Category: Sullivan’s Island

Introduction: Why Your Choice of Rental Matters

When it comes to exploring Sullivan’s Island, your ride can shape your entire experience. Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach day or a jam-packed Lowcountry adventure, deciding between a golf cart rental or a car rental can make all the difference.

With its laid-back charm, gorgeous views, and small-town vibes, Sullivan’s Island is a great destination for a quick getaway or extended trip.

So how do you decide between a golf cart and a car? Below, we’re breaking it down by convenience, costs, environmental impact, and overall fun factor.

Navigation & Parking

Getting around Sullivan’s Island is part of the fun – and your choice of wheels can make a big difference. Whether you’re weaving through side streets or planning a bigger adventure, here’s how golf carts and cars compare when it comes to convenience and parking.

Golf Cart Advantages:

• Easy to maneuver on narrow island roads
• Take advantage of dedicated golf cart parking in popular spots
• Great for quick stops and cruising to the beach
• Open-air design makes every ride feel like part of the vacation
• No stress over finding a full-size parking space

Car Advantages:

• Ideal for longer trips or off-island excursions
• Air conditioning (a lifesaver in summer!)
• More space for beach gear, groceries, or luggage
• Comfortable for families or groups

If you’re planning to stay close to Sullivan’s Island and want a breezy, laid-back way to explore, a golf cart is perfect for quick trips to the beach, hopping between local spots, or catching a sunset ride. On the other hand, if your itinerary includes day trips to Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or longer drives with the whole family and plenty of gear, a car will give you the comfort and flexibility you need.

Access to Local Attractions

Sullivan’s Island may be small, but it’s packed with places to explore! From historic sites to hidden beach paths and off-island adventures, here’s how golf carts and cars compare when it comes to hitting the area’s must-see spots.

Golf Cart Friendly Stops:

• Fort Moultrie – A must-see historic site right on the island
• Local restaurants – Park and dine with ease at island favorites
• Beachfront access points – Quick and convenient access for a toes-in-the-sand moment
• Breach Inlet – Scenic views and a peaceful spot for photos or a quiet walk

Check out some of our favorite scenic routes!

Car-Friendly Options:

• Charleston’s historic district – Perfect for a day of sightseeing and southern charm
• Boone Hall Plantation – A classic Lowcountry experience just a short drive away
• Mount Pleasant – Great for shopping, dining, and additional attractions off the island

A golf cart rental is ideal for those looking to enjoy a slow-paced, immersive experience on Sullivan’s Island. You’ll have an easier time soaking in the scenery, hopping between local spots, and truly embracing the island vibe. On the other hand, if your plans include broader travel or multiple destinations in a day, a car offers the flexibility and convenience to venture off-island with ease.

Rental Costs & Additional Expenses

Before you book your ride, it’s helpful to understand what kind of investment you’re making. From hourly golf cart rates to fuel costs for cars, here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect.

Golf Cart Rental Costs:

• Typically available by the hour or by the day
• Most models are electric, so no fuel costs
• Simple pricing with fewer add-ons

Car Rental Costs:

• Rented by the day or week, with rates varying by vehicle type
• Additional costs for gas, insurance, and sometimes parking
• Can add up quickly, especially for short stays

Golf carts are often the more affordable option for short-term stays and local adventures around Sullivan’s Island. They’re easy to rent, economical to run, and ideal if you’re not planning to go far. Cars, on the other hand, may offer better overall value if you’re staying longer, traveling with more people, or venturing off the island for day trips.

Environmental & Sustainability Considerations

Looking to travel a little greener? Your rental choice can play a role in how eco-friendly your visit to Sullivan’s Island is. Here’s how golf carts and cars compare when it comes to sustainability.

Golf Cart Environmental Considerations:

• Most are electric, producing zero emissions
• Quieter, with less disruption to the island’s peaceful vibe
• A more sustainable choice for short trips

Car Environmental Considerations:

• Even fuel-efficient models have a higher carbon footprint
• Useful for longer distances but not as eco-friendly
• Typically louder and more resource-intensive

If minimizing your environmental impact is important to you, a golf cart is the clear winner. Electric carts offer a quiet, clean way to explore the island without sacrificing convenience or fun.

Overall Experience: Which One is More Fun?

