Golf Carts are a way of life for Galveston County Bolivar Beach
Don't be surprised to see a golf cart pass by you when you’re walking down any of Bolivar’s beautiful beaches, such as Crystal Beach, as they allow golf carts to drive on the road sides and beaches.
Golf Carts are the perfect beach toy for Bolivar’s home owners and renters. Almost everyone who lives down here has a cart. Most do not play golf, they just use the cart to drive around to the beach or visit folks at their beach houses.
There are 27 miles of beach on the Bolivar Peninsula and four communities, beginning with Port Bolivar closest to the ferry, then Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, and High Island. All are unincorporated, so the beaches on the peninsula are under the jurisdiction of Galveston County.
Crystal Beach begins about 6.5 miles from the ferry and extends for about 7 miles. With low, grassy dunes on one side and the shallow water and gentle waves on the other, you can keep an eye out for the occasional seashell or rare sand dollar without worrying about getting lost.
The sand is generally compacted, which makes it easy to tour on any type of golf cart and also for fast walking if that’s your bent. Although cars can drive on the beach, they are usually moving at a slow pace as the speed limit is 15 mph.
It’s also an interesting fact that Crystal Beach Florida is also a golf cart approved community.
Are ATV's and Golf Carts Allowed on the Beach?
The Beaches of Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula are considered Public Highway. To ride on the beach, a vehicle must be licensed and have a licensed driver. A sticker does not allow the 4 wheeler or other off-road vehicles to be driven on a Public Highway or Public Beach. If you will check the Transportation Code Sec. 502.006 you will find that an ATV cannot be registered to be driven on a Public Beach or roadway.
“ATV’s, dirt bikes, mules, etc, which are unlicensed are illegal on the beach.
Golf carts are legal and do not have to be licensed, however, drivers of the golf carts must possess a valid Driver’s License." - Patricia Vondra, Justice of the Peace Galveston County, Texas
A golf cart is a motor vehicle and should be insured. Liability averages about $75 per year. See
crystalbeachinsurance.com for details
Crown Team Texas, developers of the popular Audubon resort on Bolivar, are giving away a golf cart and a golf cart garage with every home sold in Audubon before August 31st.
Referred to as a "beach buggy" and "buggy hut" by developer Jim Hayes. As far as that goes, you could call them a Gulf cart and Gulf cart garage (as in Gulf of Mexico)!
click here for details