Over the years, Oregon has become one of my favorite states in the U.S. I’ve been able to enjoy so many incredible experiences throughout the state, from rolling through Chinese gardens in Portland to snow skiing for the first time ever in Bend. However, my favorite place in the state, and one of my favorite destinations in the entire country, is the beautiful Oregon Coast.
The Oregon Coast is over 360 miles long, so there is a lot to explore. During a trip in 2025, I was able to check out part of it, including the towns of Newport and Florence. There is certainly more of the Oregon Coast that I’d like to see and write about here on my blog (Astoria and Cannon Beach are definitely on my list of places to visit one day!), but my trip on the Oregon Coast in 2025 was already one that I’ll never forget!
Over the course of five days, I ate some of the most delicious seafood of my life, rolled on the beach in an all-terrain wheelchair, saw plenty of marine life, and so much more. It was a spectacular trip and I really cannot recommend a trip to the Oregon Coast enough.
Below, I’ll tell you about wheelchair accessible Oregon Coast attractions and things to do, where to eat, and I’ll tell you about the great hotel I stayed in. By the time you finish reading this blog post, I’m sure you’ll be ready to book your own trip to this stunning part of the country! So, without further ado, here is my accessible travel guide to the Oregon Coast –
Wheelchair Accessible Oregon Coast Attractions & Things to Do
Roll on Oregon Coast beaches in a track chair
One of the most unforgettable experiences of my entire Oregon Coast trip was rolling directly on the beach in an all-terrain Track Chair. If you use a wheelchair and have ever wanted to truly experience the beach instead of just viewing it from a distance, this is an absolute must.
While in Florence, Oregon, I rented a Track Chair through David’s Chair, an incredible nonprofit organization that provides these chairs completely free of charge. These chairs are designed to handle sand and other rough terrain that traditional wheelchairs simply cannot manage.
There are currently more than 10 locations across Oregon where you can reserve a Track Chair, and the reservation process is straightforward. You can choose a date and reserve your time on the David’s Chair website by clicking here.
Being able to roll right up to the ocean, feel the sand beneath me, and enjoy the coastal breeze was powerful and emotional. I have always loved beaches, but so often, they’re inaccessible for me. But thanks to incredible organizations like David’s Chair, beaches have never been more accessible.
If you are planning an accessible trip to the Oregon Coast, I highly recommend reserving a Track Chair ahead of time and planning a beach day. I’m sure you’ll love your experience on the beach just as much as I did!
Shop (and possibly see whales!) in Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay may be small, but it packs in charm, accessibility, and incredible views. It is known as the whale watching capital of the Oregon Coast, and even if you do not spot a whale during your visit, the town itself is well worth checking out.
While in Depoe Bay, I posed with the famous whale statue and spent time rolling along Main Street. About 90 percent of the shops were wheelchair accessible, which is impressive for a coastal town. There were souvenir shops, taffy and ice cream spots, and plenty of places to browse.
Some of my personal favorite shops were the Only in Oregon General Store, Knock Your Socks Off (I bought several fun pairs of socks here!), and Ainslee’s Salt Water Taffy. All of these shops were wheelchair accessible, of course.
Another one of my favorite things about Depoe Bay is that you can enjoy beautiful water views along the entire street, making it a relaxing and scenic place to explore at your own pace.
Have some fun in the sun at Taft Waterfront Park
Taft Waterfront Park in Lincoln City is one of the best wheelchair accessible beach access points I visited on the Oregon Coast. While you won’t find the David’s Chair track chairs here, it’s still a very accessible option for wheelchair users.
The park offers complimentary manual beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis, which is fantastic for travelers who do not have access to an all-terrain chair. During the summer season, usually starting around Memorial Day, Mobi-Mats are placed on the sand to make rolling on the beach even easier.
This is a great spot for a spontaneous beach visit or for anyone looking for a simple and accessible way to enjoy the coastline.
Create glass blown art at Lincoln City Glass Center
For a unique and hands-on experience, I took a glassblowing class at the Lincoln City Glass Center, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my wheelchair accessible Oregon Coast trip. Watching the molten glass take shape was fascinating, and it was such a fun way to try something completely different.
The studio was wheelchair accessible, and the staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive. They made sure I could fully participate (to the best of my ability) every step of the way. During the class, I created a Christmas ornament, which was shipped to my home once complete.
If you are looking for an indoor activity or something different from the usual coastal sightseeing, this is a fun option. Not only is it a memorable experience, but you also get a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home with you.
