In the community, you can find stores, live entertainment, and other amenities. Pensacola, Florida Panhandle. While it's not at all in 30A, there's also a new Hyatt Place on Panama City Beach nearby with a resort-style pool and lazy river. You can also talk to your DMV about the local regulations. If you plan on living in a golf cart community, you can legally drive your cart without making alterations. Find the right card for you. During our visits, we first had a private pool at our Santa Rosa Beach home rental a great amenity to add to the nearby public beach. Additionally, most of the areas hotels offer golf cart rentals at discounted prices so that visitors can easily explore the city and its attractions in style. It has bit more visible life and diversity mixed into the "Forrest Gump"-esque, tree-lined, cobblestone streets. With its sunny weather and abundance of golf courses and attractions, Daytona Beach offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the open roads. Of course, as the regulars already know, youll probably come back after you visit once. So if youre ready to hit the road in your golf cart, read on for our list of 11 of the best golf cart beach towns. Regulations include obtaining a permit and following safety guidelines. Check here before booking an award fare. Those looking to have a laid-back lifestyle on the West Coast find Laguna Woods Village to be a great escape. A golf cart community has everything you need and want in close proximity, and lax laws regarding golf cart use on streets. Its a type of tourism that focuses on exploring the beauty of nature in a sustainable and responsible way. Laguna Woods Village - Laguna Woods, CA Mid $100s - Mid $1Ms This sunny Orange County active adult community is ideally suited to getting around via golf cart. Available Information : Postal address, Phone number, Email address . (4 Possible Reasons), How To Clean Golf Cart Batteries (Step-by-Step Guide). Re: looking for a small Florida beach town, no car required Golf carts are the preferred method of transportation, and there are zero traffic lights on the island. It's in Rosemary Beach and includes complimentary beach chairs already set up for you next to the ocean. Once you reach Bald Head Island, plan to either use your feet, grab a bike, or if you want to travel smarter, a golf cart. This is a community blended well of locals, visiting family members in the summer, and other tourists looking to embrace this small beach town. Lawrence Smelser has been part of the Golfible writing staff since 2019 and is a freelance golf journalist. Small beach town like Seaside, FL? - Page 3 - Fodor's Additionally, the speed limit must be 30 miles per hour or less. A hidden gem in Bonita Springs, this community is rural and tucked away from the city life. With that said, you can only use golf carts on certain roads. Your vehicle needs seatbelts and lights for it to be street legal here. Taking a golf cart out to explore this city allows for more freedom than traditional walking tours and can be enjoyed by all ages. In Viera, people drive golf carts to work and school. Additionally, community spirit is high in Peachtree and there are lots of communal activities for the taking. 11 Beach Travel Essentials to Pack [For a Summer Vacation]- Minimalist Approach, Hidden Beach Marieta Islands- Find The [Surprising Beauty] of Mexicos Island Beach Playa. You can check out thegolf cart mapto learn where you can ride. 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San Carlos Estates A haven for beachcombers and art lovers, you'll find more than 20 galleries and iconic public art pieces in downtown and in the Pineapple Grove Arts District, home to Artist Alley. criteria that can help you narrow down your choices and find the best place for your next vacation: town with plenty of activities and attractions, town with low crime rates and plenty of security measures in place, town that offers affordable accommodations and activities, Bring beach towels so you can relax on the sand or take a dip in the ocean. From quaint coastal towns to bustling cities, each of these destinations offers plenty of scenic views, easy access to the beach, and plenty of places to explore. With the size of the town just over a mile long, there isnt much room for vehicles. Cruise down Atlantic Avenue, the main drag in Delray Beach, and you'll end up at one of the most beautiful beaches on Florida's east coast. Holiday Inn Pensacola - University Area, an IHG Hotel. Do You Need A License To Drive A Golf Cart. If you are looking to redeem a stash of Marriott points, there are several lovely Marriott home rentals sprinkled about the area. More travelers have heard of Destin and Panama City than the 30A area sprinkled between those two tourism juggernauts. There are over twenty different courses that span every difficulty level from beginner to expert. The Villages, FL. Most people book homes in the area for a full week, from Saturday to Saturday. It was the easy-to-access domestic beach getaway that we didnt know much we needed until we found it. MHaralson Enterprises is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The cart must have efficient brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, rearview mirror and red reflectorized warning device on front and rear.. In some places, you're not even allowed to go if you're not staying there. Furthermore, the many shops and restaurants in St. Augustine are perfect for an afternoon filled with exploration. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. After months of discussion, Winter Haven city officials voted to make the city more golf cart-friendly. No matter where you go while traveling in the Sunshine State, make sure to plan a stop at one of these sunny and small coastal towns. The pace will be slower, but it is meant to be that way. For those who are 55 and up, there are even more options. There are more traditional hotels and resorts in the area, such as the Watercolor Inn, where standard rooms start at $500 to more than $600 in peak season. You can take your golf cart anywhere through the town, traveling just as you would in a vehicle but on reserved trails for safety. However, it still flies under the radar for many tourists. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions along the trail that visitors can reach by golf cart. It's a luxury community and a beautiful place for a golf cart ride. The birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, Fernandina Beach, is a waterfront village nestled on the north end of Amelia Island. It is a tropical island where there are no cars. Airstream trailers serve the role of food trucks here, and there are plenty of places to sit outside and enjoy your food. However, the actual beach here seems to require getting a beach rental chair that lines the sandy shores. It didnt have a private pool like the Santa Rosa Beach house did the previous year. Terms and Conditions Apply. An electric cart is quiet and slow, which might fit right in with your desired lifestyle. What are the best golf cart beach towns and what criteria make them stand out from the rest? Bez : Bez Localisation : Country Czech Republic, Region South Moravia, District Beclav. You can take your golf cart living to the extreme by living in the golf cart community in Florida that doesnt allow other vehicles. Stretching from the bay to the gulf, Pine Avenue is the perfect place to shop funky boutiques, dine at local cafes, and get a feel for that ultimate island lifestyle. Just around the corner from Walt Disney World Resort, this massive campground comprises 21 camping loops, each containing 10-85 sites. There are hundreds of homes and plenty of golf cart trails for you to explore. Bike rentals are also very fun and popular in the area. From quaint coastal towns to bustling cities, there are plenty of great places to explore with your golf cart. King of Carts (formerly Surfside Golf Car Rentals) Three locations (Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet) 843.650.2497 Columbia King of Carts Superstore 4014 Fernandina Road, Columbia 803.391.3145 Go With Garrett's Golf Cars & Specialty Vehicles 431 Western Lane, Irmo 803.407.2687 Greenville The crabcakes (available on Friday and Saturday nights) are popular, and I can personally vouch for the shrimp po'boy. During the pandemic, the area's popularity expanded, and rates are now higher than they were a few years ago. Known as the "Emerald Coast," it's a collection of small, unique, beautiful Florida beach towns nestled quietly between the busier areas of Panama City and Destin along County Road 30A. Golf carts are easy to navigate the area with and reduce the need for excessive parking. In Grayton, youll find hand-painted peace signs along the streets and a prominently placed VW van. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina This Lowcountry island offers 12 miles of beaches. The long stretches of white sandy beach offer plenty of scenic opportunities. From day tours, fishing charters, and sunset cruises to restaurants, shopping centers, and other attractions, Destin Beach is sure to be an unforgettable experience for golf cart enthusiasts! . The community also uses golf carts unconventionally; it's their primary mode of transportation! The East Coast's northernmost subtropical island, Bald Head is largely protected maritime forest, with beach rentals, nature trails, a few cafes, and miles of spectacular, unspoiled beaches. In Seaside, those charming cottages on tree-lined streets around Tupelo would be hard to beat as long as you dont need front-row ocean views. Vacation rentals are the most popular lodging options here. Its a small, modern airport that's easy to get in and out of without hassle. It's not technically on 30A. Lincoln, California. Golf Cart Friendly Beach Towns: Explore Like A Local - Golfible However, you can make modifications to make this golf cart street legal anywhere. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Its a great idea to reserve bikes and golf carts well in advance. Follow up your tee time with tea time at The Cove Restaurant, which overlooks the course. With its affordability, safety, and amenities, Clearwater Beach is one of the best golf cart beach towns in the United States. Whether by design or coincidence, even the name's pronunciation will give away whether youve been there or not. Clearwater Beach is the perfect destination for golf cart enthusiasts. Mapcarta, the open map. That said, there are plenty of street legal golf carts available for purchase in the area. Some good places to eat in Santa Rosa include Goatfeathers (which also has a to-go seafood market), Cafe Tango and Local Catch Bar & Grill. one of the best-kept beach town secrets in the US - The Points Guy While you're in 30A, visit some of the other communities outside of the one you book. In the past, attempts have been made to be stricter about golf cart use in Gulfport. If you want to spend as much time in a boat as a golf cart, you can store your boat at the private marina. Heres a stab at what a few of the communities within the area are like for those planning a first trip. Sometimes only a few hundred yards separate one little community from the next. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. The Reef has two 18-hole golf courses as well as a private airport. Golf carts are the most practical transportation mode to explore the wide stretches of sand that line Rehoboth Beach since they can handle loose sand better-compared cars or motorcycles. A beautiful golf cart friendly community in sunny San Diego. With its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of restaurants and shops, its easy to see why this beach town is so popular. Or head over to Anna Maria Island and eat a crazy (but yummy) confection at The Donut Experiment, and layout on its pristine beach. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Southwest unveils stunning new Hawaii-themed aircraft, How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value, IHG Rewards Premier Business card review: The annual fee is justified. If you come through Mount Pleasant early enough, you can see children being dropped off at school or daycare on golf carts or families out getting dinner while using their golf carts. In the evening, both locals and tourists are taking out their golf carts and enjoy the beach life with easy transportation from their vacation rental to downtown and back. Can you think of a better way to explore the Florida Keys than in a golf cart? Destin Beach in Florida is the perfect place to cruise around in a golf cart. Folks use the beach area for their daily adventures, so golf carts make it easy to park and haul the different things they will need. From a distance, South Florida might not seem to be very golf cart-amenable communities. When visiting Cedar Key, you may notice a few vehicles that the locals own, but most take advantage of the ocean breeze with their golf carts. Off the coast of Georgia, you can find a nice golf cart town in St. Simons Island. Popular destinations include Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Clearwater Beach, Florida; and Ocean City, Maryland. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Golf carts are the largest transportation options available. This beach town has more golf carts than other beach towns nearby and this has impacted the local traffic laws. Galveston, Texas is an ideal destination for anyone who wishes to rent a golf cart. There is an island resort and golf carts are the preferred method of transportation going down to the beach and shopping. A Retrospective of LGBTQ Life in South Florida. With so much to do in the area, St. Pete is a great place for this type of lifestyle. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Golf Carts - Golfible Golf carts are often equipped with headlights, turn signals, and seatbelts to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. If one Southern state has cornered the market on beach towns, it's Florida. The low speed limit of the streets and friendly atmosphere makes this area an ideal place for golf carts. However, I like my vacations a bit slower-paced and more laid-back than what those two well-known beach towns can offer. Many reputable dealers in the area sell golf carts of all types and sizes. However, youll have to pay for a cabana or beach chair to access the main beach area. There are several great destinations for golf cart enthusiasts in the Space Coast. You wont find many tourist traps, big hotels or massive condo units in 30A. Additionally, make sure that the Golf cart beach towns are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to enjoy a laid-back coastal lifestyle. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. For us, 30A was a shocking, wonderful Floridian surprise on our first trip. Its beautiful but not quite as starkly uniform as Alys. Top 20 Golf Cart Cities In The United States (Updated) With affordable mobile homes available in this lesbian community, you can live on a budget. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Florida Golf Cart Laws (Avoid Fines And Tickets) - Golfible Beaches here are second to none and offer some of the best shelling you can find. Top 7 Golf Cart Communities in the US - GolfCarts.org Travel down to Seaside on Highway 30A, where the 1998 cult-classic movie The Truman Show was filmed, to watch a show at the local-favorite amphitheater or grab a beach read at Sundog Books. There are obviously drinks and music here, the food is solid too. In addition to having a long list of amenities, this community also welcomes golf cart drivers. With so many options, it can be hard to decide which one is best. A colorful coastal town full of pastel houses and funky local eateries, Seaside is a breathtaking nod to life on the beach. Panhandle area by golfcart - Pensacola Forum - Tripadvisor With sunny beaches, lush green golf courses, and a variety of other attractions, it is easy to see why so many people come to the area each year with their carts. Myrtle Beach is also filled with amazing accommodations that make it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some downtime away from home. All of the golf cart fun is not limited to the East Coast and Gulf beaches. Located in North Fort Myers, Resort on Carefree Boulevard is an LGBTQ community for individuals 40 years of age and up. Using a golf cart to go back and forth to the beach keeps your own vehicle clean and prevents you from using too much gas while you are on vacation. Alys is a secret hidden in plain sight. Related: How to book a home rental using points. Under-the-Radar Florida Beach Towns - Jetsetter Sunset is a nightly rite of passage as locals and visitors gather at the seawall outside of Paradise Grille to ring the sunset bell. It's real, though. Golf cart living isnt for everyone, but its perfect for some individuals. Surrounded by the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Gasparilla Island is truly an ode to Old Florida. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pensacola West-Navy Base, an IHG Hotel. I can all but guarantee if you arent familiar with the area, youd never guess Alys was located in the Florida Panhandle. Golf carts are powered by either electric or gas motors and can travel up to 30 miles on a single charge. 09:00 am - 06:00 pm. Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has gained significant popularity in recent years. There are a couple of fun golf cart-friendly beach towns on the West Coast for those who want to embrace this lifestyle. Related: Best Airbnb home rentals in Florida. However, the City Council rejected attempts to make new regulations because it would be too difficult to enforce. The golf cart rules are relaxed in Ocean Reef, and you may see some young drivers while you are out. One of the oldest communities in the area, Grayton Beach has attracted vacationers from the inland towns of northwest Florida and Alabama for more than 100 years. Delray Beachis a top destination in South Florida. 17 Best Beach Towns in the U.S. - Travel + Leisure If your home does not have one, you can grab one downtown at one of the local rental shops. With miles of biking and hiking trails, there are ample opportunities for eco-friendly adventures. Whether you've heard of it, the Souths secret beach playground is a place you'll absolutely want to learn more about. With so many options, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. It's in Beaufort SC, it's a private gated, little over 3 mile island and you can absolutely park your car for the whole stay. They are used as an additional transportation option in this town and it is designed to accommodate golf carts. From quaint coastal towns to bustling cities, there are plenty of great places to explore with your golf cart. This means that in a golf cart, you can travel anywhere within the village limits, allowing you a car-free lifestyle until you have to travel outside of Laguna Woods. Yes, you can drive a golf cart in Inlet Beach, Florida. Its not a big area. Additionally, there are a variety of rental services available, offering both daily and weekly rates. 14 Best East Coast Beaches for Families | Family Vacation Critic How Old Do You Have To Be To Drive A Golf Cart. And, of course, there's the beach: Honeymoon Island State Park touts four miles of unspoiled white shorelines and one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests, plus it's a gateway to Caribbean-reminiscent Caladesi Island State Park. Dont expect to ride your golf cart unless you have it upgraded to be street legal. 11 Best Small Beach Towns in Florida - Southern Living In Florida, traditional golf carts dont need titles or registration. Although you cant drive your golf cart to Disney, you can hop in a car or on a bus and get there in a short time. Shelling enthusiasts find an impressive assortment of treasured sea shells and sand dollars tucked between layers of pure white sand, while fishermen flock to the area for its prized tarpon fishing. Both towns are located in California and give a nice change of pace to those who are living there or residing. The city is incredibly scenic, with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay. Youll find plenty of houses to rent in Santa Rosa on sites ranging from Vrbo to Marriott Homes & Villas. Currently, the community is full of people who ride their carts to get everywhere they need to go. Even Charlies Delights doughnut shop in Alys gets positive reviews. Learn more about the Golfible team on our, Florida Golf Cart Laws (Avoid Fines and Tickets), How Much To Rent A Golf Cart? The area certainly experienced a surge in popularity and visibility during the pandemic. Go for one of the popular Friday gallery nights and browse local art, listen to live music, and dine at one of the eclectic eateries on the "Ave.". 19 Best Beach Towns Along Florida's Gulf Coast - TheTravel Kids will love traveling around by bike or golf cart; you can also kayak or standup paddleboard through the island's creeks and marshes. I can only take 5 guests per trip. If you love horses, youll enjoy living in this neighborhood. The golf-cart lifestyle, like many other aspects of this community, is fully embraced by the children in young families just as much as their parents and the retirees living there. There are at least five miles of solid beach that those visiting or living can enjoy regularly when they visit the city. Golf Cart-Friendly Communities - 55Places.com It starts at about $600 per night in the offseason and then goes to around three times that amount per night during the peak season. Other criteria for choosing a great golf cart beach town include safety, affordability, and availability of amenities like restaurants and shops. Wed. 09:00 am - 06:00 pm. Here are 11 of the best golf cart beach towns in the United States that offer plenty of scenic views, easy access to the beach, and plenty of places to explore. Because the terrain is a bit elevated, you do want to get golf carts that have some horsepower to them. Thinking of living in a South Florida golf cart community? Another option is The Pearl, which has similar rates to WaterColor Inn. Visit one of the two stately lighthouses on the island, where you'll find postcard-perfect views, especially at sunset. Rosemary Beach is somewhat of a mixture of the vibes of Seaside and Alys. Located in Wildwood, the Villages is a retirement community with big plans. And when it comes to choosing the best golf cart beach towns in the United States, there are many factors to consider. Youll see fancy four-story homes and smaller A-frame-style beach houses all on the same street. Check out their new Facebook group or call them today and start house hunting. Most of the people you find on Catalina Island have a dealer on the mainland for their golf carts. You can ride your golf cart around to the jogging track, pools, and recreation halls. 260 Reviews. Its such a good choice that it's even listed as one of the best places to visit in the U.S. in TPGs round-up. There are public beaches in Santa Rosa with free parking, bike paths and plenty of street-ready golf carts (aka low-speed vehicles) available for rent. Strolling along the street, you will find golf carts visiting local businesses, and shops and parked at restaurants. This is a laid-back, mostly golf cart-friendly, architecturally diverse part of 30A.