Travel is a great way to see the world, experience new cultures and get some much needed R&R. But trips aren’t always stress-free; and if you or a family member are differently abled, then travel can sometimes cause more worry than excitement. Rest assured, it is possible (and even fun) to plan an accessible trip to San Francisco.
We asked Joanna Husk, concierge at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, for tips on visiting San Francisco, taking into account accessible routes, mobility needs and sensory processing sensitivities. Hopefully, these local secrets will put the cherry on top of your trip to the city by the bay.
Featured photo: Exploratorium, Golden Gate Bridge by Bruno Coelhopt, beach wheelchair courtesy of National Parks Service.
More about Joanna: She has been creating memories for guests at the Grand Hyatt since 1990. She leads an expert Les Clefs d’Or team that takes pride in providing unforgettable, bespoke experiences. Her goal is to have guests leave with a completed wish list, yet planning a return to explore unexpected delights.
San Francisco is famously a hilly city. What are the best ways to get around for folks with mobility needs or wheelchairs?
Fog City Access is an accessible rideshare app designed specifically for riders with mobility needs. If you use a wheelchair, or just require a little extra assistance, this service provides convenient and reliable on-demand service.
San Francisco public transit is also fully accessible, with the exception of our historic cable cars. Travelers should also consider the benefit of renting a heavy-duty mobility scooter which will cover the power, speed and distance needs for a full day of adventure. There are excellent rental companies that will deliver to your hotel or even meet you at the airport!
Which of the city’s famous sights are accessible for someone with mobility needs or a wheelchair? Would they need to plan ahead?
San Francisco’s number one attraction is Alcatraz. Everyone should book this tour in advance. For those with mobility needs, the ferry boat is accessible and there is a special tram from the island dock up to the prison. There are just a few parts of the island (the Check Station and Recreation Yard) that have steps or a steep route.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street and our many iconic and quirky neighborhoods are very accessible for folks with mobility needs. You can even enjoy a day at the beach thanks to the availability of Beach Wheelchairs provided at Baker Beach!
Best parks with paved walkways and/or plenty of benches?
There are many exciting attractions for nature lovers to enjoy. The majesty of old-growth redwoods can be experienced on the paved main trail of Muir Woods. Golden Gate Park offers a plethora of paved paths and benches. The Tunnel Tops park in the Presidio is smoothly paved and provides stunning vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay.
For those who want to stay downtown, take the elevators inside our Transit Center up to the living roof known as Salesforce Park. This 5-acre oasis gives a unique perspective to some of the city’s most dramatic architecture while strolling along the half-mile loop path.
Good activities for children with disabilities?
The California Academy of Science has something to excite every kid, no matter their age, with a natural history museum, the Steinhart Aquarium, Osher Rainforest habitat and Morrison Planetarium. Fully accessible, the exhibits are designed to be viewed from multiple heights and angles for the enjoyment of all.
The Exploratorium is the perfect attraction for STEM kids, with interactive exhibits and activities to inspire a love of science. The Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 lets you view the bay’s diverse wildlife while passing through 300 feet of acrylic tunnels. Plus, interpretive naturalists are available to answer questions and guide your hands-on animal encounters.
Accessible activities for people with sensory processing sensitivities?
SFMOMA, the Legion of Honor, de Young and Asian Art museums are all excellent attractions for visitors with sensory sensitivities. There are ample benches, quiet nooks and outdoor terrace areas for contemplation, and they also have wheelchairs to borrow.
The SF Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park is 55 acres of lush landscapes and open areas with plenty of spots to take a relaxing break. The Disney Family Museum offers sensory-friendly film screenings several times a month, in addition to always offering noise-cancelling headphones for visitors.
Anything else someone should know about planning an accessible trip to San Francisco?
San Francisco International Airport has a sensory room; it is for “neurodivergent travelers and their families to provide a better airport experience” and to alleviate pre-flight anxiety. In addition to a quiet area and an active area, there is a realistic aircraft interior for guests to “practice” being on the airplane.
Reaching out to your concierge in advance can also remove much of your travel stress with well-informed referrals, detailed itinerary planning and a trove of local secrets.
