Accessible Attractions for Persons with Disabilities
Florida’s Historic Coast continues to welcome and make every effort to accommodate the accessibility needs of visitors.
As the nation’s oldest city, there are many streets and roads that were built and laid out long before cars, tour buses, and millions of visitors made their way to St. Augustine. Things have changed.
This historic town, and many of its attractions, hotels and restaurants, continues to welcome and make every effort to accommodate the accessibility needs of visitors. Be sure to call attractions for the latest updates on accessibility for those with disabilities, as well as current schedules and tour hours.
For additional information on accessible attractions, please visit here.
Attractions
The Colonial Quarter
The Colonial Quarter showcases St. Augustine’s history through colonial buildings, hands-on learning, and live interactions. This attraction contains shops and restaurant and is wheelchair accessible as all of the entrances are on ground level. The lookout tower, located three stories high, is the only part of this attraction that is inaccessible. However, there are interpretive panels so that visitors can experience the view they would see from the top of the observation tower.
The Governor’s House Cultural Center & Museum
The Governor’s House Cultural Center & Museum showcases St. Augustine’s historical timeline all the way to present-day. Since 1598 it has been home to many government offices. For wheelchair-bound visitors, there is a ramp located on the St. George Street side of the building. This building’s first floor is the only floor open to the public.
Historic Tours of Flagler College
There is metered parking located across the college’s campus, which are available on a first come first serve basis. If you have a valid handicap license plate or visible tags, you can park at the meters free of cost. The entire first floor is accessible including the restrooms, plus the walkways are smooth and wheelchair accessible in the front courtyard and inside the building rotunda. Historic Tours of Flagler College meet in the main lobby (rotunda) and provide visitors with a fascinating look at the rich heritage and culture of Henry Flagler’s gilded age Hotel Ponce de Leon and the surrounding area. If you have special needs, let the college know at the time of booking. Tours are not available while school is in session.
The Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum, formerly the Hotel Alcazar, is located on King Street. This accessible-friendly museum has a wheelchair entrance on the west side of the building as well as ramps on both sides of the building for entrance at the front door. Wheelchair rentals are also available on a first-come first-serve basis. The museum offers a spacious elevator to travel to each level, except into the historic pool. The walkways are large so a wheelchair can easily maneuver around the artifacts and artwork with ease. The outdoor area and courtyard is also accessible and wide enough to fit most wheelchairs.
Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center
This non-profit museum shares the history of over 450 years of African American experience in St. Augustine. At the Lincolnville Museum there is parking for guests, with handicapped spaces located at the back of the building, with ramps located in both the front and back of the museum for wheelchair-bound visitors to enter. The museum is on the first floor, and all entrances and spaces are wide enough for the standard wheelchair.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Marineland Dolphin Adventure is located oceanfront in St. Augustine and offers 80 years of Florida history through tours and shows in the park. Visitors will see up-close and personal a variety of sea-creatures including countless fish species, tiger sharks, and dolphins. The park has many accessible features such as close parking spaces, wheelchair rentals, wheelchair seating in the show area, ramps to access restrooms, and access to the entire park, except the lower level of the Aquarium Dome building and the Flying Dragon ride exit area. If you have a valid handicap card, you will also receive a discount on admission rates. Please contact Marineland for any special needs requests.
Old Jail Museum
The St. Augustine Old Jail was established in 1891, originally built to look like a hotel. The tour itself consists of actors telling stories about the jail and its occupants. It has a large collection of weapons and artifacts. Because of its historic features there is no accessibility for wheelchair-bound visitors to make their way to the second floor; however, the first floor and exterior are easily accessible.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park dates back to the late 19th century where it started as a small reptile exhibition. Today, the Alligator Farm is the only place in the world where you can see every living species of crocodilian, as well as a wide range of animals, fossils, and history. The wood walkway offers a smooth and completely wheelchair-accessible ride, and the entire park is wheelchair accessible. Guests in wheelchairs receive a 50% discount off of admission.
Tours
Ancient City Tours
Since 1998, Ancient City Tours has managed all facets of visitor tour needs, and with notice, can accommodate wheelchair accessible tours. Professional guides lead the way on these popular tours: A Ghostly Encounter, Pet Friendly Legends & Myths, History Walking Tour, Exterior Fort Tours and Flagler’s Victorian Era.
Braille Tours
Braille markers with tactile graphics, developed by the St. Augustine Art Association, are located by numerous public statues throughout historic downtown St. Augustine. These markers, along with the audio guide, form the TOUCH St. Augustine “Braille Trail.”
Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine
Old Town Trolley Tours are easily recognized as the green and orange trolleys that carries visitors throughout downtown St. Augustine and the Lincolnville area. The tour company offers two wheelchair-accessible trolleys where guests can easily enter and exit the trolley at the main station, with ramps and/or lifts that accommodate both scooters and wheelchairs. Taking the trolley tour is a great way of seeing an overview of this wonderful destination. Make sure to give a minimum of 24-hour’s notice before your tour so that the staff can make the proper accommodations. In addition, all Old Town Trolley Tours shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
Red Train Tours
Ripley’s Red Train Tours have been St. Augustine’s original sightseeing train tour since 1953, with over 20 stops at many attractions, historic sites, and restaurants. The Red Train requires a step on and off that is approximately 13” above the ground. Wheelchairs and walking aids are permitted on the Red Trains but must be folded/collapsed while riding. All guests must board under their own will and power.
Experiences on the Water
Cruisin' Tikis St. Augustine
Step onto a floating oasis complete with a licensed captain, ice-filled cooler, fresh water sink and a jamming Bluetooth sound system. Cruisin’ Tikis is wheelchair accessible, so all you have to bring is your favorite food and beverages and wear comfortable attire.
Red Boat Tours
Red Boat Tours, located on Vilano Beach, offers a variety of water tours and offers accessibility for wheelchair-bound guests. The wheelchair itself must be standard and no wider than 32”. Upon arrival, the staff will remove the bumpers from the sides and pull the boat directly to the floating dock, where guests can then board.
Related Content:
Old Town Trolley Tours St. Augustine167 San Marco Ave.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Red Train Tours19 San Marco Ave.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Red Boat Tours260 Vilano Rd.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Colonial Quarter14 S. Castillo Dr.
St. Augustine, Florida 32084