Accessible Travel in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

In Charlottesville and Albemarle County, we believe that diversity and inclusion enrich our community while enhancing the experiences of each visitor.

We welcome visitors from every corner of the globe, embracing the diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and identities that make this area so vibrant. Whether you're here for a short stay or a long visit, we strive to ensure your experience is memorable, accessible, and inclusive.

Watch the video below to see Candis Welch explore Charlottesville & Albemarle County by motorized wheelchair!

The Wheelchair-Accessible Saunders-Monticello Trail

Discover These Accessible Things to Do

Recently voted as one of Booking.com’s 2023 "Most Welcoming Places on Earth" Charlottesville and Albemarle County are full of friendly, vibrant, and passionate people who bring new ideas to the area. This translates to a host of experiences that are sure to inspire, entertain, and enrich. Whether that's sipping wine at one of our 40+ wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail, enjoying time in nature along the wheelchair-accessible Saunders-Monticello Trail, or exploring locally owned businesses along the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, there are activities to suit a variety of interests and abilities. See a selection of these experiences below!

Accessible and Inclusive Outdoor Activities in Charlottesville and Albemarle County

It’s no secret that spending time outdoors offers numerous benefits to individuals, including improved physical and mental health, increased social interaction, and enhanced quality of life. In honor of April being Inclusion in the Outdoors Month, we’ve pulled together a…

Learn More
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is the only presidential and private home in the United States recognized by the United Nations as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours of the house, gardens, and more are… Learn More
Michie Tavern Get a taste of the 18th century at Michie Tavern. This popular lunchtime spot features a buffet of traditional Southern fare along with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The dining room is accessible by wheelchair via a ramp. Learn More
Saunders-Monticello Trail With native hardwood forests, deep ravines and spectacular views, this scenic trail gradually winds its way to the the visitor center at Monticello. The trail alternates between wooden boardwalk and crushed gravel, and a maximum grade of 5% keeps it… Learn More
Ix Art Park & The Looking Glass At Ix Art Park, everyone is an artist and is encouraged to explore their creativity. Spend time in the free outdoor art park or book an immersive art experience with The Looking Glass - Virginia's first immersive art exhibit! Learn More
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection Tour the only museum in the United States dedicated to indigenous Australian art. The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection features more than 3500 objects. Learn More
Live Arts Live Arts Theater has been producing provocative, crowd-pleasing plays and musicals in downtown Charlottesville since 1990. The mainstage season runs from September through May. Learn More
Virginia Discovery Museum The Virginia Discovery Museum brings families together to engage minds, excite imaginations, and explore the world through interactive and imaginative play environments. Learn More
Kindness Café + Play Providing meaningful employment for adults with cognitive disabilities, Kindness Café creates a joyful and inclusive space through a daily cup of kindness. Learn More
Cville Hop On Tours Cville Hop on Tours specializes in customizable tours of craft beverage destinations. Tours can be booked individually or as a group. Accessible transportation is available. Learn More

Charlottesville's Historic Pedestrian Downtown Mall

A visit to the Charlottesville area isn't complete without a stop along the Downtown Mall. Recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, this pedestrian-only avenue features a wonderful mix of restored and renovated buildings where visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment. Enjoy dining al fresco at a number of fine restaurants or shop at a unique, locally owned boutique. Then catch a movie, play, or live music at one of several performance venues. Plan your visit using this map of the Downtown Mall.

  • Downtown Parking

The downtown area has convenient parking in nearby garages and multiple paid lots. The City of Charlottesville maintains two parking garages, Market Street Garage and Water Street Garage. Both garages have access to the street via an elevator and patrons can enjoy the first hour of parking for free. Many of the surrounding paid lots use the ParkMobile app and/or website.

  • Step-Free and/or Accessible Entrances

The historic pedestrian Downtown Mall is a vibrant collection of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants housed in historic buildings along the city's Main Street.

The following downtown businesses have step-free and/or accessible entrances. Please note that due to the historic nature of the Downtown Mall, door widths to individual businesses will vary.

Step-Free and/or Accessible Entrances - Food & Drink

Baggby's Gourmet Sandwiches

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

Tastings of Charlottesville
BizouKilwinsThe Bebedero
Bonny and ReadLazeez Modern IndianThe Fitzroy
Café FrankLone Light CoffeeThe Melting Pot
Chaps Ice Cream - DowntownMarco & Luca Dumplings - DowntownThe Nook
Christian's Pizza - Downtown

Market Street Market

The Whiskey Jar
Cinema TacoMARU Korean Restaurant and BarThe Wich Lab
Citizen Burger BarMiller's DowntownTilman's
Crush Pad WinesMudhouse Coffee - CODE BuildingVita Nova New York Style Pizza & Restaurant
FARMacy Café Otto Turkish Street FoodVitae Spirits - Downtown Tasting Room
FleuriePetit Pois
Grit Coffee - DowntownRapture
Hamiltons' at First & MainRockfish Brewing Company - Downtown
Himalayan FusionSal's Caffe Italia

Step-Free and/or Accessible Entrances - Shopping & Retail

2nd Act BooksLynne Goldman ElementsTastings of Charlottesville
Agents in Style Luxury Consignment BoutiqueJ. Fenton TooTen Thousand Villages
Alakazam Toys & GiftsJean TheoryThe Green Cauldron
Angelo JewelryKilwinsThe Men's & Boys Shop
BitterSweet Clothing & AccessoriesMa Nah Ma NahTilla Accessories
CaspariMagpie KnitsTuel Jewelers
Cinema SkateshopMarket Street MarketYves Delorme
Consignment House GalleryNew Dominion Bookshop
Crush Pad WinesO'Suzannah
C'ville Arts Cooperative GalleryOvid & Lane
CVSPeck Boards
Darling x Dashing BoutiqueRock Paper Scissors
Hello Comics - DowntownSealed with a Kiss Bridal

Step-Free and/or Accessible Entrances - Attractions, Arts & Entertainment

C'ville Arts Cooperative GalleryThe Front PorchViolet Crown Cinema
Decades ArcadeThe Jefferson TheaterVirginia Discovery Museum
Live ArtsThe Paramount Theater
New City ArtsThe Southern Cafe and Music Hall
Second Street GalleryTing Pavilion

Accommodations

Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a wide variety of places to stay. The following hotel rooms were assessed by our accessibility partner, Wheel the World, in 2023. For more information or to book a room, visit Wheel the World.

All hotels on this list have an accessible and/or step-free entrance

Hotel

Room Number

Bed Height

Space Beside Bed

Space Under Bed
Toilet Height
Space Under Sink (Height/Depth)
206
403
29 in.
29 in.
60 in.
31 in.
Yes
Yes
18 in.
18 in.
28 in./20 in.
28 in./22 in.
124
312
27 in.
29 in.
42 in.
40 in.
Yes
Yes
18 in.
18 in.
27 in./23 in.
27 in./20 in.
428
21 in.
41 in.
No
18 in.
29 in./24 in.
146
165
30 in.
30 in.
48 in.
62 in.
Yes
Yes
17 in.
18 in.
29 in./22 in.
29 in./20 in.
315
316
26 in.
26 in.
70 in.
40 in.
No
No
18 in.
18 in.
29 in./18 in.
29 in./19 in.
136
146
27 in.
27 in.
104 in.
62 in.
No
No
17 in.
18 in.
29 in./22 in.
29 in./21 in.
305
30 in.
57 in.
Yes
19 in.
32 in./10 in.
317
417
25 in.
25 in.
40 in.
40 in.
Yes
Yes
16 in.
18 in.
No free space
29 in./25 in.
126
313
324
26 in.
26 in.
27 in.
47 in.
40 in.
40 in.
No
Yes
No
18 in.
18 in.
18 in.
No free space
27 in./7 in.
No free space
404
428
25 in.
24 in.
77 in.
35 in.
Yes
Yes
18 in.
18 in.
29 in./9 in.
29 in./9 in.

4

31

29 in.
28 in.
58 in.
65 in.
Yes
Yes
16 in.
18 in.
28 in./20 in.
29 in./20 in.
224
324
424
26 in.
26 in.
26 in.
70 in.
53 in.

46 in.

Yes
Yes

Yes

18 in.
17 in.
18 in.
29 in./21 in.
29 in./21 in.
29 in./22 in.
216
217
29 in.
29 in.
50 in.
60 in.
Yes
Yes
17 in.
18 in.

30 in./20 in.

30 in./21 in.

107
112
130
30 in.
31 in.
31 in.
70 in.
75 in.
85 in.
Yes
Yes
Yes
18 in.
18 in.
18 in.
28 in./20 in.
28 in./20 in.
29 in./21 in.

Medical Equipment Providers

Simple Comforts Home Medical Supplier, (434) 245-0001

Weekly or monthly rentals available, delivery for a fee. Standard and motorized options available, but due to limited quantity, advance notice is preferred. Driver’s license and credit card required for rental. Does not do outside repairs on personal equipment.


ABC, an Apria Company, (434) 218-1860

Monthly rentals available. Standard equipment, no motorized options available. Due to limited quantity, advanced notice is preferred. Driver’s license and credit card required for rental. Does not do outside repairs on personal equipment.

Charlottesville and Albemarle County are Destination Verified! Check out Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s attractions highlighted by Wheel the World for more things to do and places to stay.

Accessible and Inclusive Outdoor Activities in Charlottesville and Albemarle County

It’s no secret that spending time outdoors offers numerous benefits to individuals, including improved physical and mental health, increased social interaction, and enhanced quality of life. In honor of April being Inclusion in the Outdoors Month, we’ve pulled together a list of accessible and inclusive outdoor activities that we hope will allow everyone to embark on their next outdoor adventure in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Learn More