Accessible Travel Guide to Tampa Bay: A Wheelchair-Friendly 3 Day Itinerary
This probably won’t shock you but, Tampa Bay is one of my favorite destinations: not only because it’s my home and packed with cool things to do but also because there are accessible activities for people with disabilities to fully enjoy their trip. Whether you’re rolling through the historic streets of Ybor City, enjoying a waterfront dinner cruise, or crafting your own custom candle, there’s something for everyone. Thanks to this wheelchair friendly guide you don’t have to stress about whether you’ll actually be able to access the experience.
I put together an itinerary that highlights the best accessible spots in the city. If you're planning a visit and want to know what to expect before you get there, this guide has you covered.
Day 1: Arriving & Checking in & Dining on the Water
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
If there was ever an airport that understood accessibility, it’s TPA. The whole place is smooth-rolling with elevators, ramps, companion restrooms and designated seating areas everywhere. The SkyConnect train makes getting between terminals super easy, and if you need extra assistance, the staff is on it (see more about the sunflower lanyard program below). I think TPA may be one of the cleanest, nicest, most user-friendly airports that I’ve ever been to, and I grew up with parents that are flight attendants, so I’ve seen my fair share of airports, haha. Leaving and coming home to TPA airport is always a pleasure.
➡ Pro Tip: If you’re flying in, request wheelchair assistance in advance. They’ll meet you at the gate and help with baggage if needed.
➡ Pro Tip: There are companion restrooms inside of the terminals.
➡ Pro Tip: Sunflower Lanyard Program: helps travelers with hidden disabilities discreetly signal that they may need extra assistance or time while navigating the airport. Staff members are trained to recognize the lanyard and provide support without requiring passengers to disclose their disability.
Lunch at Ulele (Airside C)
This isn’t your typical airport food. Ulele has fresh, Florida-inspired dishes in a barrier-free space with plenty of room to maneuver. Perfect spot for a post-flight & pre-adventure meal. If you don’t want to make the stop here, Ulele also has a beautiful restaurant in Tampa Bay not far from where you will be! Personally, I LOVE the Okra Fries. & Oysters Half Shell…but there’s so much to choose from for all of you that don’t have the same food vibes as I do.
Hotel Check-in: Hotel Haya, Ybor City
Hotel Haya is stylish, historic, and most importantly…Accessible. Finding an accessible boutique hotel is not an easy find, but I’m here to report that I’ve found one! Hotel Haya is right inside of the lovely rooster and chicken filled….yes, you read that right, (what a strange place for chickens right? You’ll have to go on the walking tour to find out why they are there) Ybor City with many walkable things to see and do! Yes, a lot of people know Ybor for its nightlife, but what really drew me in was Ybor and its beauty and culture during the day. I was so excited as I arrived at the hotel to have the valet park our car AND offer to block off and let us use the spot directly in front of their doors. The lobby has a coffee shop with a ramp as well as another ramp leading to their restaurant Flor Fina (more on this restaurant later). Their ADA rooms have roll-in showers, grab bars, and a shower chair available. To add to all of this.. the pool has a lift chair (:
➡ Pro Tip: Call ahead to confirm room details and to request your shower chair to be in the room for your arrival.
Dinner Cruise on the Yacht StarShip
This was hands down one of my favorite experiences. We went on the Sunset dinner cruise and were so thrilled to be able to use their onboard elevator to go up to the deck to listen to music, enjoy their unlimited drinks, and watch the sunset. Oh, and don’t let my later mention of the dinner make it seem inadequate because we thoroughly enjoyed the meal too! The staff is trained to assist, and the sunset views over Tampa Bay? Unreal. I would highly recommend this experience.
➡ Pro Tip: Let them know when booking that you need wheelchair seating, and they’ll set you up with a prime spot.
Day 2: Riverwalk Adventures & DIY Fun
Breakfast (We have options)
La Segunda is great for a quick to-go option with Cuban toast and a café con leche. The bread there is delicious, thinking about it makes me want to go back right now.
For a sit-down option, locals love Gaspar’s Grotto, especially if you’re looking for Sunday brunch.
The Candle Pour – Custom Candle Making
As a local I can tell you that Hyde Park Village is THE place to be. When we think of going out, we automatically think Hyde Park. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it here: Farmers markets are on the first Sunday of every month, other events scheduled throughout, shopping, treats, and a wide array of restaurants. Hyde Park is smooth-rolling with curb cuts at every intersection. The Candle Pour itself is fully accessible with a large enough restroom for a wheelchair. You’ll create your own custom candle scent, which is a fun (and wheelchair-friendly) activity. They have lowered cuts in the candle making tables to accommodate people with disabilities...or children I suppose? (; The staff was so helpful in assisting to smell the scents and even in the creation of the candle! Do this activity before you walk around Hyde Park because you need to leave your candle with them for a bit before you can take it with you. I did a pear & champagne scent and I’m obsessed with it.
