Lover’s Key State Park. Discovery Center Update + Beach Walk + Shelling

Lover's Key State Park has it all! Beach, beauty and the conveniences of renting chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, bikes - nothing has been overlooked!
The Lover's Key State Park new Welcome & Discovery center has entered Phase I and a few of the exhibits have been installed. I went for a progress update and then visited the gorgeous beach to see what shells and critters I might find. Today there were no critters, but found a bunch of neat things on the beach to bring home.
The new Welcome and Discovery Center at Lover's Key State Park is the first new building to be built in a Florida State Park in over 20 years. It's pretty exciting stuff and I'll always jump at the opportunity to help educate the public and keep our beaches clean and our critters safe.
Lover’s Key State Park:
8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
If you'd like to support me on Patreon, here is my page:
/ swfbeachlife
And if you're interested in buying any shells that I find, please email me at [e-mail]
Follow me on social media:
Instagram: / swfbeachlife
Facebook: / southwestfloridabeachlife
Website: www.swfbeachlife.com

[@trincooper2466]

The dislike is from the person who’s jealous of all your cool finds 😎

[@SWFBeachLife]

*shrug* I have no idea who "they" might be but I wish I knew what I could do to convert them into a fan!

[@carolledger8047]

Thank you again for taking me along. I so want to go down to Florida and walk on the beach and find pretty shells before I die. I don't know if I will but I hope to. I so appreciate you sharing your walks with me. I do occasionally watch other shows on finding shells on the beach, but yours is my favorite. There's something about your voice that is so friendly, calming, and welcoming. Plus you're very knowledgeable but not so much that you sound arrogant. You aren't afraid to ask your fans for help deciding what something is. Much love, Carol.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for the kind comment Carol. I have only lived here just shy of 3 years and I don't think the thrill of living here will ever go away. I am still learning but I hope as each month passes I learn another new fact or beach tid bit that I get to share. The beach is an amazing classroom and I am still an eager student! Thank you for choosing to spend some of your time at the beach with me! ❤️

[@SnowPink90]

That was great!! Gorgeous day, great shelling and great company. Love all the shells but the Baby’s Ear is my favourite. I love the shape and the near white colouring. Amazing!! Thank you for another great walk!!😊🐬

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Goodmorning 😊 oh boy, more gems to find. I'm loving the carditas, and of course scallops, fighting conchs, etc. Many Thanks for bringing us along 🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Loving the Spiny Jewel Box, and the one with the "long horn"; I dub the The unicorn Jewel Box!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I always think they look like rhinos, but I like unicorn better!

[@kdwalters4146]

I am sure I have said it before---but Thank You for highlighting Lover's Key---it has been a family FAV for the last couple decades---sadly haven't made it to FLA in over 5 yr...so soon to return and your video inspired me to return to LK....thanks you for your content and giving me a "beach fix" to help hold me over....

[@SWFBeachLife]

My pleasure! I hope the Welcome and Discovery Center will be fully opened by the time you visit. I personally can't wait for the touch tanks. Me and the kids will be there asking questions....thanks so much for watching my vids!

[@katiecook6020]

Been waiting all week for SWF fix! Thank you!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You're very welcome! Thank you so much for watching!

[@citcat7687]

The discovery centre was so cool u missed 2 worm shells but it was a great video that made me smile thank you

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for watching my beach walk!

[@shanaynay6652]

That shark eye was beautiful. I have yet to find one with that color blue on it. I love the whole "I got grabby but not grabby grabby" lol. Thanks for taking us along and sharing. I need to check out the visitor center now that I know it is open..

[@SWFBeachLife]

Progress is definitely being made. Not sure when you plan on going but the parking lots fill up quick! If you go during "Season" plan on going early!

[@lucastang7654]

I am so jealous how many good shells you have and I have nothing compared to yours

[@SWFBeachLife]

Florida is pretty great for finding shells. Maybe one day you can come and see for yourself :)

[@damienphillips9278]

Thank you for information about the holes in the shells 😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

You got it! Thanks so much for watching!

[@caroljayne8870]

Another GREAT video...thanks for sharing!

[@aries327]

A Paul Newman eye, i have found quite a few and did not know that's what they are referred to as. Learn something new everyday! Thanks for the update on the Discovery center. Looks like things are coming along!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I had been looking for one that I was sure was a "Paul Newman" one - it doesn't get bluer than that! Thanks for watching another one of my beach walks Annie!

