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Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Anna Maria Island by Golf Cart

Anna Maria Island isn’t a place for rushing around. It’s a place where the journey can be just as fun as the destination, and with this Anna Maria Island golf cart guide, we’ll make sure you enjoy every step of your journey. 

At Beach Ride Rental, we not only have the best golf carts on the island, but we also have the knowledge to make sure you have a blast. Whether you’re planning a chill couple’s weekend, a family adventure, or a group celebration, we’ve got your back.

Book your golf cart with us and get ready to enjoy AMI’s lifestyle! Skip the traffic, enjoy the flow, and enjoy a slower, sunnier, and better way of traveling.

Why Choose a Golf Cart on Anna Maria Island?

On Anna Maria Island, life moves at a laid-back pace, and every road invites a detour, so golf carts are more than just transportation. They’re part of the adventure.

Golf carts are ideal for AMI’s structure: the entire island is under 35 mph, which means every road is legally cart-accessible, and you’ll get to skip the usual beach-parking circus and slide into designated golf cart zones near top attractions.

Not only that, but they’re compact enough for easy navigation, yet spacious enough for all your stuff, which makes exploring Anna Maria Island by golf cart faster and easier than driving or walking the town.

And if you’re visiting with kids or grandparents, golf carts keep the group together and engaged. No split-up convoys. No circling for parking. Just one shared ride that feels like part of the group.

Best Golf Cart Itineraries for Couples

Let’s kick off our Anna Maria Island golf cart guide with some ideas for couples, because if you’re visiting Anna Maria Island with your significant other, there’s no better way to explore its romantic nooks and laid-back charm than by golf cart!

They’re intimate and breezy and let you travel at your own pace, which makes them ideal for spontaneous detours, romantic dinners, and peaceful moments in some of Anna Maria Island’s best sunset spots.

Ready to ride? Book one of our 4-seater golf carts and get ready for adventure!

Explore Anna Maria Island by Golf Cart

Beach Bliss & Boutique Browsing

Start your day early and head north to Bean Point Beach, often called the most romantic spot on the island. It’s quiet, secluded, and offers sweeping views of where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay, which makes it perfect for sunrise walks or simply sitting hand-in-hand on the powder-soft sand.

After the beach, cruise over to Pine Avenue for a slow stroll through colorful beach cottages turned into charming boutiques. Grab a light breakfast or coffee at North Shore Café, and relax at one of the outdoor tables. 

When you’re done, head back to the beach, or stop in at Shiny Fish Emporium, a quirky shop that’s perfect for picking up a hand-painted souvenir or beachy gift before it’s time to head back to your hotel to prepare for the evening. 

Sunset Dining & Cocktails

Come evening, your golf cart becomes your secret weapon for an unforgettable dinner date, so make your way to The Sandbar Restaurant, a toes-in-the-sand favorite where you can watch the sun melt into the Gulf with a tropical drink in hand.

After dinner, cruise down to Bridge Street for a nightcap at Daiquiri Deck, where you’ll be able to enjoy amazing second-story views and a frozen drink list that’s practically a vacation by itself.

Golf Cart Fun for Families

For families, convenience is everything, and this Anna Maria Island golf cart guide proves that the easiest way to explore the island is on one of our six-seater golf carts.

Whether you’re hauling beach gear, wrangling little ones, or just trying to get everyone from breakfast to sunset without a meltdown, golf carts make every outing feel like part of the adventure.

Worried about your little ones? Don’t be. Golf carts are perfectly safe, but if you’d rather have some child seats for peace of mind, let us know while you book your golf cart and we’ll save some for you. 

And if you’re still worried, we also have a golf cart safety guide for traveling with kids that’ll help put your mind at ease. In the meantime, here are some fun things you can do as a family:

Explore Anna Maria Island by Golf Cart

Morning Adventures

Start your family day at Manatee Public Beach, one of the most accessible and family-friendly beaches on the island. With golf cart parking, a shaded playground, and lifeguards on duty, it’s a great place to splash, snack, and relax for a while.

After swimming, roll over to Ginny & Jane E’s Café, just off Gulf Drive. It’s part restaurant, part antique store, and home to cinnamon rolls “the size of your head.” Kids love the quirky decor, and parents love the strong coffee. 

