Accessing the Shores
The Emerald Coast of Florida is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, soft, white sandy beaches, and welcoming communities. South Walton and Okaloosa counties are at the forefront of ensuring that the beauty and serenity of their beaches can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of mobility challenges. Through commendable efforts in providing beach wheelchairs, these counties ensure that the joy of a beach day is accessible to all. Here’s your guide to beach wheelchair availability along the Emerald Coast.
South Walton County:
Ensuring Access for All
Experience the beach like never before! From March 1 to October 31, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., the South Walton Fire Department generously offers free beach wheelchair service to the public. This service ensures everyone can enjoy the stunning shores at these specific public beach access points
- Miramar Beach Regional Access
- SWFD Lifeguard Tower 54
- 2375 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, FL, 32550
- For more info, click here
- Dune Allen Regional Access
- SWFD Lifeguard Tower 35
- 5999 W. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- For more info, click here
- Ed Walline Regional Access
- SWFD Lifeguard Tower 33
- 4447 W. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- For more info, click here
- Van Ness Butler Regional Access
- SWFD Lifeguard Tower 22
- 1931 E. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- For more info, click here
- Santa Clara (Bramble Grove) Regional Access
- SWFD Lifeguard Tower 21
- 3468 E. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
- For more info, click here
- Inlet Beach Regional Access
- SWFD Lifeguard Tower 11
- 438 S. Orange Street, Inlet Beach, FL, 32413
- For more info, click here
Please note, these wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Designed for temporary use, they facilitate easy transport from the parking lot to a location on the beach, not exceeding 100 yards from the tower. To ensure availability for all, these wheelchairs must remain at the designated beach accesses and are to be returned after use.
This initiative by the SWFD is a testament to their commitment to ensuring the beaches of South Walton are accessible to everyone.
The SWFD’s dedication to beach safety and accessibility is truly commendable. We are delighted to support and promote their efforts to make our beaches more inclusive. For further information or if you have questions about beach accessibility, please direct your inquiries to the SWFD at please email info@swfd.org or call (850) 267-1298.
Okaloosa County: Beaches for Everyone
Henderson Beach State Park: Embrace Nature’s Beauty
At the heart of Okaloosa County’s natural offerings is Henderson Beach State Park, a haven of sugar-white sand and emerald waters, fully equipped to welcome visitors of all mobility levels. The park is proud to offer ADA accessible beach wheelchairs, available during park hours. To access these wheelchairs, simply visit the park office for a key, and you’ll be directed to where they’re stored. Remember, these wheelchairs are self-serve, so you’ll need someone in your group to assist in getting to and from the beach. It’s a first-come, first-serve basis, so plan to arrive early to ensure availability. Keys must be returned by the end of the day, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of Henderson Beach State Park.
Destin Fire Control District: Ensuring Safety and Accessibility
The Destin Fire Control District goes beyond its call of duty by offering beach wheelchairs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These wheelchairs can be used at James Lee Park, Shirah Street, and June White Decker public beach accesses, making some of the most beautiful spots in Destin accessible to everyone. To use a wheelchair, call (850) 837-8413 to make a reservation at no charge. You can reserve a wheelchair for half-day or full-day use, ensuring you have plenty of time to enjoy the beach at your leisure.
Okaloosa County’s Commitment: Beach Wheelchairs Delivered to You
Okaloosa County offers a unique service for beachgoers on Okaloosa Island, providing beach wheelchairs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from March 1 to October 31. What sets this service apart is the county’s commitment to accessibility; they will deliver beach wheelchairs to various beach access points and any condominium or hotel on Okaloosa Island, from Beasley Park to the El Matador Resort. To take advantage of this incredible service, call (850) 259-4131 to make a reservation. Whether you’re staying on the island or just visiting for the day, Okaloosa County ensures the beach is accessible to everyone.
A Unified Effort for Beach Accessibility
The efforts of South Walton and Okaloosa counties to provide beach wheelchairs are a testament to the community’s commitment to ensuring that the beaches of the Emerald Coast are accessible to everyone. While each county offers unique services tailored to their coastal areas, the overarching goal is the same: to make sure that mobility challenges do not hinder anyone’s ability to enjoy the beauty of Florida’s beaches.
Planning Your Visit
To ensure a smooth experience, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead. During peak seasons, making early reservations for beach wheelchairs is advisable. Always follow the guidelines provided for the use and return of the equipment to help maintain these valuable services for future visitors.
A Final Note of Appreciation
The dedication of the South Walton Fire Department, Henderson Beach State Park, Destin Fire Control District, and Okaloosa County to beach safety and accessibility is truly commendable. Their efforts to make the beaches more inclusive not only enhance the beach experience for individuals with mobility challenges but also serve as a shining example of community care and inclusivity.
For further information or if you have questions about beach accessibility in South Walton or Okaloosa counties, please reach out to the respective services mentioned. Together, let’s enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the Emerald Coast, accessible to all.