Park Summary for Print - Lovers Key State Park

Brown pelican gliding over the Lovers Key estuary.

Welcome to Lovers Key State Park

For years, Lovers Key was accessible only by boat and it was said that only lovers traveled to the island to enjoy its remote and solitary beach. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up this state park. A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. Black Island has over five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and bicycling. Anglers and boaters can launch their vessels from the park's boat ramp. The park's concession offers boat and fishing tours, as well as bicycle, canoe, and kayak rentals. For tour reservations, call (239)765-7788. Located on County Road 865 between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach in Lee County.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Lovers Key State Park, please call 239-463-4588.

Hours of Operation

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

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.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Activities at Lovers Key State Park

	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)765-7788.
	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.
	Canoeing & Kayaking 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. Food, Beverage as well as delicious ice cream is now available.
	Facilities Two playgrounds, picnic shelters, grills and restroom facilities are available at the Lovers Key State Park Bayside Park. The park is located on Estero Blvd 1 mile north of the main park entrance
	Facilities Bathroom facilities are availabe and ADA accessible.
	Fishing Trout, redfish, snook and tarpon are caught seasonally. Castnetting for mullet in the bay is a popular activity. Do you need a Fishing License?
	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.
	Pavilion Available to rent for Weddings, reunions, company picnics and parties. Contact Nature Recreation Management at (239)765-7788.
	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.
	Playground The Bayside four acre addition provides opportunities to visitors for recreation and relaxation. This state-of-the-art facility offers two playgrounds, nine pavilions, grills, volleyball court, restroom facilities and an additional field for flying kites and playing.
	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. Food, Beverage as well as delicious ice cream is now available.
	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.

Special Events for Lovers Key State Park

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Date: January 20th, 2010 - 9:00a.m.—12:00p.m.
Description: Learn to capture the best wildlife shots, land and seascapes, and make even plant photos exciting! Joe Moran, an instructor with the Fort Myers Camera Club, and a nature photographer for 30 years, will lead the workshop. The workshop will include a traverse through Lovers Key State Park to explore some of the most photogenic areas of Southwest Florida’s natural coastline and photograph the wildlife that Lovers Key is known for. Participants should bring their own digital camera, camera manuals, hat, sunscreen and bug spray. Limited to 15 participants.
Fees: Fee $25
Contact: Call the park at 239-463-4588 for more information.

Participation Requirements
A SPECIAL VALENTINES DAY EVENT!
Date: February 14th, 2010 - 4:30p.m.—7:00p.m. Pre-registration required by February 5th, 2010.
Description: Love is always in the air at Lovers Key, but even more so on Valentines Day! Couples are invited to come to the park for a special vow renewal ceremony at the gazebo on the beach. Each couple will receive a photo taken at sunset. Champagne and sweet treats will be served to music as everyone enjoys the sunset and quiet walk on the beach. Pre-registration will be required by February 5, 2010, so that all couples will be entered into a drawing for a FREE VALENTINE’S NIGHT STAY at LOVERS KEY RESORT (www.loverskey.com). The drawing will be held on February 6th so that the winning couple can make plans to spend the night at this fabulous full-facility resort. Limited to 25 couples.
Fees: Fee $30 per couple.
Contact: Call the park at 239-463-4588 for more information.

Participation Requirements

Lovers Key State Park Ranger Programs

RANGER GUIDED PROGRAMS
Ongoing, please call the park for schedules
Programs include "Walk on the Wild Side" guided hike, birding for beginners, Black Island bike tour, fishing and castnetting clinics, butterfly and gardening programs, Meet the Naturalist, and shelling walks. Contact the park for this month's schedule.

Participation Requirements

Call (239) 463-4588 for more details.
SPECIAL TOURS AND PROGRAMS
Ongoing, please call the park for schedules
Group tours and programs are available upon advance request. Explore the many wonders of Lovers Key with a park ranger or naturalist. For more information, contact the park office.

Participation Requirements

Call (239) 463-4588 for more details.
GUIDED KAYAK TOURS
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays 10 AM
The tour fee is $45 per person and includes kayak rental for the tour time. Join a naturalist for a two-hour eco-tour. Reservations should be made at (239) 765-7788.

Participation Requirements

Call (239) 463-4588 for more details.
SPECIAL YOUTH PROGRAM
Ongoing, please call the park for schedules
Hey Kids! Come on out to the beach and take part in the Junior Ranger Program! This fun activity will take you to different areas of the park to seek out the information and explore each area. Upon completion, simply turn in your paper work to the ranger station and receive the Junior Ranger badge and certificate. This program is designed for the adventurous 6 to 12 year old. Lovers Key Junior Ranger program is available 7 days a week. This is a self-guided program for parents and their children. The paperwork can be picked up at the ranger station.

