13 Top Things to Do in Lovers Key State Park in 2024
PLANNING A VISIT TO LOVERS KEY STATE PARK?
We’ve got all the details you need! We’ve spent months traveling in Florida, and we always have a wonderful time at Lovers Key State Park. We can’t wait to plan another trip back!
It’s home to some of the most immaculate barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico. The park is about 710 acres of tidal lagoons, canals, and beautiful blue water beaches. Manatees, dolphins, coastal birds, and other wildlife are often spotted around the four barrier islands that make up the park.
During your visit to Lovers Key, you can paddle through the canals, search for seashells, and enjoy the white sandy beaches. Keep reading as we detail all the best things to do in Lovers Key State Park!
Directions to Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park Address
8700 Estero Blvd
Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Lovers Key is about 20 miles north of Naples and is just off the coast of Fort Myers.
Hours: 8 am to sundown, 365 days a year
Lovers Key State Park Admission: $8 per vehicle, $4 per single-occupant vehicle/motorcycle, $2 per pedestrian or bike.
Lovers Key Beach Parking
There is plenty of Lovers Key State Park parking. We visited the park on a weekday afternoon in the winter and did not have any trouble finding a parking spot.
If you are not able to get parking right next to the boardwalk, there is an overflow parking lot just up the road.
Lovers Key State Park Tram Hours
There is a free courtesy tram that will take you from the main park entrance parking area down to the clear water beach. The tram runs from when the park opens through 5 p.m.
We did not ride on the tram, and it was not a bad walk at all. It took us about 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot, and it was easy to discover how to get to Lovers Key Beach.
However, we did see lots of people riding on the tram. It is a nice option if you have small kids or are carrying a lot of stuff like beach chairs.
Lovers Key State Park Map
Things to Do in Lovers Key State Park
There are plenty of things to do at Lovers Key State Park, from kayaking through the waters to relaxing at the beach. We had a great day at Lovers Key State Park. You can easily see the park in a few hours but could spend up to a day, especially if you are renting kayaks or going on a mangrove estuary tour.
1. Visit the Lovers Key Welcome and Discovery Center
The newly constructed Lovers Key Welcome and Discovery Center is one of the great places to start your trip to the state park. There are beautiful exhibits showcasing the beauty in the area.
The one really interesting part of the Discovery is the mangrove display. There are displays showing what the mangrove roots are like. If you are visiting with kids, be sure to check out the interactive exhibits.
It is typically open Wednesday – Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
2. Enjoy the Wildlife at Lovers Key State Park
There is a variety of wildlife at Lovers Key. There are over 40 species of birds on display here, including snowy egrets and American kestrels. It’s one of the best birding areas in Florida.
You’ll also have the chance to see manatees, bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and marsh rabbits. They aren’t commonly spotted, but even American alligators are known to make an appearance from time to time at the park.
3. Hike or Bike the Black Island Trail
The Black Island Trail is one of the main hiking and biking trails in the park. There are two separate loops in the park, but you can take a service road between the two sections. The trail is over five miles long, with a number of different routes. Shortcut #2 goes around a pond where you can look for the resident alligators and turtles.
Black Island is also a great place to fish for tarpons and keep an eye out for the dolphins and manatees.
If you don’t have a bike with you, you can rent one from the gift shop.
4. Kayaking in Lovers Key State Park
Kayaking the estuary is one of the best places to kayak in all of Florida. There are about two and a half miles of trails in the park, making it a great paddling trail for all skill levels. Along the waterway, you can expect to see manatees, alligators, osprey, and even manatees, depending on the season.
Lovers Key Kayak Rentals
You can rent kayaks right in Lovers Key from Lovers Key Adventurers. They have single and tandem kayaks to rent. You only need to make a reservation if you have more than ten people.
Single Kayak Rental: $41 for 4 hours
Double Kayak Rental: $63 for 4 hours
Lovers Key Adventures is located at the park’s boat ramp on the bayside of the park. Rentals start at 6:30 am.
5. Go Boating
The Lovers Key boat ramp is a good place to launch your kayak for a paddle trip through the park or to go out fishing. There is about a 45-minute paddle out to Mound Key.
There is no fee to launch from this boat ramp.
6. Relax on the Lovers Key Beach
Lovers Key Beach is one of the prettiest beaches we have been to in the United States. It’s a long beach at about 2.5 miles long. It’s made of beautiful white sand. The south beach is the most popular place because this is where the tram services drop beachgoers off.
My kids always have the best time at this beach. The waves aren’t too big so even our little kids can have a great and safe time playing in the water.
There is a large gazebo and restrooms.
You can get to the north end of the beach area through a gate at Big Carlos Pass.
7. Go Shelling at Lovers Key State Park
Be sure to bring a bag to collect shells in because there are so many beautiful shells there. Some of the shells common on the beach are conch shells, Florida spiny jewelbox, cockle shells, jingle shells, and Junonia shells.
One of my daughters absolutely loves shelling, so she was in heaven here. There are so many unique and beautiful shells here. They are usually the smaller shells, but they are still really pretty.
8. Camp Near Lovers Key State Park
There are no Lovers Key State Park camping areas. Lovers Key is a limited day-use activities park and does not have any camping facilities. There are some RV parks in Fort Myers as well as Estero. Fort Myers is about a 40-minute drive, and Estero is about a 20-minute drive.
There are quite a few RV parks in the area that are members of Passport America, a discount campground club.
