Where
Lovers Key State Park is located at 8700 Estero Blvd., Bonita Springs FL 33931.
Vibe
Romantic, pristine barrier island with shell-strewn beaches. Lovers Key defines serenity, promising unspoiled white sands, comfortable amenities, and adventures like kayaking and scenic trails. On this uncrowded stretch of shoreline, you’re likely to see beachgoers searching for shells, families playing in the gentle surf, and possibly a beachside wedding. Stick around for the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
See, feel
Hop on the free tram to access two and a half miles of glistening white sand beach heaped with seashells, snuggled against the clear, blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Restrooms, showers and water fountains, plus umbrella and chair rentals, means your visit will be as convenient as it is romantic. Here’s a park map. While the water is generally calm, offshore systems, winds and tides may cause waves or rougher conditions.
On or near the beach
Lovers Key invites you to lounge under an umbrella, swim in its turquoise waters, or embark on a treasure hunt for shells that include bright orange fighting conch seashells, jingle shells and spotted slippers. Here, you can paddle through twisted mangrove forests and serene canals and lagoons that provide lush grazing spots for manatees and shorebirds. It’s a paradise for birders, with abundant roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, and American kestrels—and for fishermen, with species like trout, redfish, snook and tarpon. Make sure to check out the Visitors Center, complete with large observation decks and exhibition hall. Here’s a list of activities and a park map. Fuel the fun with a picnic, or splash over to nearby Flippers for exceptional casual eats on the water.
Accessibility
Accessible features at Lovers Key include trams to the beach; elevated boardwalks to the beach; free-to-use beach wheelchairs (inquire at the ranger station); trail wheelchairs, good for use on trails or the beach (inquire at the ranger station); parking; and temporary restrooms. Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Facilities
Amenities at the park include five miles of multi-use trails; a boat ramp with direct access to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico; a kayak/canoe launch; a picnic pavilion; a concession and restaurant; restrooms; shower stations; and a visitor center complete with a 2,100-square-foot exhibit hall (included in park admission). Lovers Key Adventures/Nature Recreation Management provides kayak, canoe and bike rentals, as well as beach chair and umbrella rentals, and offers a small gift store.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Parking
Parking is covered with park admission. During busy weekends or holidays, parking tends to fill to capacity, but come back an hour or two later and you can usually find a spot.
