Tourism >> Lifestyles >> Golf and Gulf Cart Riding
March 13, 2010
Bolivar Peninsula Golfing and Beach Buggy Gulf Carts
Golf Carts, or Gulf Carts as they are sometimes called, are a way of life for Galveston County Bolivar Beach

Gulf Cart Beach WalkwayDon'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
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Golf Cart on Golf Course
Golf Cart on Rancho Carribe Crystal Beach Golf Course & Exclusive Gulf Coast Community

9 Hole Regulation Golf Course

Settled on a peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Mexico, the Rancho Carribe Golf Course is one of Texas’ best-kept secrets. About an hour southeast of Houston, this nine-hole facility features a renovated barn for a one-of-a-kind pro shop and holes with spectacular gulf views. Wallis Smith, who owns the course with his wife Julia, literally designed and built the course with P.G.A. Pro Robby Sharpless.

It is surrounded by what was known as P. Cross Ranch, which has utilized over $3 million in funds to become one of the finest residential beach developments on the Texas Coast.

Rancho Carribe has been recognized for both its scenic course as well as for its business endeavors with awards that include the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

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