[@patifagan6774]

Another great tour. Love the shelling

[@vjohnson2400]

I love beach combing and you seem to pick the shells that I would have chosen.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well I have to say you have terrific taste - LOL!

[@lindagiammarco2687]

Nice walk on the beach. Love the 5 key hole sand dollar.

[@joycebarbour1602]

Thank you for my weekly beach fix!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome - thank you for coming along with me!

[@kristibruns6111]

Always look forward to your videos!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much!

[@fransalivar9815]

First time watching. How fascinating. Loved it. Thank you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you come back! Thanks so much for watching!

[@dianeburton9969]

Umbo drilling! Thank you!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

There is no shortage of things to learn about the beach! xoxo

[@pattyvalinote8737]

That shark eye was gorgeous!!! The colors were amazing!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Agreed! It's still got that gorgeous green hue too. :) I'm glad the gentlemen with the 5-gallon bucket left a few things for me - LOL!

[@angelacarl0814]

Wonderful assortment on this video!! So excited to come down next month!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for watching and I'm glad you hear you have a trip planned here! I wish everyone could enjoy the awesomeness of Southwest Florida!

[@denisem6754]

Another wonderful beach walk, love that Paul Newman!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Me too! And the shell kept it's greenish hue :) Thanks so much for watching!

[@duaalikhan4feb]

I wad waiting sooooooo much thank you to make another video :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@rubyrohrig9494]

You got some really good finds💜

[@SWFBeachLife]

I did! I managed to get lucky even after the gentleman with the 5 gallon bucket did his thing!

[@kathyjund7212]

Love that too toned Sunday venus..great walk! The visitor centre is coming along great!

[@SWFBeachLife]

The visitor center will be nice once it's fully open and all the exhibits are installed. It's a HUGE project so they're tackling it in phases. I love that you can walk, bike, learn AND shell all at the same beach!

[@kaylagrafton9241]

Thanks for the info about Lover's Key! Hoping to stop by there for a visit next week while we are in the are.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Get there early - it's been filling up pretty quick!

[@mlgauss60435]

You had a very colorful catch for today! I look forward to your videos every Sunday night!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for coming along with me on my walks! I am so lucky to be ale to get out on the beach and share all the goodies I find.

[@LethalButtercup]

Love the coral!

[@Nikkerz232]

I'll be taking a 3 day vacation to florida at the end of July, and i am definately going to the same places you show us on here, especially Lovers Key! I work with resin and LOVE picking up the broken/damaged welk shells and reforming them into their glory with resin! You find such good ones(that ive seen on the sand lol) i hope i find some!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I met a woman on the beach yesterday who was collecting shells for her friend that did resin art. I was happy to have donated a few shells to her cause :) I hope you find a ton of shells when you come in July to use in your art. Thanks so much for coming along with me on my beach walk!

[@cravertom]

so jealous..we only get to visit that area once a year.....In Md we have our favorite beaches for fossil/sharks teeth....but nothing beats the clear water of the Gulf with the warm sun on your back.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are right about that! We really like Asseteague when we would visit MD but being able to go to the beach all year long is priceless :) Thank you for watching my beach walk!

[@notinmanitou]

As I've learned from my fellow rockhounds, Iron Out will remove rust from rocks. You might try some on some shells you don't care about. Also, vinegar is a weak acid, you could try that before you use the strong stuff. I love your channel, I'm working my way forward from the beginning towards current day. (7/2023)

[@SWFBeachLife]

Vinegar made my shells more white - LOL! The only thing I haven't tried was the CLR, but since I kind of have my methods down now I likely won't bother trying it.

[@randypendell1565]

Love watching your videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much!

[@salishseaquest7952]

Thanks for the update on the Discovery Center, looks like progress is being made. Great finds this trip -- loved the Gaudy Nautica and the Paul Newman Shark Eye! WOW!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That shark eye was gorgeous! It kept its green hue too. Thank you so much for watching my beach walks!

[@lilalightandlove421]

I always smile when you say, “I’m keeping that one!” Or “wha, wha” keep on shelling girl!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's so hard not to keep them all!!! xoxo

[@shellstories]

Good finds! Especially for Lover's Key standards. Keep it up!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks! Will do!

