Part of NC’s Brunswick Islands, Bald Head Island is the perfect spot for an unspoiled and upscale island retreat where everyone in your group can unplug. Unlike the rest of the Brunswick Islands, no cars are allowed on Bald Head. Golf carts and bicycles are the most popular forms of transportation on the island, which means it helps you to know where to go for rental information. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about getting around by golf cart on Bald Head Island.   

Golf Cart Rentals 

The Cary Cart Company offers hourly and daily golf cart rentals for visitors to Bald Head Island. Their cart pick-up location is conveniently located next door to the ferry landing at Bald Head Island Marina.  

The daily rate for a standard 4 passenger golf cart is $99. Please note the daily rate applies to golf cart use between the office’s working hours, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., it is not a 24-hour rental period.  

Most vacation rentals on Bald Head Island come with a golf cart for the duration of your stay. You can also add a golf cart rental to your booking when staying at The Inn at Bald Head Island.  

If you need transportation before receiving your golf cart rental, a tram services passengers arriving by the Bald Head Island ferry daily. Service is included in the cost of your ferry ticket and visitors are encouraged to make reservations as space fills up quickly. The tram shuttles visitors from the ferry landing to their accommodation anywhere on the island.  

a gold cart parked on a road between palm trees with a triangular stone lighthouse in the background

Bald Head Island Golf Cart Rules 

  1. In accordance with North Carolina state law, golf cart drivers must possess a valid driver’s license.  
  1. North Carolina state rules of the road apply to all vehicles (including golf carts, bikes and scooters) operating on island streets.  
  1. The island-wide speed limit is 18 MPH unless otherwise posted.  
  1. All golf cart passengers must wear seat belts.  
  1. When parking your golf cart at public beach accesses, please make sure all four tires are off the paved surface of the roadway.   
  1. No vehicle should be left unattended in a location that impedes traffic or emergency vehicle access.  

a red golf cart parked on the street in front of old baldy lighthouse on bald head island, nc

Navigating the Island 

Leaving from Bald Head Island Marina, there are two major thoroughfares on Bald Head Island.  N Bald Head Wynd (which turns into Federal Road) and W Bald Head Wynd (which turns into S Bald Head Wynd) take visitors from one end of the island to the other. Both roads meet at the Bald Head Island Conservancy on the island’s southeastern end.  

Stede Bonnet Wynd and Muscadine Wynd intersect both major roads and are convenient shortcuts to avoid an island long loop. Edward Teach Wynd connects the two.  

Shopping and dining options are available in the surrounding Bald Head Island Marina area. More of the island’s shops and restaurants (including the Maritime Market grocery store) are in the Midway Market area off Federal Road.  

Old Baldy Lighthouse and the Smith Island Museum of History are located off N Bald Head Wynd on Light House Wynd.  

The Bald Head Woods Maritime Forest Preserve is accessible by trail access points along Federal Road.  

For more information on handicap accessible public beach accesses on Bald Head Island please visit our Beach Accessibility page.  

aerial view of two people biking on a wooden bridge over a marsh on bald head island

Other Ways to Get Around 

Bicycles and Bike Rentals

Bikes are another popular way to get around on the island.  

Bike rentals are available through Riverside Adventure Company, located steps away from the ferry landing. The daily rate for a regular bike (in 26”, 24”, 20”, and 16” sizes) is $30. The daily rate for e-bikes is $100. Trikes and baby trailers are also available to rent with your bike. Bike delivery (with a two-bike minimum) to your vacation rental is available for a fee.  

Bike rentals are also available through Coastal Urge. Pickup your cruiser at the shop’s retail store located at 12-B Maritime Way. The daily rate for a regular beach cruiser (26”, 24”, 20”, and 16” sizes) is $25. Tandem bikes, children’s trailers, and child seats are also available to rent. Bike delivery and pickup are available for a fee; there is not a bike minimum for the service.  

Many vacation rentals also offer bikes to guests on-site. Make sure to ask when you book your rental if bikes are available on the property.  

Day trippers can bring their own bicycles to the island but will need to purchase an oversized baggage ferry ticket for their bike.  

E-Scooters, Segways & Electric Skateboards 

Visitors with electric transportation devices including electric scooters, segways, and electric skateboards can operate them on Bald Head Island streets. However, like golf carts, their use is limited to valid driver’s license holders. When bringing their device to the island, visitors will need to purchase an oversized baggage ferry ticket for their e-scooter, segway, or electric skateboard.  

facade of the inn at bald head island

Start Planning Your Stay on Bald Head Island 

Now that you know how to move around the island, let’s find you somewhere to stay. Book a vacation rental for your group or explore B&B and inn options for couples.  

Visit our Bald Head Island Ferry page for more information about getting to the island. Visit our “Things to Do on Bald Head Island” blog for more information on attractions and activities on Bald Head Island.  

For more information about NC’s Brunswick Islands, including requesting a visitor’s guide, please visit www.ncbrunswick.com.