Active Pursuits

Beach Resort -- Robin Lake Beach, on a 65-acre lake, is the largest inland man-made white-sand beach anywhere in the world. It offers a center for children with a large outdoor playground, as well as miniature golf, badminton, and rides on a riverboat. In summer, a show is presented by Florida State University's Flying High Circus. A trail stretches nearly a mile around the lake with 20 fitness stations. Robin Lake Beach is a virtual miniresort, with sand, surf, and dozens of activities. Admission is $13 for adults, $6.50 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. The beach is open daily from 9am to 6pm in summer. It is closed from Labor Day until the first of June.

Biking -- Callaway Gardens has 7 1/2 paved miles for bikers who'd like to see the gardens up close instead of from a car. The Discovery Bicycle Trail is a family favorite. It begins at Bike Barn near the beach parking lot at Robin Lake, where you can rent bikes and helmets (some bikes are equipped with child safety seats). A ferry is available near the end of the trail at the boat dock to transport riders across Mountain Creek Lake back to their starting point. The Bike Barn rents bikes daily from 8am to 6pm, charging $14 for 2 hours and $20 for a half-day.

Fishing -- Fishing is available on Mountain Creek Lake, where two persons can rent a boat for $40 per half-day or $75 per full day.

Golf -- Callaway's well-groomed courses, hailed by Golf Digest and Golf magazine, are set in the midst of clear lakes, lush landscaping, and wooded shores. Mountain View, designed by Dick Wilson, is viewed as the best by many golfers. Tight, tree-lined fairways are characteristic of this championship course. At hole no. 15 (par 5), the threat of water looms over both tee and approach shots. This hole is ranked as one of the most difficult par 5s by USA Today. The first course built here, Lake View was designed only in part by Dick Wilson. Mr. Callaway himself provided the inspiration for this course, whose challenge lies in its 9 water holes. The par-70 course is known for its no. 5 with its island tee and serpentine bridge over Mountain Creek Lake to the green in front of the Gardens Restaurant. Mountain View is the most expensive course to play, at a cost of $80 to $100, while Lake View costs $70 to $80. Call tel. 800/225-5292 to make reservations for either course.

Tennis -- Tennis magazine awarded Callaway a "Top 50" national rating. Nine courts are hard surfaced, and eight have Rubico surfaces. Two glass-walled racquetball courts and a pro shop are also located in Callaway's sports complex.