If you’re headed to Key West and wondering if you should rent a golf cart, the short answer is: yes, probably. It’s hands down one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to get around the island. Parking a full-size car can be a nightmare, and honestly, nothing says “I’m on island time” like cruising the streets in a golf cart with the salty breeze in your face.
Here’s what you need to know about renting a golf cart in Key West, from where to rent to a few tips we picked up along the way!
What's in this Article? (Jump ahead here.)
Why Rent a Golf Cart in Key West?
Key West is small — like, really small. You can technically walk from one end of the island to the other in about 30–40 minutes. But if you want to bounce between beaches, Old Town, the Southernmost Point, and maybe grab a Cuban coffee somewhere along the way, having a golf cart makes life a whole lot easier (and way more fun).
Parking a full-size car in Key West can be a total nightmare. Tiny streets, one-way roads, meters everywhere… it’s not exactly stress-free vacation vibes. Golf carts, on the other hand, are easier to park, easier to maneuver, and just feel like part of the island experience.
They’re also a great choice if you’re traveling with family or a group — way easier to pile into a cart and head off to your next adventure than trying to squeeze into an Uber every time you want to move.
Sure, you could rent bikes or scooters, but a golf cart gives you a little more comfort, a place to stash your beach gear, and some shade from the sun. Plus, you’ll look and feel like a local as you cruise around town, waving at chickens and soaking up the island vibe. Ok, fine you will look like tourists doing all that. But you are tourists, so just embrace it.
Things to Know Before You Rent
Before you hop behind the wheel of your island chariot, there are a few things you should know about renting and driving a golf cart in Key West:
- Golf carts are street legal — but only on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Good news: that’s basically the whole island.
- You need a valid driver’s license to rent and drive. Some companies also require you to be at least 21 years old.
- Parking rules still apply. You can’t just ditch your golf cart anywhere. You’ll need to pay meters or park in designated lots just like a regular car.
- Hotel rules vary. Some hotels are totally cool with golf cart parking; others have limited space or extra charges for parking. Double-check before you book if you’re planning to rent one.
- Drive responsibly. Just because you’re in a golf cart doesn’t mean you’re off the hook — DUI laws still apply. (Yes, even for golf carts. It’s still a motor vehicle, even if it’s cute.) And we saw several folks getting tickets for not wearing their seatbelts, so buckle up!
- Drive slow and stay alert. The streets are full of bikes, pedestrians, and wandering chickens. It’s part of the charm — just stay chill, go slow, and enjoy the ride.
It’s all pretty straightforward, but it’s good to know the basics before you hit the streets and start living your best island life.
Where to Rent a Golf Cart in Key West
There are quite a few rental companies in Key West offering golf carts, but we rented from Southernmost Golf Carts and had a great experience (here’s a link to their 24 hour rental). Highly recommend them!
They were easy to work with, had reasonable pricing, and the cart was clean, comfortable, and in great shape — which isn’t always a given on a tropical island. We were even able to rent a Yeti cooler with the cart, which was handy for the beach all weekend.
The whole process was super simple, and they even offered free delivery and pickup right to our guesthouse, which was a huge plus. (No schlepping across town to pick it up.) They also offered to bring it to us right at the airport, but we weren’t sure about loading up our luggage on it, so opted for the hotel drop off.
You’ll find other rental options around town too — including spots near the airport, cruise terminal, and Duval Street. Most companies offer a range of carts, from 2-seaters all the way up to 6-seaters, depending on your group size.
Some companies to look at include:
- Southernmost Golf Carts – My #1 recommendation!
- Mile 0 Rentals – Good reviews, reliable service, and a wide range of rental options.
- Paradise Rentals – Another solid choice with flexible rental options and friendly service.
- Sunshine Scooters – Also rents bikes and mopeds if you’re still deciding
- Key West Adventures – Rents electric carts, which are fun if you have a place to charge it.
No matter where you rent, it’s smart to book ahead — especially during high season. Golf carts are popular, and availability can dry up fast on busy weekends.
Cost of Renting a Golf Cart in Key West
The cost really isn’t too bad, especially when you compare it to the cost of taking a taxi or Uber every time you head out. Depending on the size of the cart and the rental company, here’s what you can expect:
- 2-seater carts: Around $90–$120 per day
- 4-seater carts: Around $120–$150 per day
- 6-seater carts: Around $150–$200+ per day
Most places will give you a discount if you rent for multiple days or a full week, so if you’re staying for a bit, it’s definitely worth asking about long-term rates.
Also good to know: insurance is often optional. Some rental companies offer it for a small fee, but check with your personal auto insurance or credit card first — you might already be covered and can save a little extra.
Is it cheaper to just Uber around town? Maybe — if you’re not planning to venture too far. But if you want the freedom to come and go all day, hit the beach, grab lunch, wander Duval Street, and not wait around for rides, a golf cart is 100% the way to go.
What to Look For When Choosing a Golf Cart Rental
Not all golf carts are created equal — and a few little details can make a big difference. Here’s what to think about when you’re picking your rental:
- Size Matters. Make sure you pick the right size for your group. Most companies offer 2-seater, 4-seater, and 6-seater options. A 4-seater is usually the sweet spot, as they fit most families and are still easy to maneuver.
- Gas vs. Electric. Some carts are gas-powered, some are electric. Electric carts are quiet and eco-friendly, but you’ll need to make sure you have a place to charge it, which can be tricky at a hotel. For that reason, I actually recommend gas carts, so you don’t need to worry about that detail on vacation.
- Delivery Options. Some companies will deliver and pick up your golf cart at your hotel or the airport — which is super convenient and saves you an extra trip across town.
- Condition of the Cart. Check out recent reviews to make sure the carts are clean, well-maintained, and in good shape. No one wants to get stuck halfway to the beach with a dead battery.
- Extras. A few companies offer extra rentals like coolers or Bluetooth speakers — which can definitely come in handy for a full day of exploring or beaching.
Is Renting a Golf Cart in Key West Worth It?
Yes, for us it was definitely worth it. It’s fun, super convenient, and way less stressful than trying to deal with a full-sized car. Plus, it just feels right — nothing says “Key West vacation” like cruising around with the breeze in your face and no real plan except maybe finding your next mojito or sunset spot.
If you’re traveling with kids (kids love golf carts!), have beach gear to haul around, or just like the idea of being able to come and go whenever you want without waiting for Ubers, a golf cart rental is a no-brainer.
On the other hand, if you’re staying right in the heart of Duval Street and plan to spend most of your time walking between bars, shops, and restaurants, you might not need one.
We stayed on the southernmost end of Duval Street, at the Southernmost Point Guest House. And for us, it made getting around the island easy and added an extra fun factor to the trip. Highly recommend!
More Key West Trip Planning Tips
If you’re planning a trip to Key West, be sure to check out these other helpful articles: