Huntington Beach, Calif. – September 19, 2026 -- Huntington Beach has become the first destination in California to earn Sensory Inclusive® Certification from KultureCity, a nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility and invisible disabilities.
More than 1,538 staff completed sensory-inclusive training
The certification, led by Visit Huntington Beach in partnership with the City of Huntington Beach, involved training for frontline employees at hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions. Public safety personnel, including lifeguards, police officers and firefighters, also completed the training, extending the initiative into beaches and public spaces beyond typical hospitality settings.
John Urdi says accessibility means feeling welcomed throughout a visit
"Accessibility is about more than getting to the beach — it's about feeling confident and welcomed throughout your entire experience in Huntington Beach," said John Urdi, President and CEO of Visit Huntington Beach. He said the goal is combining the KultureCity training with verified accessibility data to let more visitors experience Surf City USA on their own terms.
Wheel the World partnership has logged 1,141 accessibility data points
The certification builds on a three-year partnership with Wheel the World, a travel platform for disabled travelers. Accessibility features such as step-free entrances, accessible pathways and roll-in showers have been assessed at nearly 30 Huntington Beach hotels, attractions and venues, generating 1,141 data points travelers can use when planning trips.
City officials say the effort also benefits residents, not just tourists
City of Huntington Beach leadership noted the initiative extends beyond visitors. "This is especially meaningful as it benefits not only the millions of people who visit Huntington Beach, but the residents and families who call our community home," city officials said.
Adaptive offerings now include beach wheelchairs and Mobi-mats
Huntington Beach's accessible amenities include Mobi-mats, beach wheelchairs, adaptive surfing lessons and accessible bonfires. KultureCity Executive Director Uma Srivastava said the destination is demonstrating leadership by uniting tourism and public-sector partners around sensory inclusion.