Region: Southwest

LOVERS KEY STATE PARK
Ft. Myers Beach, Florida

Contact Information
8700 Estero Blvd.
Ft. Myers Beach, 33931
(239) 463-4588


   
Click for more / large pictures of Lovers Key State Park
Fort Myers, Florida

Driving Directions
Lovers Key is located at 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. The park boundaries are Big Carlos Pass and New Pass. We are 10.5 miles west of I75 on exit 116.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Made up of Black Island, Lovers Key, Inner and Long Key, this 1616-acre area features canals and tidal lagoons fringed with mangroves, which support an array of fish and other aquatic animals.

Although the park has been disturbed in the past by dredge and fill activities and the invasion of non-native plants, today the area provides habitat for numerous animals.

Wildlife
The remnant maritime hammock on Black Island hosts several species of woodpeckers, hawks, owls and warblers. Osprey may be seen regularly fishing in the water and nesting in area trees.

Marsh rabbits, raccoons and gray squirrels may also be observed in their natural setting. Many shore birds and wading birds, including roseate spoonbills and reddish egrets, may be seen feeding in the lagoons and along the beach area. Bottle-nosed dolphins and the endangered West Indian manatee also inhabit the nearshore waters.

Park Activities

Beaches, Bicycling, Birding, Boating, Boat Ramp, Boat Tours, Canoeing, Concessions, Fishing, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Showers, Swimming, and Wildlife Viewing

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 at (239) 463-4588.

Birding
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.

Boat Ramp
A boat ramp is available for access to adjacent Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A canoe launch is also available.

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 lovers paradise. For more information please contact the park at (239) 463-4588.

Canoeing
Whether using the estuary fed by the Gulf of Mexico or the canals fed by Estero Bay, the canoeing and kayaking opportunities are endless. Bring in your own equipment, or rent it at our concession located in the main parking lot.For rental information, contact the park at (239) 463-4588.

Fishing
Trout, redfish, snook and tarpon are caught seasonally. Castnetting for mullet in the bay is a popular activity.

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.

Shelling
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.