Autism-friendly vacations: Best vacation spots for autistic kids

Autism-friendly vacation spots can be hard to come by. It’s estimated that only 13% of autism families take vacations.¹ This surprised us at first, but it makes sense —most vacation spots aren’t made with autism and neurodivergent families in mind. There are so many questions and unknowns. Will my kids be safe? Will they have fun? Where will we stay, eat, and play? Will people understand our needs and challenges? As many autism parents know, it’s not easy to escape judgment and find a place that welcomes neurodiversity.

 

That’s why we’ve put together a detailed list of incredible vacation options, selected through rigorous research and interviews, to ensure an experience without stress or judgment from beginning to end. Grab your flip-flops (or hiking boots) and scroll on to see the best autism-friendly summer vacation destinations in the United States!

 

(Pssst. If you’re curious about how we chose these destinations, check out the “How this article was written” section at the bottom of this article to learn more about our strict criteria.)

 

 

 

Myrtle/Surfside Beach, South Carolina | $$

Perfect for: Beach & Water-lovers | Foodies | Pet-Friendly | Nightlife | Judgment-free | Golfing | Shopping

 

As the first vacation destination to have the distinction of being certified autism-friendly, it’s no wonder Surfside Beach, and its sister community, Myrtle Beach, are a fast favorite of autism families. Driven by the efforts of autism mom Becky Large, these communities have adopted autism-friendliness as a mission. If you’re searching for a judgment-free place to stick your toes in the sand, then pack your bags and head on over to South Carolina’s famous beaches for a taste of southern hospitality at its finest.

 

What they offer: Vacation your way — whether that’s spending lazy days collecting seashells at sun-kissed beaches, or fun-filled family evenings enjoying local attractions like the Myrtle Beach Skywheel. For more daytime fun, check out the fully accessible Savannah’s Playground, or Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks. When you’re ready to kick your feet back and relax a bit, take in a sensory-friendly movie at Grand 14 Cinema, or let the kids burn off their energy at one of Myrtle Beach’s indoor play attractions. If you’re up for an adventure, check out the Beach’s local autism-friendly watersports company, Shoreline Watersports, for activities like parasailing and kayaking. Parents have said that watching their autistic child experience the calming sensation of the ocean was their favorite part of the trip — now that’s what we call making summer memories!

 

Why we love it: Besides its gorgeous beaches and southern charm, these beach communities offer a truly inclusive experience that is unrivaled on the east coast. Use your CAN card to discreetly request special accommodations at over a dozen participating restaurants, hotels, and attractions. This can mean easier hotel check-ins, quieter seating at restaurants, and understanding staff that won’t look down on you when a meltdown occurs or your child has a unique need. Surfside Beach and CAN offer adaptive beach activities including fishing and surfing, so no one in your crew will be excluded from enjoying the water! (Follow CAN’s Facebook page to keep up with their scheduled activities.) Even Myrtle Beach’s airport is autism-friendly, so your trip will be inclusive from start to finish!

(P.S. Don’t forget to bring your furry friends along! These beach communities are dog-friendly, too!)

 

 

Mesa, Arizona | $$

Perfect for: Desert-lovers | Something for everyone | Unique Experience | Judgment-free | Golfing | Shopping | Nightlife

 

Looking for something fun and unique to do this summer? Saddle up your posse and head out west this summer for a vacation your family will never forget. Mesa, AZ, has the distinction of being the United States’ first autism-certified city — an effort led by autism dad Marc Garcia. And it’s not just lip service — Mesa has an unparalleled commitment to celebrating and welcoming neurodivergent individuals and their families to their breathtaking desert landscapes.

 

What they offer: Mesa is a vibrant city with unique character and culture, set within the backdrop of the stunning Sonoran Desert. From wild west experiences, panning for gold, a thriving local art scene, indigenous Native history, and endless outdoor adventures, Mesa is a vacation destination like no other. Your family will marvel at the majestic Mysterious Mountains, cruise Saguaro Lake in a steamboat, get a taste of the old west, and enjoy kid-friendly spots like the i.d.e.a. Museum or Odysea Aquarium. Check out Mesa’s beautiful botanical gardens and pop over to nearby Scottsdale for the Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs experience or Butterfly Wonderland. Grown-ups will appreciate a little fun of their own, enjoying Mesa’s electric nightlife, including comedy clubs, bars, casinos, and music venues. (For a searchable list of all Mesa has to offer, click here.)