- Sunny Grove Park
- Woodsmoke Camping Resort
- Indian Creek RV Resort
- Siesta Bay RV Resort
The membership fee is only $44 and will get you a 50% discount at each of these RV parks. The pass will pay for itself with just a few nights of camping and then will save you 50% on all campgrounds that you stay at over the next year.
Lovers Key Adventure Tours
9. Lovers Key Guided Eco Tour – Mangrove Estuary
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours and 15 minutes | Check Rates & Availability
Lovers Key Guided Eco Tour-Mangrove Estuary is one of the most highly recommended kayak tours. It consists of 2 hours and 15 minutes on the water with a naturalist guide. This tour offers a great opportunity to learn the area’s history and about the ecosystem in this part of the state of Florida.
This is a great tour option for families. Participants can be as young as four years old, so it’s fun for pretty much all ages!
▶️ BOOK Lovers Key Guided Eco Tour – Mangrove Estuary
10. Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check Rates & Availability
The Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour is an excellent choice of tour if you’re interested in spotting wildlife. This adventure will take you to one of the few places in the world where West Indian Manatees live.
One of the best tours near Lovers Key, this is a paddle boarding adventure, bringing you up close and persona with nature! Needed equipment and life vests are included.
▶️ BOOK Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour
11. Sunset Sail
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check Rates & Availability
Sunset Sail is one of the area’s best sunset cruises. It’s both a comfortable and memorable way to experience the beautiful waters surrounding Lovers Key State Park. Trust us, you won’t regret enjoying the sunset over the ocean from a relaxing catamaran!
12. Dolphin Tour – Fort Myers Beach/Estero Bay
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check Rates & Availability
Dolphin tours make for some of the most fun adventures when visiting Florida. Dolphin Tour – Fort Myers Beach/Estero Bay is another fun wildlife adventure the whole family will enjoy. This Gulf of Mexico tour will feature dolphins, manatees, and turtles.
Kids are sure to enjoy this adventure as dolphins are known to jump in the wake of the boat about 10 feet away from you!
▶️ BOOK Dolphin Tour – Fort Myers Beach/Estero Bay
13. Shelling Tour – Fort Myers Beach/Estero Bay
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | Check Rates & Availability
Shelling Tour – Fort Myers Beach/Estero Bay will take you to Big Hickory Island, which is known for its exceptional shells. Your family will enjoy exploring the beach, playing in the water, and snorkeling with the provided gear. It’s not a bad way to spend a day near Lovers Key, Florida!
▶️ BOOK Shelling Tour – Fort Myers Beach/Estero Bay
Things to Do Near Lovers Key State Park
This beautiful state park is only a few minutes from Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach, and Fort Myers. Here are some of our favorite activities to do in the area –
JN “Ding” National Wildlife Refuge: a sanctuary for 245 species of birds and other wildlife
Calusa Blueway: a beautiful paddling trail that wanders the coast
Coya Costa State Park: an island beach accessible only by ferry
Sanibel and Captiva Islands: charming islands just off the coast of Fort Myers
Everglades Air Boat Tour: Explore this beautiful area on an Everglades airboat tour
Where to Stay Near Lovers Key State Park
There are several hotels close to Lovers Key, making exploring the park easy and convenient. Here are some of the hotels near Lovers Key State Park.
Point Estero Resort
⭐️ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍 Location: 6640 Estero Blvd in Fort Myers Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Pointe Estero Resort is the perfect place to stay for families visiting Lovers Key. The private condos have balconies and fully equipped kitchens. The property has convenient laundry facilities as well as a fitness room.
The kids won’t get bored here. There’s a fun pool area with a hot tub and tennis courts where they can play.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Pointe Estero Resort
Lighthouse Resort: Inn & Suites
⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 | 📍 Location: 1051 5th St in Fort Myers Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Lighthouse Resort: Inn & Suites is one of the most convenient places to stay if you want to be near the beach. This spot offers easy access as it’s only a two-minute walk away! There’s a nice pool to lounge in, too, if your family gets tired of the beach.
The rooms are stocked with a microwave, stovetop, and fridge, which makes it easy to prepare your own meals. Pet-friendly, even your dog can join in on the fun here!
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Lighthouse Resort: Inn & Suites
Lovers Key Resort
⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍 Location: 8771 Estero Blvd in Fort Myers Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Lovers Key Resort is located on a semi-private island, one mile from Lover’s Key State Park. In addition to the sleeping area, each suite includes a full kitchen and private balcony with a view of the park or bay.
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Lovers Key Resort
FAQ: Things to Do in Lovers Key State Park
Yes, there is a Lovers Key State Park entrance fee per vehicle or pedestrian/bike. The fee is $8 per vehicle, $4 per single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, and $2 per pedestrian or bike.
Yes, there can be alligators in Lovers Key State Park. It is rare to see alligators so near the Gulf, but it is possible. Stay aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe time in the water.
Yes. Lovers Key State Park is a beautiful place to go swimming. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm and relatively calm. We had a great time playing in the ocean and enjoying the beautiful beach.
Yes, it is possible to have red tide in Lovers Key State Park. Please check current conditions online before heading to the park.
Yes. You can have your dog on a leash on the walking and hiking trails. Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Lover’s Key State Park is in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Lovers Key State Park
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best things to do in Lovers Key Park. It’s one of our favorite southwest Florida state parks. Whether you spend time on the beach or admire the wildlife as you kayak through the mangrove forest, we hope you have an amazing time on your family adventure!
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