Situated on a pristine coastal barrier island, the 73-hectare Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a host of activities. Nature trails allow hikers to get up close to local plants and wildlife, while skaters and cyclists zip along the paved roads, shrouded by tall leafy trees. Hire a canoe and paddle down the 1.6-kilometre freshwater lagoon or walk through the pedestrian tunnel to a secluded white sand beach, away from the crowded public beaches around Fort Lauderdale.
Start your visit at the Terramar Visitor Centre, where you can discover more about the natural and cultural history of the area. The park is named after Hugh Taylor Birch, who purchased five kilometres of undeveloped coastline for a dollar an acre in 1895. His winter beachfront home was built in 1940 in Mediterranean-style art deco, a style rarely seen in this part of Florida. The house now serves as the park’s visitor centre. The centre is currently closed for refurbishment, so check whether it has re-opened before you visit.
On Friday mornings, there are free, ranger-guided walks, which rotate through different locations within the park. On Fridays and Saturdays, meet protected snakes, turtles and other animals at the live animal presentation located at the Beach Gate entrance. There is also a self-guided audio tour you can download from the website to your mobile phone which will lead you through the 1.2-kilometre Mid Trail. The audio tour is free but a donation is always appreciated.
More native species can be spotted as you stroll along the 20-minute Coastal Hammock Trail. Helpful signs along the path tell you about significant plants, such as the white stopper tree, which exudes a pungent, musky scent.
Fishing is a popular activity within the park, so bring your fishing gear and cast your line along the intracoastal waterway seawall on the west side of the park. Kayaks, bicycles and rollerblades can be hired inside the park from M Cruz, which also offers segway tours.
Just a short 10-minute drive northwest of central Fort Lauderdale, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has great picnic spots and plenty of facilities such as grills and toilets, so bring along a packed lunch for a great day out. The park is open 365 days a year.
