Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a Florida State Park located near Boca Raton, Dania and Deerfield Beach

HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK

HUGH TAYLOR BIRCH STATE PARK
3109 East Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304

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 the area's natural and cultural history. Located on East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, off A1A.

Passes

Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.

Visitors 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.

Camping

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.

Primitive Camping

The Primitive Youth Group Camping Area is for non-profit youth groups and can accommodate up to 40 campers. T The Primitive Area accommodations include a restroom, cold water, and cold shower.

Swimming

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.

Location

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is located near Boca Raton, Dania and Deerfield Beach

Nearby Parks

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Pan-American State Park

Oleta River State Park

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 $63.60 per day, tax included.

Trails

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

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.

Nature Programs

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.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews