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State Parks for Your Enjoyment
What Is Lovers Key State Park?
Lovers Key is a state park in Fort Myers Beach, Florida that covers 712 acres. Its vast expanse contains canals, four barrier islands, and beautiful lagoons. Many wildlife species live there, like manatees, dolphins, marsh rabbits, many coastal birds, and even the occasional bald eagle. Lovers Key is the main island, and Black Island, Inner Key, and Long Key are nearby.
Lovers Key State Park is one of the best reasons to visit Fort Myers. Find varied and beautiful Fort Myers beach condo rentals nearby Lovers Key. Be sure to experience everything one of the best Fort Myers parks has to offer.
History
Lovers Key state park in Fort Myers Beach got its name because many couples would enjoy visiting it because it was an opportunity for them to have a romantic getaway. Until 1965, Lovers Key was only accessible by boat, making it more difficult to get to. Before the bridge’s construction, it was said that Lovers Key was so out of the way that only lovers would make the trip to get there. It was initially supposed to be the site of some luxury condominiums, but the land was donated to the people of Florida to preserve the beaches and mangroves.
The state of Florida acquired the land in 1983 and promised to preserve it. In 1996, Lovers Key merged with the nearby Carl E. Johnson County Park, and the official name of the park is now Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park.
What to Do
Visiting Lovers Key State Park is one of the great things to do in Fort Myers. True to its name, Lovers Key often is used as a location for weddings. If you plan on getting married in Florida, Lovers Key state park is the perfect place to have your big day.
Lovers Key is perfect for people who love the outdoors. You can kayak along the shore and have an incredible opportunity to watch the local wildlife. You can even have a chance to see the wildlife just by hanging out on the beach. The manatees and coastal birds enjoy grazing in the canals, particularly during the mid-winter when the deep waters are at the coldest.
Besides kayaking and observing the wildlife, there are plenty of other outdoor activities in Fort Myers Beach. Songwriters at Sunset is an event where local ACMA artists share their original songs and tell the stories behind them. The concerts are free, but you still have to pay to enter Lovers Key State Park. Morning Yoga is also offered at the gazebo by Friends of Lovers Key (FOLK). If you bring your kids around Christmas time, there’s an event called Santa on the Sand, which is on the beach by the gazebo, and there are lots of kid-friendly activities. You can also learn how to fish with the Lovers Key Fishing Clinic.
Where Is It?
Lovers Key State Park is located at 8700 Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. It is located between Big Carlos Pass and New Pass and 10.5 miles west of Interstate 75 on exit 116. The park is within the city limits of Bonita Springs, and it’s just north of Bonita Beach near our Bonita Springs vacation rentals. If you are from outside of the area, it can also be found by using a navigation app. It’s so beautiful; it’s hard to miss it.
Where to Stay
Distinctive Beach Rentals has a ton of options for places to stay nearby Lover’s Key, State Park. Your visit to Fort Myers will be made excellent by our outstanding accommodations. With pet-friendly rentals, you can bring your pets with you. There are some wonderful pet-friendly restaurants as well nearby, so you can take your furry friend with you wherever you go when you’re on vacation in Fort Myers.
Plan Your Next Visit
You can find some great North End rentals, and rentals across from the beach, which will be sure to make your vacation everything you’ve dreamed of!