Golf Cart Rentals on Oak Island: Fun for the Family

What better way to explore the island than a golf cart rental on Oak Island? Whether you’re traveling with little ones, carrying loads of beach gear, or you feel like taking it easy, a golf cart rental is a perfect way to save your legs and conveniently get from one destination to the next. Here is everything you need to know about renting golf carts on Oak Island, North Carolina:

Top Places to Rent Golf Carts in Oak Island

Several companies offer golf cart rentals to help you discover Oak Islands’ many delights! Here are three of the top rental companies in the area:

Modern Golf Carts offers four or six-passenger vehicles, all with extended tops to provide plenty of shade and 14-inch wheels for stability! Plus, their free door-to-door delivery service makes renting a golf cart a breeze.

In operation for more than 2 decades, Southport’s Golf Cart Outlet has a range of street-legal 4- and 6-seater low-speed vehicles (LSVs) to rent. They offer 3-day and weekly rental packages, including free drop-off and pick-up.

Located in Southport, Coastal Golf Cart Rentals also has four- and six-person golf carts to easily travel around Oak Island. There’s a minimum rental period of 2 days. They also offer power wheelchair rentals to allow easier beach access to visitors who would benefit.

LSV and Golf Cart Rules on OKI

Although often referred to as golf carts, you’ll find low-speed vehicles available for rent on Oak Island! They’re also known as LSVs, and have certain features that allow them to be fully street legal (often up to a certain speed limit).

The basic information you need to know is that the electric-powered LSVs can legally be driven on the streets, but golf carts (unless modified) cannot. Unless you’re hitting the links, actual golf carts can only be used on Oak Island by people with a mobility-related disability, and there are restrictions as to which roads they can use.

When you’re ready to get out on the road with your modified golf cart (or LSV), these are the basic Oak Island ordinances that will come in handy to know:

• No driving on the sidewalks
• Can only be driven on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or lower
• You can cross a road or street at an intersection with a higher speed limit
• Driver must be licensed and impaired driving laws apply
• All seat belt and children’s car seat laws apple
• Must be electric (cannot be powered by gasoline, diesel, or any other fuel)
• Can’t use it to tow a trailer or wagon (unless also registered)

You can find the most up-to-date information on the Town of Oak Island’s website and we also recommend asking your rental company any questions you may have about where you can and cannot use LSVs on the island.

Where to Go & What to See

So you’ve decided to rent a low-speed vehicle on Oak Island, but where should you go? As long as you’re traveling on a road or street that has a posted speed limit sign of 35 mph or lower… the island is your oyster! Here are some of our favorite activities to enjoy:

There’s quality relaxation time on the beach, of course! Oak Island’s sandy shore offers something for everyone: soaking up some rays, building sandcastles, swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, rock-pooling, boating, playing, and strolling along the sands; there are so many possibilities!

You’ll find a free parking lot at Caswell Beach and another just a stone’s throw from Oak Island Pier. Most public access points to Oak Island’s beach have parking nearby, just make sure it does not have a reserved resident sign. Also, please don’t be tempted to park up on the sidewalk — there are strict rules against it.

For those who love exploring, kayaking, and fishing… you’ll find it all here. If you’re looking for spots for wildlife viewing, a trip to the Oak Island Nature Center might just be right up your alley. There is also the Environmental Outlook Trail and many other outlook areas available. Want to learn more? Check out our guide to recreation and nature on OKI. 

Here during the peak season? Take the kids to Oak Island Jungle Golf & Arcade for an afternoon or evening of family fun! Soak up the gorgeous vistas from the piers, snap a selfie in front of Oak Island Lighthouse and walk through the historical remnants of Caswell Fort. Or, treat yourself to some pampering TLC with a spa treatment, browse in local gift shops, and enjoy a cool beverage in a laid-back bar.  

And, if you visit between May and August, you’re in for a treat — it’s the turtle hatching season! Watching tiny loggerhead turtles crawling across the sands is quite magical. The Farmer’s Market is also up and running from May to September, which is a great place to visit. Want even more? There are many cool historical spots and museums within easy reach of Oak Island.

Vacation Home Rentals on the Island

Haven’t found your perfect coastal vacation rental on Oak Island for your next vacation adventure! Our team would love to help you find a place that will meet all of your needs and answer any questions you may have. Start planning your next stay by browsing through our large selection of premier vacation homes on the island.