Lettuce Lake Park: Walking Amongst Florida Swamps
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Tampa is home to so many great parks. I’ve lived in several suburbs around the city and explored almost all of the beautiful preserves populating the metro. No matter where your day’s adventures take you in the Bay, there is almost always a park around the corner (that’s what I love most about this region). One of the most popular options with tourists is Lettuce Lake Park located near the University of South Florida, in north Tampa.
At this gorgeous park, you can get back to nature via a walk across a 3500 foot shaded boardwalk across hardwood swamp forests. The scenery is spectacular, and I especially love the beautiful cypress trees. This park is located far away from the Gulf beaches, so you can enjoy a glimpse into the natural side of Florida.
Along the way, you might even catch a glimpse of a gator! Don’t give up if you don’t see one the first time around. I didn’t see my first gator until my 3rd or 4th visit. For anyone living in or visiting the New Tampa/Temple Terrace area, this is your best bet to escape the suburban congestion for a bit. While I will admit the shopping is great in this area, the traffic and congestion have really exploded in the past few years.
The boardwalk
The highlight here is the beautiful boardwalk trail. There is plenty of shade coverage along the way – it’s a great place to come to escape both the city and suburban noise, tourist congestion, & Florida heat. It’s fun looking at the cypress swamps and trying to catch a glimpse of a gator, especially if you are not naturally from the Southeast. I was so excited to see my first gator and now it’s just routine as I’ve easily seen dozens.
Sadly no alligators seen on this trip. Below, the only wildlife we encountered…
Update: On future visits, we spotted many gators. Keep your eyes peeled especially during the cooler months when they can often be seen popping their head out of the water or sunbathing on the banks.
Nature trail
In addition to the boardwalk, a beautiful nature trail (about a mile or so long) takes you on a beautiful nature journey amongst native plants of the area. The shady path offers a much needed escape from the heat. We got drenched on our hike, although it was in the 90’s, so we really didn’t mind. In fact, it helped cool us down tremendously! I recommend leaving early in the morning as afternoon thunderstorms are very common during the summer months. Update: We quickly learned that daily thunderstorms are a thing in this area despite what the forecast shows.
Observation tower
The observation tower (pictured below) gives you the opportunity to take in panoramic views of the Hillsborough River. Most parks in the Bay have a similar tower, and like all others, I recommend the small climb for the great overview.
What a beautiful view of the river. Occasionally, you can see gators, although your best bet for sightings is along the swampy boardwalk trail.
Other park amenities: a bike path/running trail with fitness stations, a canoe launch, picnic tables, and a fishing pier.
One of Tampa’s best parks
This city gem is a great escape from all the traffic and congestion in New Tampa. This beautiful area is great for recreation of any kind. Whether you feel like taking a nature stroll, a relaxing bike ride, a jog, or a ride in your canoe, you will find Lettuce Lake a scenic place to do so. The peaceful relaxed setting of Lettuce Lake will definitely bring me back for another visit. Hopefully, we will spot a gator the next time around!
Update: As mentioned earlier, we saw many gators over the years. We actually ended up moving to the New Tampa region and frequented this park regularly. It made for a nice nature escape from the strip malls (this New Tampa area has grown tremendously in recent years, so any visit to a park provides a much needed break).
Tips for a great visit
*An umbrella is a must, especially if visiting on a summer afternoon! On the other hand, you may be looking forward to a cool down! As always, it is best to visit any Bay area parks during the cooler fall and winter season. Heat exhaustion is not uncommon. Arrive early in the day if visiting during the hot & humid spring and summer months.
*Bring with plenty of water!
*Pack your camera in case you come across a gator.
*Wear light, loose fitting clothing. If it is already hot outside and you add in exercise, you risk overheating yourself.
Directions
Lettuce Lake Park is located at 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637 (across from USF). Parking is $2 per vehicle. Spring & Summer hours: 8am-7pm, Fall & Winter hours: 8am-6pm.
