The Florida Keys, more than 1,700 islands, begins at the southeastern tip of Florida at Miami. A 120-mile overseas highway connects this network of islands. There are fewer than 10 golf courses, but these courses challenge golfers of all level because they are surrounded by water. The Atlantic Ocean is on one side, and the Gulf of Mexico is on the other side, and the courses are constructed on marshy swampland. Enjoy fishing and cultural activities in the wetlands of the Florida Keys.
Play Golf
The Key West Golf Club features an 18-hole, 6,500-yard course surrounded by greenery and wildlife and open to players of all ages. Designers constructed this course among palm trees, mangroves and lakes. You have the opportunity to see egrets as you play a few rounds of golf. The course's famous "Mangrove Hole" challenges golfers of all levels. You play on an area of the golf course completely covered by these tropical shrubs. The golf club requires all players to wear the proper golf attire, which is found in the pro shop. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The club's golf school features a computer analysis of your swing before and after instruction.
Key West Golf Club
6450 E. College Road
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 294-5232
keywestgolf.com
Florida Keys Shipwreck Heritage Trail
This snorkeling and diving activity, established by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, goes from Key Largo to Key West, about 100 miles. This activity features a segment of history dating back to the 1700s, a time when Spanish explorers began arriving in the New World. You see ships from the time of exploration, military ships, cargo ships and strategically placed sunken ships that serve as artificial reefs. The shipwreck trail goes from depths of 20 feet to 140 feet. Many of the older ships found their deep-sea resting places when they were caught in violent storms that struck them unexpectedly. You see more than 500 species of fish in these federally protected waters and 55 kinds of coral. Wear proper diving and snorkeling equipment in this underwater attraction.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
35 E. Quay Road
Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 292-0311
floridakeys.noaa.gov
Crane Point
This center provides various activities for adults and children. The museum of natural history has 600-year-old exhibits, like canoes, pirate ship relics, coral reef simulations and other artifacts that represent the history of the Florida Keys. See exhibits of animals native to the Keys, such as seabirds, key deer, turtles, snakes and whales. The Children's Activities Center has a 17th-century galleon called "Los Ninos de Los Cayos," an interactive vessel that teaches visitors about Keys Pirates. Children touch crabs, starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and other sea creatures. Take the nature trails at Crane Point and see approximately 160 native plants.
Crane Point Museum, Nature Center and Historic Site
5550 Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 50.5, Bayside
Marathon, Florida 33050
(305) 743-9100
cranepoint.net
About The Author
Based in Tucson, Ariz., Cicely A. Richard has been writing since 1996. Her articles have been published in the “Arizona Daily Star” newspaper and “ForeWord Magazine.” Richard earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and journalism from Louisiana State University.
