Lovers Key State Park
After spending such a delightful day at the beach I decided to cross over to the Gulf side the following day. Arriving midday I toured a few beaches and then settled in for the evening. The next day I spent at Lovers Key State Park, a breathtakingly beautiful set of four barrier islands that boasts award-winning beaches and fantastic animal sightings (think dolphins, manatees, and bald eagles). The beaches sounded nice but the reason I decided to go was that I was in the mood for a little hiking. Although relatively short, the Black Island Trail was a perfect antidote, a scenic loop trail down the island passing through hammock groves and along the lagoon.
Vegetation along the Black Island Trail, Lovers Key State Park, Florida
View across the lagoon, Black Island Trail, Lovers Key State Park, Florida
Another view of the lagoon, Black Island Trail, Lovers Key State Park, Florida
After spending the morning wandering through the brush I ventured out to the spectacular beach, which stretches two and a half miles. Littered with millions of shells, the white sand here is a perfect complement to the pale blue water. By description it may sound like many of the other beaches in South Florida, but this one is exceptional.
Beach at Lovers Key State Park, Florida
Beach at Lovers Key State Park, Florida
Bubbles from the surf and clouds, Lovers Key State Park, Florida
Another dead tree, Lovers Key State Park, Florida
Dead tree, Lovers Key State Park, Florida
Shells on the beach at Lovers Key State Park, Florida
Bubbles from the surf and clouds, Lovers Key State Park, Florida
