Florida's Lagoon Between Key Largo And Key West Has Watersports, Murals, And A Garden With Craft Drinks

A trip through the Florida Keys holds plenty of surprises for those willing to make some stops on the way from Key Largo to Key West. I've made the scenic drive multiple times, but on my last trip, I was introduced to a spot I hadn't been — The Lagoon. Here, you can pull in, grab a bite to eat, sip on a craft drink, or lounge in a hammock. And if you dip your toes in the lagoon, you'll be greeted by the friendly resident fish. 

There are a couple of things that stand out when you first arrive. The large lagoon holds the Rhum Runner Aqua Park, a giant inflatable obstacle course. This floating structure will have you climbing walls, jumping on a trampoline, and sliding into the water. There are additional activities for those looking for even more adrenaline-fueled watersports. 

Once you take a look around, you'll also start spotting the pretty murals. There are over 20 colorful creations on the property. An artist-in-residence program brings the artists back from time to time to create new murals. It's basically an ever-changing outdoor art gallery.

Full disclosure: When I visited Marathon, the stunning city in the center of the Keys, I stayed at a resort that was just down the road from The Lagoon, and my accommodations were comped. They also offered me a complimentary e-foiling lesson. In the interests of research (and just to see what it was like!), I bravely accepted the challenge, not knowing if I would even be able to stand up on the moving board. Perhaps they wanted to get a chuckle out of seeing if an uncoordinated girl like me could do it, but I proved I could. 

I wasn't sure if I would be able to grasp e-foiling, but within an hour, my patient teacher, Davo, had me standing on the motorized board. I was so excited! I then took a tumble and fell into the cool water as soon as I saw my fiance filming me. But I got up and did it again. I found that the lagoon's calm water made a great spot to try out this new adventure.

The Lagoon is also home to the Keys Cable Park. In traditional wakeboarding, you're pulled by a boat. Here, you're pulled by a cable system. I was too obsessed with the e-foil to try this on my visit, but one Google reviewer described it: "What an absolute blast! If you have never been to a cable park, you have to try it out. Way easier than behind a boat ... The cable runs one direction, then reverses while you make the turn. I haven't been on a wakeboard in at least two years and was able to pull it off no problem (most of the time). There are jumps and rails if you dare ..." 

There are two separate cables, one that is best for those who've never been on a board, and another for those with more advanced skills. When you're on the cable, you'll be the only one being pulled by it. That means the tow can be customized to your experience and comfort level. Some people want to go fast and do tricks, which is also very cool for the spectators. The cable definitely allows the adventurous ones to do that. Some people choose to kiteboard or foilboard on the cable system, too. 

All of the watersports will likely make you work up an appetite. Just a few steps away from the actual lagoon, you'll find a foliage-filled courtyard with food and drinks. Bongo's Botanical Beer Garden is a whimsical place surrounded by lush landscaping and more colorful murals. Many of the plants at The Lagoon include fruit trees and herbs that are incorporated into the menu. Some of the things that are grown locally include bananas, breadfruit, tropical cherries, and coconuts. 

You'll find more than 20 craft beers to choose from, including some local brews. When you're in a tropical paradise like the Florida Keys, though, sometimes you just want a fruity drink. Options include appropriately named cocktails like the Mangrove Margarita, Lagoon Punch, and Grassy Gatorade. You can also order a Rhum Runner, a drink that was invented in the Florida Keys about 50 years ago.

The Lagoon on Grassy Key is about a 50-minute drive from Key Largo. You can drive there from Key West in about an hour and 20 minutes. No matter which direction you're coming from, you'll travel on the Overseas Highway, one of America's most scenic roads. There are other cool things to see in the area, such as Curry Hammock State Park, a spectacular Florida park full of paddling spots. It's less than 4 miles away from The Lagoon. To experience some of the other activities in Marathon, you may want to stay a few days. Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club, where I stayed, is only 1 mile down the road. If that's your home base, you can grab one of the on-site bicycles and take a leisurely ride down to The Lagoon.