For years, Lovers Key was accessible only by boat and it was said that only lovers traveled to the island to enjoy its remote and solitary beach.map
Imagine a beach wedding in beautiful South West Florida while the sun is setting. There is nothing to compare to the sound of faint waves behind you and the touch of soft sand between your toes while you stare into the eyes of the love of your life.
Today lovers come here for the the same reasons but now the 2 1/2 mile long beach is accessible by tram or you could walk a beautiful trail and boardwalk.
Lovers Key is one of four barrier islands that make up the park. Black Island has over five miles of hiking and bicycling trails. Trail maps are available showing many points of interest along the trail.
A haven for wildlife, the islands and backwaters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. A great place for canoeing, kayaking and for wade fishing. Anglers and boaters can launch their boats from the park's boat ramp.
Watch out in May to October if you like to walk the beach in the swallows. If you do you must learn the "The Shuffle".
The park's concession offers boat and fishing tours, fishing and bait supplies as well as bicycle, canoe, and kayak rentals. Be aware Bugs can dominate outings during summer months and on warm evenings during the winter.
Lovers Key Park
Park rangers give regular guided tours and teach everything from cast net throwing to birding. Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash, but are not allowed on the beach itself.
Facilities:
Two playgrounds, picnic shelters, grills and restrooms.
Getting there:
Heading north on Highway 41, make a left on Bonita Beach Road, which turns into Hickory Boulevard, then Estero Boulevard. From Estero Boulevard, look for the park entrance on the left.
Parking:
$8 entrance fee per vehicle (2-8 persons), $4 for single occupant vehicle and $3 per bicyclist or walker
Lovers Key is a 2 1/2 mile stretch of beautiful beach. It was selected as the #4 beach in Florida by the Travel Channel. A courtesy tram is available to the south beach where a gazebo, restroom, and picnic area are located.
A beautiful walk over 2 bridges takes you to the mid portion of the beach, left natural with no facilities.
The north beach is accessible through the north honor gate at Big Carlos Pass. We suggest exploring all three areas of the beach and discover their unique attributes.
BEACHES
With over 2 ½ miles of shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, Lovers Key State Park has some of the best shelling opportunities on the Lee Island Coast. Just remember that the taking of live shells is prohibited.
BICYCLING
Enjoy over 5 miles of bike trails including the Black Island Trail through a maritime hammock. Trail maps are available showing many interesting places and observation points along the trail. Bring in your own bicycles or rent them at our concession located in the main parking lot. For rental information, contact the park concessionaire at(239)765-7788.
BOAT RAMP
A boat ramp is located in the park for direct access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
CANOEING & KAYAKING
Canoeing and kayaking are very popular throughout the inner waterways and in Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
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CONCESSION & RESTAURANT
Nature Recreation Management is the new concessionaire for Lovers Key State Park. This new visitor service provider offers kayak, canoe and bike rentals. Food, Beverage as well as delicious ice cream is now available.
FISHING
Trout, redfish, snook and tarpon are caught seasonally. Castnetting for mullet in the bay is a popular activity.
HIKING/NATURE TRAIL
The Black Island Trail is 2.5 miles of hiking or biking adventure through a maritime hammock along the canal banks of Black Island. There are a total of 8 miles of trails within the park including the beach.
PAVILION
Available to rent for Weddings, reunions, company picnics and parties. Contact Nature Recreation Management at (239)765-7788.
PICNICKING
Several picnic areas are set throughout the park. On the beach, the inner waterways or the backwaters of Estero Bay, you will be able to find the right spot to enjoy a picnic. Many of the picnic areas are equipped with grills and trash receptacles.
PLAYGROUND
The Bayside four acre addition provides opportunities to visitors for recreation and relaxation. This state-of-the-art facility offers two playgrounds, nine pavilions, grills, volleyball court, restroom facilities and an additional field for flying kites and playing.
RESTROOM FACILITIES
Bathroom facilities are availabe and ADA accessible.
SHOWERS, DAY VISITORS
Outdoor showers are available at the bathhouses located at south beach and the main parking area.
SWIMMING
Swimming is a popular activity in the Gulf and the park boasts 2 1/2 miles of excellent beachfront.
TOURS
The park staff and concessionaire offer a full array of programs that are sure to entice the adventurous side of you. Join the environmentalists as you discover the many interesting aspects of this nature lover's paradise. For more information please contact the park at (239) 463-4588. Nature Recreation Management is the new concessionaire for Lovers Key State Park. This new visitor service provider offers kayak, canoe and bike rentals. Food, Beverage as well as delicious ice cream is now available.
VISITOR CENTER
Two playgrounds, picnic shelters, grills and restroom facilities are available at the Lovers Key State Park Bayside Park. The park is located on Estero Blvd 1 mile north of the main park entrance
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Lovers Key is one of the best birding areas in South West Florida. You may also encounter Bottlenose Dolphin or West Indian Manatees while in the park.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Lovers Key State Park offers one of the best birding areas in SW Florida. The park is home to many active Osprey nests and 2 Bald Eagle nests. Roseate Spoonbills, Snowy Egrets, American Kestrel and many other species are often observed feeding in the bays, estuaries and maritime hammock. With over 40 species of birds recorded, 17 of which are on the designated species list; Lovers Key State Park is a birder paradise.