Attractions | Visit DeSoto

Arcadia Municipal Golf Course

Arcadia Municipal Golf Course presents golf the way it was meant to be. The grounds are beautiful, the players are friendly and the course is challenging, but not overwhelming. Arcadia offers a par 72 course that plays 5,493 yards from the white tees and 4,556 yards from the red. You can opt to play from blue championship tees (5,900 yards) or gold tees reserved for seniors (5,107 yards). There is a driving range available to sharpen your skills before or after your round. USGA rules are followed and the course asks for your cooperation by wearing proper golf attire. Arcadia is open every day from sunrise to sunset except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Tee times can be booked online. Check in at the Pro Shop before you play. It’s stocked with name brand clubs, balls and clothing. Golf lessons are available, too. There are golf carts on hand along with a limited supply of club rentals for men and ladies. When you reach the 19^th hole, you’re invited to visit the snack bar for sandwiches and lunch specials. There is beer on tap and in cans, plus wine and wine coolers. Interested in becoming a member? Choose from annual, 6-month, 3-month, 1-month and Cart memberships. Arcada is an experienced host for corporate outings, charity events and tournaments.

Kingsway Golf and Country Club

Your Kingsway Country Club experience begins with a tree-lined entrance leading to a majestic, 18,000 sq. ft. Old Florida clubhouse. Inside, you’ll find a fully stocked pro shop, locker rooms and a game room. The large Grille Room features a classic American lunch menu, views of the course, six flat screen televisions and a granite-topped bar. The covered veranda is the perfect place to relax outdoors over lunch or post-round cocktails. Kingsway’s well-appointed facilities are popular for wedding receptions, banquets, business meetings and private parties (there’s a trained, professional staff on hand).

The par 72 championship course was redesigned by architect Ron Garl in the wake of Hurricane Charley. With certified TifEagle greens and seven sets of tees, Kingsway tests golfers of all skill levels. The layout features convenient proximities from greens to tee boxes. You can walk the course or ride a golf cart (either way, Kingsway follows a brisk pace-of-play doctrine). Need refreshment during play? Hail the well-stocked beverage and snack cart. Want to practice? The driving range offers unlimited balls, a chipping green, sand bunker and putting green. Membership options include individual, family, all-inclusive, seasonal (winter), social and dining.

Lions, Tigers & Bears, Inc.

Here’s a memorable outing for kids of all ages. Check out the amazing wild creatures at Lions, Tigers & Bears. The wildlife sanctuary provides homes for endangered species and unwanted exotic animals on 40 acres of prime Florida upland oak habitat and pasture land. You’ll find it just north or Arcadia. Their stated mission is to “provide a permanent, loving home to unwanted exotic pets, non-releaseable wildlife and endangered species.” They’re also a rehabilitation facility for injured and orpaned native wildlife.

Lions, Tigers & Bears believes educating people about animals and their connection to the environment is an important key to good conservation practices. You can support their efforts by visiting the online store. It’s on their website at www.lionstigersandbears.us.com. You can visit the wildlife sanctuary Thursday through Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. You’ll need an appointment for a guided tour. Special educational group rates are available along with Safari Dinners. Lions, Tigers & Bears is closed during July and August.