Lovers Key State Park is made up mostly by a combination of 4 barrier islands and keys. They are Black Island, Lovers Key, Inner and Long Key.
The park offers fabulous beaches, tropical terrain and a variety of foliage. Lovers Key State Park is a wildlife enthusiast utopia here on earth. You can find an abundance of exotic birds, marsh rabbits, dolphins and manatees to mention only a few. Lovers Key State Park was established as a nature preserve that provides a sanctuary for many wildlife species native to the region.
The park also offers a variety of physical activities such as kayaking, biking – onsite rental, and plenty of hiking trails. Most of the trails are well groomed, well directed, and stroller friendly. There is a tram that takes you from the visitors center the beach. Here is where you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the refreshing water of the Gulf of Mexico.
The following video is the first of a three part segment featuring the park from approximately 200 feet above its tree tops. Sit back and enjoy the views.
Just to the northeast of Lovers Key State Park is Estero Bay Preserve Park. It was established as Florida’s first Aquatic Nature Preserve. This amazing estuary has multiple inlets and smaller islands – keys scattered throughout the area.
This 10,000 acre preserve is a sanctuary for many of Florida’s native wildlife. The mangroves and other tropical vegetation provides a great source of food for many of the aquatic mammals, exotic birds and land roaming species that call this safe-haven home.
This second video provides a 360 degree panoramic view. Its gives you a great overhead tour of Lovers Key State Park, Estero Bay Preserve and Big Carlos Pass.
Big Carlos Pass is an extraordinary causeway that connects Estero and Black Islands. It has a drawbridge that allows over-sized and tall masted sailboats to pass through on their way to the open waters.
The beaches are covered with snow white sand that shore up with the emerald green water that turns a deeper blue as it fades towards the horizon. Lovers Key was once only accessible by boat. Couples would float out to the island and spend a romantic day together. Most would stay to watch the beautiful sunsets light up the sky. Hence the name given, “Lovers Key”.
This last video gives you a great view of Big Carlos Pass, the Gulf of Mexico, and the south end of Estero Island. Afterwards, your host Anthony has a few last words.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony Scopel
Videography/Drone: Anthony Scopel & Crew
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
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