How to get the most out of the city when you need a mobility aid.
Historic landmarks and Pinterest-perfect views make Seattle the must-visit destination it is—but old buildings and steep hills aren’t always known for being easy to access for those who use a mobility aid. Fortunately, the city’s major attractions all have a degree of accessibility that will meet most travelers’ expectations, says John Morris, an accessible travel consultant and founder of wheelchairtravel.org.
To find the best path for getting from one place to another, check out accessmap.io, an online travel planner that recommends accessible routes. City buses—or Morris’s personal favorite, the Link light rail (soundtransit.org)—are simple to board. “It’s easy to roll on and off the trains,” he says. “There’s no gap or barrier that is at all significant.”
Also, a new program in town from Bird (bird.co) has partnered with Scootaround to loan accessible vehicles—including the high-tech WHILL Model Ci2 power chair—through the Bird app for $10 a day.
Here are five attractions that Morris recommends for those who use a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane—or for any visitor to Seattle:
Pike Place Market
85 Pike St; pikeplacemarket.org
Opened in 1907, the Market is packed with flower vendors, restaurants, specialty shops, and artists. Navigate it with the help of elevator access at multiple points.
Seattle Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan Way; seattlegreatwheel.com
Take a spin on the West Coast’s largest observation wheel, which features a lift that allows wheelchairs to roll directly into the gondolas.
MoPOP
325 Fifth Ave N; mopop.org
The architects and designers of MoPOP worked with representatives from Seattle’s differently abled community to make sure that accessibility concerns wouldn’t interfere with enjoying the immersive pop-culture exhibits. Features include electric door openers at all entrances, indoor counters that are 34 inches high, and wheelchair-accessible seats in the Sky Church music venue.
Space Needle
400 Broad St; spaceneedle.com
See the spectacular views and revolving glass floor at Seattle’s most iconic landmark, thanks to a courtesy elevator at the entrance, elevator access between floors, and a custom-made set of stairs that seamlessly transforms into a wheelchair lift.
Chona Kasinger
Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way; seattleaquarium.org
The aquarium’s exhibits—covering everything from playful sea otters to the vibrant corals of the tropical Pacific—are mostly on one level and visible from a low perspective, and you can check out a wheelchair to help you see the sights with ease.
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