05/28/08

Lettuce Lake Park

by pierresplace

A lovely and serene environment rich with wildlife, flora, and fauna. Many great photo opps, and tranquility. I even saw some birds who become somewhat pink from what they eat, so I was told. Revisits are certain to yield new sights and sounds. Now that the sun blazes most of the time I'm eager to go back.

• Pros: What more can I say?
• Cons: Just a bit off the beaten path of the bus routes.

A jewel blooms on land, lake and in between.

by Contributor

Wet-n-Drylands
Lettuce Lake condenses Florida wilderness into one park. Hidden just east of the University of South Florida, it's a wonderful place to initiate folks into the wilderness experience. (It has restrooms with water fountains and flush toilets.) Lettuce Lake boasts dirt and paved trails, two great boardwalks, a fitness course, waterfront picnic shelters and even a playground for the young ones.

Under the Boardwalk
The main attraction here is the boardwalk and tower. From the top of the tower, you can see two nice bends in the Hillsborough River. Look for turtles, anhingas and alligators sliding amongst the water lilies, bladderworts and swamp hibiscus. The old cypress trees seem to wiggle their knees at you, and the reflections off the tannic water make excellent pictures. Make sure you stroll the woods as well to score wild azaleas and magnolia blossoms. If you're really sharp you can find carnivorous plants in the boggier parts of this great park. Don't miss it.

10/10/02

great for early walks

by rhomb

This is a nice place for couples to go on a Sunday morning and just take a stroll around the bridge. It takes you over the Hillsb. River and to a bird watching tower. It is cool in the mornings with the tree cover. You forget you are even in Tampa when you see so much wildlife.