Texas is a state in the South Central region of the United States. It is the second-largest state in both area and population. Texas is 268,596 square miles and has a population of more than 29 million people. The state is bordered by Louisiana and Arkansas to the east, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, and Mexico to the south. The state has roughly 367 miles of coast along the Gulf of Mexico. The state’s large size and its location at the intersection of different climate zones mean that the state has different weather depending on what location you are in. The mountainous region found in the panhandle experiences colder winters and less annual precipitation. The Gulf Coast region has mild winters and as much as 64 inches of rainfall per year. Generally, most areas of Texas experience consistent summer-high temperatures in the 90°F range. Pre-colonial Texas was home to three major indigenous cultures, the Ancestral Puebloans, the Mound Builders, and the civilizations of Mesoamerica. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive in the region, and since then, Texas has been a part of several nations. Texas has been claimed by Spain, France, Mexico, the independent Republic of Texas, the Confederate States, and the United States.

Because of its large size, Texas is home to America’s largest highway and railway systems. The state has more than 79,000 miles of public highways.

1.  San Antonio’s River Walk

The City of San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas. It has been actively eliminating architectural barriers and creating wheelchair accessibility to more than 50 locations throughout the city since the early 1980s. The San Antonio River Walk is a city park and special-case pedestrian zone that follows the San Antonio River through five miles of downtown San Antonio. The parallel, paved pathways on either side of the river offer 15 miles of accessible trail for pedestrians to enjoy. The River Walk is open 24/7 and surrounded by many shops, galleries, and restaurants for pedestrians to enjoy. In addition to permanent businesses, the riverwalk also hosts many parades, artisan shows, and festivals throughout the year.

2.  The Alamo

The Alamo is one of the most famous landmarks in Texas and should be at the top of any history buff’s sightseeing list. The Alamo is a historic Spanish Mission founded in the 18th century by Roman Catholic missionaries in present-day San Antonio. The building was made famous by the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, a pivotal skirmish in the Texas Revolution from Mexico, where Mexican troops laid siege to the building for thirteen days. At the time the Alamo was used as a garrison for Texan troops fighting for independence. About 100 Texans fought off 1,500 Mexican soldiers during the battle. Although they ultimately lost, the defeat inspired many Texans and Tejanos to join the Texian Army and eventually defeat Mexico. Now, The Alamo offers tours, museum exhibits, and living history demonstrations to visitors. The Alamo offers restrooms that are compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act and offers wheelchairs upon request. Although the historic buildings are wheelchair accessible, some of the original flagstone floors are uneven, so visitors are encouraged to use caution.

3.  Space Center Houston

The Space Center Houston is a leading science and space exploration learning center and one of Houston’s top attractions. The Space Center Houston offers an educational complex and space museum that houses over 400 space artifacts, exhibits, and experiences. It is home to the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view. It is the home of NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control, and astronaut training. There is plenty of handicapped parking located near the entrance and at a separate lot near a picnic area. Accessible restrooms can be found throughout the facility, and all Space Center Houston theaters, exhibits, and attractions are wheelchair accessible. The Space Center Houston also supplies a limited number of complimentary wheelchairs given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

4.  Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a national park in southwest Texas that includes the entire Chisos mountain range and a large portion of the Chihuahuan Desert. The park is 1,252 square miles and offers several campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic sites. The Panther Junction, Chisos Basin, Persimmon Gap, and the Rio Grande visitor centers are all accessible to wheelchair users. These visitor centers feature reserved parking and are accessible by ramp. The restrooms, exhibit area, bookstore, information desk, and drinking fountain are all wheelchair-accessible as well. The Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village Campgrounds both set aside fully accessible campsites with adjoining accessible restrooms. It is best to call ahead and reserve these sites before visiting. Certain short segments of nature trails are fully accessible to wheelchairs, like the Panther Path, Window View Trail, and the beginning of the Rio Grande Village Nature trail Boardwalk.

5.  State Capitol in Austin

Austin, Texas, is known as “The Live Music Capital of the World” and offers many chances for visitors to enjoy great music, from the airport terminal to grocery stores. In addition to the many music venues, the state’s capital offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities and activities for visitors to enjoy. The Texas State Capitol building was– at one time– the seventh-largest building in the world. While that is no longer the case, the beautiful building is still bigger than the nation’s capital and offers free guided tours to visitors. Tours of the capitol building’s facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users; however, motorized mobility scooters are not allowed on the Capitol Grounds. Austin also plays host to many museums. The Bullock Texas State History Museum, Texas Memorial Museum, Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, and the French Legation Museum are all wheelchair accessible and each offer a unique experience.

Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals has pioneered the handicap rental van industry. Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals provides access to automobile rentals that are comfortable, safe, and accessible in multiple locations throughout the United States. Wheelers has locations in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. These locations provide pickup services at the Austin Airport, Houston Hobby Airport, George Bush Airport, and the San Antonio Airport. With Wheeler’s vans, customers can become more independent and go wherever they want, whenever they want. Renting is easy, and customers have the flexibility to pick their vehicle make and vehicle model from Wheelers’ available fleet. Wheelers also offer a Rent2Buy program that allows customers to rent a chosen vehicle for a three-day trial period at a special low rate before deciding to purchase the vehicle. To reserve an accessible full-size van or mini-van, all you need is to be at least 23 years of age, hold a valid US driver’s license, proof of insurance, and have a valid credit card. Then, select your pick-up and drop-off locations to finalize your reservation. To book an accessible van for your next vacation, contact us today!