[@carolcheatle1955]

I would love to live in this area. I would be at the beach everyday if possible. But I'm in Pa and getting my beach fix through you. Thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so welcome and it is awesome to live here! I still pinch myself from time to time. I know how lucky I am!

[@debralee5201]

Thank you for another fun video! Last summer a person on the beach gave me a sand dollar! She told that the first person who said hello to her, she would give it to. ☺️

[@SWFBeachLife]

I love this story! Plus giving is just amazing anyway - it' a gift for both the giver and the receiver. Thank you for sharing!

[@sallya.2412]

Nice beach there and I love the Discovery Center that gives a bit of education of the beach there and it's critters. I didn't realize how big the lightning whelks get. At least you found some good shells despite other people already there looking too.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes! I was lucky to find the goodies I did despite the other people being there and getting there later than the guy with the 5-gallon bucket!

[@brandonwebb5357]

Ahhhhh we were just there and couldn't find a dang shark eye!!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

UGH! I felt lucky to find anything after the guy with the 5-gallon bucket went by!

[@alina3254]

The intro music is wonderful!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Choosing the music is quite fun!

[@lindsayhansen4117]

I came across your channel by accident a few weeks ago and I love your videos! I'm from Wisconsin and 2 weeks ago my husband and I took a trip to Indian Shores for the first time. We stumbled across low tide by accident one morning and found a ton of big, beautiful shells. We were hooked! I went online to look at what kind they were and came across your channel. We went shell hunting every morning until we left. I was searching for a sand dollar for my daughter but unfortunately we didn't find any. Next trip maybe!❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

That's how it happens. You show up at the beach and find all sorts of gorgeous goodies and all of a sudden you just want to go back and do it again and again and see what other kinds of shells or treasures you can find. It's the best addiction out there! I hope you find your sand dollar next trip too!

[@gingermackeen5741]

That was a beautiful shark eye! I find sunray venus shells that are different side to side as well. My guess is each side is exposed to sun and minerals differently. One side might be buried and one not...Scallops REALLY look different side to side. Good for you for blessing someone with a sand dollar! I saw what looked like another whole semele? Thanks again for another great beach walk!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes I forgot to mention the semele - hinged no less! And I was thinking the same thing with the Sunray Venus - different side was buried/exposed creating a different color. I had not seen one with such an obvious different color! I've seen enough scallops to know that they're different on each side - would love to catch one with all it's eyes! Thanks for coming along with me Ginger!

[@doreenperez233]

I enjoy watching your videos. In the beginning of may, my husband and I are going to Sanibel Island. I can’t wait to go shelling.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks so much for watching my videos! May is going to be fabulous down here! Not TOO hot quite yet and the crowds will be gone. May will be here before you know it. Happy planning!

[@doreenperez233]

@@SWFBeachLife yes here on the east coast in west palm beach the kids are on spring break next week. But college is this week, We have been over there before, but it’s been a few years.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@doreenperez233 I want to shell over by you! If I were going to take the trip over, do you have any beaches you’d recommend me seeing?

[@doreenperez233]

@@SWFBeachLife I would say Lake Worth beach, Juno beach, Jupiter beach, or go more north to Hutchison Island beach.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@doreenperez233 Thank you so much!

[@susiebales-oswalt1564]

Clorox cleanup works really good for cleaning shells if you’ve not tried it..

[@SWFBeachLife]

I just soak the crusty shells in 100% bleach and it does a great job too!

[@Angela-qg8yg]

Oh yeah, shells!

[@JG-ct4xj]

I think we are going to move down there with you! Someday....

[@SWFBeachLife]

Do your research, but moving here was one of the best decisions Iv'e ever made!

[@nyakcent]

Can I hire you to do a beach walk for me to hunt for shells. I have back issues so I try to find a shell pile and sit and sort. LOL. I’m just stunned at how plentiful the shells are!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You sure can! Please email me at [e-mail]. This is something I've wanted to do for people who aren't as mobile as I am!

[@ilonamollema6467]

Oh wow, the shells you've found are stunning! (as usual😉) Especially that green shark eye! That's really something amazing. The blue centre is so gorgeous!😍 How is your mirror project going?

