Lovers Key
One of the state’s most heavily trafficked parks is Lovers Key State Park, which is technically in Fort Myers Beach though just a couple minutes south over the Big Carlos Pass Bridge. Speaking of which, the Big Carlos Pass Bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the next year so you may encounter some traffic delays heading that way off the island. Lovers Key State Park has more than two miles of pristine white-sand beachfront and was featured on the Travel Channel in “10 Stunning Florida Keys you don’t know about.” This past year, a $4 million visitor's center opened up, which provides several educational exhibits. The park is also a National Gold Medal Winner and has more than five miles of multi-use trails through a maritime hammock, and inner waterways for paddling. The shelling on Lovers Key is some of the best on Southwest Florida’s Gulf beaches. In the winter, there is a “Songwriters at Sunset” show which brings out talented musicians. Local resident and music legend Charlie McCoy has performed on stage at the park. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year. The cost of admission is $8 per vehicle for 2-8 people, $4 for single-occupant vehicles and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. More info: www.floridastateparks.org/Lovers-Key or 239-463-4588 Address: 8700 Estero Boulevard 28
THINGS TO DO Bicycling or hiking
The Black Island Trail and Eagle Trail are great paths for interacting with nature. There are a large variety of birds in the park as well as gopher tortoises. The morning is the best time to be out on the trails. The Black Island Trail is 2.6 miles long and the Eagle Trail is 1.5 miles long. Maps are available with highlighted observation points. You can rent a bike on site or bring your own.
Paddle through the mangrove estuary Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board on site. You may get a chance to see manatees, dolphins, alligators, osprey, and/or bald eagles while paddling through the 2.5-mile mangrove estuary.
Pack a picnic There are several picnic areas in the park. You can choose to have a picnic on the beach, the inner waterways or the backwaters. Many of the picnic areas have grills and trash cans. If picnicking isn’t your style, the concession stand serves food and drinks.
Sunbathe and swim Get comfortable on the beach and take a dip in the water. The beach at Lovers Key State Park is often more tranquil and quiet for relaxing than other beaches.
Southwest Florida Island Guide
