Park Activities
Beaches
Lovers Key is a 2 1/2 mile stretch of beautiful
beach. It was selected as the #4 beach in Florida
by the Travel Channel. A courtesy tram is available
to the south beach where a gazebo, restroom, and
picnic area are located. A beautiful walk over 2
bridges takes you to the mid portion of the beach,
left natural with no facilities. The north beach
is accessible through the north honor gate at Big
Carlos Pass. We suggest exploring all three areas
of the beach and discover their unique attributes.
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 concessionaire at(239)314-0110.
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 located in the park for direct access
to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Boating
Boating is one of the most popular activities at the
park with direct access to Estero Bay and the Gulf
of Mexico.
Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking are very popular throughout
the inner waterways and in Estero Bay and the Gulf
of Mexico.
Concessions
Nature Recreation Management is the new concessionaire
for Lovers Key State Park. This new visitor service
provider offers kayak, canoe and bike rentals. Sunset
Eco tours aboard the Nautilus II. Food, Beverage
as well as delicious ice cream is now available.
Fishing
Trout, redfish, snook and tarpon are caught seasonally.
Castnetting for mullet in the bay is a popular activity.
Nature Trails
The Black Island Trail is 2.5 miles of hiking or
biking adventure through a maritime hammock along
the canal banks of Black Island. There are a total
of 8 miles of trails within the park including the
beach.
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.
Showers
Outdoor showers are available at the bathhouses
located at south beach and the main parking area.
Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity in the Gulf and the
park boasts 2 1/2 miles of excellent beachfront.
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 lover's
paradise. For more information please contact the
park at (239) 463-4588.
Nature Recreation Management is the new concessionaire
for Lovers Key State Park. This new visitor service
provider offers kayak, canoe and bike rentals. Sunset
Eco tours aboard the Nautilus II. Food, Beverage
as well as delicious ice cream is now available.
A 20% off introductory NRM coupon is available from
this site, just click on Nature Tours and Events
and print. Nature Tours and Events Flyer
Wildlife Viewing
Lovers Key is one of the best birding areas in South
West Florida. You may also encounter Bottlenose
Dolphin or West Indian Manatees while in the park. |
