LOCAL SITES OF INTEREST

Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, significant to all people of the world.
Biscayne National Park Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.

Segway Tours & Bike, Kayak and Rollerblade Rentals M.Cruz Rentals provides Segway Tours of Fort Lauderdale beach! Tours run daily beginning in Birch State Park with several tour options available. Segway demonstrations and rentals for private or corporate events are also popular.

We also offer the latest and highest quality bicycles for rent in the Ft. Lauderdale beach area. We stock tandem bikes; comfort, hybrid & road bicycles from Trek for adults; snazzy and safe kid-sized bicycles; and ultra- cool Electra Townies to Burley’s safest dual passenger trailers. Delivery and pick up of the bicycles at your convenience is also available.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1984 and declared a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale in 2002. In 2004, the National Trust for Historic Preservation included Bonnet House in its Save America’s Treasures program. Due to the threat posed by inappropriately massive nearby development, the National Trust and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation designated listed Bonnet House as one of America’s 11 most endangered sites in 2008.
John U. Loyd Beach State Park For those interested in South Florida's underwater beauty, Lloyd Beach has one of the easiest and most interesting shore dives in the area. The park has two boat ramps with easy access to the ocean through the Port Everglades Inlet, which will please those who prefer to fish in open water. The mangrove-lined waterway is a scenic place to canoe, observe bird life, and take photographs. At the Loggerhead Café, visitors can have a leisurely lunch or grab a quick snack. A variety of items are available for rental: canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, sailboats, pontoon boats, gazebos, barbecue grills, and volleyballs. Located north of Hollywood, off A1A.
Line
The Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex was founded in 1984 as a cooperative not-for profit venture. The Environmental Complex is designed to provide marine and coastal environmental education for the community through classes, workshops, field trips and research. Come walk around! Learn something new! See how we're advancing coastal and marine learning! Find out how to make a difference! Visit S.T.O.P.
Fort Lauderdale's historic Stranahan House is like a magical journey through time. Experience a link to the time when the Seminole Indians made friends with the settlers in what is now known as Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale Historical Society was founded in 1962 to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. In 2005 the Historical Society completed the historic village which features the largest remaining collection of early 20th century buildings in Broward County.

At the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum at Okalee one can experience the history, culture and art of the Seminole Indian people. The museum features various exhibits, retail Art Gallery and an awesome Museum Store. (located in Seminole Paradise adjacent to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino)

Hemingway House - Key West - Experience the calming contrast that this Key West home offered this complex man as you take a leisurely and inspiring tour of his mansion and gardens.

The Deering Estate at Cutler One of the most unique parks in south Florida. A Florida environmental, archaeological, historical and architectural preserve. The Estate is an island of palms and wildlife in the midst of suburbia, Miami, Florida.

There are ghosts in the Grove. The Original Ghost Tour of Coconut Grove offers nightly walking tours through tropical streets, past ancient hardwood hammocks, and along the beautiful Florida bay. In the Heart of Miami: Ghosts, graves, native pathways, and a sacred spring, are a few of the documented secrets and authentic histories to discover in this legendary colony. Walk into the past on this family friendly tour.

Dolphin Research Center research teaches the world more about the amazing abilities of this species. Every program, whether it’s an interactive dolphin encounter, a dolphin education experience such as DolphinLab or Dolphin Camp, or our special needs activities for people with disabilities, expands peoples’ knowledge and appreciation of marine mammals.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark; and a museum owned by Miami-Dade County. Vizcaya was built by American industrialist James Deering, who wintered on the property from 1916–1925. Today, the European-inspired estate includes a house filled with art and furnishings, ten acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay, a hardwood hammock, and an historic village in Miami, Florida

Florida Online Park Guide is a quality area guide book serving Greater Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Keys/ Key West and the Palm Beaches.  It's a must for any visitor!

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation's best state park service, Florida's state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks, most of which are open 365 days a year. Florida's state parks, which span more than 700,000 acres and include more than 100 miles of sandy white beach, provide an affordable outing for people of all ages.

Broward County Parks Today our Broward park system has grown to include 18 regional parks, four nature centers, and 21 natural area sites at various stages of completion, for a total of more than 6,500 acres. Our annual operating budget is more than $40 million, and we host an estimated five million visitors per year.

Fort Lauderdale City Parks Fort Lauderdale has dozens of parks suitable for everything from picnics and water amusements to weddings. Check the online list for what can be found near you.

Return to Friends of Birch State Park