Things to Do at Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Keys State Park covers 712 acres and includes tidal lagoons, canals, and four barrier islands. It remains an unspoiled area for many types of birds and wildlife. Manatees, dolphins, coastal birds and even bald eagles can be seen on the islands and in the waters surrounding them. Lovers Key is the main barrier island, with Black Island, Inner Key, and Long Key completing the set.
There was a time when 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.
Lovers Key Welcome & Discovery Center
The newly constructed Lovers Key State Park Welcome & Discovery Center opened May 15, 2021.
The 2100 sq. ft. exhibit hall features a variety of exhibits that explore these barrier islands with their diversity of habitats, wildlife, and plants.
The large Community Room offers indoor space to conduct classes, programs, and hold events.
The Welcome & Discovery Center also will be home to The Nature Nook, a small gift shop celebrating the artistry of local artists, filled with books, wall art, handmade jewelry, pottery, and much more.
Regular Hours will be Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Park Entrance Fees and Beach Access
This beautiful state park is located approximately 20 miles north of Naples and is accessible via Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs. Visitors pay the entrance fee at the guard house upon arrival and continue to the parking lot. Park entrance admission fee varies between $2 and $8 dollars depending on the number of occupants and mode of transport. You can access Lovers Key Beach along the boardwalk.
Wildlife and Activities 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.
Dogs are not 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.
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.
There is a suggested $2 donation to launch. Lovers Key Adventures and Events provides an array of rental options including kayak, canoe, pedal boat, Stand-up paddleboards, bikes, beach chairs, and umbrellas. They also offer guided Kayak/Canoe tours both inside the park and to the nearby Calusa Indian site called Mound Key. There are also two playgrounds, restrooms, a gazebo, and several picnic areas.
Fishing enthusiasts can buy bait at the shop near the main park entrance.
Visitors 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 offers concessions with kayak rentals, bicycles, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Lovers Key State Park offers plenty of parking.
Read our blog articles Kids Beach Scavenger Hunt and Florida Sunshine Survival Tips.
