Lovers Key State Park
2024 Lovers Key State Park Adopt A Nest
We are delighted to announce the 2024 Lovers Key Adopt A Nest Program!
Lovers Key State Park protects numerous sea turtle nests along its shores each nesting season. The natural shoreline and dune beaches provide ideal habitats for these nests. However, human, animal intrusion and environmental impacts have posed challenges for these gentle sea giants, making survival a struggle. Our Rangers diligently monitor the park’s shoreline during nesting season, collaborating with experts statewide and nationwide to ensure nest protection.
Now, you can join us in this effort! Sponsors can select various donation levels to support our cause. Your contributions will provide essential supplies for nest protection and aid in overall resource management within Lovers Key State Park.
Welcome to LOVERS KEY STATE PARK
Our incredible staff and volunteers have been working very hard to ensure the park and its amenities are safe and ready for you to visit.
We are excited for you to visit our beautiful beach and make memories with your family and friends once again.
Many of the amenities you are used to seeing here have changed or are unavailable until we rebuild many things. Please be patient. Some parts of the park remain closed for continuing debris removal, repairs and rebuilding, so please adhere to all posted signs and avoid closed areas for your safety.
The tram ride to the beach has changed. The tram will operate, 8 a.m. to sunset, and will transport visitors to within 800 feet of the beach.
We have temporary restroom facilities in parking lot #1, the kayak launch and the beach tram stop is 800 feet from the beach. Electricity is still being restored throughout the park as the entire infrastructure was submerged during Hurricane Ian’s immense storm surge. Water fountains are not operational at this time so please bring drinking water, or you can purchase water and other beverages at the gift shop. Yes, the park’s concessionaire, Lovers Key Adventures has re-opened their gift shop and new merchandise is arriving daily.
Kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals are also available daily.
It’s a great time of year for a stroll along Black Island Trail, which is 2.5 miles round trip (although there are three shortcuts along the trail). The gopher tortoises are active on sunny, warm days along the trail, and along the edges of the trail native plants are blooming with flowers and seeds making the trail even more colorful. The wonderful part of getting outdoors and into nature is being able to leave everything behind and just experience what surrounds you. Take time to rejuvenate, de-stress, enjoy the fresh air and experience joy.
Our staff here at Lovers Key State Park welcome you back, and hope you join us in enjoying the incredible resources of Lovers Key State Park.
About Us
Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. (FOLK)
In 1996, the Lovers Key Recreational Area merged with Carl E. Johnson County Park, and Lovers Key State Park was born. Friends of Lovers Key incorporated during this same time as a non-profit organization.
Friends of Lovers Key (FOLK) is a 501(c)3, state sanctioned, citizen support organization (CSO) that directly supports the mission of Lovers Key State Park (LKSP). We are authorized to raise funds in support of Lovers Key State Park's objectives through donations, grants and merchandise sales.
Historically, FOLK provides funds to cover budget shortfalls in Lovers Key State Park for items such as:
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- Fencing and signs during turtle and bird nesting seasons.
- Cleanup and repairs after storms such as Hurricane Irma.
- We provide needed extras such as new mowers, tram cars and WIFI.
- Boosts LKSP's ability to offer community enrichment programs by recruiting a dedicated staff, and members that provide thousands of volunteer hours annually for basic park services and enrichment programs.
Lovers Key State Park's
Welcome & Discovery Center
The Welcome & Discovery Center is open Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 2pm. An all new, visitor center in Lovers Key State Park!
You Can Help!
Become a Member of FOLK
Join Today!
Your membership or donation to FOLK is tax deductible and helps support our efforts in raising money and increasing awareness and involvement for park programs and initiatives, recruiting volunteers to assist with special projects, serves as guides and docents to conduct tours and programs, developing their own programs and events and in marketing to the community. We invite you to partner with our organization, because we are stronger together.
Contact Us
Want to Learn More?
Friends of Lovers Key
Email: contactus@friendsofloverskey.org
Location: 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931