Visit Yaquina Head Interpretive Center & Lighthouses
Yaquina Head is one of the most iconic spots on the Oregon Coast and a wonderful place to learn more about the area while taking in unforgettable scenery. It is especially known for its dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouse, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
The Interpretive Center is wheelchair accessible and well worth a visit. Inside, you will find informative exhibits about the area’s wildlife, history, and geology, which add helpful context before heading outside to explore the viewpoints. It is a great place to learn more about the landscape and take a break indoors if the weather is less cooperative.
While not every outdoor trail or section of the lighthouse area is accessible, there are paved viewpoints where you can enjoy ocean views. You can also watch for seabirds, seals, and even whales during migration season. I was lucky to spot quite a few seals from here!
As a wheelchair user, I was not able to go to the top of the lighthouse itself, but I still loved spending time around the lighthouse grounds. The surrounding viewpoints offer beautiful perspectives of the coastline and the lighthouse, and the scenery in this area is stunning. Even without climbing to the top, it is easy to appreciate why this landmark is such a beloved stop along the Oregon Coast.
There are also benches and open areas near the viewpoints, making it an easy place to pause and enjoy the fresh ocean air without feeling rushed. Whether you stop briefly or spend more time exploring the Interpretive Center and overlooks, Yaquina Head offers an experience that feels both educational and relaxing.
See marine life at Oregon Coast Aquarium
Located in Newport, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a must-visit attraction along the coast. It is thoughtfully designed and offers an engaging way to learn about marine life native to the Pacific Northwest.
The aquarium is wheelchair accessible throughout, with smooth pathways, accessible restrooms, and exhibits that are easy to view from a seated height. Accessibility is clearly a priority, which made my visit feel comfortable and stress free.
There is a mix of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, allowing you to explore at your own pace while enjoying a variety of environments. I especially loved watching the sea otters, seals, and other marine life, and many of the viewing areas make it easy to get an up-close look.
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This is a great option for travelers of all ages and abilities. Whether you are visiting with family or on your own, the Oregon Coast Aquarium offers a fun and educational experience that is easy to enjoy.
Roll along the 804 Trail in Yachats
The 804 Trail in Yachats is a scenic coastal trail that follows the rocky shoreline and offers some of the most dramatic ocean views on the Oregon Coast. It is a great place to experience the raw beauty of the coastline, with waves crashing against black lava rock and wide open views of the Pacific.
While the trail is not paved, it is fairly smooth and hard packed, making it a reasonable option for wheelchair users who are comfortable on firm natural surfaces. I was able to roll on it for about a mile and found it manageable in my power wheelchair without worrying about rough terrain.
One of the best parts of the 804 Trail is how close it keeps you to the ocean. You are right alongside the water, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. It is an excellent way to enjoy nature up close while still staying on a more accessible path.
Enjoy some of the Oregon Coast’s best restaurants
The Oregon Coast truly delivers when it comes to fresh flavors, and many restaurants were accessible and welcoming. Here are three of my favorite accessible dining spots along the coast:
Pelican Brewing Company – This was one of my favorite meals of the entire trip and a place I would happily return to. I ordered the Dungeness crab ravioli, and it was absolutely incredible. The restaurant was wheelchair accessible and had a companion care restroom, which is always a huge plus. The beautiful views of Siletz Bay made the experience even better.
Local Ocean – Located in Newport, Local Ocean is well known for fresh, locally sourced seafood, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. I had the crab cakes for my entree, and they were some of the best I have ever had, packed with flavor and very generous on the crab. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and an elevator is available to reach the second level. Local Ocean is a must visit for seafood lovers.
International C-Food Market – International C-Food Market is located in Florence and offers incredibly fresh seafood in a casual, no frills setting that feels very local. I had the fish tacos, and they were simple, fresh, and delicious, exactly what you want when you are eating seafood straight from the coast. This is a great spot if you want amazing food without anything fancy, just excellent flavors and a laid back vibe.
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Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn
During my time on the Oregon Coast, I stayed at the Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn in Newport, and this hotel worked very well for my needs.
My wheelchair accessible room had two beds that were 24 inches tall with enough clearance underneath for a Hoyer lift. The room also included a large TV, mini fridge, and microwave.
The bathroom featured a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll-in shower. The hotel also has an indoor pool with an access lift, plus an on-site restaurant and bar.
Overall, I really enjoyed my stay at Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn, and would absolutely consider staying at this hotel again on a future Oregon Coast trip.
The wheelchair accessible Oregon Coast completely exceeded my expectations. From accessible beaches and scenic trails to incredible food and a comfortable hotel, this trip showed just how accessible and enjoyable coastal travel can be as a wheelchair user.
Whether you are planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, the Oregon Coast is a destination I cannot recommend enough. If you’re dreaming of a wheelchair accessible coastal getaway, the Oregon Coast should be at the top of your list.
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