Anyone who’s searched for parking at Spoleto or sat in traffic near the Charleston Food and Wine Festival knows the hassle. That’s why golf cart rentals in downtown Charleston are becoming a favorite for visitors and locals.
These compact, convenient rides make navigating Charleston’s biggest events easy—no parking stress, no sore feet, just effortless exploring.
Why Charleston Is Ideal for Golf Cart Users
Charleston’s historic district spans just two square miles, perfect for golf cart exploration. With narrow streets, limited parking, and top attractions within close reach, carts are a practical alternative to full-sized cars. The city’s flat roads and mild weather make cruising easy year-round.
Charleston golf cart rentals offer a sustainable way to explore the city. Unlike traditional vehicles, electric golf carts produce zero emissions, helping to preserve the city’s air quality and reduce tourism’s carbon footprint. By choosing a golf cart rental, visitors also help ease traffic congestion in Charleston’s busiest areas, making the festival experience more enjoyable for everyone.
With open-air cruising, you can fully enjoy Charleston’s charm—gliding past historic homes, catching the scent of jasmine in spring, and feeling the ocean breeze along The Battery.
Before renting, knowing the basics of driving a golf cart in Charleston is helpful. They’re allowed only on roads with 35 MPH or lower speed limits—covering most of downtown. A valid driver’s license is required, and carts must have lights for nighttime use. Rental companies handle registration, so you can hit the road and start exploring immediately.
Golf Cart-Friendly Festivals and Events in Charleston
From world-renowned cultural celebrations to local street fairs, Charleston’s festival scene offers something for everyone.
Charleston Food and Wine Festival
Each March, culinary enthusiasts gather for this celebration of Lowcountry cuisine, where golf carts make it easy to hop between cooking demos, wine tastings, and chef meet-and-greets. While Marion Square hosts the central Culinary Village, events occur at restaurants throughout downtown Charleston.
A golf cart rental is a great way to get around during the festival’s main event, the Culinary Village Tasting Tent. After sampling wines, having quick and easy transportation nearby is convenient and gives you peace of mind.
Spoleto Festival USA
Each May and June, this 17-day international arts festival brings Charleston to life with performances across multiple downtown venues. With over 120 events showcasing theater, music, and visual arts, a golf cart is the perfect way to navigate between shows at the Dock Street Theatre, Charleston Gaillard Center, and the College of Charleston Cistern Yard.
With a golf cart, festival-goers can catch more performances. Convenient transportation makes it easy to attend an afternoon chamber music concert at one venue before heading to an evening opera across town.
The festival’s hub at the Charleston Visitor Center offers ample parking, and street-legal golf carts can park at designated spots throughout downtown.
Golf Cart Parade
The annual Isle of Palms Golf Cart Parade is a favorite local tradition just outside Charleston. Every Fourth of July, dozens of decorated golf carts roll down Ocean Boulevard, decked out in patriotic colors and creative designs, bringing the community together for a fun, festive celebration.
Similar parades occur in Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach throughout the year, each showing unique themes that reflect coastal charm. These events highlight how golf carts are woven into Charleston’s coastal lifestyle.
Charleston City Market Events
The historic Charleston City Market hosts events year-round, from the weekly Night Market (Fridays and Saturdays) to seasonal craft fairs and holiday celebrations. Nestled on Market Street between Meeting and East Bay, this bustling shopping district gets especially crowded during peak tourist season.
Golf carts provide easy access to the market area, with several parking spots on Church Street and Anson Street. After browsing handcrafted sweetgrass baskets and artisan goods, you can easily drop off your finds at your accommodation before continuing your Charleston adventure.
Charleston Citywide Holiday Celebrations
Downtown Charleston transforms into a winter wonderland during the Holiday Festival of Lights and the annual Christmas Parade. Golf carts decorated with festive lights have become a tradition for many locals, particularly during the Mount Pleasant Christmas Light Parade and the Sullivan’s Island holiday festivities.
The annual Holiday Parade of Boats lights up Charleston Harbor, and a golf cart makes it easy to catch the best views from multiple spots. Cruise between The Battery, Waterfront Park, and the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina to see the spectacle from different angles.
Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Labor Day weekend brings the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz to the Charleston Gaillard Center. This three-day celebration includes multiple performances and events, with golf carts providing easy transportation between venues, restaurants, and accommodations.
Your cart rental lets you create a personalized festival experience with easy access to the city’s impromptu performances and late-night jam sessions.
Plan Your Golf Cart Adventure at Charleston’s Best Festivals
The city’s vibrant festivals and community events are even more enjoyable when you rent golf carts in Charleston. From food festivals to holiday parades and cultural celebrations, golf carts provide a convenient and stress-free way to explore the festivities.
At Just Beachy Golf Cart Rentals, we make getting around Charleston easy and fun. Our well-maintained carts are perfect for exploring the city’s biggest events or cruising the coast. Book your Charleston golf cart rental today and ride in comfort around the Lowcountry.
