Visiting the ocean is a transformative experience.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or part of your daily ritual, there’s something powerful about the water that pulls you in.
At Orange County Coastkeeper, we believe everyone should have access to that experience. But for many, access isn’t guaranteed.
One of the biggest barriers is physical. Our coastline can be difficult to navigate, especially for people with disabilities, reduced mobility, or older adults. Long stretches of sand, uneven terrain, and rocky shorelines can limit who gets to fully experience the coast. At the same time, we have a responsibility to protect these natural spaces and avoid permanent alterations.
That’s why we focus on solutions that expand access without compromising the environment.
Temporary accessibility equipment, such as beach wheelchairs, walkers, access mats, and adaptive kayaks, can make a meaningful difference. These tools help people connect with the coast in ways that wouldn’t otherwise be possible, without disrupting the landscape.
Through our Beach and Coast Accessibility Program, in partnership with the California State Coastal Conservancy, we provide grants of up to $30,000 to California tribes, nonprofits, and public agencies. These funds go directly toward purchasing, maintaining, and promoting accessibility equipment.
This is just one way we’re working to make the coast more accessible, and we know there’s more to do. If you have ideas for how we can expand this work or want to support it, we’d love to connect.
