2021 Destination Blogs

Anchorage, Alaska – Accessible Activities The first place you might want to visit upon arriving in Anchorage is the Alaska Public Lands Information Center.  Here you will find what you need to know about public parks and other sites worth visiting as well as be able to learn a little about Alaska’s history.  There are events happening throughout the year and ranger services available. If you’ve come at a time that is not the best for seeing the Northern Lights,…

Fairbanks, Alaska – Wheelchair-Friendly Activities Due to its inland location, getting to Fairbanks is part of the fun of visiting.  The Alaska Railroad provides a jaw-dropping tour through the Alaska wilderness of Denali National Park on its way from Anchorage to Fairbanks.  You can also drive along the scenic route if you prefer.  If you are looking to get to Fairbanks as quickly as possible, you can fly into Fairbanks International Airport. Once you arrive, there are many things that…

Ketchikan Accessibility-Friendly Activities and Attractions Ketchikan, Alaska, provides many opportunities for fun – even from the seat of a wheelchair or mobility scooter! One of the most popular activities is the excitement of the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.  Marvel at the various feats of strength and agility such as log rolling, log cutting, climbing and lots more, all while taking in historical data about the lumberjack lifestyle of old.  There is a full concession stand and the venue is completely…

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, Accessible Features With most visitors to Glacier Bay National Park arriving via cruise ship, the most likely the best thing to do is with their shore excursion department to see what they provide in terms of activities while in the park.  However, it bears noting the accessible features of the park for those that might want to explore on their own. The park accommodates not only the mobility challenged, but also other special needs.  There…

Accessible Seattle (for Mobility-Challenged Travelers) For those traveling to Seattle, Washington, while using a wheelchair or scooter there are many things to do and see! Probably the most iconic site to visit in Seattle is the Space Needle.  This tower has appeared in so many TV shows, movies, and other media that it’s almost a must-do while there.  The tower has ramps that provide access to the elevators that will whisk you up to the main observation deck.  There is…

Seattle, Washington Special Needs Group is pleased to once again provide service for hotel pick-up and delivery at the start and/or close of your vacation for mobility equipment, For more information, please call 1-800-513-4515. Situated about 20 minutes from SeaTac Airport and about 13 minutes from the Port of Seattle, you’ll find downtown Seattle.  The city is home to numerous attractions and there truly is something for everyone.  You can find interesting history, great cuisine, amazing museums, national sport teams, eclectic…

Located nine miles from San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, or as it’s unofficially known San Juan Airport, is Old San Juan.  This area is also about a 9-minute walk from Port-O-Call, the cruise port in San Juan. This picturesque area is home to shops, restaurants, and loads of history!  There are even original cobblestone streets that are paved with blue stones.              You can check out not one, but two Spanish forts built to…

The City of Fort Lauderdale boasts more than seven miles of sparkling beaches that offer residents and visitors premier opportunities for recreation, relaxation and enjoyment. Fort Lauderdale's award-winning wavewall and signature beachfront promenade highlight city’s world-famous coastline, which is highlighted by an array of shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and entertainment venues.  Visitors can enjoy the beach, as well as attend live theater performance, and world-class shopping on Las Olas Boulevard.  The Water Taxi  is more than just a boat ride.  Captain…

Miami is home to thousands of mature adults and retirees, and during the winter, thousands more flock to Miami to enjoy the warm weather. Because of this, the city and its surrounding areas provide a plethora of offerings for people with a mobility scooter or wheelchair rental in Miami.  The Magic City has some of the best beaches in the world.   The ever-popular nightlife of South Beach is surrouned by the Art Deco district.  The historic district is where…

Hollywood, Florida is located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale and known for its beautiful beach.  The city makes a perfect setting for a beach vacation or “staycatation”.  The multiple hotels and resorts, including, Hollywood Beach Marriott, Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort as well as dozens of luxury hotels and condominiums offer oceanfront accommodations for those traveling in front out of town on vacation or for those locally on a weekend staycation.  Trolley service is available to…

Hallandale Beach and its iconic beach ball water tower beckons you to enjoy the warm sand and surf!  If the beach isn’t your thing, or you are looking for more excitement, check out Gulfstream Racetrack & Casino for the heart-pounding action wagering on "Sport of Kings" and gaming!  The track is a stone’s throw from the ocean making it one of the most beautiful in the country.  Gulfstream is home to premier thoroughbread racing and host of the annual Florida Derby. …

Sunny Isles Beach is located on a barrier island just north of Miami Beach and south of Fort Lauderdale surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.  Sunny Isles is home of Trump International Beach Resort Miami which is an upscale family-friendly retreat.  In addition, the city was once home to artistic ’50-style motels and small beachfront hotels which have slowly transformed luxury condominium/apartment high-rises and hotels.  The Miami seaside community includes two miles of beautiful white sand and one…

Aventura located equidistance between Miami and Fort Lauderdale being twelve miles away from each metropolitan city.  A residential neighborhood known for its world-class shopping.  Aventura Mall is the largest mall in the area with more than 280 shops.  The suburb is also home to JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, a Mediterranean-style destination with world-class amenities features two championship golf courses redesigned by Raymond Floyd. Special Needs Group is pleased to service those staying in Aventura in need of mobility…

Bal Harbour Village is home to white sand beaches, deluxe oceanfront hotels, fine dining and upscale shopping.  Hotels include The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Quarzo Bal Harbour, Sea View Hotel, and St. Regis Bal Harbour.  The four hotels as well as internationally renowned Bal Harbour Shops offer plenty of stellar views and dining options. The Bal Harbour Shops’ two floors of boutiques surrounded by palm trees, founds and ponds attract shoppers from around the world. Special Needs Group is pleased to…

Just over 15 minutes’ drive east from Port Miami and about 20 minutes’ drive east of Miami International Airport brings you to the barrier island which is home to Miami Beach and the southern area of Miami known as South Beach. As you can imagine, the beaches here are the stars of the show. However, there are many other things to do here some of which still incorporate the beach and the water.  You can find art installations on the…

Little Havana is the center of Miami's Hispanic culture and Cuban heart.  Calle Ocho (Eighth Sreet) is the main street of the neighborhood which is filled with art, spirit, walk-up cafes, cigar smoking and dominoes. Versailles, on of Calle Ocho's most popular spots since 1971, features a plethora of Cuban cuisine - ham croquetas, Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja with yellow rice, black beans and sweet plantains to go along with Cuban coffee (cafecitos) and espresso (cortados) to drink.   Along Calle Ocho, you'll also…

    The City of Deerfield Beach is just south of the Palm Beach County line and about 30 minutes north of Port Everglades. Water is the name of the game here!  Between relaxing on the beach, scuba diving, boating on the Intracoastal, of the thrill of Ski Rixen cable water skiing in Quiet Waters Park you are sure to find something you enjoy. Quiet Waters Park is also home to the annual Florida Renaissance Festival as well as a…

    The City of Deerfield Beach is just south of the Palm Beach County line and about 30 minutes north of Port Everglades. Water is the name of the game here!  Between relaxing on the beach, scuba diving, boating on the Intracoastal, of the thrill of Ski Rixen cable water skiing in Quiet Waters Park you are sure to find something you enjoy. Quiet Waters Park is also home to the annual Florida Renaissance Festival as well as a…

Known as the “Butterfly Capital of the World”, Coconut Creek is located northwest of Ft Lauderdale, FL.  It’s just a half-hour ride from Port Everglades cruise terminal.  The city has received many awards and titles including one the “Best Cities to Live in America” by Money Magazine.  The city boasts its Mainstreet Project which is anchored by the Promenade at Coconut Creek.  This 23-acre, open-air, upscale shopping and dining area will also be complimented by upscale housing upon completion. One…

  Coral Springs is a family-oriented community in western Broward County, about a half an hour’s drive northwest of Port Everglades.  It has some unique history including a famed covered bridge which was the first structure built there.  Even Johnny Carson once owned land here! There is a lot to discover and enjoy in Coral Springs.  You might want to wander on the boardwalk among tall cypress trees or look for swamp lilies in the Tall Cypress Natural Area. Maybe…

Everyone thinks of beaches when they think of Florida, don’t they?  How about a rodeo instead?  Welcome to the Davie, Cooper City and Southwest Ranches area!  It’s stone’s throw away from Port Everglades as well! The equestrian lifestyle is alive and well here, however there are all types of activities to enjoy.  There’s the Aquatic Center which provides programs such as scuba lessons and deep-water aerobics.  You can explore over 100 years of history at the Old Davie School Historical…

The beach is where it’s at in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea!  Come spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the warm waters off the beach in this small community.  Take a stroll or try your hand at fishing on Anglin’s Fishing Pier. Scuba diving and surfing are popular sports here, too.  You can also find live music every weekend and fun shops to poke around in.  Restaurants and beach-side bars abound for your amusement as well!   Special Needs Group is pleased to service you…

Hillsboro Beach and Lighthouse Point are all about the long history of living on the ocean.  There are so many water activities to participate in that there is something for everyone.  You can charter a sailboat to get that “wind in your hair” feeling.  If you like the idea of catching your dinner, you can take advantage of one of the many fishing boat charters around.    There are lots of dive shops if you’d prefer to see the underwater…

The cities of Margate and North Lauderdale offer lots of family fun!  This area is approximately 30 minutes west and slightly north of Port Everglades and the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport.  It’s also a less expensive place to use as a hub when exploring the greater Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas. One of the best attractions in the area is the Calypso Cove Aquatic Center. With a swimming pool, water slides, and huge kiddie splash area, there is something for…

The City of South Miami is located about 20 minutes south of Miami International Airport and about 25 minutes southwest of Port Miami.  This city has a number of parks and green spaces to enjoy such as Palmer Park, Fuchs Park, Dante Fascell Park, Van Smith Park, and All-American Park to name a few.  Some of these has basketball, soccer, and other standard park facilities and others are more natural or offer greenspace to relax and enjoy.  They are also…

Located about a half an hour southwest of Port Everglades and Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, the cities of Miramar and West Park are focused on family fun.  There is an abundance of activities available that are suitable for every member of your family. One of the featured attractions in Miramar is the Miramar Regional Park.  It has amenities galore!  You can play a number of sports including volleyball, baseball, cricket, soccer, and football.  You can enjoy swimming and a kiddie…

The City of Oakland Park sits approximately 20 minutes north of Port Everglades and Ft. Lauderdale International Airport.  This city is about fun with friends and neighbors! Arguably the centerpiece of activity is Jaco Pastorius Park, named for the famous American jazz bass guitarist.  Many events are held here including Octoberfest, the Polynesian Cultural Festival, Latin Fest, Halloween Bash and many more.  Located about a half an hour southwest of Port Everglades and Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, the cities of…

The city of Parkland is situated about 40 minutes northwest of Port Everglades and Ft. Lauderdale International Airport.  Nature and outdoor activities are on full display in this family-oriented community. Pine Trails Park is home to a vast array of activities and events.  The park features a large amphitheater that serves as a community gather place for performances, shows, festivals, and more.   Some of the events that are held here are the Eats and Beats concerts series, Family Fun…