A fantastic spot for running and numerous other activities! Located just south of Ft. Myers Beach, Lovers Key State Park features a 2.5 mile estuary path, 5 miles of bike trails, and one of the prettiest beaches in Florida. For runners, the trails are a combination of surfaces through wooded sections, along the estuary, and over boardwalks with great views and a good chance of spotting manatees, dolphins, osprey, or alligators. A 1,000 foot boardwalk leads to the gorgeous 2.5 mile beach, which is near idyllic for running– fairly flat, with compact sand near the water. For an even longer beach run, connect to Fort Myers Beach, using the bridge/Estero Blvd. over Big Carlos Pass.
The park has restrooms, showers, kayak rentals, nature tours, and a snack bar.
A fantastic spot for running and numerous other activities! Located just south of Ft. Myers Beach, Lovers Key State Park features a 2.5 mile estuary path, 5 miles of bike trails, and one of the prettiest beaches in Florida. For runners, the trails are a combination of surfaces through wooded sections, along the estuary, and over boardwalks with great views and a good chance of spotting manatees, dolphins, osprey, or alligators. A 1,000 foot boardwalk leads to the gorgeous 2.5 mile beach, which is near idyllic for running– fairly flat, with compact sand near the water. For an even longer beach run, connect to Fort Myers Beach, using the bridge/Estero Blvd. over Big Carlos Pass.
The park has restrooms, showers, kayak rentals, nature tours, and a snack bar.
The best beachside running in the heart of Naples. Starting at Lowedermilk Park, and running south along Gulf Shore Drive and Gordon Drive, it is about 4.5 miles one way.
The paths and boardwalk around the Gordon River are like taking a run through the Everglades. Elevated boardwalk sections over wetlands, where you can watch for birds, tortoises, and other wildlife.
A great add-on to the Gordon River Greenway. It’s just to the north of the Greenway. There are about 2 miles of pedestrian-only trails, mainly a boardwalk going over a swampy area.
A run along Pelican Bay Blvd., 7 miles north of downtown Naples, is a great way to experience the waterfront, lovely foliage, and gorgeous Florida homes.
A popular beach access points.The boardwalk runs through a mangrove forest of salt-tolerant red, white and black mangroves. It also has a tidal bay area.
This barrier island is one of the loveliest spots in southwest Florida. Our route follows the course of the Marco Island 5k, through lovely residential areas. One of the hillier runs in S. Florida.
The Bird Rookery Swamp Trail is 25 miles north of Naples, and offers 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. Starts with a 1500-ft. boardwalk, then becomes ground level, with swamp on both sides.
Seven miles of beach running heaven on Estero Island. Cross the bridge, find a parking place, and enjoy running this wide, flat beach. Can be combined with 5 miles of trails at Lovers Key State Park at the southern end.
Wonderful beach running in area between Ft. Myers & Naples. Bonita Beach is 2.5 miles and adjoining Barefoot Beach is ~3 miles. Scenic and flat, generally good sand for running. Can also run on Hickory Blvd. & Barefoot Blvd. See info on private community.
A 5-mile paved, multi-use trail that runs between Six Mile Cypress in the south to Colonial Blvd. in the north. Much of the trail runs along a canal, and has some pretty sections. Southern section is most shaded
McGregor Blvd., with its palm-lined way and wide sidewalks, is popular with runners. Easy to do a straight shot from College Parkway to Midpoint Bridge or the Country Club. Whiskey Creek Dr. loop is another option.
Popular islands reached by causeway from the mainland. We've recommended 4-5 of the best spots among the 22 miles of bike paths, 15 miles of (sometimes runnable) beach, and the Wildlife refuge.
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2 miles along the beach and 5 miles of trails on Black Island
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