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Golf cart guide for visitor

July 6, 2026

On Bald Head Island, golf carts are the primary way to get around, making your visit quiet, relaxed, and car‑free. This guide explains how to rent a cart, basic safety rules, and tips for enjoying your trip.
Use turn signals or clear hand signals, and be especially careful at intersections because carts are very quiet and pedestrians may not hear you coming.

Renting a Golf Cart

Many vacation rentals on Bald Head Island include one or more golf carts for guest use during your stay, making it easy to get around the island. If your rental does not provide a cart, you can rent an electric 2‑, 4‑, or 6‑passenger cart near the ferry landing for a day or longer period. It is a good idea to reserve in advance for holidays and busy seasons so you get the size and number of carts your group needs.

Who Can Drive

Golf carts on Bald Head Island must be driven only by people with a valid driver’s license. This means licensed drivers are expected to follow normal road rules, just as they would in a regular car. Drivers must obey posted speed limits, stop at stop signs, and respect right‑of‑way at intersections. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Golf carts should always be treated as small vehicles, not toys, and drivers are responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for other people using the roads.

Safety Rules

For everyone’s safety, every passenger in the golf cart must be seated properly and should use a seat belt if one is provided. No one should stand, sit on laps, or hang arms and legs outside the cart while it is moving. The driver should take turns slowly and avoid sudden stops or sharp steering that could cause the cart to skid or tip. Always use lights when visibility is low and be extra careful at intersections, because golf carts are quiet and pedestrians or cyclists may not notice them. When you park, set the parking brake, remove the key, and make sure the cart is secure before walking away.

Tips for Enjoying Your Visit

A golf cart is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Bald Head Island at a relaxed, vacation pace. Use your cart to visit beaches, trails, the lighthouse, shops, and restaurants, taking time to stop for views, photos, and wildlife. Plan short, scenic drives rather than long, rushed trips so everyone can enjoy the surroundings. Keep extra seats free for coolers, beach chairs, and strollers instead of squeezing in too many people, so the ride stays comfortable and safe. In the evening or at night, drive slowly, use your lights, and watch carefully for pedestrians and animals on or near the road. If you treat the cart with care and patience, it becomes part of the fun, not just a way to get from place to place.