Lovers Key State Park and Beaches

Drive south along Estero Blvd past Fort Myers Beach, leaving the busy shops and ice-cream shops behind, to reach the quiet sands at Lovers Key State Park. The entrance to this beautiful state park and wildlife habitat is about half a mile south, after you drive over Big Carlos Pass.

On arrival you pay the entrance fee at the guard house and continue into the parking lot. You can access Lovers Key Beach along the boardwalk or use the tram shuttle service which runs continuously to and from the beach.

Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey

All About Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Keys State Park covers 712 acres and includes tidal lagoons, canals and four islands. It remains an unspoiled area for many types of birds and wildlife. Lovers Key is the main barrier island, with Black Island, Inner Key and Long Key completing the set. The park is open daily from 8am to sunset and has plenty of car parking, two playgrounds, rest rooms, a gazebo and several picnic areas.

Once upon a time, Lovers Key could only be reached by boat. Inevitably this remote area became a popular place for courting couples which is how the beach and island got its name. A road was finally built in 1965, giving vehicular access to the island.

Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey

Even if you don’t bring any equipment with you, the state park has concessions providing kayak rentals, bicycles, canoes, paddleboards, beach chairs and umbrellas so you don’t need to haul it all with you to and from the beach.

No pets are allowed on the beach to avoid disturbing the wildlife. You may be fortunate enough to spot a West Indian manatee feeding on sea grass or see bottlenose dolphins playing in the wake of visiting boats. Marsh rabbits, roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, American kestrels, warblers, ospreys and bald eagles are some of the rare wildlife that lives in this wildlife haven.

Things to Do at Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key has a stunning two–mile long sandy beach which was listed by the Travel Channel in the Top 10 Florida beaches. Once you’ve visited, you’ll no doubt agree! After you have picked your spot, you can relax in the sunshine or go swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a good place for collecting shells from the water’s edge or enjoying a picnic.

Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey

For more energetic activities in the park, Black Island has over five miles of trails which are shared by hikers, joggers and cyclists. Surrounded by greenery, these paths are a wonderful way to explore the area. If you have a boat, you can launch it from the park’s boat ramp, which gives access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Incidentally, the boat ramp is also a popular spot for local angers to cast a line. You can even buy bait at the shop near the main park entrance. Fishing enthusiasts regularly catch redfish, tarpon and trout here.

You can also enjoy Lovers Key from the water, as there are several local boat tour companies offering sunset cruises and dolphin tours in this scenic area.

Lovers Key State Park is located at 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931.