This City Was Just Named the Most Accessible in the U.S.

Everyone deserves to explore the world. But that’s an ideal that’s simply harder for some, especially when they’re trying to navigate cities without wide sidewalks and ramps in a wheelchair, too many stairs without a handrail, or getting from point A to B without the aid of public transportation.

That said, there are destinations that are welcoming and accessible to all who are leading the pack—and Wander is here to celebrate them. “At Wander, we understand that true luxury means inclusive travel experiences,” the company shared in its new study looking into the most accessible destinations across the U.S. 

To help travelers find the most accessible destinations in the U.S., it first created a seed list of the nation’s top cities, then analyzed each on its “number of wheelchair-accessible attractions, walkability, reliable public transport, and internet connectivity.” It gathered this data from companies like GetYourGuide, AllTrails, Story Maps, Walk Score, and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. 

After looking at all that information, it named Detroit, Michigan, the most accessible city in the U.S., scoring a whopping 9.7 out of 10. 

“Detroit stands out as the most accessible U.S. city based on a combination of key factors, despite its relatively small size,” the team shared in the findings. “Detroit earned a perfect record on ADA compliance for public rail stations, with zero percent of stations being inaccessible, indicating full access for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, the city has 5.53 public transport stations per 100,000 people, providing decent transit options to its residents.” 

It noted that the city’s share of wheelchair-accessible attractions is lower than in other destinations around the U.S., at just 16.67 percent; however, this was balanced out by its high number of wheelchair-accessible outdoor trails, making the city “one of the best options nationwide for inclusive outdoor activities.” 

Coming in a close second is Baltimore, Maryland, which scored a 9.61 out of 10 thanks to its “many accessible attractions and strong infrastructure for people with disabilities.” The website added that it’s also a relatively walkable city, scoring a 64 out of 100, “making it easier for individuals using mobility aids to navigate the city safely on foot.” 

Rounding out the top three is Seattle, which scored a 9.55 out of 10. It won high praise thanks to its fantastic public transportation and plentiful accessible public spaces. “Over a quarter of its walking trails are wheelchair accessible (31 out of 119), making Seattle one of the more outdoor-accessible spots,” they added. “The focus on green space and nature access makes the city a great option for residents and tourists alike.” 

Two Texas cities, Houston and Dallas, took home the No. 4 and No. 5 spots, respectively.

See where else travelers can expect plenty of accessible options around the nation at wander.com.