LOVERS KEY STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller May 18, 2025

Lovers Key State Park spans 712 acres in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. It covers four barrier islands: Lovers Key, Black Island, Inner Key, and Long Key.

The park offers a two-mile beach, mangroves, and trails. Visitors kayak, hike, and watch wildlife. It’s a spot for nature and relaxation. The park draws people seeking outdoor activities. 

Lovers Key was accessible only by boat until 1965. Couples came for seclusion, naming the island.

In the 1960s, developers planned upscale homes. They cleared mangroves and dug canals. A 1974 market crash stopped the project. Florida bought the land in 1983.

In 1996, Lovers Key joined Carl E. Johnson County Park to form the state park. The state restored habitats. The park now safeguards ecosystems. 

The park is at 8700 Estero Blvd., Bonita Springs FL 33931. Reach it via State Road 865 from Fort Myers or Bonita Springs.

It’s open daily from 8 am to sunset. The Welcome and Discovery Center operates Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. A free tram connects the parking lot to the beach.

Visit their website for updates. Kayak and bike rentals are available. The boat ramp is open but has no power. Check signs for restricted areas. 

• Sea turtles nest on the beach each summer. 
  
  
• The Travel Channel listed the beach among Florida’s top 10.
   
• Hurricanes Ian (2022) and Milton (2024) impacted the park, but restoration continues.  

• Pets are banned on the beach to protect animals.  

• Manatees and dolphins frequent the mangroves.  

• A dog-friendly beach lies just south of the park.  

• The Discovery Center displays barrier island history.  
• Gopher tortoises roam Black Island trails.

LOVERS KEY STATE PARK WEBSITE

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