For many years, Lover's Key could only be accessed by boat—making it the perfect private hideaway for couples lucky enough to dock on its sandy shores. Today, individuals of all relationship statuses can step foot on the key without help from a watercraft and even visit the other three barrier isles—Black Island, Long Key, and Inner Key—that together constitute Lover's Key State Park. Here, visitors may encounter West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and roseate spoonbills as they explore the surrounding waters via kayak or fishing boat. In addition to the popular 2-mile stretch of sandy beach on Lover's Key, more than 5 miles of hiking trails can be found on Black Island.