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Your Clearwater Beach Golf Cart Adventure Guide

If you’re looking for the ultimate mix of fun, flexibility, and Florida sunshine, this Clearwater Beach golf cart adventure guide is your go-to resource for making your visit one to remember! 

At Beach Ride Rental, we’re all about making exploring Clearwater Beach by golf cart simple and memorable, and with our street-legal rental golf carts, you’ll be able to explore everything Clearwater offers and cruise in style.

Ready to roll? Book your golf cart with us and use this guide to plan your route, hit all the Clearwater Beach attractions by golf cart, and find the best sunset spots before the crowds.

Pier 60 & Beach Walk

Start your golf cart adventure at the heart of Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 and the Beach Walk Promenade

This area is buzzing with activity, from morning yoga on the sand to nightly street performers and artisan vendors. Parking a full-size car here can be a pain, especially during events, but arriving by cart lets you slip into nearby street spaces and join the fun without delay.

Cruise slowly down the palm-lined Beach Walk and take in ocean views, public art, and quick stops for coffee or ice cream. This stretch is perfect for family-friendly golf cart tours in Clearwater, with wide sidewalks, access points to the sand, and plenty of scenic pull-offs for photos.

Don’t forget to check out the dolphin statues hidden in plain sight; they’re part of the local Dolphin Trail and a great side quest for kids (and adults).

Marina & Boat Tours

Just a few blocks from Pier 60, Clearwater’s marina district is a prime stop on your golf cart route. This bustling hub is home to dolphin-watching cruises, pirate ship tours, jet ski rentals, and fishing charters, all just steps from your cart. 

There’s plenty of public parking around the marina that accommodates street-legal carts, so you can park close and hop right into your ocean adventure. It’s also a great place to refuel with snacks or drinks between excursions. 

If you’re following one of the best routes for golf carts in Clearwater Beach, the loop around the marina offers waterfront views and easy access to both beachside action and quieter inland roads.

Keep an eye out for pelicans perched on the docks, and maybe even a manatee cruising by.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

A quick ride over to Island Estates brings you to one of Clearwater’s most beloved attractions, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Home of Winter the dolphin (made famous by the Dolphin Tale films), this rescue and rehab facility is a must-see for families and ocean lovers. 

While golf carts can’t cross the high-speed Memorial Causeway, there are alternate low-speed routes that make the trip totally doable.

Once there, you’ll find on-site parking that accepts street-legal carts, making it easy to explore exhibits on sea turtles, otters, and local marine conservation.

It’s one of those Clearwater Beach attractions best seen by golf cart, a little off the beaten path, but well worth the detour. Bonus: the views from the Island Estates bridge on your way over are stunning.

Are you enjoying these Clearwater Beach golf cart rental tips? Don’t forget to book your golf cart while you’re reading. It’ll only take a few minutes!

Hidden Gems Along the Way

As you cruise between the marina and the aquarium, take a few extra turns to uncover Clearwater’s quieter, more local side. 

One favorite detour is the Clearwater Beach Library & Recreation Complex, a community spot tucked into a residential area north of the main strip. With a public pool, open gym, and occasional art exhibits, it’s a great stop to escape the tourist flow and see how locals unwind. There’s even cart parking right on-site.

Another fun twist? Follow the Dolphin Trail, a scavenger hunt of over 30 painted dolphin statues scattered across the island. You’ll find them in front of shops, restaurants, and parks, including “Dolphis Presley” by the pier.

It’s a playful way to explore more of the island without a strict itinerary, especially if you’re planning a family-friendly golf cart tour in Clearwater.

These low-key attractions are perfect for adding variety to your route, and you’ll still be just minutes from your next stop at the aquarium.

Top Beachside Restaurants

Golf carts make beach dining a breeze, especially when you’re hopping between local favorites without circling for parking. 

Sure, spots like Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill and Palm Pavilion are classic stops for grouper sandwiches and live music, but Clearwater has plenty of low-key gems worth discovering too.

Tucked near the marina, The Bait House Tackle & Tavern is a tiny dockside shack with some of the freshest seafood on the beach. It’s beloved by locals for its “Drunken Shrimp” and unbeatable harbor views, the kind of place you’d miss entirely by car.

For breakfast or brunch, Clear Sky Café is a cozy pick with sidewalk seating and a dolphin statue right out front, ideal for your Dolphin Trail detour.

