There is something uniquely Bolivar about loading up the family, beach chairs, and cooler and cruising down to the Gulf in a golf cart.
Golf carts are one of the most popular ways to experience Crystal Beach and the Bolivar Peninsula, whether you are heading to the beach, visiting friends nearby, or simply enjoying a sunset ride through the neighborhood. Local tourism information describes golf carts as a standard form of transportation for many visitors once they arrive on the peninsula.
If a golf cart is on your vacation wish list, we strongly recommend reserving one before your arrival, especially for spring break, summer weekends, and holiday periods. Availability can become limited during busy travel dates.
Choosing the Right Size Golf Cart
One of the first things to consider is how many people will be riding.
Golf-cart fleets vary by rental company, but you will commonly find:
- 4-passenger carts: Great for couples and smaller families.
- 6-passenger carts: A popular choice for families or groups who want a little more space.
- 8-passenger carts: Ideal for larger groups traveling together.
For example, Boli Vida offers 4-, 6- and 8-passenger beach carts, while Sandlot Beach Rentals specifically advertises 4- and 6-passenger carts for Bolivar Peninsula.
HTH Stays Tip: Never exceed the cart's designated passenger capacity. If you are traveling with a larger group, renting two carts may be safer and more comfortable than squeezing everyone onto one.
Know Before You Go: Bolivar Peninsula Golf Cart Rules
Golf carts may feel casual, but once you are behind the wheel, you are operating a motor vehicle. Taking a few minutes to understand the rules can help keep your family and everyone else on the peninsula safe.
🚦 Where Can I Drive a Golf Cart?
In unincorporated Galveston County, you may operate golf carts on roadways with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less and on public or private beaches that permit vehicular traffic.
Do not drive your golf cart along Highway 87. Local guidance states that golf carts may cross Highway 87 but may not travel down the highway.
🪪 You Need a Driver's License
The Galveston County beach rules require drivers of golf carts and other motorized vehicles on the beach to have a valid driver's license.
Please do not allow children, teenagers without a valid driver's license or other unlicensed guests to operate your rental cart.
🌊 The Beach Speed Limit Is 15 MPH
The speed limit while driving on Bolivar Peninsula beaches is 15 mph. Pedestrians have the right of way.
Remember that children, pets and beachgoers can unexpectedly walk into your path. Slow down around crowded areas and give pedestrians plenty of room.
🍺 No Open Containers While Driving
Galveston County specifically prohibits open containers while operating a motor vehicle on the beach. The county also reminds visitors that the beach is considered a roadway for these purposes and that drinking and driving is prohibited.
Enjoy your beverage once you are safely parked at your beach setup, not while riding in the cart.
🏖️ Stay Off the Dunes
Never drive a golf cart onto the dunes. The dunes are protected, and Galveston County instructs visitors to stay off them.
👨👩👧 Passenger Safety Matters
Keep passengers properly seated while the cart is moving and never carry more people than the cart's designed seating capacity. Local Crystal Beach guidance specifically states that passengers should not exceed a golf cart's seating capacity.
We also recommend taking extra care with children and following each rental company's requirements for seat belts, child restraints, and minimum passenger ages.
Do I Need a Bolivar Beach Parking Sticker?
This is an important distinction.
If you park your golf cart on the beach, you need the appropriate Bolivar Beach Parking Sticker unless you rent from a local company; the golf cart should already have the parking permit for the calendar year. Stickers are $10 and are valid for the calendar year. January and February early-bird stickers are offered for $5.
The official county FAQ also clarifies that you don't need a parking permit just to drive along the beach. The permit requirement applies when you park a motor vehicle on the beach outside a designated free area.
Many local businesses sell the stickers, and some rental carts may already have one. Ask your rental company before purchasing another sticker.
Golf Cart Rental Companies in Crystal Beach & Bolivar Peninsula
Several local options are available. Availability, cart styles, rental requirements, delivery areas, and pricing can change, so we always recommend contacting the company directly before your trip.
