Golf carts

Question

How necessary are golf cart rentals on St. Simons? Traveling with a group of 14 including toddlers. Staying at a vrbo a little under a mile from the beach. What is full vehicle parking like at beach access points and around the island?

Answer

Renting a golf cart on St. Simons Island is not strictly necessary, but it can be a very convenient and fun way to get around, especially with a group that includes toddlers. Here's a breakdown of what you should consider when deciding whether to rent one:

Golf Cart Rentals: Many visitors find golf carts a practical mode of transportation for getting around St. Simons Island, particularly for short trips to the beach, shops, restaurants, and other local attractions. The island is relatively small, and golf carts can make navigating the area more enjoyable and less stressful, especially for families with young children. For a group of 14, a few golf carts would make it easier for everyone to travel together, especially if you're staying about a mile from the beach.

Necessity of Golf Carts: If you're staying less than a mile from the beach, you can certainly walk, bike, or drive to the beach, and it's likely that renting a full set of golf carts is not strictly necessary. However, for a large group, golf carts can be a fun and practical option to get to the beach, especially with toddlers who may tire easily from walking. It also makes it easier to shuttle everyone around the island and to local attractions without needing to pile into a car each time.

Parking at Beach Access Points: Parking around the beach access points on St. Simons can be limited, especially during the busy tourist seasons. Most of the public beach access points have parking lots, but they can fill up quickly, especially in peak times like weekends and holidays. Having a golf cart can be an advantage, as it might be easier to find parking in some of the smaller spots designed for golf carts, rather than taking up a full car parking space. However, if you're willing to arrive early or during off-peak times, parking should be manageable.

East Beach Access: This is the main beach area, and parking can get crowded here. It offers both car and golf cart parking, but it’s always best to arrive early to secure a spot, especially during busy times.
Massengale Park: A popular beach access with ample parking, including spaces for golf carts. It’s located on the east side of the island and provides direct access to the beach.
Public Beach Access Points: There are several other smaller beach access points around the island, which offer limited parking, especially during busy times. Many of these spots have parking reserved for golf carts, making it convenient if you decide to rent one.

Driving and Parking Around the Island: The island has plenty of parking at various restaurants, shops, and attractions, but like the beach access points, spaces can fill up during peak hours. Golf carts are allowed on most of the island's roads and are a popular alternative to driving. In fact, they can be a great way to avoid parking issues at crowded locations like the St. Simons Pier and the village area.

Summary: While it's not absolutely necessary to rent golf carts, they can definitely enhance your experience on St. Simons Island, especially with a group that includes toddlers. They are practical for short trips, are fun for the family, and can be more convenient than driving or walking, particularly for getting to the beach. Parking can be limited at beach access points and around the island, but golf carts have the advantage of designated spots, which may make parking easier. It’s worth considering renting a few golf carts for the duration of your stay, especially if you want a more leisurely way to get around.

Golf carts

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