When it comes to enjoying the ride, both golf carts and cars offer their own kind of experience:

Golf Cart Perks:

• Open-air cruising with island breezes
• Slower speed encourages scenic exploring
• Easy to park at local spots and beach access points
• Adds a playful, laid-back element to your trip

Car Perks:

• Climate control for hot or rainy days
• More space for coolers, beach gear, and luggage
• Great for families or groups needing extra room
• Convenient for longer drives and off-island plans

Choose a golf cart if you’re all about relaxing, exploring locally, and embracing that island state of mind. Go with a car if your plans involve covering more ground, hauling gear, or keeping cool and comfy in unpredictable weather.

Golf Cart Rentals in Sullivan’s Island

Still deciding? Here’s the quick breakdown:

• Choose a golf cart if you’re all about easy parking, open-air cruising, quick beach stops, and soaking up the island vibes at a slower pace.
• Choose a car if you’re planning off-island adventures, need more storage space, or want extra comfort in unpredictable weather.

If you’ve chosen a golf cart for your Sullivan’s Island adventure, get ready for breezy rides, scenic stops, and total vacation mode! Contact us to reserve our affordable, eco-friendly LSV golf carts and let the good times roll!

Sullivan’s Island is a hidden gem on the South Carolina coast, known for its blend of history, breathtaking views, and laid-back charm. And what better way to explore its scenic beauty than by golf cart? With easy parking, open-air freedom, and the ability to cruise at a leisurely pace, golf carts provide the perfect way to soak in everything the island has to offer.

Below are five must-ride routes that showcase the best of Sullivan’s Island’s landscapes, history, and coastal magic.

1. Route #1: Fort Moultrie & Coastal Defense History

What You’ll See

Start your adventure at Fort Moultrie, a historic military fort dating back to the Revolutionary War. As you navigate along Middle Street, you’ll pass by Battery Gadsden, an old artillery battery that still holds echoes of the past. The route is lined with historic cannons, brick barracks, and panoramic views of the Atlantic, making it a perfect blend of history and coastal scenery.

• Best Time to Visit: Morning is ideal for avoiding crowds and getting the best lighting for photos. For a more dramatic setting, check it out in late afternoon for a magical glow on the old fort structures!

2. Route #2: Breach Inlet – The Perfect Sunset Spot

What You’ll See

Cruise toward the northern edge of the island to reach Breach Inlet, a stunning waterway that separates Sullivan’s Island from Isle of Palms. This spot was once the site of a Revolutionary War battle, but today, it’s better known for its breathtaking sunsets and dolphin sightings.

• Best Time to Visit: Sunset is unbeatable at Breach Inlet–just be sure to arrive a little early to grab a good viewing spot!

3. Route #3: Station 22 Beach Access & The Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

What You’ll See

Head down to Station 22 Beach Access, one of the best spots on the island for pristine beaches and scenic ocean views. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, a unique triangular lighthouse that stands tall against the coastal skyline.

• Best Time to Visit: We highly recommend catching the sunrise, as it illuminates the beach and lighthouse.

4. Route #4: Nature Trails & Maritime Forest Paths

What You’ll See

If you want to trade ocean breezes for shady, tree-lined trails, this route takes you through some of Sullivan’s Island’s most beautiful maritime forests. You’ll weave through hidden pathways, past towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and along quiet neighborhood streets that feel like a secret escape.

• Best Time to Visit: Midday is ideal, as the tree cover offers a natural break from the sun while still letting in the light.

5. Route #5: Coastal Roads & Panoramic Water Views

What You’ll See

For classic coastal charm, this route follows Middle Street and Atlantic Avenue, two of the most picturesque roads on Sullivan’s Island. As you drive along, you’ll see elegant beachfront homes, long stretches of sandy shore, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon is perfect for a golden glow on the water, but anytime offers a beautiful drive.

View Sullivan’s Island Interactive Trail Map

6. Ready to Explore? Hop on a Golf Cart and Go!

Golf carts make it easy to experience Sullivan’s Island at your own pace–parking effortlessly, taking in the fresh ocean air, and immersing yourself in the island’s beauty. If you don’t have your own, Saltwater Rides offers affordable, eco-friendly LSV Golf Cart rentals for your enjoyment. Contact us to book your golf cart today!