Park Summary for Print - Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

View across the Intracoastal Waterway looking south from the park drive.

Welcome to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

A short walk from beachside shops and condominiums, this park is an oasis of tropical hammocks-a gift from Hugh Taylor Birch to Florida's posterity. His former estate preserves four distinct natural communities, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors can rent a canoe and paddle along a mile-long freshwater lagoon or fish from the seawall. Nature lovers can hike along two short trails and learn about local plants and wildlife while bicyclists and skaters glide along the paved park road. Visitors can access the beach via the pedestrian tunnel under A1A. Picnic areas overlook the channel; pavilions with water and electricity are available for rental. A group/youth campground is available to organized groups. The Terramar Visitor Center features displays regarding the area's natural and cultural history. Located on East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, off A1A.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, please call 954-564-4521.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is located on East Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, off A1A.

Park Fees

Please call the Park for information at 954-564-4521.

Activities at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

	Beaches The park is adjacent to Ft. Lauderdale Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the state. Beach access is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily.
	Bicycling The park drive is 1.9 miles and is very popular with bicyclers and inline skaters alike. The drive is one-way and bicyclers and skaters are required to observe this restriction
	Birding Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers premier birding for novice and expert alike. The park is known for many sightings of Caribbean species as well as migratory species, with over 200 species on the park’s bird list.
	Canoeing Canoe rentals are available on the largest of the park’s coastal dune lakes. Rental is $5.30 including tax per boat. Capacity is 3 people per canoe.
	Facilities
	Fishing Fishing is allowed in designated areas. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Guided Tours Ranger-guided walks are provided on the Coastal Hammock Trail during the winter season on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Walks for organized groups, at other days and times, can be provided by pre-arrangement.
	In-Line Skating In-line skating areas are provided.
	Nature Trails The Coastal Hammock Trail provides hikers a 20-minute leisurely walk through a native coastal strand forest ecosystem. Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the habitat and native flora. The Exotic Trail gives a different view of the park by including many plants brought here by Mr. Birch. It winds its way through a mix of native vegetation and non-native species.
	Picnicking Several shaded picnic areas with playground equipment, pavilions and barbecue grills are conveniently located close to parking throughout the park. Each of the three picnic pavilions is equipped with electricity and water and can accommodate approximately 75 people. The pavilions may be rented for $84.80 per day, tax included.
	Playground
	Primitive Camping The Primitive Youth Group Camping Area is for non-profit youth groups and can accommodate up to 40 campers. The Primitive Area accommodations include a restroom, cold water, and cold shower. All park rules and regulations apply to this campsite. For additional information or to make reservations, please call 954-564-4521.
	Swimming Swimming is available in designated areas.
	Visitor Center The Terramar Visitor Center is Hugh Taylor Birch’s home. Built in 1940, it is a mix of Mediterranean and art deco styles. It contains displays of the history of the area and an environmental display of this unique ecosystem. The Visitor Center is open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Admission is free with paid park entrance.
	Youth Camping The Elk’s Youth Camp was built by the Fort Lauderdale Elk’s Club in 1950 for non-profit youth groups. It was renovated in 2005 to provide central air conditioning and individual restrooms in each of the 6 cabins. The lodge has complete kitchen and dining facilities for the camp maximum accommodation of 68. The cost is $166.50 per night, tax included, for a minimum of 30 people.

Special Events for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

JUST READ, FLORIDA!
Date: September 13, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Description: In celebration of Literacy Month, park staff will be presenting readings from local history at the Terramar Visitor Center at 10:00 a.m., Noon and 2:00 p.m.. In addition, Ranger-guided walks along the Coastal Hammock Trail will be given hourly between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m..
Fees: Free park admission with library card, library book or book donation.
Contact: (954) 564-4521

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Ranger Programs

FAMILY FITNESS NIGHTS
July - Tuesdays and Thursdays
Throughout July, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the main park drive will be closed to vehicles 1-1/2 hours prior to park closing. The whole family can come out to exercise in the great outdoors. It's fitness fun for everyone, whether you walk, run, bike, or skate.
Call (954) 564-4521 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Question: Can I bring my dog to the park?
Answer: Dogs are allowed in all areas of the park, but for safety reasons they are not allowed in the canoes. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and be well-behaved at all times.

Question: Can I fish in the park?
Answer: Fishing is allowed in the park along the sea wall of the Intracoastal Waterway. Fishing is currently not allowed in the new wetlands project. Fishing along the sea wall has improved greatly because of the wetlands project. Jack, tarpon and snapper have been caught there. Fishing is best right after high tide, as the water is coming out of the wetlands carrying small bait fish into the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Question: Is there a boat ramp in the park?
Answer: No, the nearest boat ramp is at George English Park. It is about a mile west of the park, three blocks west of the Intracoastal Bridge.

Question: How do I get to the park?
Answer: You can travel either Interstate 95 or the Florida Turnpike. Take the Sunrise Boulevard exit heading east. Continue traveling east until you go over a large drawbridge. Turn left at the first traffic light and that will bring you right into the park.

Question: What type of wildlife will I see in the park?
Answer: We have raccoons, squirrels, opossums, gray foxes, turtles and an ever-changing bird population (great egret, great and little blue herons and roseate spoonbills), just to name a few.

Question: Are there any snakes or spiders in the park?
Answer: The most common spiders found in the park are the crab spider and the golden orb weaver. Neither will harm you. We see rat snakes and black racers from time-to-time. These species are not poisonous.

Question: What is that skunk smell?
Answer: The smell is actually a tree called the white stopper. Just ask, and we’ll be happy to show you.

Question: Do you have any big special events happening at your park?
Answer: In December, we have the annual Winterfest Boat Parade along the Intracoastal Waterway. The event draws thousands of visitors to our area.