This year-round resort island, the development of which began in 1956, is reached by a bridge on Hwy 278. The island is bordered by one of the few remaining unpolluted marine estuaries on the East Coast and is the largest sea island between New Jersey and Florida. Its growth was rapid; there are 12 miles of beaches, and the climate is delightful. Activities include numerous golf courses and tennis courts; swimming; miles of bicycle paths; horseback riding; four nature preserves; and deep-sea, sound, and dockside fishing. The facilities also include nine marinas and a paved 3,700-foot airstrip with parallel taxiway. There are more than 3,000 hotel and motel rooms, more than 6,000 homes/villas/condos on the rental market, more than 200 restaurants, and 28 shopping centers. For the less athletic, there are many art galleries and numerous sporting and cultural events.