Sunset over the beach at Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park in Lee County, Florida (only 22 miles from Ft. Meyers) is made up of four barrier islands – Lovers Key, Inner Key, Black Island and Long Key.

Imagine gorgeous white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico…

This Florida state park, once only accessible by boat, is now accessible to all and provides opportunities to kayak, fish, hike, bird watch and more between 8am and sunset daily.

It has become a romantic destination for those wanting a special beachside wedding. Lovers Key Adventure & Events, the park’s official wedding and event planning service, provides packages for any event large or small.

Activities

Check out the Welcome and Discovery Center’s large observation decks and see manatees, dolphins as you take in the peaceful beauty of Lovers Key State Park. Next, explore trails, swim, collect shells, kayak, fish and have a picnic. Bring along a hammock for a relaxing nap at Bayside Park.

A tram service is provided to escort guests to the south beach area where a concession, gazebo and picnic area are located. The park’s concession carries food, souvenirs, fishing supplies, and rentals (bicycles, canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards).

Boating at Lovers Key State Park

Paddle along Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico during your visit to Lovers Key State Park. The park has both a canoe launch and a boat ramp for access into these waterways. Canoe and kayak rentals are located at the bait shop.

Stand-up paddleboard and kayak tours are offered through Lovers Key Adventures each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Swimming at Lovers Key State Park

Swim in the warm Gulf waters anywhere along the 2.5 miles of gorgeous sandy beach during your visit to Lovers Key State Park. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards at the park and so swimming is at your own risk. Please pay attention to any postings related to water conditions.

A gazebo, picnic area and restrooms are located at the south beach and a courtesy tram will ferry you over there if you don’t feel like walking.

Hiking at Lovers Key State Park

Explore the grassy and sandy trails along the inner waterways throughout the park. Lovers Key State Park has over 7 miles of trails for guests to explore. Some of this is along the beach and paved park roads.

Here are two of the trails at Lovers Key State Park:

  • The Black Island Trail – An easy 2.5 mile multi-use trail that is flat and winds along the banks of Black Island.
  • The Eagle Trail – Easy 2.6 mile gravel path around Hickory Bay. Great trail for watching birds and other wildlife.

Biking at Lovers Key State Park

Guests to Lovers Key State Park enjoy riding along the 5 miles of multi-use trails that flow through the maritime hammock and freshwater ponds. There are plenty of places to stop and observe alligators, manatees, dolphins and birds along the trails.

Lovers Key Adventures carries bike rentals and offers guided bicycle tours.

Fishing at Lovers Key State Park

Fish along the bay inside Lovers Key State Park. Here you can catch snook, tarpon, redfish and trout. Be sure to pick up a Florida fishing license ahead of time if you plan to fish during your visit to the park. The park’s bait shop carries live and frozen bait and is open daily.

Shark fishing is also popular and something that you can do from the beach area, but only in the evening from one hour after sunset until sunrise. You must have an after-hours fishing permit.

Birding at Lovers Key State Park

Discover a hidden bird lover’s paradise at Lovers Key State Park. The park has boasted sightings of more than 125 species of birds and has been growing in popularity with bird watchers from all over the globe.

Shore birds, wading birds, birds of prey and land birds may be seen throughout the various sections inside the park. Some to look out for are ospreys, snowy egret, mourning doves, Northern Mockingbird, great blue heron, white ibis, belted kingfisher, woodpeckers, warblers, cardinals, bald eagles, red-shouldered hawk and sometimes a peregrine falcon or an American kestrel.

Nature and Wildlife at Lovers Key State Park

Explore the trails, by foot or kayak, and walk along the beach and see the diverse wildlife within the park – American alligators, gopher tortoises, West Indian manatees, dolphins, birds and so many more.

Pets at Lovers Key State Park

Pets are allowed at Lovers Key State Park. Please keep an eye on your pet, clean up after them and keep them on a handheld leash no longer than 6 feet long. Pets are not permitted inside park buildings or in the beach area.

Camping Near Lovers Key State Park

Paddle, swim, hike… And then spend the night nearby so that you can come back the next day and do it all over again! Here are a couple of campgrounds that are a short drive away from Lovers Key State Park:

  • San Carlos RV Resort & Marina – 18701 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

    Family owned RV campground along the bay, one mile from Fort Myers Beach and 9 miles from Lovers Key State Park. This resort has RV sites, boat slips and one fully furnished 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom trailer. Also on site are a heated pool, recreation center, boat ramp and a floating dock.

  • Koreshan State Park – 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero

    Nearby state park, just 14 miles away, with 60 campsites plus trails, boat rentals, fishing, a farmers market and other community events plus historic landmarks from 1882.

    Each campsite has electric and water connections and a picnic table and fire ring. The park’s bathhouse includes a laundry facility and vending machines.

Park Location

Lovers Key State Park
8700 Estero Blvd
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: 239.463.4588

Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Lovers Key State Park: