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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is now a barrier island of trees and greenery in the middle of urban Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The park is “located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, and is one of the city’s most distinctive features frequently compared to Central Park, also an island of peaceful green vegetation in the midst of a bustling city.” https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hugh-taylor-birch-state-park/history

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has 180 acres to have fun and experience. There is fun for everyone at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. You will be able to drive along the 2-mile loop, hiking on trails, go to the beach, adventure rentals, Park & Ocean Restaurant, mangrove habitat, intracoastal waterway, fresh water lake, picnic area and playground.

2 Mile Paved Loop

The 2 Mile Loop is a paved road that loops around the whole park. We decided to drive the loop but we did see others hiking and biking it. The loop will bring you to a parking lot for the beach, adventure rentals, Park and Ocean Resturant.

We decided to drive around the loop before we went to the beach. Along our way we drove by the fresh water lake, by the mangrove habitat, intracoastal waterway, picnic area and hiking trails. A great place for you to spend some quality family time. After we finished with our loop we decided to get out of the car and explore this great park.

Beach

James and I parked in the first parking lot and followed the signs to the beach. What a great place to visit! We walked past the adventure rentals on the left and continued by the visitor center. Here, we peeked in the restaurant.

The restaurant has food and drinks on the menu. Next, we crossed the street to the beach. James and I love the beach. Since our children were not huge beach lovers, when we can hang out on the beach we are thrilled. The beach was nice with a lifeguard station right next to the entrance.

Adventure Rentals and Fresh Water Lake

At the Adventure Rental Shop, you can rent canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, jet skis, bicycles, pedal boats and beach chairs. You will be able to paddle your canoe along a mile-long freshwater lagoon to see turtles and ducks. Small sections of the mangroves also provide a habitat for herons, wading birds, raccoons, gray squirrels and marsh rabbits.

Park & Ocean Restaurant

This beachside restaurant has an ocean view, open air bar and live music. They are open 7 days a week. The facilities are also available to rent for concerts, weddings and corporate events. You can book your Full Moon Tours, Sunset Tours and Guided Eco Tours here as well. All their information can be found on their website @ https://parkandocean.com

Mangrove Habitat

Mangrove trees are found in coastal tropical and subtropical areas. These trees are especially adapted to grow on brackish water of the coastal area. Brackish water has more salinity than freshwater, but not as much as seawater. Mangroves are a special environmental habitat that consist of trees growing in nearly stagnant coastal waters, river banks and estuaries.

Intracoastal Waterways

The seawall along the intracoastal waterway offers fishing, picnic areas with picnic tables, restrooms and shady relaxing spots to unwind. James and I enjoyed watching the passing boats and water taxis. The intracoastal waterway is a way for boats to move around without going into open water.

James and I were pleasantly surprised with our visit to the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. The entrance fee is only $6/vehicle. Hugh Taylor Birch Park is open 365 days a year, 8am until sunset. What a deal!!

FloridaStateParks.org calls it “AN URBAN OASIS NESTLED BETWEEN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY”. Check out there page @ https://www.floridastateparks.org/HughTaylorBirch.

We were very happy with our visit to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and would definitely return again to enjoy more of what the park has to offer! You too will have a great time visiting this hidden Fort Lauderdale gem!

Happy Travels!!