Los Angeles, California, a.k.a. “The City of Angels,” or “The Entertainment Capital of the World!” is one of the most famous cities in the world.  A city where movie stars are made.  And, just as famous for the traffic on every major highway.  But, I love Los Angeles!  I’ve been traveling to Los Angeles since I was a kid – sometimes for business, other times for pleasure.  It’s one of those cities that will always surprise you, somehow. 

Accessible Travel

Since my accident years ago, accessibility in Los Angeles has improved tremendously.  I can always find or book an accessible taxi, such as United Taxi.  I can always find a hotel with accessible rooms, such as the JW Marriott.  And, I can always find something fun to do and a new restaurant to enjoy a meal with friends.  In spite of the crowds and busyness always found at Los Angeles International Airport, I always find assistance there to get me to where I need to be.  I look forward to getting back to Los Angeles soon. 

Here are some of my recommendations for a fun, accessible, and memorable trip to Los Angeles! 

Getty Center

The Getty Center, located atop the Santa Monica Mountains, is a renowned art museum that offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles. The center is a beautiful property which provides accessible entrances, elevators, and galleries. You will also find accessible amenities such as restrooms and seating areas. The Center provides a visual description audio tour for people who are blind or have low vision.  The Center also provides assisted listening devices, induction neck loops, infrared sound enhancement, and Open Captioning for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood, a world-famous theme park and working movie studio, offers accessible attractions and entertainment options. The park provides accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators. Accessible restrooms, parking spaces, and designated viewing areas for shows and parades are available throughout the park. Only a few rides are wheelchair accessible, with many more requiring you to transfer from your wheelchair into a designated seating area. Assistive listening devices for guests who are hard of hearing are provided at Guest Relations free of charge.

For guests with mild to moderate hearing loss, amplified handsets are provided at all phone locations.  With one-week notice, sign language interpreting services will be made available in Universal Studios Hollywood at no charge. To arrange for sign language interpreting services contact Guest Relations or call 1-800-864-8377, option 9. Video remote interpreting is available at Guest Relations and the First Aid stations.  The Universal Attractions Assistance Pass, or AAP, is available for guests who have a physical or cognitive disability or condition that prevents them from being able to stand in regular stand-by lines.

Griffith Observatory

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Griffith Observatory offers stunning views of Los Angeles’ skyline and the stars above  The buildings and grounds are accessible and the observatory provides accessible parking spaces, ramps, and elevators.  Be sure to contact the Observatory directly to discuss your specific needs.

The Getty Villa

The Getty Villa, located in the Pacific Palisades, is a unique museum that houses ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art and artefacts. The Villa is a beautiful property which provides accessible entrances, elevators, and galleries. You will also find accessible amenities such as restrooms and seating areas. The Villa  provides a visual description audio tour for people who are blind or have low vision.  The Villa also provides assisted listening devices, induction neck loops, infrared sound enhancement, and Open Captioning for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Tours

No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without taking a tour of the movie studios or perhaps a tour of the homes of the stars.  Each major studio, Universal, Warner Bros., Sony, and Paramount are accessible for people with disabilities.  Some of the sets, rides, or attractions may not be suitable for all disabilities and specific accessibility information is available online and on location.  If you want to take a tour of the star’s homes, try Starline Tours!  They can accommodate one wheelchair per bus and the tour lasts for two hours.

Santa Monica Pier

If you love to be outside and near the ocean, the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect destination that offers accessible attractions and entertainment options. The Pier has been renovated to provide better access, including a smoother surface that replaced some of the boardwalk planks.

From Colorado Avenue, there is a wheelchair ramp on the south side of the pier driveway, and an access ramp at the base of the Pier. The attraction is also accessible from either Pier parking lot. The Pier provides accessible ramps, pathways, and accessible parking spaces. Visitors can enjoy accessible rides, such as the Ferris wheel and the chariot on the carousel, as well as accessible dining options and shops. 

Los Angeles, California is certainly one place you must visit.  From museums to piers, and from studio tours to an observatory, and so much more, L.A. is a lively city with so many accessible things to do, places to stay, and sites to see.  So, contact a reputable and knowledgeable travel agent, such as Travel for All, build a great accessible itinerary, and pack your bags for an incredible trip to Los Angeles!