➡ Pro Tip: Make a reservation, some days it can be very busy. If there is availability they will take walk in’s but don’t chance it!
Exploring the Tampa Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is one of the best accessible attractions in Tampa. The whole path is smooth, wide, and well-maintained, connecting some of the city’s biggest attractions, including:
The Florida Aquarium
The Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Bay History Center
Water Taxi rides (ramp access, but call ahead to confirm boarding procedures)
You can also find the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in this area! I saw Wicked there & have tickets to see the Lion King soon. Check out their website to see what’s going to be there while you’re in town.
There are accessible restrooms outside of the Tampa Museum of Art if you’re taking a stroll and have to make a stop!
➡ Pro Tip: Grab a Riverwalk Attractions Pass to bundle multiple experiences into one ticket.
➡ Pro Tip: There is a parking garage over by the Aquarium, a parking lot near Sparkman Wharf, and a parking garage over near the Tampa Museum of Art.
➡ Pro Tip: There are accessible restrooms outside of the Tampa Museum of Art if you’re taking a stroll and have to make a stop!
Lunch at Sparkman Wharf or Armature Works
Both of these food halls offer a variety of dining options in fully accessible spaces.
Sparkman Wharf- lovely for a great weather day. It’s right next to Riverwalk. This is a mostly outdoor venue so in the case of a very typical Florida rain, or a need for a break from the heat…
You can try Armature Works! This venue has indoor and outdoor seating is available with plenty of room to move around.
There are so many food options at both locations, even the pickiest eater should find something to enjoy!
Dinner at Flor Fina (Hotel Haya On-Site)
Ending the day with a chill, accessible dining experience at the hotel was the perfect way to wind down. A beautiful and calming environment with great food just downstairs from your hotel room. This isn’t just some mediocre hotel lobby food establishment, it’s a culinary experience that is sure to please.
Day 3: History, Rooftop Views & Classic Florida Dining
Breakfast at Café Quiquiriqui
A light and easy breakfast spot right inside Hotel Haya.
Ybor City Walking Tour
Ybor City is one of Tampa’s most historic areas, and while some of the streets have old brick paving, the official walking tour takes accessible routes. The guide was great about adjusting stops as needed.
https://tampabay-tours.com is the best. We had the most amazing experience with Max. I’m not usually a history girl nor did I think I would like a walking tour and Max made us LOVE the experience and the city so much.
➡ Pro Tip: Some sidewalks can be uneven, I was able to navigate them in my manual chair but, if that’s a concern, call ahead and ask for details and accommodations!
Lunch at Columbia Restaurant (Don’t skip this)
Florida’s oldest restaurant, and they’ve done a great job making it wheelchair-friendly. The entrance, dining rooms, and restrooms are all accessible, and the food? Incredible. Let me say it again, INCREDIBLE. 1905 salad is a must. For a main, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but I love a classic Cuban sandwich & Spanish Bean soup.
➡ Pro Tip: Reservation!!
Rooftop Dinner at SiX Rooftop Bar (JW Marriott)
To wind down your trip with a dinner with a view, this is the spot. Elevators take you straight up, and the rooftop seating area is spacious. It’s a great place to watch the sunset over Tampa. There’s a large wheelchair friendly grass turf with lots of room to stroll around.
Day 4: A Beautiful & Delicious Send-Off
Breakfast at Oxford Exchange
Oxford Exchange is more than just a restaurant—it’s a whole experience. If you are looking for a last minute souvenir that you won’t want to throw away, or a gift to bring back to a loved one, this is a great place to do it. The building is fully accessible, and the food is top-tier. If you want a drink for the road you can ask for one to go from TeBella, or just go up to the TeBella counter on your way out. If you’re up for a walk before heading home, right across the street you will find the architectural masterpiece that is the University of Tampa. There’s a museum that you can go check out there! A perfect last stop before heading home.
Final Thoughts: Is Tampa Bay a Good Destination for Disabled Travelers?
Absolutely. Tampa Bay is one of the most accessible cities I’ve enjoyed, with a mix of historic charm and modern inclusivity. From hotels and restaurants to outdoor attractions and waterfront views, there’s so much to experience without having to stress about barriers.
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