Welcome to my new blog! As a true beachcomber I plan on using this space to share with you some of my favorite beaches to bike around Southwest Florida. Let’s be honest, the beaches are what brings most of you here in the first place, aren’t they?
My favorite beach for biking in this area is Lovers Key State Park. It is easily accessible from North Naples, Bonita Springs and South Ft. Myers Beach. At the north end of Lovers Key you will find the Black Island Trail. The trail consists of two separate paths. Both paths loop around and follow the fingers of land that were created by dredging the area many years ago. The Black Island Trail is unpaved, but has a hard surface that even the single-speed cruisers can ride comfortably. This path provides a variety of great Florida views, from Coastal Scrub to Tropical Hammock Habitats. A full ride through the trail system is five miles. However, there are cross trails (shortcuts) to shorten the ride if you wish.
Before you end your ride I highly recommend heading to the south end of the island and cooling off with a dip in the Gulf of Mexico (a bike ride is quicker than waiting for the tram). Lovers Key is a favorite for residents and tourists alike, is excellent for shelling, and is a haven for wildlife. The beach is consistently ranked in the top 10 best beaches in the United States. If you enjoy a remote and solitary experience, this is a great place to pack a lunch or visit the concession stand that is conveniently located right on the beach, and stay and enjoy the whole day until the park closes at sunset.