Your essential guide to accessible travel in Louisiana: Inclusive, adaptive and wheelchair-friendly destinations
Louisiana is a bucket-list state for many U.S. travelers. Whether it’s cities with lively jazz and mouthwatering Cajun cuisine or the breathtaking greenery of state parks, there is something for groups of all interests. But did you know travel for people with disabilities in Louisiana is top-tier?
With a community committed to universal access tourism, the Bayou State has made significant strides to ensure barrier-free travel in Louisiana.
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Reasons Why Louisiana Is a Great Destination for Accessible Travel
Paving the way for inclusive travel in Louisiana, ADA requirements and local state policies have ensured that iconic landmarks and cultural institutions are widely accessible.
Major cities such as New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette have encouraged travel for people with disabilities in Louisiana by upgrading sites to be more inclusive. The famous French Quarter has even improved its sidewalk accessibility by installing ramps for wheelchair access.
Wheelchair-Friendly Attractions
With so many wheelchair accessible attractions in Louisiana, it’s the perfect destination for your group to visit. The inclusive sites in New Orleans are especially worth exploring.
- French Quarter, New Orleans: The famous district, renowned for its music and culinary delights, now features accessible street access through sidewalks and ramps.
- Louisiana State Museum: History enthusiasts will appreciate wheelchair-accessible exhibitions that teach tourists Louisiana’s heritage.
- National WWII Museum: Are you curious about the secrets of WWII? Wander exhibits with ease through a fully accessible museum with wheelchair rental options.
- Audubon Zoo & Aquarium: Don’t forget to visit the state’s most exotic animals. The sensory-friendly events and barrier-free paths create a perfect disabled-friendly destination in Louisiana.
- Oak Alley Plantation: Enjoy detailed architecture and learn more about the South’s history along ADA-compliant pathways that allow for comfortable group tours.
As you can see, accessible travel in Louisiana will be easy and enjoyable for all tourists and travel groups.
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Accessible Outdoor Adventures
Do you feel at home outdoors? Experience adaptive travel adventures in Louisiana. Below are just a few of the state’s must-see spots for nature lovers:
- Jean Lafitte National Park: You can’t visit Louisiana without exploring its famous swamps. And with the park’s boardwalks and trails designed specifically for accessibility, it’s never been easier.
- Lake Pontchartrain Waterfront: Do you love to fish or simply want to enjoy idyllic surroundings? Visit Louisiana’s accessible fishing piers and scenic routes for a peaceful retreat.
- State Parks with ADA Accommodations: Louisiana’s state parks offer accessible cabins, trails, and facilities. Parks such as Fontainebleau State Park and Lake D’Arbonne State Park even offer all-terrain chairs.
Accessible vacation spots in Louisiana even extend to the outdoors as the state focuses on inclusivity for every visitor.
The Best Accessible Hotels & Accommodations
After a day filled with excitement, comfort is key. Here we’ve provided a few ADA-compliant hotels, so you can enjoy barrier-free travel in Louisiana:
- The Roosevelt New Orleans: Nestled in the city’s heart, this historic hotel offers roll-in showers, braille signage, and an accessible pool to create a luxurious experience for all its guests.
- Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center: With wheelchair-friendly rooms and personalized assistance, this hotel allows for an ideal environment for travelers with all types of disabilities.
- Best Western Lafayette: Looking for somewhere closer to the airport? This hotel’s affordable and accessible amenities make it an excellent choice for any travel group.
Transportation Options for Accessible Travel
Accessible travel in Louisiana is straightforward thanks to its vast network of transportation:
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport: Travel in and through Louisiana is simple thanks to the airport’s many programs. Utilize braille, the Hidden Disabilities Program, wheelchair assistance, and more for all your group’s needs.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Rental Cars & Ride-Share Services: Rental cars in Louisiana are required to be wheelchair-accessible and provide ride-share services to make your journey easy.
- Public Transit: Louisiana offers public transit for all. From buses to streetcars and taxis, there is no shortage of ways to travel and explore.
The many transportation options available ensure that travel for people with disabilities in Louisiana will be as stress-free as possible.
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Delicious Dining & Inclusive Entertainment
Louisiana is famous for its delicious cuisine and endless entertainment, and the state strives to make these attractions accessible.
- TABASCO factory: Head to Cajun Country in southern Louisiana to see the world-famous pepper sauce being made. All tours are self-guided and wheelchair accessible.
- Steamboat Natchez: Do you want to enjoy some traditional New Orleans jazz as you sail across the river? Hop aboard and relax on an ADA-compliant river boat.
- Antoine’s: This is a restaurant that combines old-world charms with delicious dishes. With bathrooms set to grade and a stunning atmosphere, Antoine’s is perfect for stress-free and accessible dining.
- Cafe Du Monde: Have you wanted to try the beignets of New Orleans? Now is the time. This restaurant is accessible, and you can seat yourself when you’ve gotten through the line.
Travel Tips for People with Disabilities
These tips will allow you to enjoy inclusive travel in Louisiana:
- Plan Ahead: Coordinate with members of your group with disabilities and contact destinations to confirm accessibility features.
- Utilize Resources: Leverage accessible travel guides for Louisiana and local ADA resources.
- Visit During Off-Seasons: If you have group members who become overwhelmed by large crowds, it’s best to visit during the spring or fall for a more relaxed experience.
From the historic streets of New Orleans to the serene trails of Jean Lafitte National Park, Louisiana is designed for barrier-free travel with adaptive travel adventures and wheelchair accessible attractions.
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