How to Enjoy Sandy Springs, Georgia as a Wheelchair User

As a wheelchair user and Georgia native, I’m thrilled to share all the amazing wheelchair accessible things to do in Sandy Springs, Georgia with you. All too often, we take things in our own backyard for granted, but not this time! This vibrant city, just outside of Atlanta, offers both fun activities and some of the most delicious food I’ve ever eaten. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect in Sandy Springs before I visited, but I was genuinely blown away by the city’s accessibility initiatives and the incredibly friendly people I encountered. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the best wheelchair accessible Sandy Springs attractions and things to do with you, and then I’ll let you know about the great hotel I stayed in. By the time you finish reading this blog post, you’ll be ready to plan your own trip to Sandy Springs! 

Wheelchair Accessible Sandy Springs Attractions & Things to Do

I’ve enjoyed checking out accessible attractions in Georgia cities like Savannah, and Atlanta of course, in the past, but some of the state’s best things to do (especially for wheelchair users) are located in Sandy Springs! From rolling on wheelchair friendly trails to playing video games, you’ll love these accessible activities –

Roll on the Brand New Springway Trail 2A

One of Sandy Springs’ newest accessible attractions is the Springway Trail 2A. I was super excited to roll along this 1.8-mile, paved pathway that runs beautifully beside the Chattahoochee River. This trail winds alongside a playful dog park and crosses the picturesque Orkin Lake. The paved section running over the lake is, honestly, one of the most easily accessible over-water pathways I’ve encountered.

I found this accessible pathway to be very smooth, wide, and flat, allowing people who use wheelchairs and their friends and family members to truly experience so much more of this scenic area. There are also several shady spots where you can take a break, watch the turtles swimming in the lake, and observe ducks gracefully paddling across the water.

Wheelchair accessible parking is conveniently located in the gravel lot beside the Morgan Falls Dam. The gravel here was small enough that I had no issues traversing across it in my powered wheelchair, making it easy to access the trail. 

Visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center at Powers Island

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) at Powers Island is a fantastic way to get outdoors and immerse yourself in nature. Here, I found wheelchair accessible parking conveniently located near the store and at the accessible trailhead. If you’re able to partake in outdoor activities, the store is also the place to rent equipment and life jackets.

There’s a short, smooth dirt trail here that leads you directly to the Chattahoochee River. I thoroughly enjoyed rolling along this path, spotting various birds and listening to the sounds of wildlife along the way.

Once back at the store, they offer several options for drinks and snacks for purchase, as well as souvenirs to remember your visit. This is a great spot to relax and grab a quick beverage before or after enjoying the Georgia sunshine.

Try Adaptive Activities Like Kayaking and Fishing

I’m thrilled to say that you can enjoy adaptive kayaking through the city’s Adaptive Kayaking program. This amazing experience is held on the Chattahoochee River and is led by trained instructors from the American Canoe Association. I was able to see firsthand the accessible dock, which features a ramp, a transfer seat, and a kayak launch, allowing for safe and easy entry into the water. This dedication to accessibility truly opens up the joy of paddling to everyone.

Sandy Springs also offers adaptive fishing as part of its Adaptive Recreation Program. No matter your level of fishing skill, you can discover adaptive fishing along the banks of the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries. This comprehensive program includes adaptive equipment such as EcoRover all-terrain mobility chairs, adaptive wrist grip and arm supports, hearing, vision, and tactile impairment aids, and most importantly, hands-on support from experienced staff.

In Sandy Springs, finding adaptive things to do is easy and plentiful! To learn more and to register for these fantastic adaptive recreation offerings, visit SandySpringsGA.gov/adaptive-recreation.

Play Games at Battle & Brew

Battle & Brew is unlike any other place I’ve visited, as it is the first-ever video game restaurant and venue in the U.S.! As soon as you roll inside, you’ll be excited and perhaps a little overwhelmed by the sight of over 100 console, VR, PC, and tabletop games that you can play while enjoying thirst-quenching drinks and tasty food. This place even boasts a full bar and an arcade!

Although I hadn’t played a video game in at least 25 years, the staff were incredibly friendly and offered clear instructions on how to play. They patiently helped set up my game and answered all my questions about getting started.

I loved playing Mario Kart and Mortal Kombat during my visit and easily stayed for over two hours. The waiter brought food and drinks directly to my table, making it a truly enjoyable time. Honestly, I could have stayed longer and had even more fun, as there are so many games to choose from.

See a Show at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center

The Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center is the perfect spot to enjoy a show! During my visit to Sandy Springs, I was able to grab tickets for “Footloose: The Musical” in the Byers Theatre.

.

My wheelchair accessible seating was absolutely perfect, offering a fantastic view of the stage, and the show itself was wonderful! I was able to remain comfortably in my wheelchair, and my companion also had a seat right next to me. The theater conveniently offered drinks and snacks to enjoy during the performance.

Admire Art at the Abernathy Arts Center

The Abernathy Arts Center not only features some gorgeous displays of art pieces but also offers creative youth and adult day camps to the community. The temporary exhibit on display during my visit was particularly captivating, showcasing a diverse range of artistic talent. This center truly fosters creativity and community engagement through the arts, and it is certainly worth visiting while in Sandy Springs. 

