Our kids love to fish and drive their RC boats in the pond...and we can sit on our balcony and watch them while enjoying a glass of wine :) We also like to watch for dolphins out on the gulf - they surface about 10 feet from shore, and when the gulf is calm you are likely to see them right from the balcony. Also...If you are lucky enough to be in town during turtle season make sure to do a turtle walk with Mote Marine (every Saturday morning June-mid July).
Beachplace is one of the friendliest resorts you will ever find. It is also one of the safest places on the planet. I have left ipads, iphones, my watch...out on a table at the pool or in my beach bag while on a walk along the water, and the only thing you have to worry about are the crows that like to pick up shiny objects :) My kids often forget goggles/flip flops (?) and sunglasses at the pool, and when we return the next day they have been retrieved and safely tucked them into the lost and found spot.
We have great neighbors on the 6th floor - two are full time residents and one is semi-retired and lives there part-time. If you have an emergency of any kind it is nice to know you can reach out.
Beachplace has several organized activities if you are looking for social gatherings with friends, especially during high season. Water Aerobics is popular with the girls. Monday-Friday at 9:00 a.m. with Nancy. The cost is $10 per class. This takes place Jan-April rain or shine (I did this in the rain once and it was kind of fun!) This is a great place to meet your fellow Beachplace neighbors - especially if you are a long-term guest. Yoga, Book Club, Lecture Series, Wine on the Beach, movie night at the club house...watch the board in the lobby of our building for happenings. This is also where you can pick up a free local paper.
If you have plans of having no plans...Beachplace is good for that too.