Galveston Earns Top Accessibility Honors in Statewide Tourism Study

Galveston has been recognized as Texas’s leading accessibility-verified tourist destination, following confirmation from an international travel platform that more than 50 locations on the island comply with stringent standards for travelers with disabilities.

Wheel the World, a travel website dedicated to assessing the accessibility of various destinations, announced on Wednesday that Visit Galveston has been awarded the Accessibility Verified Destination designation. The recent recognition comes after thorough on-site evaluations of hotels, restaurants, and attractions throughout the island.

Evaluators conducted assessments at various locations, focusing on mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive accessibility. A recent study has confirmed more than 50 sites, marking the highest tally in Texas and along the Gulf Coast, according to Visit Galveston.

Àlvaro Silberstein, co-founder and CEO of Wheel the World, noted that travelers with disabilities often face obstacles before their journeys begin.

“Galveston is taking significant steps to eliminate barriers and is establishing a commendable model for inclusive tourism,” Silberstein stated in a recent news release.

Recently, officials on the island have implemented a series of initiatives to improve accessibility. The city has made significant enhancements to its infrastructure, including upgraded sidewalks and improved ADA access on public transportation. Additionally, new beach amenities have been introduced, featuring mobimats and specialized wheelchairs to better serve the community. Visit Galveston has launched a dedicated accessibility page in the “Plan Your Trip” section of its website to help visitors find verified sites.

Executive Director Tony Lyles stated that the designation highlights the collaboration and dedication of community partners to enhance the experience for all visitors to Galveston.

Among the verified locations are several of Galveston's most iconic attractions. Notable establishments in the area include Moody Gardens, San Luis Resort, Tremont House, and Hotel Lucine. The list features notable establishments such as Gaido's, Saltwater Grill, Katie's Seafood House, and Star Drug Store.

Several tourist attractions have recently earned verification, including The Grand 1894 Opera House, Seawolf Park, Galveston Historic Seaport, Galveston Island State Park, and East End Lagoon Nature Preserve, the latter of which has been commended for its accessible boardwalk. Among the notable entries on the list are historic properties, including Bishop's Palace, Moody Mansion, and Ashton Villa, which dates back to 1859.

Step-free entrances, obstacle-free pathways, accessible restrooms, and designated parking areas are among the essential features highlighted by Wheel the World's ratings. Restaurants are increasingly incorporating low dining tables into their designs, while hotels are being assessed for features such as roll-in showers, grab bars, and pool lifts.