[@SWFBeachLife]

That shark eye was SO pretty! It kept it's green hue too :) I haven't purchased the mirror yet. I've been looking but I have a very specific wall I want to hang it on so it has to be a certain size. In the meantime I've been keeping chipped and less-than-perfect shells to cover the frame with!

[@janetpullen5210]

Oh what a great day...such a pretty variety of shells.....I feel I'm almost there when u r walking and the people in bathing suits and in the water...sigh😏

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am really, really lucky to live where I do. Going to the beach all year long is amazing!

[@leighanncronin6905]

I watched most of this in slow motion, so I could look for limpets!😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

LOLOLOLOL! I still haven't found one over here on the West Coast. My husband found maybe 1 or 2. They hide from me like the wentletraps!

[@leighanncronin6905]

@@SWFBeachLife 😅Well, I'll let you know when we're coming down to Casey Key, and you can meet me, and we'll find some together! Casey Key always has limpets!🥰

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@leighanncronin6905 Deal!

[@ngpoct123456789]

Nice variety this week, do you base visits to beaches, on low tide? Are low tides usually mornings. That drive over the bridge was gorgeous!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Since discovering low tides and how to tell when they are, I've have been paying more attention to them and trying to go when the tides are low. I also try to mix the beaches up a bit so there is a variety of locations to share too. It gets very crowded in the winter down here so I always try to get out early to 1. get parking and 2. avoid the crowds. :)

[@puppylove9686]

Oh I think it’s a jet ski

[@gingermackeen5741]

I like broad-ribbed carditas too. Say that fast 5 times.. Lol. You got cantharis right, but I think it was a tinted one. Well, my electric just went out. I'll finish watching tomorrow!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh no! I hope your electric wasn't out for long. Those smaller shells drive me crazy but I'm determined to figure them out! I found a really cool pointed Venus clam last weekend. I have so many shells to learn - it's awesome!!

[@gingermackeen5741]

@@SWFBeachLife Since it was cool and late, I just want to bed! Electric was on this morning! I'll watch the rest of your video tonight. You're doing great on the shells, Sharmon. You're honest when you're not sure and we get to help you out! Happy to hear you're back in full speed! xxoo

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@gingermackeen5741 I’m glad you have your power back! I was a little slow but I’m back in full swing! Xoxo

[@Jewel0195]

Going tomorrow😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hope you had great shelling luck!

[@jolieflipsvintage]

This is awesome, I am visiting Lovers Key tomorrow. we are staying in Fort Myers and since check in at the hotel is 3 pm, I figured I will try to get to Lovers Key early. Would you be able to tell me around what time I would get luckier? I am a novice but my boyfriend isn't. He is great at finding shells. I want to find pretty shells when I am there. Also, is there a particular area I should go to..... I see you say the south end, is it hard to get there? Sorry for all the questions, it is because I will have my blind dad with us and we have to try to guide him :) Thank you in advance!

[@SWFBeachLife]

My advice is either go early, or go at low tide. The park doesn't open until 8am but if you're there first you might get lucky. Low tide right now in this area is in the evening, so you also might have good luck if you try later in the day too. The south end is not hard to get to! Once you get to the beach just head to the left. Eventually you'll get to the end where you can't go any further. I tend to have the best luck down on that side of the island. I shelled FMB last night and I had some pretty good luck! I hope you do too!

[@puppylove9686]

Hey, does anyone know what that black thing on 10:56 that is in the water, and you can also pause it and see what it is too.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I can't even tell what it might be!

[@TheAdventurousRealtor]

Oh i seen a shark eye

[@sheargenius0073]

Hi!!! Do you film with just your phone or a go pro? I have a really nice (expensive) camera but sand, moisture is not a good friend for it so I don't bring it to the beach.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I film with my iPhone, my GoPro and my drone depending on the shot. I mostly use my iPhone because I don't want to bring my super expensive camera to the beach either! I've had some real technical issues and would love to figure out a different system but for now that's what I'm using. :)

[@SandMarcusJ]

0ne thing we don't ever find over here are complete sand dollars. My theory for that is something to do with the currents that flow off our coast.

[@SWFBeachLife]

The shape of the coast might have something to do with it too. Our beaches over here are nice and gradual so lots of fun things can make their way onto the beach. The steeper beaches make it tough for things to end up in the beach. No shortage of sand dollars over here!