Quick Learning Stops

Add a little local culture with a quick visit to the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, where the roofless Old City Jail is a fun photo op (and a great excuse to explain what mosquitoes were like before air conditioning).

There’s golf cart parking right on Pine Avenue, which makes the museum a quick and easy stop between beach runs and ice cream breaks, and if the mention of ice cream got your mouth watering, make sure to drop by Holy Cow for a delicious scoop.

Families looking for the best golf cart routes Anna Maria Island has to offer should stick to Marina Drive and Gulf Drive, both cart-legal, low-speed, and lined with the best stops AMI has to offer.

Large Groups: Cruise, Eat, Repeat

Traveling with a crowd? Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a reunion, or just bringing your besties on a beach escape, our Anna Maria Island golf cart guide is packed with ways to keep the whole crew moving together and having fun doing it.

With our 8-seater golf carts and plenty of places to park, exploring AMI as a group is stress-free, scenic, and way more fun than piling into multiple cars.

Explore Anna Maria Island by Golf Cart

Group-Friendly Brunch & Bites

Kick off your group itinerary with brunch at the Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach. With its spacious deck and panoramic Gulf views, this spot is ideal for catching up over mimosas and shrimp and grits. 

From there, cruise north toward Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach. It’s part local legend, part outdoor playground, with its live music, yard games, and a steel grouper sculpture that practically begs for a group selfie.

This is where golf cart travel shines: it’s easy to come and go as the mood strikes, without the chaos of finding parking for multiple vehicles.

Midday Excursions

Groups looking to mix in some nature should head to Leffis Key Preserve, where the short hike and 360° lookout offer a break from the beach, and where you can get some amazing wildlife sightings.

For a more off-the-beaten-path vibe, cross the bridge to the Cortez Historic Fishing Village, where you’ll find dockside restaurants like Star Fish Company, where fried grouper sandwiches and hush puppies are served with a side of waterfront views.

While visiting nature, it makes sense to use one of the most eco-friendly transports on Anna Maria Island, so book our electric 6-seater golf cart to travel in eco-conscious style.

Ride with Beach Ride Rental

As this Anna Maria Island golf cart guide shows, the best way to experience AMI’s beachy charm, local gems, and breezy backroads is from behind the wheel of a golf cart. After all, it’s not just about where you go, but how you get there. 

At Beach Ride Rental, we’re proud to be part of your island story. Whether you’re looking for a romantic 4-seater, a family-ready 6-seater, or an 8-seater for your crew, we’ve got the perfect golf cart rental on Anna Maria Island to match your plans. 

So, don’t wait! Book your cart now, and start planning your itinerary. We’ve given you some ideas, but there’s a lot more to do in Anna Maria Island, and on our golf carts, you’ll be able to visit all of them! 

Golf Cart Rentals for Weddings and Events
Which Anna Maria Island attractions are easiest to reach by golf cart?

If you’re driving one of our golf carts, you can glide right into Bean Point Beach, Pine Avenue boutiques, Coquina Beach, and the Anna Maria City Pier, which have designated golf cart parking that makew it easy to just hop off and enjoy. 

Need more ideas? Check out this Anna Maria Island travel guide that golf cart users swear by.

Am I allowed to take the cart off the island?

Street-legal carts are limited to Anna Maria Island. Florida law treats them as low-speed vehicles, and you cannot drive off-island, so no crossings to Cortez, Longboat or Bradenton key bridges. Always stick to that 35 mph limit and stay within city limits to stay legal. 

Can I get around AMI using only a golf cart for my entire stay?

Absolutely. For most guests, a golf cart is all you need for island life. It’s great for beach days, dinners, festivals, and even quick runs to the grocery or coffee shop. No extra rental car required, just pure island freedom.

Can we book several golf carts for our group?

Yes! Whether you need two 4-seaters or three 6-seaters, we can accommodate your group. Just keep in mind that each cart must have a licensed driver (21+) and proof of insurance. 

What about child safety?

Our golf carts are a great fit for families, and we make sure everyone’s safe and secure. If you’re traveling with little ones, we can include child seats at no extra cost, just let us know when you book. We also recommend simple safety tips: keep kids buckled in, drive at a steady pace, and avoid any sudden turns.

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