7. Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is a previous winner of the NPS’s National Accessibility Achievement Award — recognized for its use of tactile models, exhibits, and displays. Around the grounds of the monument are bronze sculptures of important features, whether it be the historic Point Loma Lighthouse, or of blue whales that can often be seen from the monument’s ocean vistas.

The park also has a tactile talking pen and tactile map for use throughout the park. There are 40 signs that provide information for the device. It will give you brief information, and direct you to the next sign.

Pro Tip: I’m saving the best news for last — a free pass that gives free admission and never expires for people with permanent disabilities.

The Access Pass, available at parks or online, gives free admission and may reduce some other fees such as camping. If the park charges by the vehicle, then everyone in the vehicle gets in free.

To qualify, you need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a permanent disability. Even if it’s a partial disability, so long as it limits one or more aspects of your daily life or major life functions, you qualify. Diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, impaired vision, impaired mobility — these conditions and others will qualify.

Get it in advance. You don’t want to wait in line at a busy park on July 4 to do this. If you live near a less-busy, smaller NPS area, call them and see if you can get a pass there, rather than doing it when you’re in a rush on a cross-country trip. Ask what you need to bring. They may be more accommodating than the online/mail system.

Here is some more information that will help you enjoy national parks and other outdoor areas: