Does the thought of going on vacation with your child with autism stress you out?
Taking an individual with ASD away from their familiar environment and routine to a place that may not understand their unique needs is no idea of a vacation for most parents. Thankfully, more destinations than ever are prioritizing accessibility and inclusion, making family vacations more enjoyable and accommodating for individuals with autism and other developmental needs.
From theme parks and resorts to entire cities dedicated to accessibility, there are many that are taking extra steps to create autism-friendly vacation destinations across the United States that go above and beyond to support families. Many now offer sensory guides, quiet spaces, trained staff, and specialized accommodations designed to help guests feel comfortable and included.
If you’re looking for autism-friendly vacation spots that your entire family can enjoy, here are some of our top recommendations.
Theme Parks & Resorts
Sesame Place®
As the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC), Sesame Place is a perfect place to enjoy a variety of fun rides, shows and activities for every member of your family.
They have earned this designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Sesame Place currently has two locations – one in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and the other in San Diego, California. Both locations are recognized for their thorough employee training on autism, sensory awareness, social skills, communication, motor skills, emotional awareness and more.
On top of having trained staff, the parks offer quiet rooms, noise-canceling headphones and low-sensory areas. They also provide low-sensory parade viewings, special character dining accommodations and meet-and-greets with Julia, Sesame Street’s first character with autism.
LEGOLAND Resorts
Located outside Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida added new features to become an autism-friendly destination. LEGOLAND New York and LEGOLAND California followed suit shortly after.
The parks created quiet rooms for families to take breaks, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, and LEGO building tables. They also offer a “Blue Hero Pass” for guests on the spectrum, allowing expedited access to popular attractions.
In addition to specialized employee training, LEGOLAND developed “social stories” that walk guests through rides and attractions before they visit. These illustrated guides help families prepare for loud noises, bright lights, periods of darkness, and other sensory experiences they may encounter throughout the park.
All these special touches make LEGOLAND stand out as an autism-friendly vacation spot for families.
Peppa Pig Theme Park in Orlando, Florida
Adjacent to LEGOLAND Florida, Peppa Pig Theme Park is a great option for young children who have never been to a theme park, as well as children with disabilities.
The park partners with IBCCES and is a Certified Autism Center. It offers several accessibility tools designed to help optimize the experience for guests on the spectrum including a “Hero Access Pass” for guests who have difficulty waiting in long lines.
The park also provides downloadable sensory and accessibility guides to help families plan ahead and make the most of their visit. Check out this fun and welcoming park that your child is guaranteed to enjoy!
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Situated in the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood features a natural environment with lots of trees for shade, creeks running through the park, and a less-crowded feel than many large theme parks.
Even with this setting, employees observed parents using bathrooms to try to calm overstimulated kids. As a result, the Dollywood team set out to create a haven for families that needed a break.
Today, the park offers a Calming Room equipped with weighted blankets, fiber optic strands, a teepee, and comfy, soft places to relax. Its water park also includes a designated Calming Corner.
These thoughtful accommodations have helped establish Dollywood as a favorite destination for many families seeking autism-friendly travel experiences.
TradeWinds Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida
Recognized as an autism-friendly resort by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach offers a wonderful vacation getaway for families who have a child with autism.
At check-in, families can access room safety kits that include items such as door alarms and outlet covers. The resort also offers temporary safety tattoos and other thoughtful resources designed to provide peace of mind.
Additionally, staff members at the resort’s popular KONK (“Kids Only, No Kidding”) Club receive autism-awareness training. Parents can communicate with staff prior to arrival to help ensure their child’s experience is as fun and stress-free as possible.
The resort also provides a downloadable social story to help prepare kids for their stay.
Cities & Other Locations
Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Proud to be named the world’s first official autism-friendly destination, Surfside Beach is a perfect choice for families wanting a beach vacation that provides specialized accommodations for their child with autism.
Located south of Myrtle Beach on the Atlantic coast, Surfside Beach is unique in what it does not have – loud, overstimulating boardwalks and heavily crowded beaches.
The community also partnered with Champion Autism Network (CAN) to create the CAN Card. Showing the CAN Card discreetly alerts participating attractions, restaurants, hotels and resorts know that they have a family member who may benefit from additional accommodations. Participating businesses receive specialized training on supporting individuals with autism.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Just north of Surfside Beach, Myrtle Beach has expanded its autism-friendly offerings over the years and continues to prioritize accessibility for visitors of all abilities.
Families will find a variety of attractions, restaurants, lodging options, and recreational activities that participate in autism-awareness initiatives and specialized staff training.
With beautiful beaches, family entertainment, and countless things to do, Myrtle Beach can be a great option for families seeking a destination that balances fun, flexibility, and inclusion.
Visalia, California
Visalia, a Certified Autism Destination, offers several attractions, hotels, and businesses that are Certified Autism Centers, specially trained through IBCCES.
Whether your child enjoys museums, outdoor adventures, or simply exploring a walkable downtown area, there is plenty to do for all members of the family in this city. Find out more over on Visalia’s tourism site.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs has emerged as another destination committed to accessibility and inclusion, certified by the IBCCES.
The area offers family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, and sensory-conscious accommodations that can help make travel more comfortable for families with children on the autism spectrum.
Known for its relaxed atmosphere and wide-open spaces, Palm Springs can be an excellent option for families looking for a quieter getaway while still enjoying plenty of memorable experiences together.
Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, known as “City Limitless”, was the first city in the United States to earn the designation of Autism Certified City and remains a leader in autism-incentive travel.
Like Visalia, the city is home to numerous Certified Autism Centers and attractions that have received specialized autism training.
Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of Mesa’s plethora of resources, including a digital guide that highlights participating attractions, businesses, and experiences throughout the city, as part of the city’s Live Life Limitless initiative. Discover more about what this special city has to offer on Visit Mesa’s website.
High Point, North Carolina
High Point, the first Certified Autism Destination on the East Coast, offers endless options for the whole family.
With a variety of autism-friendly attractions, restaurants, and lodging options, High Point is well-equipped to host families traveling with children on the autism spectrum.
To make planning easier, the city’s tourism website even offers suggested itineraries that families can follow or customize based on their interests.
Planning an Autism-Friendly Family Vacation
Every individual with autism has unique strengths, interests, and support needs. When researching autism-friendly vacation destinations, consider looking for features such as sensory guides, quiet spaces, attraction accessibility information, trained staff, and accommodations that align with your child’s preferences.
Taking time to prepare ahead of your trip can help reduce anxiety and create a more enjoyable experience for the entire family.
Additional Resources
We hope these autism-friendly vacation spot ideas help you plan a getaway your entire family will enjoy.
To find a more expansive list of IBCCES-verified autism-friendly destinations, visit Autism Travel. New Certified Autism Destinations and Certified Autism Centers are being added regularly, making it easier than ever to find inclusive vacation options that fit your family’s needs.
We also wrote a companion blog post that includes autism-friendly destinations closer to Michigan, as well as international travel options for families looking to explore beyond the United States. And be sure to check out our travel tips for those long transportation rides.