Lettuce Lake Park
Discover Florida's natural beauty at Lettuce Lake Park, featuring an extensive boardwalk, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Lettuce Lake Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Florida's natural beauty at Lettuce Lake Park, featuring an extensive boardwalk, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly amenities.
"The boardwalk is breathtaking, with plenty of wildlife to see and just so peaceful."
Bring Cash for Entry
The $2 park entry fee is cash only. Have small bills ready!
Canoe Rental Window
You must be in the water with a canoe by 2 PM. Plan accordingly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Boardwalk
Wetlands
An impressive, long boardwalk winding through cypress forests, offering serene water views and abundant wildlife sightings.
Wildlife Encounters
Boardwalk and lake
Spot alligators, turtles, fish, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for baby gators!
Observation Tower
Overlooking the water
A moderately high tower providing great panoramic views of the water and surrounding natural landscape.
New Playground
Near picnic areas
A recently updated playground with adaptive and sensory equipment, perfect for younger children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash for Entry
Wildlife Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Entry
The $2 park entry fee is cash only. Have small bills ready!
Canoe Rental Window
You must be in the water with a canoe by 2 PM. Plan accordingly!
Spot Wildlife
Look for gators, turtles, and birds along the boardwalk and trails.
Comfortable Shoes
Wear good walking shoes for the paved trails, boardwalk, and natural paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Entry
The $2 park entry fee is cash only. Have small bills ready!
Canoe Rental Window
You must be in the water with a canoe by 2 PM. Plan accordingly!
Spot Wildlife
Look for gators, turtles, and birds along the boardwalk and trails.
Comfortable Shoes
Wear good walking shoes for the paved trails, boardwalk, and natural paths.
Picnic Ready
Plenty of picnic tables and BBQ grills available for a relaxing meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lettuce Lake Park for its beautiful and extensive boardwalk, offering serene water views and abundant wildlife sightings, including alligators and various bird species. The park is well-maintained with good amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a peaceful escape. Some note that traffic noise can be heard on side trails, and canoe rentals have an early afternoon cutoff.
"This was a nice park with an impressive boardwalk. I don't think I've seen a boardwalk this long anywhere else. Peaceful and serene views of the water, lots of animals to be seen. Birds, gators, fish, turtles, are all over the place. Saw a pretty good sized gator with her babies. The cypress trees are amazing there too. There were a few I would have expected to see blocked off due to size and probable age but surprisingly they weren't. The tower is not too high, yet enough to get great views of the water. There are some nice, but short hiking trails, though you'll never forget you're in town cuz you can always hear the traffic from them, (but not while on the boardwalk, only the side trails). There are a few pavilions scattered around the park also that can be reserved. This is the 2nd Hillsborough county park I've been too recently and they are well maintained and cared for. You can rent canoes here also."
Victoria Violet
"Cool park. Saw some gators around the boardwalk and at the lookout including a mama with her babies. The playground is optimal for 4-5 year olds. A little small for older children but nicely kept. A lot of awesome trails though and my family and I had a great day exploring."
Peter P
"Had a great time. Not too busy, the deck is nicely made, sturdy and safe. We seen an alligator swimming in the middle of the lake in front of the tower.
Families were canoeing and paddle boarding.
You have to be in the water before 2pm to have a canoe.
We also saw baby alligators freshly hatched hanging by their nest.
Everyone we met was respectuful.
We brought our 1.5 yr old and he loved it
This park has multiple playgrounds, trails to explore, outdoor bathrooms next to the play areas and an indoor bathroom (very neat and clean) attached to the garden and information center room."
Jonathan Rodriguez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lettuce Lake Park is located at 6920 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33637. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Yes, there is ample parking available within the park. Be prepared for the $2 cash-only entry fee per vehicle.
Information on public transport routes to Lettuce Lake Park can be found on the Hillsborough County Parks website or local transit authority schedules. It's generally recommended to drive for ease of access.
Yes, the park features paved hiking and biking trails, making it accessible for cyclists.
The park offers a mix of paved trails, boardwalks, and natural paths. The boardwalk is a highlight for wildlife viewing, while paved trails are great for walking and biking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $2 per vehicle and is strictly cash only. Make sure to have small bills ready.
Park hours typically align with daylight hours, but it's best to check the official Hillsborough County Parks website for the most current operating times.
No, advance ticket booking is not required for general park entry. The fee is collected upon arrival.
Yes, you can reserve picnic shelters and areas for parties or events. Contact the park administration for reservation details and availability.
There are no age restrictions for general park entry. It's a family-friendly destination suitable for all ages.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, fish, and numerous bird species. The boardwalk is an excellent spot for observation.
The boardwalk is generally well-maintained and accessible, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Yes, the park offers several hiking trails, including paved paths, natural trails, and the main boardwalk.
Lettuce Lake Park features a playground with adaptive and sensory equipment, making it fun for younger children.
Yes, there is a fishing dock available for visitors. Please check local regulations for fishing licenses and catch limits.
🎫 🛶 Activities & Rentals
Yes, canoe rentals are available. However, you must be in the water with your rental by 2 PM.
Absolutely! The park's diverse ecosystem and boardwalk make it a fantastic spot for birdwatching.
Paddleboarding is permitted on the water. It's a great way to explore the park's waterways.
Yes, the park includes outdoor fitness equipment for visitors to use.
The boardwalk, observation tower, and areas with abundant wildlife offer excellent photography opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Beyond the playground, the long boardwalk offers a safe and engaging way for kids to observe wildlife like turtles and even alligators from a distance. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Boardwalk and Wildlife
Many visitors highlight seeing gators, including mothers with their babies, which is a particularly memorable experience. The observation tower along the boardwalk provides an elevated perspective, allowing for panoramic views of the water and the surrounding landscape. It's a perfect spot for photography and simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere. Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
While the boardwalk is the main draw, the park also offers paved trails and natural paths for those who want to explore further. These trails can lead you through different sections of the park, offering varied scenery and potential wildlife sightings. However, some visitors note that traffic noise can be audible on the side trails, though it's generally absent on the boardwalk itself.
Family Fun and Amenities
+1Beyond the playground, families can take advantage of the numerous picnic tables and BBQ grills scattered throughout the park. These areas are perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature. For those looking for a more active outing, the park features outdoor fitness equipment and a 1.25-mile paved exercise trail, suitable for walking, jogging, or biking.
Canoe and paddleboard rentals are also available, offering a unique way to experience the park's waterways. It's important to note that canoe rentals require you to be in the water by 2 PM, so plan your aquatic adventures accordingly. The park also has clean indoor and outdoor restrooms, adding to the convenience for families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit