Lake Griffin State Park sits on the east edge of Leesburg, protecting a stretch of wetland and cypress hammock that gives a sense of what central Florida looked like before drainage and development transformed most of it. The park's boardwalk threads through a stand of ancient bald cypress trees — some estimated at over 200 years old — and early morning here you are likely to see great blue herons, anhingas, wood storks, and ospreys working the shallows.
Alligators are a regular sight along the boardwalk and around the boat landing. There is a canoe and kayak launch for paddling Lake Griffin, and a small campground for those who want to stay. The adjacent Dead River area is especially productive for birding in winter, when migrant waterfowl join the resident species. Admission is a few dollars per vehicle.