 

Why we love it: When your family visits Mesa this summer, you’ll see why they’re called “City Limitless”. They’ve doubled down on their goal of becoming one of the world’s most autism-friendly cities — offering over 60 autism-friendly businesses within the community. With access to over a dozen autism-friendly hotels in the area and even more autism-friendly attractions, Mesa offers a truly inclusive vacation experience for autism families. Nearly everything in Mesa — from the college’s Planetarium, to their Parks and Recreation department, to the police department, and more — is autism-friendly. Their enthusiasm has even caught wind in nearby towns of Queen Creek and Tempe, which also have autism-friendliness on the brain. With so many options to choose from, your family may have trouble fitting everything into just one trip!

 

 

Visalia, California | $$

Perfect for: Outdoor Lovers | Low-Key Vacay | Low Cost | Camping | Mountains | Judgment-free | Unique Experience

 

For outdoor lovers, the quaint and certified autism-friendly city of Visalia, CA, is a cannot-miss family adventure. Charming and welcoming Visalia is hailed as “the gateway to the Sequoias” (due to its proximity to the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks), but now they’re making a name for themselves for another reason — their passionate effort to make Visalia a truly inclusive place for people with special needs, especially those on the spectrum!

 

What they offer: Your family will take in scenic mountain views, lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and experience the beauty of nature. If you get your fill of that fresh mountain air and want to switch things up, head into town for shopping and local dining. After a long day of exploring, make camp at one of the campgrounds in the area, or if you’d like some modern comfort, choose from a number of autism-friendly hotels. Not only a gateway to national parks, Visalia is also located in the heart of California’s agricultural region, with a rich history and culture all its own. This means access to farmer’s markets, farm-fresh restaurants, and proximity to several museums, art galleries, and wineries.

 

Why we love it: The city of Visalia, including its police force and EMTs, are CACs (Certified Autism Centers); on top of that, they are committed to fostering an atmosphere of “kindness, compassion, and understanding” for all visitors. Visalia’s participation in the Sunflower Program for hidden disabilities offers special accommodations for neurodivergent visitors at certain local businesses, allowing you discreet, personalized attention at restaurants, hotels, and more. With access to 8 autism-friendly hotels, several autism-friendly museums, parks, a golf course, and more (for a list of attractions, click here), everyone in your crew will find something to do in Visalia!

 

 

Tradewinds Resorts | St. Pete Beach, Florida | $$$

Perfect for: Beachfront | On-site Dining & Activities | Pet-Friendly | Something for everyone | Welcoming & Inclusive

 

Located in sunny St. Pete Beach, Florida, this resort is so stacked with amenities there seems to be something for everyone in the family. At Tradewinds, the motto is “just let go” and they’ve included so many thoughtful touches for autism families that will allow you to do just that!

 

What they offer: Located on over 60 combined acres of sandy Florida beach, Island Grand Beach Resort and Rumfish Beach Resort provide neurodivergent families a thoughtful and restful reprieve from everyday life. Tradewinds’ staff is trained regarding autism and how to best serve those on the spectrum, which means you can fret less and enjoy yourself more. Waterproof mattress pads and temporary tattoos (perfect for children prone to elopement) are just a few special accommodations you can request at either resort. For an additional fee, Tradewinds offers an incredible safety package for securing your hotel room, including door alarms, visual aids, and more.

 

Why we love it: We love that Tradewinds Resorts contain everything you need for a perfect vacation, making transitioning from activities and locations just a bit easier for autism families. With over a dozen dining options, pools for kids and grown-ups, room service, an onsite spa, and endless activities including paddleboarding, waterslides, mini-golf, and more, you’ll never have to leave (unless it’s to explore more beaches and shopping, of course!) Enjoy the beach, fine dining, bars, and even family entertainment (like poolside movies or a visit from Captain Redbeard). You can even work with trained staff to create special activities (including arts and crafts) for your kiddos on and off the spectrum! Can you hear an umbrella drink calling your name yet?