Explore native fauna, learn about history, hike, fish or paddle a canoe in this verdant oasis in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a73-hectare oasis of greenery next to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Offering a welcome respite from city life, this popular park caters for every conceivable pursuit with a host of exciting recreational activities to suit all kinds of visitor.To get a grasp of your surroundings, start off with a visit to the Terramar Visitor Center. The centre is located in the beautiful Bonnet House, the former home of the park’s visionary founder, Hugh Taylor Birch. Here visitors can learn about the park’s cultural history and ecology while admiring the Art Deco design of this Mediterranean-style house.Get the most out of your visit by opting for one of the free ranger-guided walks and learn all about the park’s unique habitat and native flora. With two excellent trails to choose from, nature lovers will be in their element. On the Coastal Hammock Trail, discover a wealth of native tropical trees including gumbo limbo and Spanish stopper trees. Interpretive signs dotted throughout the closed canopy forest provide more information about the ecology of the area. As you pick your way through the trail, inhale the sweet scents of wild coffee leaves while keeping an eye out for the odd feral iguana. For an historical overview of the park and its ecosystems, opt for a self-guided audio tour on the Mid Trail which also features a large beehive.This park is bursting with exciting attractions. Hop in a canoe and paddle along the central freshwater lagoon or fish for mackerel off the seawall. Rent a bicycle, a segway or some roller blades and traverse the 3.2-kilometre paved-park road. Or simply stroll around soaking up the sights and sounds before settling down for a picnic under one of the majestic banyan trees. As you sit back and relax in the scenic surrounds, remember to thank Hugh Taylor Birch, the man who made it all possible.
