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If you are looking for a quick break from the beach while visiting Fort Lauderdale, check out Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a gorgeous oasis in the middle of the urban area where you can kayak, explore scenic trails, and spot wildlife like gopher tortoises, butterflies, birds, and iguanas.
Where is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park?
The park is along Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, between the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Lauderdale Beach. It covers an area of approximately 180 acres (73 hectares).
Address: 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale FL 33304
What time is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park open?
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. Note that open hours change during the winter season when days are shorter.
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A quick history of the park
The park was named after Hugh Taylor Birch, a Chicago lawyer and prominent philanthropist who purchased the land in 1893. He later donated the property to the state of Florida in 1940 to preserve it as a public park.
Today, the park has range of natural habitats, including coastal dunes, mangrove wetlands, freshwater lagoons, and the Maritime Hammock forest. These ecosystems support a variety of plant and animal species, making the park a haven for wildlife.
THINGS TO DO IN HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK
The park offers many fun activities if you are looking to get away from the beach and spend time in nature. These include hiking and nature trails, cycling, picnicking, fishing (with a valid Florida fishing license), canoeing or kayaking on the park’s lagoons, and wildlife viewing. There is also a designated swimming area on the beach within the park.
1. Kayaking
When visiting Hugh Taylor, you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle to explore the park’s waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like manatees, turtles, and birds. To pay for a kayak, you need to go to the Park and Ocean restaurant located right across from the pier.
2. Birch House Museum and Visitor Center
The park features the Birch House Museum, which is a historic house built in 1940 by Hugh Taylor Birch. The museum offers exhibits about the park’s history, nature, and the Birch family. The visitor center provides information, maps, and educational material about the park’s flora and fauna.
3. Biking
You can also rent a bicycle at the counter inside the restaurant at this state park. You will need your credit card and a valid ID, and they will also ask you to sign a legal waiver.
Bicycling is allowed ONLY inside the park, but if you want to enjoy the bike trails outside the park, you can rent one of the bicycles at Broward BCycle, a ride sharing program that has many stations along the Fort Lauderdale Beach Promenade.
You can rent a bike with Broward BCycle for just $5 for 30 minutes, and if you sign up for their annual membership, you get the first 60 minutes of every ride for free!
4. Hiking
If you want to enjoy a fun adventure, explore one of the park’s nature trails, including the Coastal Hammock Trail, an interpretive quarter-mile trail, and the Gopher Tortoise Trail, both of which start at the beginning of the loop that goes through the park.
These trails offer scenic views, opportunities for bird-watching, and a chance to see the park’s diverse plant and animal life.
5. Picknicking
Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing meal in one of the designated picnic areas within the park. There are tables and grills available, so you can cook up a delicious meal. The waterfront area of the park has several picnic pavilions.
6. The Banyan Tree
When visiting the park, don’t forget to check out the famous banyan tree that is over 100 years old! It makes a perfect backdrop for your photos, so make sure to bring your camera. There’s also a canopy nearby where you can enjoy your lunch.
7. Dining
The state park has a Park and Ocean restaurant and a bar where you can grab a quick meal and a drink. The restaurant is located right across from the kayaking pier, so you can head there after getting some exercise.
8. Swimming
The park also has access to Fort Lauderdale Beach, where you can swim and relax under the sun. The park has a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty.
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9. Ranger programs
The park hosts ranger-led programs and interpretive activities, such as guided nature walks and educational talks which provide an overview the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Keep in mind that park hours, admission fees, and specific amenities may be subject to change, so you should check the official park website or contact the park for the most up-to-date information.
10. Running
The area has a two-mile loop where you can run, bicycle, and roller skate. It’s a great alternative to the busy Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, as it offers a more tranquil environment with more shade thanks to all the trees in the area.
Park Amenities:
Hugh Taylor has various amenities, including picnic areas with tables and grills, a playground, restrooms, and showers. There is a tunnel that goes under A1A, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to safely access the beach from the park. Here you can also rent beach chairs at the park.
How to get around Hugh Taylor Birch State Park?
To get around the park, you can dive a car, hike, rent a bicycle or catch a free golf cart that can drop you off at any point around the 2-mile loop. Golf carts usually pass every 10-15 minutes, and you can flag one down, when you see it.
Best hotels in the area:
Hugh Taylor is located within walking distance of many hotels in Fort Lauderdale.
Tranquilo Hotel
Tranquilo Hotel is a small boutique hotel near big beachfront resorts in Fort Lauderdale that offers a relaxing environment if you are looking for a more quiet place to stay. The hotel has a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and on-site parking.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY
Four Seasons
Four Seasons is one of the most popular beachfront resorts in Fort Lauderdale where you can enjoy amazing amenities like pools, on-site restaurants, and a spa. It’s also within a quick walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and shops in Fort Lauderdale.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY
Elita Hotel
Located near many restaurants along Fort Lauderdale beach, Elita Hotel boasts cool minimalistic decor and a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool. It’s a small boutique hotel that boasts a quiet location and a home-like atmosphere which is perfect if you are looking to relax and enjoy a chill getaway.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY
Best restaurants in the area near Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
The House of Hummus
The House of Hummus is one of the best vegan restaurants in Fort Lauderdale that offers Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern-inspired dishes like falafel and meatless chicken shawarma platters, eggplant bowls, and an assortment of salads.
And don’t forget to try their delicious frozen mint ginger lemonade and grab some sweet baklava.
Address: 900 NE 20th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Kousine
Kousin is one of the best restaurants along Fort Lauderdale Beach where you can enjoy Peruvian cuisine with some Asian dishes. This place is a real hidden gem that offers a welcome change from the typical Fort Lauderdale food scene.
Some of the most popular items on the menu are ceviche, Peruvian lomo saltado and empanadas.
Address: 841 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Lona Cocina
Lona Cocina is a popular Mexican restaurant attached to the Westin Resort. The restaurant offers classic dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas as well as popular drinks like tequila and mezcal with a spectacular view of the ocean.
Address: 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Birch state park?
The entrance to thr park costs $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $6 for a vehicle with up to eight occupants. An individual annual pass to the park costs $60.
How much is the parking at Birch State Park?
The parking at High Taylor is free after you purchase the entrance ticket
What’s the largest state park in Florida?
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is the largest state park in Florida that covers 85,000 acres.
What time does Fort Lauderdale Beach open?
Fort Lauderdale Beach is open every day from 5 a.m. until midnight.