Thanks to your cart’s compact size, you can pull right up to these eateries, enjoy a laid-back meal, and move on without the meter stress. It’s a foodie’s dream route.

Boutique Shopping Streets

One of the perks of cruising in a golf cart? You can hit all the best shops without battling for parking.

Clearwater Beach is home to several charming streets lined with boutiques, beachwear stores, and quirky souvenir shops, which is perfect for midday exploring or grabbing gifts for friends back home.

Start your retail loop along Mandalay Avenue, where you’ll find local gems like Tropico Blvd for boho beachwear or Surf Style for all things sun and surf. There are plenty of snack spots, coffee stands, and shaded benches if you want to take it slow.

Golf carts fit easily into standard street parking here, making quick stops super convenient, so if you’re traveling with your whole squad, book one of our 8-seater golf carts to make sure you have space to spare. 

If you’re looking for something more unique, swing by the Shoppes of Sand Key just over the Sand Key Bridge. It’s a peaceful plaza with waterfront views and locally owned shops, which means it’s less crowded and more relaxed.

This is where golf cart rental Clearwater Beach tips really come in handy: take the bridge (the speed limit’s low enough!) and explore without the stress of big lots or garage parking.

Sunset Spots

Clearwater Beach sunsets are legendary, and with a golf cart, you can find the perfect viewing spot without getting stuck in the evening rush.

While Pier 60 is the main event, complete with nightly performers, craft vendors, and live music, it’s also one of the busiest. Arrive early if you want to snag a nearby cart space and catch the Sunsets at Pier 60 festival in full swing.

For a quieter view, drive over the low-speed Sand Key Bridge to Sand Key Park. It’s just minutes away, but the vibe is completely different: no crowds, wide beaches, and unobstructed Gulf views. There’s standard parking that accepts golf carts, plus nature trails and picnic shelters if you want to turn sunset into a whole evening escape.

Want something even more off-the-beaten-path? Head north toward the residential stretch of North Clearwater Beach near Avalon Street. This area has a more laid-back, neighborhood feel—perfect for pulling up near a low-traffic beach access and catching the sky turn gold.

It’s one of the best-kept secrets for peaceful sunset viewing, and your cart lets you skip the limited parking game entirely.

Get Ready For Your Golf Cart Adventure

Whether you’re hunting dolphin statues, grabbing a grouper sandwich, or catching a jaw-dropping sunset, this Clearwater Beach golf cart adventure guide proves that the best way to explore is four wheels, open air, and zero parking stress.

At Beach Ride Rental, we’re here to help you turn exploring Clearwater Beach by golf cart into a smooth, unforgettable experience. Our carts are clean, street-legal, and ready to roll.

So what are you waiting for? Skip the traffic, park like a local, and explore all the parking spots for golf carts Clearwater Beach has to offer. Book your cart today, and let your Clearwater Beach adventure begin!

Treasure Island Must-Sees by Golf Cart

FAQ'S

Can I take a golf cart to nearby beach towns like Indian Rocks or Dunedin?

While you can’t cruise directly from Clearwater Beach to spots like Indian Rocks or Dunedin on a cart (because of higher-speed roads and bridges), many of our guests rent in those towns directly. 

At Beach Ride Rental, we’ve got locations across Pinellas County—including Dunedin, St. Pete Beach, and Madeira Beach— so you can roll local no matter where you’re staying.

Just book your cart for the area you're visiting, and you’re set for a beach-town adventure.

Are pets allowed in golf cart rentals?

Absolutely, we love four-legged riders! As long as your pet is well-behaved and stays safely in the cart, they're more than welcome to come along. Just keep them secured, and don’t forget water if you're out cruising during the heat. Remember, their safety is your responsibility.

What age do you have to be to rent a golf cart in Clearwater Beach?

If you want to rent one of our golf carts, all registered drivers must be at least 21 years old, no exceptions. It’s part of keeping things safe and chill for everyone. 

Do Clearwater Beach hotels allow golf cart parking?

Most do, especially the beachside spots that cater to vacationers. Some even have designated spaces or valet options for golf carts. We always recommend checking with your hotel ahead of time to confirm. 

Do I need a driver’s license to operate a golf cart in Clearwater?

Yep, anyone driving one of our carts needs a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. These carts are fully street-legal and treated like regular vehicles when you're out and about, so you’ve got to meet Florida's basic driving rules. 

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