.

Shop at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market

I was excited that my visit coincided with a Saturday morning, allowing me to enjoy the Sandy Springs Farmers Market. This vibrant market is held every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

I was thrilled to see dozens of vendors, and I ended up buying some delicious sourdough bread and fresh garden vegetables. I had a hard time choosing which flavor of sourdough to purchase, but luckily, the seller offered free samples to help with the decision-making process!

There were also plenty of non-food vendors selling awesome handcrafted goods. I saw beautiful wooden crafts, unique hand-painted artwork, and intricate handmade jewelry. Visiting here was so much fun, and I would want to visit every weekend if I lived closer!

Dine at Fantastic Restaurants in Sandy Springs

Il Giallo Osteria & Bar – Driving up to Il Giallo Osteria & Bar, my mouth began to water as I could already smell the inviting Italian aroma in the air. This exquisite restaurant boasts an extensive wine menu, and they actually make their own pasta in-house! I found wheelchair-accessible parking conveniently located near the entrance and was immediately greeted by a smiling hostess as soon as I entered. They are open every day of the week for dinner, except Mondays, when they are closed.

After being seated at a table of my liking, I chose the Housemade Focaccia with olive oil. This bread was so warm and delicious, I almost ate too much, but I knew I wanted to save room for more of their scrumptious menu items. For my entree, I chose the Lasagna Matta. Just typing this now makes my mouth water again! The lasagna included perfectly braised beef short rib, which was incredibly tender and complemented the dish.

Mutation Brewing – Mutation Brewing is the perfect spot to meet with friends and grab one of their large selections of craft beers. Also located inside is Scoville, where you’ll find the most finger-licking good Nashville hot chicken. During my visit, I tried their sour beer, the hot chicken (of course!), and the Dirty Fries. The fries, covered in garlic aioli and comeback sauce, were incredibly tasty! You can choose your own heat level for your chicken, and I may or may not have gotten mine too hot, as my nose became a faucet—but that’s how I know it’s delicious! For dessert, I had a Croffle with Nutella. This croissant waffle covered with Nutella was pure perfection; for me, you can never go wrong where Nutella is involved! I was also happy to see that they offer indoor and outdoor seating, a plethora of games to play, and had an accessible restroom.

.

McDaniels QN2 – At McDaniels QN2, you’ll feel like family! This delicious restaurant is super cute with a homey atmosphere and the friendliest staff members. As soon as I rolled inside, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of barbecue cooking. I couldn’t resist the brisket with a side of squash casserole and potato salad. It was simply perfection in my mouth, and with the banana pudding for dessert, I felt like I was ready to pop! This is a great little place to grab a delicious meal, and I highly recommend visiting when you are in the area.

Baraonda Ristorante – This casual Italian spot in Sandy Springs is the perfect restaurant to get some delicious wood-fired pizzas and excellent wines. Open seven days a week, Baraonda Ristorante offers a welcoming bar area and a deliciously diverse menu. I can assure you that no matter what your taste buds are craving, you will surely find something to your liking.

Everything sounded so good that I ordered an array of appetizers. I had the Bruschetta, Meatballs, and Eggplant Polpette. Knowing I had already eaten too much, I then devoured more food when my meal arrived! I had the Diavolo Pizza. This wood-fired delicacy had tomato sauce, salami, Italian sausage, peppers, mozzarella, and more. I was also very happy to see a companion care restroom on-site. Next time I am in the area, I will definitely return for another delicious meal.

Watch the short video below to see my accessible adventures in Sandy Springs!

.

Where to Stay: Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center

The Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center is a super clean property that offers a complimentary continental breakfast each morning during your stay. They also provide wheelchair accessible parking, though you will need to enter the building and take the elevator to the lobby floor.

This exceptional hotel also offers wheelchair accessible rooms with roll-in showers. The room I selected, located on the fourth floor, room number 408, had easy elevator access. My room included a king-sized bed that stood at 23 inches tall. The legs of a Hoyer lift were able to fit under the bed, as it is not a platform bed, which is a crucial detail for many wheelchair users.

Both the living room and the bedroom featured large flat-screen TVs, and this hotel room included a full kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator and microwave, adding convenience for longer stays. 

.

I was also thrilled to see that this hotel room saved space by having a sliding bathroom door that enclosed the toilet with grab bars, the roll-in shower with a handheld sprayer, a fold-down bench, and a pull-under sink. These thoughtful design elements made my stay much more comfortable and accessible.

.

Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center was a wonderful hotel for my needs, and hopefully it’ll work for you as well. If you’d like to learn more about this wheelchair accessible Sandy Springs hotel or book a stay of your own, just click here. 

Visiting Sandy Springs was so much fun, and being a nearby Georgia resident, I’m excited that I can visit there time and time again without driving too far from my home. It is a city that is taking great strides to be more inclusive for all of their visitors, and it shows in every aspect of the city. Now, plan your own trip to this remarkable city and enjoy everything wheelchair accessible Sandy Springs has to offer! 

.

.