🌤 Weather at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64–86 °F | 76–91 °F | 68–89 °F | 60–78 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Fort Lauderdale Beach, 0 mi away, elevation 4 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park protects 175 acres of maritime hammock, mangroves and beach between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A tunnel under A1A takes you to the beach.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is Fort Lauderdale’s most beloved green space — a gift from Chicago attorney Hugh Taylor Birch who donated this precious strip of tropical paradise between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic. Where else in Florida can you paddle a freshwater lagoon, hike a tropical hammock, and walk to the beach through a tunnel under A1A — all in one visit?
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Lauderdale — between Intracoastal + Atlantic |
| Beach Access | Pedestrian tunnel under SR A1A |
| Lagoon | Long Lake — 0.8-mile freshwater lagoon |
| Birding | Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail site |
| Camping | Group camping only (Elks Group Camp, primitive group camp) |
| Concessionaire | Park & Ocean — rentals + restaurant |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Atlantic beach — via pedestrian tunnel |
| Kayak/SUP/Canoe | Freshwater lagoon — rentals available on-site |
| Bird Watching | Wading birds, hawks, neotropical migrants |
| Hiking | Beach Hammock Trail (1,500 ft) — maritime hammock |
| Biking/Rollerblading | 1.9–2 mi paved loop road |
| Fishing | Intracoastal Waterway seawall |
| Picnicking | Pavilions + picnic areas — rentable |
| Museum | Terramar Visitor Center — natural + cultural history |
| Dining | Park & Ocean restaurant on-site |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent kayaks or paddleboards?
Yes — the Park & Ocean concessionaire offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals on the freshwater lagoon. The calm, sheltered water is perfect for beginners and families.
How do I get to the beach?
The park connects to Fort Lauderdale Beach via a pedestrian tunnel that runs under State Road A1A. You don’t need to leave the park or find street parking — just walk through the tunnel.
More parks in Florida: Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park and Oleta River State Park. See the full Florida state parks guide.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Florida state parks online at reserve.floridastateparks.org.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leashes may not exceed 6 feet; pets must be under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas — swimming pets can be viewed as prey by alligators.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings, cabins or cabin areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at several parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs (free kennels at the entrance), Weeki Wachee Springs and Egmont Key; in campgrounds pets must be confined in the camping unit 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
Are dogs allowed at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park?
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org. More: Florida state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