West Canal Beach Buggies
A family- and veteran-owned Crystal Beach business offering golf cart rentals with online booking. The company currently advertises free delivery and pickup on the peninsula and includes gas.
Address: 2278 Highway 87, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
Phone: 409-750-5688
Website: West Canal Beach Buggies
Crystal Beach Golf Carts
Crystal Beach Golf Carts offers daily, weekend and weekly rentals and advertises free delivery and pickup. Its rental fleet includes 4-, 6- and 8-seat gas-powered carts.
Address: 2902 Highway 87, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
Phone: 409-679-1448
Local Listing: Crystal Beach Golf Carts
Jay's Golf Carts
Jay's Golf Carts provides golf-cart rentals and service from its Highway 87 location in Crystal Beach.
Address: 1163 Highway 87, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
Phone: 409-795-7728
Website: Jay's Golf Carts
Texas Custom Carts
Texas Custom Carts has served the peninsula since 2010 and offers gas and electric carts in multiple sizes, including options seating between four and eight passengers.
Address: 2101 State Highway 87, Crystal Beach, TX 77650*
Phone: 409-684-1043
Reservations: Texas Custom Carts Booking
*Note: One online tourism listing shows a different street number for this business, so we recommend confirming the current pickup location when booking.
Golf Car Connection
Golf Car Connection operates a Crystal Beach location offering rentals as well as golf-cart sales, service, and parts.
Address: 1746 Highway 87, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
Local Phone: 409-684-0450
Website: Golf Car Connection
The company recommends reserving several weeks ahead for holiday weekends.
Sandlot Beach Rentals
Sandlot Beach Rentals rents 4- and 6-passenger golf carts on Bolivar Peninsula and also provides beach-party, wedding, and event rental services. The company currently asks Bolivar customers to call or text to reserve rather than booking a golf cart online. They also have a wheelchair for the beach for those with limited mobility.
Address: 160 Ocean Tide Drive, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
Phone/Text: 979-848-6319
Website: Sandlot Beach Rentals
Boli Vida | Gilchrist
If you are staying farther east on the peninsula, Boli Vida is located in Gilchrist. It offers 4-, 6- and 8-passenger carts. Its website says rentals are completed on-site on a first-come, first-served basis rather than by reservation, so plan accordingly.
Address: 1357 Highway 87, Gilchrist, TX 77617
Phone: 346-490-2654
Website: Boli Vida
A Few HTH Stays Golf Cart Safety Tips
A golf cart can be a highlight of a Crystal Beach vacation. Help us keep it fun and safe:
- Only licensed drivers should operate the cart.
- Never drive along Highway 87. Use permitted crossings instead.
- Observe the 15 mph beach speed limit.
- Give pedestrians the right of way.
- Stay completely off the dunes.
- Never drink and drive or have open alcohol containers in the cart.
- Do not overload the cart. Stay within its designed passenger capacity.
- Secure your belongings. Beach towels, bags, toys and other loose gear can easily blow out of a moving cart.
- Use extra caution after dark. Make sure the cart has the required operating equipment and that you can clearly see pedestrians and other vehicles. County golf-cart guidance includes required equipment such as reflectors, mirrors, headlamps, tail lamps and parking brakes for compliant carts.
- Follow your rental company's agreement. Individual companies may impose additional rules, driver-age requirements, security deposits or operating restrictions beyond county requirements.
Ready to Cruise Crystal Beach?
Renting a golf cart is one of our favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the Bolivar Peninsula. From an early-morning ride along the Gulf to an evening cruise back to your beach house, it is part of what makes a Crystal Beach getaway memorable.
Reserve early, choose the right size cart for your group, follow the rules of the road, and enjoy the ride.
And remember, rental availability, pricing, policies, and local regulations can change. Please confirm current information directly with your rental provider and Galveston County before your stay.
We can't wait to welcome you to the coast!