for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing; multiple serves for guests using wheelchairs, with both attractions and surrounding dining options being wheelchair accessible; access for service animals; even advance notice for rides that might be problematic for guests with prosthetic limbs. Universal’s on-site hotels are also fit for those with disabilities, making sure that nobody is turned away from enjoying one of LA’s most popular attractions.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is one of LA’s most iconic monuments, it’s dome sitting atop manicured grass with the Hollywood sign always within sight. It is considered a national leader in public astronomy, having held a bevy of special astronomy-based events on its famed grounds. It is also one of Southern California’s most popular attractions, a well-known gathering place for locals, and a familiar backdrop of many of Hollywood’s most famous films. It is also completely handicap accessible, with ramps that take you to Mount Hollywood’s highest point, and parking lot shuttles that accommodate wheelchairs as well.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The LACMA is one of California’s most esteemed museums, known for it’s fantastic blend of modern art, fine art and new media retrospectives (including this year’s Stanley Kubrick exhibit, which has been heralded by cinephiles everywhere as engrossing and meticulous in its assemblage). Additionally, the LACMA hosts a number of beloved special events, including live readings of plays and screenplays by some of Hollywood’s most popular stars. Both of the museum’s buildings are fully accessible to wheelchairs, and the Information Center provides wheelchairs for no cost. Additionally, sign language interpreters are available for groups of five or more, with five-days advance notice required.
Huntington Botanical Gardens
A private, non-profit institution, the Huntington Botanical Gardens feature a renowned library and art collection. But it’s the gorgeous flora that covers its grounds that give visitors reason to spread the word. And they have: the Huntington has, since 1919, been one of the most popular destinations in the city. Luckily, the grounds have been serving all its guests since it’s opening, meaning that those with mobility impairments have long since found the grounds to be manageable. And since the Huntington hosts a number of public events, hearing impaired visitors can access assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters easily to make sure that they too are privy to all the Huntington has to offer.