Participation Requirements

Call 239-463-4588 for more details.
BEACH WALK AND ESTUARY TOUR
Ongoing, please call the park for schedules
Join a Park Naturalist for a 1-mile walk through the estuary and to the beach to learn about the importance of coastal vegetation, the diversity of life in the estuary, and the shells and other treasures that wash ashore on our beach. Call the park to register for this program.

Participation Requirements

Call 239-463-4588 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lovers Key State Park

Question: Do you offer Ranger Guided Programs?
Answer: Yes, we have regularly scheduled programs every Thursday morning. We also offer a bike tour on the Black Island Trail on the first Friday morning of each month. Call for reservations and tour times.

Question: Are dog’s allowed on the beach?
Answer: Not on the beach however they are permitted in other areas such as on the trails and paths that wind through the park. For safety of other visitors & wildlife, dogs need to be well behaved and on a 6’ handheld leash at all times.

Question: Are there any areas set-aside for nude sunbathing?
Answer: Florida State Park beaches are open to the public and accessed through public beach accesses and Florida Law does not permit nude sunbathing in public areas.

Question: Where are the closest overnight accommodations and camping?
Answer: There are two hotels across from the park and Koreshan State Historic Park has camping, as well as some private campgrounds on Ft. Myers Beach.

Question: How accessible is the beach from the parking area?
Answer: We have a Tram that will take you to the Beach year round from 9am until 5pm daily. The trams run every 20 –30 minutes. We also have Beach Wheel Chairs available for your use free of charge, inquire at the Ranger Station.

Question: Do you have Grills & Picnic Tables?
Answer: Yes, we have several areas that have picnic tables and grills. We also have a pavilion located on the beach that can be reserved for your special occasion.

Question: Do you have a Boat Ramp or Canoe Launch Area?
Answer: Yes our Boat Ramp is located across from our Main Entrance, and the Canoe Launch is located inside the park.

Question: Do you have Hiking and Biking Trails?
Answer: Yes, we have a 5-mile Trail for hiking or off-road biking. This trail offers excellent opportunities to view the various wildlife in the park. Ranger Guided Tours are available the first Friday of every month.

Lovers Key State Park History

Lovers Key State Park is made up of 4 barrier islands, Black Island, Long Key, Inner Key and Lovers Key. These islands were slated for development in the 1960’s and 70’s and were highly disturbed in preparation of development. Mangrove wetlands were altered to uplands by dredging a canal system through Black Island. After acquisition by the State of Florida in 1983 and a merger with Carl E. Johnson County Park on the southern end in 1996, these islands have now become Lovers Key State Park with 1616 total acres. This has been a long-term project creating a partnership between the State of Florida, Lee County Government, Lee Island Coast Tourist Development Council and many local citizens and communities. Local legend hints that Black Island got its name from a Pirate by the name of Black Augustus who had been captured by authorities and later escaped, making this his home for the remainder of his life.

There are several artesian wells located on Black Island, providing a source of fresh water. From the early 1900’s up until the late 1950’s, fish camps were set up in many areas of Black Island. These were abandoned when thoughts of development began. The State of Florida is now in the process of restoring the islands to their natural plant communities by removing the exotic vegetation and allowing native plants to return or be planted. This has created a multi use facility including over 2 miles of beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico with fantastic shelling and breathtaking sunsets, several miles of hiking/biking trails through a maritime hammock, canoeing and kayaking on the inner waterways and several picnic areas throughout the park.

Lovers Key State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers play a vital role in the daily operations of Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park. Volunteers help accomplish the park service mission of preserving and protecting the natural resources of Florida, while providing outstanding visitor services for all who visit this award-winning State Park. Whatever your time allows, you can make a difference at Lovers Key. Some volunteers spend many hours helping, others offer a few hours per week and a number only come out for special projects. Volunteers help us in almost all aspects of park operations. You can assist with duties including: driving the trams, taking park photos, monitoring sea turtles, removing non-native invasive plants, raising park funds, collecting tolls, giving out park information, monitoring water quality, maintaining the park grounds, performing minor repairs, assisting with projects, presenting guided walks, and assisting the staff in providing visitors with a fulfilling recreational experience in "The Real Florida". If you are a camper and are looking for a place to stay the park has six beautiful volunteer camping sites with full hook-ups. You must have a self-contained RV unit and volunteer 32 hours per site. There is a one month minimum stay at these sites and a four month maximum stay. We strive to match your skills and talents with a volunteer opportunity that best suits your interests. These volunteer sites offer a wonderful way to spend some time in paradise while providing a much-needed work force that enhances the operations of the park. We invite you to join our team of dedicated individuals volunteering to make Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park the best it can be. If you are interested in becoming a park volunteer, a camping volunteer site or would like to join our citizen support organization, Friends of Lovers Key, Inc., please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Park Services Specialist Brie Ochoa, at Brie.ochoa@dep.state.fl.us , 239-463-4588, or write her at Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park 8700 Estero Blvd Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931. You can also submit a: Volunteer Application Online Visit: Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park