One of the most overlooked benefits of a wheelchair accessible van is what it makes possible beyond the daily commute: real travel. Road trips. Day outings. Family vacations. Florida is an extraordinary place to explore from an accessible vehicle, and families who have made the switch often tell us their only regret is not doing it sooner.
Here are practical tips for making the most of road trips in a wheelchair accessible van across Florida.
Plan Around Accessibility Before You Leave
Florida’s major tourist destinations are generally well prepared for wheelchair accessibility, but “generally” is not always good enough for a specific need. Before you leave, call ahead to confirm:
Parking: Accessible parking at your destination. Florida state parks, beaches, and attractions are required to have accessible spaces, but availability varies. Arrive early at popular spots.
Restrooms: Many rest stops along Florida’s interstate system have accessible facilities, but not all are maintained equally. Apps like Roadtrippers and Google Maps now flag accessible facilities at many stops.
Accommodation: If you are staying overnight, request a roll-in shower room specifically — a “handicap accessible” room sometimes means only grab bars near the tub, which is not the same thing.
Florida Destinations Worth the Drive
Several Florida destinations stand out for accessible travel from the Central Florida region:
St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach both offer beach wheelchair loan programs at no charge, allowing wheelchair users to go right to the water’s edge. Call the local parks department ahead of time to confirm availability.
Kennedy Space Center (Merritt Island, about 75 miles from Lakeland) has excellent accessibility throughout and is one of the best day trips from Central Florida. The visitor complex is largely flat and paved.
Silver Springs State Park near Ocala offers accessible boat tours, paved trails, and stunning natural scenery. The glass-bottom boat tours have been running for over a century — they are worth the trip.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is just 30 minutes from Lakeland and is almost entirely wheelchair accessible. Beautiful grounds, carillon music performances, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Practical Tips for the Van Itself
Check your ramp before long trips. Operate the ramp fully before leaving home. Listen for unusual sounds and make sure the ramp locks in both the open and closed position. A ramp issue on the road is stressful; a quick check at home is not.
Know your tie-down system. Make sure whoever is assisting knows how to operate the wheelchair tie-down and lap belt. Practice at home so the process is smooth when you arrive at a destination.
Bring a small toolkit. Not for anything complicated — just a screwdriver and a set of Allen keys. Small adjustments to the chair itself (not the van) sometimes become necessary during a day out.
Fuel efficiently. Accessible vans are heavier and often less fuel-efficient than standard vehicles. Know the range your van gets and plan fuel stops accordingly, especially on the more rural stretches of Florida’s roads.
The Bigger Picture
Families tell us that getting a wheelchair accessible van changes their relationship with travel entirely. What was once a logistical challenge — how do we get there, who transfers Dad into a regular car, who folds the chair — becomes simply a trip. You go. Everyone fits. Nobody is left behind.
If you are still on the fence about an accessible vehicle, we invite you to come in and talk through your situation. We can walk you through what is in stock, discuss financing options, and answer any questions without any pressure.