AN URBAN OASIS NESTLED BETWEEN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY - Florida State Parks
For an afternoon of outdoor recreational fun head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale's own 'Central Park'.
This 180-acre nature reserve features freshwater lagoons, diverse wildlife habitats, and plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities throughout. It sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, giving you boat access as well. The entire park is truly 'the perfect place for relaxation and exercise'.
The state park was gifted by local magnate Hugh Taylor Birch, whom you can learn all about with a visit to the Park Ranger Station or Visitor Center (Terramar Visitor Center). While here your group can also take part in several different outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, camping, picnicking, paddling, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife watching, and even rollerblading. Take a stroll around the trails and view all the local flora and fauna, with Gopher Tortoises and Florida Rat Snakes scurrying about the oaks, palms, and various mangroves of the park.
There are specific interpretive tours and presentations your group can take part in each Friday and Saturday, with the following options:
- Live Animal Presentation - 1 pm each Friday and Saturday at Visitors Center
- Mangrove Habitat Walk - 10:30 each Friday - 1.5 miles
- Mid-Trail Walk - 10:30 the 2nd Friday of each month - 2 miles
- Coastal Dune and Historic Homes Walk - 10:30 the 3rd Friday of each month
- Beach Hammock Trail Walk - 10:30 the 4th Friday of each month
- Beach Coastal Walk - 10:30 the 5th Friday of each month
