Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Tours

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and landscape views
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park featuring a beach and general coastal views as well as an individual male
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park showing a garden, landscape views and forests
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park which includes signage and a garden
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park showing landscape views and a sandy beach as well as an individual male


See a slice of pristine Florida on an island where you can swim in the ocean on one side, fish on the other and canoe down the middle.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park sits on a beautiful barrier island. You can drive through 180 acres (73 hectares) and find a spot to soak up the sun for the day. If you crave action, hike or cycle along the nature trails, or canoe in the lake. The park’s white sand beach is quieter than many other public beaches around Fort Lauderdale.

Start at the Terramar Visitor Center for an introduction to the history of the area, as well as information about flora and fauna you will find here. The park takes its name from Hugh Taylor Birch, who saw the beauty of this coastal area and bought three miles (five kilometers) of undeveloped coastline for a dollar an acre in 1895. His winter home, built in 1940, is an example of Mediterranean-style art deco architecture, uncommon in this part of Florida. Today the building is the park’s visitor center. Note that the center has been closed for renovations check for its reopening date on the Florida State Parks website.

Free, ranger-guided walks are held on certain days, covering a variety of topics. Contact the Ranger Station for departure points and a schedule of tour topics. The Ranger Station also offers a self-guided audio tour you can download to your cell phone. (It’s free but a donation is appreciated.) On the three-quarter-mile (1.2-kilometer) Mid Trail learn about the park’s history, ecology, and wildlife. Birch introduced some of the flora and fauna himself.

See more native species along the 20-minute Coastal Hammock Trail. Signs along the way point out significant plants, such as white stopper tree, which gives off a pungent, musky scent.

Rent a canoe and explore the mile-long (1.6-kilometer) freshwater lagoon known as Long Lake. Fishing is allowed along the inter-coastal waterway on the west side of the park. M. Cruz Rentals has an outlet inside the park, with bicycles and rollerblades for rent, plus Segway tours.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a 10-minute drive northwest of central Fort Lauderdale. Bring a packed lunch or picnic basket as there are plenty of facilities, including restrooms and grills. The park is open every day of the year.

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Reviews of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
162
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
123
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
38
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
11
1 - Terrible 3%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great place to walk into nature. Bring bug spray as the mosquitoes and “no see ‘em” were plentiful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Don't miss the hamburgers at the sit down food bar. They are the best.. Nice walk around the park.

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Best Lodging Options Near Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Pelican Grand Beach Resort - A Noble House Resort

Pelican Grand Beach Resort - A Noble House Resort

4 out of 5
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Pelican Grand Beach Resort - A Noble House Resort
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach

Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach

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Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort

Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort

4 out of 5
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GALLERYone- A DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel

GALLERYone- A DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel

4 out of 5
2670 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

4 out of 5
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Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach

Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach

3 out of 5
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Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

5 out of 5
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The Atlantic Hotel & Spa

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Atlantic Hotel & Spa
Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort by Vacatia

Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort by Vacatia

4.5 out of 5
909 Breakers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

At Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including sunrise walks, shopping, and boating. The park features scenic trails for hiking, designated picnic areas for relaxing meals, and opportunities for group camping. Additionally, photography enthusiasts can take advantage of picturesque photo tours to capture the natural beauty of the park.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, visit The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, just 1 mile away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Also, check out Joe Picasso's, located 1 mile away, for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop is 5 miles away.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Chase Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round of golf at the scenic Palm-Aire Country Club, surrounded by lush landscapes. For entertainment, catch a concert at the lively Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, where vibrant performances create an unforgettable ambiance.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of underwater exploration with Gold Coast Scuba, located 3 miles away, offering scuba diving adventures. Enjoy a day of fun and excitement at Pompano Beach Aquatics Center, situated 6 miles away, featuring water slides and pools for the whole family. For karting enthusiasts, K1 Speed, 8 miles away, provides an exhilarating racing experience.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at the Parker Playhouse, just 2 miles away, offering a mix of culture and romance. For adventure lovers, the Off the Wall Trampoline Fun Center, located 9 miles away, promises thrilling fun, while the Buehler Planetarium and Observatory, also 9 miles away, provides entertainment under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities for families and beach enthusiasts. Explore the park’s scenic trails, enjoy the nearby marina, or relax on the beautiful beach. Ideal for those seeking an urban park experience, this area provides a perfect backdrop for picnics, hiking, and water sports, making it a fantastic destination for both relaxation and adventure.

  • Fort Lauderdale Beach: Enjoy the sun and surf at this beautiful beach, just 0.5 miles from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Fort Lauderdale Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball, offering a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the quintessential Florida beach experience.
  • Las Olas Boulevard: Located 3 miles away, Las Olas Boulevard is the heart of Fort Lauderdale's shopping and dining scene. Stroll along this lively street lined with boutiques, art galleries, and eateries, immersing yourself in the city vibes and local culture.
  • Bahia Mar Marina: This marina, also 3 miles from the park, offers outdoor adventures, including boat rentals and fishing charters. Experience the thrill of water sports against a backdrop of stunning views, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers and beach lovers.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

To save money during your visit to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, consider traveling between August and October for lower accommodation rates, with Tuesdays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to compare options and find the best deals by filtering prices from lowest to highest. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings through Expedia packages, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Public transport options are also available to help you explore the area affordably.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hugh Taylor Birch State Park are August to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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