Start your getaway where the Gulf sparkles brightest. Clearwater Beach is a vibe all year, but in fall, it’s unbeatable. 

Think: a golf cart ride down Mandalay Avenue with the sea breeze in your face and no traffic jams in sight. From Pier 60’s nightly sunset festival to beach bars with live music, everything’s just a quick roll away.

At Beach Ride Rental, we see folks book carts here for everything from sunrise coffee runs to full-day family adventures. Street-legal means you can hit the hot spots and snag that golden-hour photo without worrying about parking meters.

A ceremony on the beach, a wedding arch framed by palms, the couple standing just steps from the shore—it’s a picture-perfect day. But before the vows, there’s plenty to figure out:

Do you book rooms for guests, or let them handle it? Is the venue close to the hotel, or do you need to bridge the distance? And how do you make sure everyone gets to the ceremony and then the reception on time?

That’s where golf carts roll in.

With carts as part of your group event rentals, guests are transported comfortably from their hotel to the ceremony and then on to the reception. The wedding party can glide between photo locations and handle last-minute details with ease, while staff move supplies without the back-and-forth hustle.

Golf carts might not always show up in a wedding and party rental guide, but they should because whether you’re choosing a small 4-seater or something larger, they sure beat doing everything by foot.

Paired with flowers, tents, and the usual party equipment rentals, carts bring an element of convenience that helps the day flow seamlessly, so everyone can focus on the celebration, not the logistics.

There’s no two ways about it, Clearwater gets busy, especially during spring break, summer weekends, and long holidays, so the longer you wait to book your cart, the greater your chances that you won’t find anything.

Making golf cart rental reservations for Clearwater Beach might be optional during low seasons (and even that’s a big might), but for summer and holidays? It’s a must.

With demand high and golf cart availability during peak seasons always tight, early planning is the only way to guarantee you won’t miss out on the ride that’ll make your trip easier and a whole lot more fun.

While we’re on the subject of booking in advance, the same goes for hotels and even big attractions. You’ll enjoy your time at the beach a lot more if you already have things planned out.

Not sure what to do while in town? We have a guide for that!

Clearwater is the kind of Gulf Coast town that knows how to balance energy with relaxation—think beaches that stretch on forever, a pier that never sleeps, and so many things to do a single visit just won’t cut it, particularly on foot.

With a Clearwater golf cart rental, though? You’ll be able to cover much more ground and soak in the atmosphere much better than you could in a car. 

Things to do by golf cart in Clearwater

Start your day at Pier 60, where sunrise paints the water gold and the early risers snag the best spots on the sand.

If you don’t feel like staying at the beach, you can stroll down the boardwalk and grab a freshly brewed coffee from Clear Sky Café while you keep an eye out for dolphins in the distance. 

If you’re up for more, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a must-visit; just make sure to get there before the crowds trickle in.

In the afternoon, Clearwater is buzzing, which makes golf cart exploration a lot more convenient and lets you cruise between surf shops, boutiques, and seafood joints without ever having to hunt for parking.

Try a grouper sandwich at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, then grab a drink at Beach Shanty before heading back to the shore, where you’ll be able to relax at the beach while taking in the scenery.

Not in the mood for the beach? The Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail and the Moccasin Lake Natural Park are great options if you’d rather go for a fun nature hike!

Got a single day to spend on the island? No worries, we know how to make it special! Grab your golf cart, fill your water bottle, and get ready for the best Anna Maria Island day trip out there! 

Start Your Day in Style

The best mornings on Anna Maria Island start with salt air and zero rush. This is the time for barefoot walks, strong coffee, and early views before the crowds awake.

Start with breakfast at North Short Café or Ginny’s & Jane E’s, both local-favored spots that serve plenty of charm with a side of caffeine. Order a to-go cup and head over to Bean Point, a spot you’ll find in all Anna Maria Island travel guides for a good reason: it has incredible views of the Gulf.

Early morning is also the best time to visit Anna Maria Island if you’re looking to spot some turtles, so hit Bean Point early or Bayfront Park. It’s not certain you’ll find any turtles, but your odds are better than later in the day.

And if that doesn’t work? You’re now at the beach early anyway, so you can secure the best spots if you want to spend some time relaxing at the beach, or you can go shell hunting before the crowds arrive. Win/win no matter how you spin it. 

Midday Boutiques and Bites

As the sun climbs, AMI comes alive, but thanks to your golf cart vacation rental, you’ll be coasting away from the midday traffic in no time flat.

This is your window for exploring, eating, and visiting all the best things to do in Anna Maria Island, so make sure to cram in as many things as possible. 

A good way to start is by driving or walking down Pine Avenue, a beautiful street lined by boutiques and artisan shops. Here, you’ll be able to find handmade jewelry, breezy linen shirts, and even quirky souvenirs at popular spots like Pink & Navy or The Shiny Fish Emporium (which is always a hit with the kids.)

If you’re still in the mood for shopping, you can head over to Coquina Beach Market (open Wednesdays and Sundays) or head south for a swim near Manatee Public Beach. 

Once your belly starts rumbling again, head over to Rod & Reel Pier or Bridge Street Bistro, where you’ll be able to enjoy laid-back but delicious lunches with incredible views of the ocean.

Want something quicker? Poppo’s Taqueria is a local legend where you can build your own tacos, or you can visit Two Scoops Ice Cream if you’re looking for something sweet. 

Pro Tip: Pine Avenue is also one of the best places to stay on Anna Maria Island, as you’ll find tons of vacation rentals and other accommodations just a few steps away from the action (and the beach). 

Remember, at Beach Ride Rental, we deliver our carts straight to you, so just let us know where you’re staying, and you’ll find your cart waiting when you arrive.

Afternoon Adventures

Now that you’ve had your tacos and done your shopping, it’s time to stretch your legs (or not; you can always just keep driving your vacation rental golf cart) and hit some Anna Maria Island attractions that’ll take you beyond the sand.

A solid idea? Booking a kayak and paddling through the mangroves, where you’ll be able to see pelicans and other aquatic birds. 

If you’d rather not paddle, you can always sign up for a dolphin cruise at the Bradenton Beach Marina, and if you’d rather not go in the ocean, you can always visit the Leffis Key Preserve, where you’ll find shaded trails, an observation tower, and beautiful—yet water-free—views of the bay. 

If you’re still in planning mode, some Anna Maria Island vacation packages bundle these excursions with vacation rentals, which makes them a steal if you’re traveling with a crew or want to lock in a few activities early. 

Speaking of booking things early, don’t forget to do the same with our golf carts. We have 4-seaters, 6-seaters (electric and gas), and 8-seaters, so you’ll be able to drive with the whole squad, no problem.

Sunset & Dinner

If you only plan one thing all day, make it this: catching the sunset on Anna Maria Island.

Whether it’s from Bean Point, the rocks at Cortez Beach, or on your golf cart along Coquina, the golden hour on the island is pure magic.

Want to make it a whole evening? Start with drinks at The Sandbar Restaurant, where toes-in-the-sand dining pairs perfectly with the unbeatable Gulf-front views. For a more low-key vibe, you can check out Harry’s Grill or The Waterfront Restaurant, both beloved for their cold drinks and delicious seafood.

Anna Maria Island restaurants and dining range from upscale to ultra-casual, and sunset is when they shine. You’re sure to find some place you’ll love; just make sure to roll in early and make reservations if you want to secure a spot. 

Take your time to order, enjoy the atmosphere, and don’t skip dessert. You’ve got an Anna Maria Island vacation rental waiting for you, so you can relax. 

By the time the sky turns pink, you’ll understand what makes Anna Maria Island unforgettable and why folks are already planning their next trip well before they leave.

Clue: No, it’s not just AMI’s beaches. It’s the whole thing.