3109 E. Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale

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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a small natural oasis in the midst of highly developed Fort Lauderdale. It sits on the barrier island — one of two state parks in Broward County — sandwiched between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. While it doesn't touch the beach, it does provide beach access via a tunnel.

Water really is the main feature here. The park does border the Intracoastal but its most unusual feature is a freshwater lagoon that stretches for about a mile along the park's eastern edge. There's also a mangrove forest, filled with reds, blacks and whites, and buttonwood trees. A hiking trail with an audio guide follows along the eastern edge of the forest. We visited the park in March, and the trail was slightly damp; we'd imagine it would be fairly mucky during the rainy season. Another trail follows along and above the freshwater lagoon. Near the park entrance is a dune with gopher tortoise burrows.

There is a two-mile asphalt road that loops through the park, providing access for cars, bikes, skaters and those who are wheelchair-bound. There are restrooms, picnic facilities, playgrounds and plenty of parking.

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