Overview

This 180-acre park was given by Hugh Taylor Birch to the state of Florida. Birch came to Florida in the last part of the 19th century and promptly fell in love with the area—he eventually purchased more than three miles of oceanfront property in the little town of Fort Lauderdale. More than 100 years later, Fort Lauderdale is a busy metropolis, and Birch's land thrives as a wildlife preserve and botanical wonderland. A number of animal and plant species have found a safe home here alongside the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors are free to hike or bike the designated trails, canoe around the lagoon, take a dip in the ocean and visit Birch's home, which is open to the public. Excellent camping facilities are available. Opens daily at 8am.