[@SandMarcusJ]

@@SWFBeachLife I'm normally not into self plugging myself but my most recent video will highly intrigue you. Found shells in a very unlikely spot.

[@suzannelemery3283]

Hi! Me again. Ha! Do you happen to know if Lovers Key ever opens their gate before 8 a.m.? The state park website says they open at 8:00 all year round, but some reviews I'm reading state they open at sunrise. We were planning to arrive at 7 a.m., but obviously we don't want to arrive THAT early and have to sit there for an hour waiting for the gate to open. Happen to have any tips on whether they open earlier than 8? Or how to get in before 8 (legally of course).

[@SWFBeachLife]

The park opens at 8am and not earlier unfortunately. There are 2 entrances - the main entrance and a "side" entrance. Both are unlocked at 8am in the morning. I've tried to go earlier and we ended up waiting 🤗

[@suzannelemery3283]

@@SWFBeachLife Thanks so much!! You're a wealth of info!!

[@susiebales-oswalt1564]

I can’t imagine carrying around a 5 gallon bucket. That thing has to get heavy quickly…

[@SWFBeachLife]

I think a wagon would be more appropriate and probably easier on the back!

[@craftsewcute5092]

I love the disfigurements on the shells... They would make great painting subject's... Is there anyway for us to purchase some of your finds... I have PayPal...? I would love to have a mixture of this and that... shells, coral, ga few beach stones, a sand dollar, shark eye, lightening shell, large ribbed clam shell. I would pay for shipping.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I do sell some of my goodies :) Shoot me an email at [e-mail] with your wish list and I'll put something together for you!

[@Amy-of6wz]

You should check out the KZbin channel for ...WildKyle. He live in Florida as well and hunts for fossils. Recently he found HUGE fossilized welks and I believe a horse Conch shell. I know you're always hoping to find those. Thanks for you videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have heard other people tell me I should check him out and I've watched a few of his videos. I like when he finds shells in some random river in the middle of nowhere! Thank you for the recommendation!

[@nowvoyagerNE]

do you ever do give-aways for your subscribers? i'd sure like having a chance to win one of those sand dollars and a few other interesting goodies from your sea shore hunts. *:-)* P.S. *wow!* you got a nice assortment of goodies this time! *thank you* for taking us "sea shore shopping."

[@SWFBeachLife]

I did a giveaway once on Instagram but I've never done one on KZbin. I recently started using Patreon to allow people to support me monetarily (if they had the means) and I was thinking of doing a shell giveaway to my Patreons. I also have been selling shells - if you'd like to buy some or at least get a price please email me at [e-mail].

[@nowvoyagerNE]

@@SWFBeachLife : ok, ty for the info. *:-)*

[@darlenehindsley6556]

Hello I just received a judge box of shells and I'm not sure about them my uncle give them to me they was wrapped up in newspapers from 1986..could you help me with these they also have numbers in them..I have a picture of the but not sure how to show them on here..these will blow your mind

[@SWFBeachLife]

I want to see!!! Please email a pic or pics to me at [e-mail]. I’ll take a look and help you as much as I can!

[@yomama8873]

🤩🤩🤩💖💖

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for watching! 💜

[@nancypicard2170]

Does it cost to get into Florida State parks??

[@SWFBeachLife]

It does cost money to get into FL state parks. I remember paying when we went to the Everglades National Park and Lover's Key is $8 per car, which I prefer over hourly fees. I hate feeling like I only X amount of time!

[@sheilapinoski2447]

I don't know what 2 bleach r leave alone like both? ??

[@SWFBeachLife]

Bleach can weaken angel wings, sand dollars and thin shells. It's great on pretty much all thicker shells that have green on them :)

[@jolautar3533]

I sent you a message on your store website 🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

I got your message! I will shoot you an email tomorrow :) Hope you had a great weekend!

[@janetpullen5210]

Whats the address of your support

[@SWFBeachLife]

If you mean my Patreon, the address is www.patreon.com/swfbeachlife. If you needed something different please let me know!

[@sheilapinoski2447]

Do u really find them back 2 back? U r alsom!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Sometimes! I save you guys from watching me just randomly wandering around while I'm searching :)