Best of 2003: Best Beach Access In A Wheelchair

Accessible San Diego
3145 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach
www.accessandiego.org
858-279-0704

"What if my buddies want to go on the beach? They're not gonna want to drag my ass down there," says Vern. He takes a slurp off his Mountain Dew Slurpee. "At the main lifeguard tower in Mission Beach, they have these handicap-deal chairs -- electric wheelchairs that go on the sand that you can check out...free! So if you want to, you can go out there and be on the sand instead of the boardwalk...maybe spark a fattie!" Vern laugh-snorts. Janie from Accessible San Diego confirms that two electric wheelchairs equipped with balloon tires are available for hour-long rides at Mission Beach's main lifeguard tower. Reservations are recommended on weekends and in the summer.