Golf-Cart

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Golf-Cart Cruising: The Latest Trend

Destin Elite Carts brings the best in golf-cart services to the Destin and 30A area

BY KATIE GARRISON

GOLF-CART-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES ARE coming to reign in popularity, especially in Florida. And in Destin, locals and tourists can drive them on any road except the main Highway 98, making golf carts a cool, fun and efficient way to explore the area.

But no one wants the added complication of another rental process to their list of vacation to-do’s. That’s where Destin’s premier spot for golf cart rentals, Destin Elite Carts, comes in with their easy rental system. The local golf-cart-rental company offers free delivery to your location and free pickup when you are finished, allowing visitors to waste no time in getting to the beach. Plus, each cart comes freshly detailed and with a full tank of gas.

With 180 carts on-site and plenty of models to choose from, owner Shaun Holyfield has made Destin Elite Carts the most affordable and convenient rental choice in the area. And after his idea for the company was born in 2020, Holyfield has become a prime example of the American dream, right here in Florida..

Holyfield was working a corporate remote job when the pandemic hit. At the time, he decided to spontaneously travel to the Bahamas. “I was able to work anywhere,” he said. As he was preparing to head out of town, his friend asked what he planned to do with his golf cart while he was away.

This sparked an idea for Holyfield, and he decided to share a simple Facebook listing for potential renters. From one social media post, he received a flood of comments, shares and messages from people interested in renting his golf cart. Like any smart businessman, he saw potential in the golf-cart-rental market, and Destin Elite Carts was born! Holyfield was able to grow his collection of golf carts quickly and is now serving visitors with nearly 200 carts available to rent.

Instead of packing the wet and sandy kids into a hot car, a golf cart allows for a convenient open-air travel experience to and from the beach. And they save money on gas and cut down travel time. Golfcart traffic is less congested, and golf carts allow for more flexibility when parking, saving you precious time that can be spent on the beach!

And, of course, there’s the cool and fun factor. Imagine driving down Scenic Gulf

SHAUN HOLYFIELD, owner of Destin Elite Carts, broke into the golf-cart-rental business after seeing an unexpected demand when he posted his own for rent through social media. Now, he enjoys sharing his stock of nearly 200 golf carts with anyone visiting the Destin area.

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RECREATION | EXPERIENCES | ADVENTURE

Drive, overlooking the emerald waters as the breezy salt air brushes through your hair — a much more immersive experience than riding along in a stuffy car.

At Destin Elite Carts, the unique, personal touches separate them from other similar businesses. Each rental comes with a gift box of free coupons to restaurants, rentals and attractions on the beach, as well as a personalized note in each box. Small gestures like this go a long way, and Holyfield truly wants visitors to have an amazing experience on and off the road.

Offering several new models that go at a 35-mph rate, the top speed for golf carts, Destin Elite Carts is up to par with their selection. Prices fluctuate seasonally, so check the website for accurate pricing and booking availability.

And with their free delivery and pickup service, they can’t be beat! Golf carts are delivered between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and picked up between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Certain exceptions may be made to accommodate travel plans.

With two years under the company’s belt, Holyfield is excited about the growth of his first-born Destin location. And he’s already expanded the business with a location in St. Petersburg and plans for another in Key West.

Cart Q&A

Where You Can Cruise in Your Cart Golf carts can legally be driven on all roads in Destin and the 30A area, except on Highway 98/ Emerald Coast Parkway.

Golf Carts are legal on streets marked 35 mph.

Street-legal golf carts can cross a street with a higher posted speed limit where it intersects with the legal road being traveled.

Cart Convenience Golf carts are perfect for easy travel to and from the beach. You can avoid the sandy mess in your car and prevent the headache of parking large vehicles at the beach. Plus, most establishments have front-row parking to make it easy and fun to enjoy your vacation.

No Cart Zones Golf carts are prohibited from being rented inside the following resorts: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Seaside, Destin Pointe, Watercolor, Destiny by the Sea, Mainsail, Maravilla, Rue Caribe and Grand Caribbean. As a good rule of thumb, check with the property manager of your vacation home or condo when booking.

For more information on booking, pricing and how to contact Destin Elite Carts, visit DestinEliteCarts.com.

FUN PLACES TO VISIT

Kick the day off with coffee and breakfast at Camilles, offering live music on some weekends and an avocado toast that won’t disappoint. After breakfast, visit one of the many public beach access points along Scenic Highway 98. A close one to Camille’s is Miramar Regional Beach Access — located at 2396 Scenic Highway 98 in Miramar Beach. Cross over Highway 98 at the intersection of Hutchinson Street or Crystal Beach Drive and finish the day off at the Destin Commons, located at 4100 Legendary Drive in Destin.

EMERALD COAST BY OWNER

ECBYO is the No. 1 listing site for Gulf Coast vacation rentals. Find your dream vacation home at an affordable price on ECBYO.com. ECBYO does not charge travelers service fees, which assures you are receiving the best possible rate when booking your rental. Whether you are looking for a beachfront home with a pool for all your family and friends or even just a couple’s getaway, ECBYO has the vacation home for you.

@emeraldcoastbyowner | (844) 463-2296 (844-GO-ECBYO) | emeraldcoastbyowner.com