Top 7 Golf Cart-Friendly Spots to Visit on Anna Maria Island
Top 7 Golf Cart-Friendly Spots to Visit on Anna Maria Island
Nothing beats the charm of exploring all the golf cart-friendly spots Anna Maria Island is known for! Whether you’re tracking down hidden beaches, waterfront eateries, or historic piers, a golf cart makes every stop more fun.
At Beach Ride Rental, we’ve helped thousands of visitors find the best places to visit on Anna Maria Island by golf cart, and we’ve given them the carts to get there. So buckle up and let’s roll!
Here are some of our seven favorite stops, all 100% golf cart-accessible, family-approved, and photo-op ready. All you need to do now is book your golf cart and start planning your next adventure.
Anna Maria Island Beach Café
Kickstart your day at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, a casual open-air spot right on the sand at Holmes Beach. It’s known for its all-you-can-eat pancakes, ocean breeze seating, and laid-back morning vibes.
Best part? It’s got easy access for carts and plenty of space to park while you eat.
Why It’s Worth the Stop
- Open early: perfect for a breakfast stop on your golf cart tour Anna Maria Island
- Steps from the water, so you can stroll the shore before or after you eat
- Ideal for families, couples, or solo riders looking for a slow, sunny start
If you’re exploring Anna Maria by golf cart, this is your go-to fuel-up zone before hitting the rest of the island.
West Coast Surf Shop
Whether you’re grabbing a new beach hoodie or checking out some locally made souvenirs, West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach is a longtime island favorite, and is conveniently located right on a cart-friendly stretch of Gulf Drive.
What Makes It a Must-Visit
- AMI’s oldest surf shop, est. 1964 and full of retro character
- Stocked with sunblock, sunglasses, hats, and beach essentials
- Surrounded by other small shops and snack spots within walking distance
It’s a quick pull-up, hop-out kind of stop that fits perfectly into a casual afternoon of exploring Anna Maria by golf cart.
Grassy Point Preserve
Grassy Point Preserve is a compact, quiet retreat that’s often overlooked, but it’s one of those best stops Anna Maria Island golf cart explorers love to brag about finding.
Just off East Bay Drive, this nature preserve offers boardwalk trails through mangroves, scenic lookout points, and peaceful views over the bay.
Why It Belongs on Your Route
- Short trail network perfect for a quick stretch or photo op
- Ideal for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife
- Ample side-street golf cart access and minimal foot traffic
If you’re into visiting those low-key scenic routes Anna Maria golf cart riders take when they want to recharge without a crowd, this is your spot.
Bayfront Park Playground
For families cruising the island, Bayfront Park Playground in the City of Anna Maria is one of the top family-friendly spots Anna Maria Island cart riders should check out. It’s a shady, waterfront park with swings, picnic tables, and views of the Skyway Bridge, all accessible via golf cart-friendly roads with designated parking.
What You’ll Love
- Kid-friendly space just steps from calm bay waters
- Convenient restrooms and picnic areas
- A great stop when you’re mixing beach time with playtime
Plus, it’s directly connected to a beach access that golf cart Anna Maria travelers appreciate, so you can just pull up, park, and enjoy. It’s laid-back, scenic, and perfect for groups with kids in tow.
Looking for other kid-friendly destinations? Check out this guide!
Holmes Beach Skate Park
Located right behind city hall, the Holmes Beach Skate Park offers a cool alternative to the usual beach day. It’s one of those local favorites Anna Maria Island golf cart riders hit when they want something active but off the sand.
Whether you’re skating, scootering, or just hanging out, the park is open to the public and surrounded by cart-friendly access points.
What Makes It Unique
- Smooth pavement, ramps, and open space for casual riders
- Nearby basketball court and shaded areas to chill
- Quick ride from shops, restaurants, and the beach
As a bonus, the route there is part of one of the top destinations Anna Maria Island golf cart fans enjoy because it passes through residential streets with charming island scenery and little traffic.
Bayfront Dog Park
Traveling with a furry friend? The Bayfront Dog Park is a must-stop for anyone rolling through with pets. It’s fenced, shaded, and just steps from the water, making it one of the most relaxed and golf cart-friendly spots Anna Maria Island offers for dog lovers.
Why It’s Worth a Visit
- Separate areas for large and small dogs
- Shady benches, water fountains, and bay breezes
- Steps from other quiet bayside attractions and perfect for a scenic break
Even if you don’t have a pup, it’s a charming, quiet detour that reflects the laid-back vibe of the island, and it’s a fun way to round out your golf cart tour of Anna Maria Island.
Gulf Drive Café & Kokonut Hut
Gulf Drive Café and its tiki bar neighbor, The Kokonut Hut serve up island-style meals with front-row seats to some of the best sunsets on AMI. This iconic beachfront hangout is one of the local favorites for Anna Maria Island golf cart travelers.
Why It Belongs on Your List
- Direct beach access by golf cart Anna Maria style. Park steps from your table
- Perfect for romantic dinners, group hangouts, or solo sunset views
- Live music and tiki drinks make it feel like vacation in every sip
Grab a drink, settle into the sand, and toast to a perfect island evening, and if you’re looking for other great sunset spots, check out this guide!
Cruise Through the Best of AMI with Beach Ride Rental
With so many golf cart friendly spots Anna Maria Island has to offer, the best way to explore them all is from behind the wheel of a cart. From quiet preserves to beachfront bars, every turn brings more fun and more memories.
At Beach Ride Rental, we’re here to make sure your trip runs smooth, scenic, and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for beach cruisers, family haulers, or something fun for date night, our fleet of clean, comfy carts is ready to roll.
So what are you waiting for? Book your golf cart today and experience the island the way it was meant to be. Breezy, easy, and unforgettable.
FAQ'S
Absolutely! During peak season, the AMI Farmers Market (Tuesdays by City Pier) and seasonal events like the Coquina Beach Market welcome golf carts with designated parking nearby. For any festival, scroll through the event info.
All public beaches like Manatee, Coquina, and Bean Point have clearly marked golf cart parking spots. No headache, no walking. Just pull right up, park, and enjoy. Some places even have special Anna Maria Island attraction golf cart access!
Totally! That’s the beauty of cart life; you can zip from beach to café to nature preserve without fighting for car parking or paying fees. With a full battery, you can easily visit 4–6 spots in a day.
AMI is super cart-friendly, with most streets under the 35 mph speed limit. However, you can’t take carts off-island via any of the bridges in or out of Anna Maria. And in some busy downtown areas, signs may require carts to park in designated zones.
Both! Early mornings are peaceful and perfect for spotting wildlife or enjoying beachside coffee before the crowds arrive. But cruising at sunset? That’s when the island truly shines.
