As the spring approaches, the number of COVID cases has started to go down significantly. Vaccination is going on in full swing across the nation and the kids(16+) also got their vaccines. Most of the counties are finally moving to the orange tier. Even though people are getting vaccinated, we still have to take all the necessary precautions for all the activities so that we protect others as well as ourselves. As we have a wheelchair user in the family, we try to explore places that are wheelchair accessible. The weather in So-Cal is very nice and we decided to do a road trip to Santa Monica pier for a couple of days. Our hotel was very close to the Pier and we were able to walk to the Beach. So this was a very wheelchair-friendly activity.

Santa Monica pier and Santa Monica Beach is a very famous destination in LA. The huge Ferris wheel is seen from far off miles and is a signature of this place. This is a wheelchair-accessible place with an Arcade and Amusement park with different types of rides for different ages. In the summertime, this place turns extra lively in the summertime with the summer outdoor concerts series. The Marine Education Center is a fun place for hands-on activities. There is a wide range of food selections where you can grab a bite and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. A perfect place to enjoy the sunset.

Santa Monica state beach is on the north side of the pier. There are many walkways, Bridges, and pathways to go to the water which makes this a wheelchair-friendly beach. If you want to stroll along the beach, Third Street promenade is a very lively and wheelchair-friendly place. You can also enjoy the drive on the Pacific Coastal highway towards Venice Beach and Will Rogers beach. There is a Universal Accessible Playground on Santa Monica Beach which is very accessible for wheelchair users.

♿️ WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY ♿️

  • There is ADA parking on the pier deck. This Parking can be entered from Colorado Ave at the crossing of Ocean Blvd and Broadway from where it is easy to access the pier.

There are some ADA parking in the Beach front too

  • There is  ADA street parking at the cross-section of Ocean and Broadway ave which has easy access to the pier. The ramp to enter the pathway to the pier might be a little steep.
  • If you stay on Colorado Ave then it is easy to go to the pier in a wheelchair
  • All the restrooms are wheelchair accessible
  • Most of the entrances in the amusement park are accessible for wheelchair users. The Carousel has an ADA-accessible chariot with a ramp.
  • If you have a Placard the Parking in the Pier is free.
  • These are the wheelchair rental Place on Santa Monica Beach.
    • Perry’s at 2400 Ocean Front Walk 310.452.2399
    • Perry’s at 2600 Ocean Front Walk 310.864.3323
  • The Fishing Pier is also completely accessible

♿️ COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS ♿️

The Shelter in Place has eased now with the reopening of many recreational activities. However, it is absolutely essential to keep social distancing and safety procedures in mind. At no point should these be compromised. 

  • Always wear your face mask even if you are not getting out of the car.
  • Avoid crowded areas if you are stepping out of the car
  • Always remember to carry gloves, hand sanitizer, water, food.
  • Do not forget to use the restroom before leaving your house, as it is safer to avoid using public restrooms during this period
  • Remember to wipe your crutch or mobility scooter handle or the wheelchair wheels every time you return from outdoors.
  • Do not leave your items unattended.
  • While dining outside, make sure you wipe your chairs if possible.
  • Make sure to check the timings of the pier due to Covid -19. Check out www.santamonica.gov for updated information.
  • While walking or running, make sure to keep a distance of 6 feet.
  • Follow the covid guidelines for Wheelchair Rentals.
  • In the Amusement Park, make sure to maintain the Covid -19 guidelines. It’s better to wipe the seats before taking the ride.