I had the chance to spend a few days in San Diego visiting some friends and had a great time north of there at Legoland and right in the city at the San Diego Zoo. While I didn’t spend a ton of time exploring the city this time, I had been there previously and went to the Wild Animal Park and a Padres game. I had no accessibility issues while there, so you surely could do all of these things and be just fine too.
San Diego Accessible Transportation
The first time I was there I rented a wheelchair accessible van for a few days. This is probably the easiest way to get around and can get you to the more affordable hotel areas which are not right in downtown San Diego.
On my most recent trip, I took the Amtrak train down from Los Angeles to Oceanside and then hopped a bus to Carlsbad where Legoland is. Everything was accessible and I had fun pushing my suitcase around Oceanside on the beautiful day.
After Carlsbad, I hopped back on the San Diego train to the downtown train depot. From there I took a bus to the San Diego Zoo and later from the Zoo to the airport with one transfer. It was all very easy and convenient and cheap.
I stuck to trains and buses this time as my impression was that accessible taxis weren’t going to be as convenient or inexpensive to get around. So while I can’t vouch for the taxis there, I will say you can have a great time on their public transit.
San Diego Accessible Hotels
I stayed at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel right near Legoland. It was a modest roll to Legoland from there but totally worth saving a few hundred on hotel. It was also a modest roll from the train to the hotel in the first place, but I didn’t feel like taking the long bus ride. The sidewalks were fine.
I got a regular room and the bed was a little bit high. The bathroom was fine since I was there one night, but you would probably want to request an accessible room if you plan to be there longer than that.
This hotel isn’t anywhere near downtown San Diego, but there were many hotels with accessible rooms near town that I could have stayed at. I would recommend looking just outside of downtown for less expensive options, especially if the bus route is right there or you are renting a van.
San Diego Accessible Things To Do
As I mentioned, I went to the San Diego Zoo and Legoland this time. Both were just fine for me in my power chair. There were some hills at the zoo that a manual chair user would probably hate, but I really didn’t have much difficulty at all. There are some new elevators and overpasses at the zoo too, in addition to an accessible tour bus that takes you through the zoo for an overview.
Legoland was great. I didn’t try getting on any rides or anything but it was a nice place to roll around and you can get a discount for your caregiver if you go to the ticket office upon arrival.
Previously, I went to the Wild Animal Park and a Padres baseball game. I had no trouble at either place and that was over 10 years ago. I remember that at the Padres game they would take and bring your order to the accessible seats which was nice!
San Diego Airport
I didn’t have any issues with my wheelchair or the service at the San Diego airport. From downtown there is a very short bus ride that can take you right to the terminals. It was much easier and cheaper than coordinating a taxi.
San Diego Summary
San Diego will be fine for you if you use a wheelchair. I had no issues and I’m sure you can find a way to do all the things you’d like to do when you are there. So that’s why you should go to San Diego anyway!
You Should Go Anyway 
You must be logged in to post a comment.