Sawgrass Lake Park

Sawgrass Lake Park protects 390 acres holding one of the largest native maple swamps left on Florida's Gulf Coast, managed jointly by Pinellas County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The elevated boardwalk was built specifically to let visitors walk out over the swamp without disturbing it, and the park has become one of the more reliable spots in the county to actually see wild alligators, turtles, and migrating birds in a natural setting rather than a zoo enclosure.

Boardwalk trails give both of you a sensory-rich walk unlike anything a fenced park offers. A roughly mile-long elevated boardwalk winds through the swamp to an observation tower with panoramic views over the lake. Restrooms and water are available at the Anderson Environmental Education Center, but not out on the boardwalk itself, so bring water for the walk. The park is closed the day after Thanksgiving and on Christmas Day.