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Disabilities & Accessibility

California is a national leader in making attractions and facilities accessible to travelers with disabilities. Since 1982 the state building code has required that all construction for public use include access for people with disabilities. State laws more than a decade old provide special privileges, such as license plates allowing parking in designated spaces, unlimited parking in time-limited spaces, and free parking in metered spaces. Identification and placards from states other than California are honored.

The Web site of Access Northern California includes information about the accessibility of lodgings, attractions, transportation services, recreation facilities, and outdoor activities; the group also distributes Access San Francisco, a free guide published in conjunction with the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Web site of Access-Able Travel Source has information about attractions and restaurants, lodgings, and other establishments accessible to travelers with disabilities. The Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco can provide information and referrals for people with all types of disabilities. The California State Coastal Conservancy distributes the free booklet Wheelchair Riders Guide to San Francisco Bay and Nearby Shorelines.

Local Resources

Access-Able Travel Source (www.access-able.com). Access Northern California (1427 Grant St., Berkeley, 94703. 510/524-2026. www.accessnca.com). California State Coastal Conservancy (Publications Dept., 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100, Oakland, 94612. 510/286-1015. www.scc.ca.gov). Independent Living Resource Center (649 Mission St., 3rd fl., 94105. 415/543-6222. www.ilrcsf.org).

Lodging

Access San Francisco, a free guide jointly published by the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau and Access Northern California, lists the many city hotels that meet ADA requirements. Good choices for people who use wheelchairs include the Argent, the Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites, the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf, the Palace Hotel, and the Radisson Miyako Hotel -- all in relatively flat areas and with large numbers of specially equipped rooms, including roll-in showers.

Good Choices

The Argent (50 3rd St., SoMa, 94103. 877/222-6699 or 415/974-6400. www.argenthotel.com). Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites (2190 Lombard St., Marina, 94123. 415/921-5800. www.cowhollowmotorinn.com). Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf (555 N. Point St., Fisherman's Wharf, 94133. 800/233-1234 or 415/563-1234. fishermanswharf.hyatt.com). Palace Hotel (2 New Montgomery St., SoMa, 94105. 415/512-1111. www.sfpalace.com). Radisson Miyako Hotel (1625 Post St., at Laguna St., Japantown, 94115. 800/533-4567 or 415/922-3200. www.radisson.com/sanfranciscoca_miyako).

Local Resources

Access Northern California (1427 Grant St., Berkeley, 94703. 510/524-2026. www.accessnca.com). San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau (201 3rd St., Suite 900, 94103. 415/391-2000; 415/392-0328 TDD. www.sfvisitor.org).

Parks

The National Park Service provides, free of charge, a Golden Access Passport for all national parks to those who are blind or have a permanent disability. The passport covers the entry fee for the holder and anyone accompanying the holder in the same private vehicle as well as a 50% discount on camping and various other user fees. Apply for the passport in person at a national recreation facility that charges an entrance fee; proof of disability is required.

Sights & Attractions

Major attractions in San Francisco are wheelchair accessible, including Alcatraz, the ferries, the museums, and the elevator to Coit Tower.