Exploring Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

An oasis of nature in the heart of an urban area; Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a reprieve of the city life in the middle of Fort Lauderdale, a growing metropolis in South Florida. The park boasts a plethora of outdoor activities found no where else in the city.

History of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Imagine this: buying beachfront property at $1 per acre. Can’t be done! Absurd, right? However, that is exactly what Hugh Taylor Birch did in 1893 after sailing to Fort Lauderdale! If only those were the rates today!

To be exact, the former lawyer from Chicago bought up 180 acres of beachfront land in what is now Fort Lauderdale. In 1941, at the age of 90, Hugh Taylor Birch donated his slice paradise to the state of Florida to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

The State Park was officially opened a few years later and still honors Mr. Birch’s dream to this: a slice of subtropical paradise for visitors to enjoy in Fort Lauderdale.

Visiting Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

The park is a mainstay and icon for the Fort Lauderdale area; nature’s last breathe of life in a city that continually expands its limits. If visiting south Florida, the park should be at the top of your list of things to do in Fort Lauderdale.

Admission fees are the standard Florida State Park Rates:

$2	Foot/Bike/Roller Blades/Individual
$4	Single Car Occupant
$6	Group in car (max 8 people)

What to do at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Although, 180 acres seems like a lot, compared to other State Parks, Hugh Taylor Birch is by no means large. But oddly enough, I never seem to run out of things to do and explore when visiting.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, while also possessing its own freshwater lagoon, plenty of outdoor activities can be found in the greenery of the park.

Enjoy these outdoor activities in Fort Lauderdale at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park:

Fish along the intracoastal waterway

The park stretches nearly a mile along the banks of the intracoastal waterway. Sit on the sea wall, enjoy a beverage, and fish the day away under the warm Florida sun.

Cycle, walk, rollerblade, or run the 2 mile loop

My favorite spot for a morning jog. This paved roadway winds through the thick tropical hammock before bursting into the sun along the intracoastal waterway. A separate lane is designated for cyclers, walkers, rollerbladers, and wannabe runners like myself.

You can find bike rentals at the park’s Adventure Center or at one of the shops in our guide to cycling in Fort Lauderdale.

Hike the nature trails

After all, it is supposed to be an escape to nature, right? Separate hiking trails spread throughout the park adding up to 2.5 miles in length. Signs are peppered throughout the trails with insight on plants, vegetations, and history of the park.

Canoe, Kayak, or SUP the freshwater lagoon

Lake Helen is her name and she’s been helping paddlers explore the natural wildlife of south Florida since the 1950s. Rent a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe from the Adventure Center to paddle along the freshwater lagoon.

Are there alligators? Have no fear! Alligators are not found in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park!

For more paddling, here’s our best routes in Fort Lauderdale.

Grab a drink (or bite to eat) at Park & Ocean

Quite possibly the best ambience of any restaurant in Fort Lauderdale; Park & Ocean is the perfect way to end the perfect south Florida day. Tucked away amongst sea grapes and tropical palms, enjoy live music over a crisp brew and crashing waves of the nearby ocean.

Our Recommendation: their brisket fries are soooo good!

Bask in the sun along the waterway

A day in the sun made easy. Park right in the grass along the Intracoastal Waterway and set up your beach chairs, hammock, or snag a picnic table. South Florida sun with zero to no walking required? Sign me up.

Bring your kids to the playground

The park is home to two separate playgrounds in the middle of green grass with nearby pavilions for large gatherings. A volleyball court is even accessible at the south picnic area.

Hop on the Water Taxi

Recently integrated a few years ago, the State Park is now a stop for the famous Water Taxi, Fort Lauderdale’s unique way of shuttling visitors around the city!

Go to the beach!

The stretch of sand in front of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is our favorite beach in Fort Lauderdale. Why? It’s gorgeous, slightly less busy than city beaches, AND it’s the cheapest beach parking in the city!

If you go elsewhere, you’ll pay nearly $4 per hour for parking. Hugh Taylor Birch? $4 to $6 for the day. Can’t beat that!

Related: Leave No Trace at the Beach

Enjoy a group camping experience

One of the first structures built on the property after Mr. Birch donated his land was the Elks Youth Camp. Today, it’s grown from a few cabins near the beach to a primitive camp site in the thick of the hammock near an ancient sand dune.

Special permits are required to use the campground space (you have to meet certain criteria as a group). We recommend contacting the park directly ((954) 564-4521).

Feast on a picnic in the grass, pavilion, or along the water

Picnic tables, BBQ charcoal grills, benches, and five pavilions are available throughout the park. Most of them sit along the stretch of roadway along the Intracoastal Waterway.

We’ll grab some subs from Publix and watch the yachts drive past on the Intracoastal! A+ people watching!

Our Recommendation: reduce single use plastic! Picnics are notorious for heaps of plastic. Unfortunately, most of it ends up in our oceans, even if its thrown away. Make a small, yet impactful change!

Encounter rare animal species

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is famously home to some of the most ancient and wise species found in Florida: the Gopher Tortoise. Well, I don’t know how wise they actually are, but you get the idea.

You can often see the threatened species as soon as you enter the park! Respect the wild life!

Pro Tip: his burrow is just to the right of the first stop sign inside the park…

Drive slow, though! You’d hate to crush the little guy.

Have an amazing day enjoying the outdoors at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale!

We hope you have an amazing day exploring Hugh Taylor Birch State Park! It’s certainly our favorite slice of paradise to escape to. For more outdoor fun in Fort Lauderdale, check out one of these articles:

• Finding You the Best Dive Shops in Fort Lauderdale
• 11 Reasons to Dive in Fort Lauderdale
• Paddling the Wilton Manors Loop
• Marina Mile to Pond Apple Slough: Fort Lauderdale Paddle Guide
• Best SUP or Kayak Routes in Fort Lauderdale
• Cycling Fort Lauderdale
• Free or Cheap Outdoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale