Last updated on January 1st, 2026 at 08:35 pm
Fort Myers Beach, FL — There’s a lot to love about Lovers Key State Park.
Just south of Fort Myers Beach, Lovers Key State Park is comprised of four islands. It feels unspoiled and natural and makes a great destination for any season.
In summer, we love it for its fabulous 2.5 mile long pristine beach with powdery white sand and a natural shoreline.
In winter, we enjoy just walking the beach, kayaking the waterways and spotting the many birds.
Lovers Key was badly flooded with storm surge from Hurricane Milton Oct. 9, 2024, but has bounced back. The Welcome and Discovery Center is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both hiking trails are fully open. There are no kayak rentals currently.
During an April visit, we were delighted to see nesting shore birds — willets, ostercatchers and black skimmers — on the beach in an area cordoned off to protect them.
There were also several active osprey nest visible from the beach. (And while we didn’t see them, the park has had two active eagles nests.)
The four barrier islands that make up Lovers Key were originally destined for development. Canals were dredged; mangroves uprooted. Lucky for us, the state acquired the land in 1983 and today you’d never guess the history of the 1,616-acre park.
Lovers Key hurricane damage
Lovers Key State Park got walloped by Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and again by Milton in October 2024, but it’s bouncing back.
Gone is the bait shop and kayak rental on the east side Estero Boulevard. Gone is the gazebo, site of many beautiful weddings. But the beach is as beautiful as ever. Shells abound. Wildlife is present.
Trails at Lovers Key
Lovers Key beach has two hiking trails, each just over two miles, that are good for walking, running or biking on fat tires. The trails go through secluded estuaries that were dredged to make way for development on the island.
On the trails, you might spot a bald eagle, West Indian manatee, American alligator or crested caracara, all of which frequent the park.
The Black Island Trail, located off Parking Lot #2, is known as a good place to spot gopher tortoises.
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Kayaking at Lovers Key State Park
This park is an ideal destination for kayakers.
There is currently no park concession for renting kayaks and stand up paddleboards, but if you bring your own, there is a paddling trail through the park’s waterways that is 5 miles roundtrip. The route takes you through mangrove-lined waterways where you have a good chance of seeing a variety of birds and possibly manatees. (Occasionally, an alligator is spotted too.)
Lovers Key Welcome and Discovery Center
The active volunteer group at Lovers Key accomplished something no state park has done in 20 years — built a brand new environmental education center that opened in 2021. It’s remarkable!
Located on a scenic waterfront, the building is designed with glass walls and observation decks to take advantage of the stunning view. Exhibits in the welcome center explore the life of barrier islands, its habitats, wildlife and plants. A large indoor room has space for programs and performances.
In addition to exhibits, there are weekly coloring pages for the kids, immersive videos, and a shell ID table to help you learn your local molluscs. Here’s more about the facility.
In fall 2025, the Discovery Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
How Lovers Key got its name
For most of the 20th century the four islands that comprise Lovers Key were accessible only by boat. This was a secluded place that, it was said, only lovers took the effort to reach.
A road to the island was built in 1965 and the land owners prepared ir for development, dredging the mangroves and filling in to create higher ground. The state acquired the islands in 1983 and instead of being home to condos, Lovers Key was preserved as a park.
Planning your trip to Lovers Key State Park
Admission to Lovers Key State Park is $8 per car.
Lovers Key does not have camping.
Just south of Lovers Key State Park is a popular dog beach.
Lovers Key State Park
8700 Estero Blvd.
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
239-707-6328
Lovers Key State Park official site
Friends of Lovers Key
Mound Key State Archaeology Site
Boat rental and other services at Lovers Key
Map of Lovers Key State Park
NOTE: See our updated Florida Red Tide Report.
More things to do near Lovers Key State Park
- Koreshan State Historic Site: Wacky Florida history; lovely spot preserved
- Fort Myers Beach is a charming seaside getaway
- Clam Pass Park, a Naples beach where you ride the tide
- Kayaking Imperial River in Bonita Springs
- Kayak Sanibel and Captiva
- What makes Sanibel so special
- Bicycling Sanibel Island
What is the cost per hour to rent a kayak?
Quite recently, the state park system contract with the concessionaire ended and there is not a source for kayak rentals currently. We are updating our story to reflect this.
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