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January 2024 by Meysam Moradpour
Kayak galore
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October 2023 by Maurice Pierre
So, this is kind of a follow up to my review of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. While the park has many things to explore, the kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals are handled by Park and Ocean. Located a short walk from the first parking lot, Park and Ocean provides some much needed shade and refreshments during the South Florida summer.I had never been here before, so I arrived a little early to check the place out and reserve kayaks for my friends and I. The young lady at the desk was extremely helpful in explaining all the possible options, safety measures, and pricing. She let me know how to get down to the launch area and that there would be lockers for the things we didn't want to get wet, which turned out to be extremely helpful.We went down to the launch and were saddled with great kayaks. The lake is pretty much a straight line, so it's very good for practicing, beginners, and nice scenery. There is a little secret passage which can provide needed shade as well.We planned to have lunch there, but by the time we got done and completely rained on, the restaurant wasn't open yet. So, we used the walkway to access the beach until it was time. The restaurant boasts great local beer on tap and delicious cocktails, as well as elevated bar food and seafood options. I really enjoyed the conch fritters, which were well seasoned and flavorful. Be careful if you don't like spicy food.The young lady who was so helpful in the morning with kayak bookings also told us that the park puts on a reptile exhibition at one, so we were able to take the kids to check out.I will be back soon to try out their other menu items and drinks, and practice with my new paddle board. Hope to see you there.
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June 2023 by Sebastien Sighel
Great experience as always, great for quick family activities or something to do with a friend. A lot of wildlife. Usually takes about 45min to an hour to finish. Would recommend bringing a ziplock bag and putting ur phone inside if you want to take pictures.
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February 2023 by Beth S.
A lovely guided kayak trio at sunset.My guide Bill wlwas patient, knowledgeable and clearly loves to be out on the water.Take bug spray! I was warned but forgot it! Ouch!! Itch!! LolThis outfit is located inside the state park.Very reasonable to park.A bit of walking but worth EVERY step!
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February 2023 by Victoria McIntyre
Park and Ocean was a fantastic spot to rent a kayak for an hour!! It’s tucked in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and the place where you kayak feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere. They have a nice little loop where you can take your kayak - it should take no more than an hour to go through unless you take your time and wish to spot wildlife, take photos, etc. I’ve kayaked in the past and it probably took me 40mins, and that was even with stopping to take some photos along the way.If you have some stuff with you, there are lockers available that are free to use on a first come, first served basis.The water is like glass and very shallow and clear. If you’re new to kayaking, this is a very beginner-friendly area. To put it in perspective, there was a field trip group of kids learning how to canoe out on the water, and they had no issues.It’s very fun to see all of the wildlife and cool trees/foliage. Be sure to visit the “moat” path - ask the person at the counter where to point out where to find it. That was probably my favorite part of the whole path!I found this to be the best combo of price + experience + location (easy to get to) for kayaking in the area. I had a great time and would definitely return in the future.
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March 2022 by Robert Shawver
Nice spot to relax after park activities. Art Deco Terramar visitor center is next door and open on weekdays. Drink prices are a bit steep. 8 dollar beers are actually 10 with tax and included tip.
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March 2022 by Cray M.
Overall a pretty good spot, especially if it's not crowded. If it is, don't bother going if it's for food. Nice place for drinks and atmosphere.
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January 2022 by Peter A.
This review is not about the bar and restaurant; it's about their sunset kayak tour. TLDR: there's neither a sunset nor a tour. Our "tour guide" really didn't break the ice or make the group feel welcome at the start of the group. As such, everyone disconnected right away. Our guide shut off after a few minutes, and I was looking forward to a history lesson about the park and of Fort Lauderdale, but either the guide never spoke, spoke about trivial stuff like pointing out a random duck, or was too far ahead for anyone to hear. There is no sunset--it's blocked by the mangroves and sea grapes and park trees. Nothing you can do about that, but don't advertise it as a sunset tour. Moreover, halfway through the tour it became pitch dark, so we couldn't see our fellow kayakers or any plants or wildlife around us. I would recommend investing in Bluetooth earbuds for your kayakers and developing an actual dialogue for your tour as you kayak with groups. That way, your tour guide can connect and speak with your kayakers even if they are a distance behind. Also, your attendees can learn something about the beautiful city we live in, and the wonderful park we kayaked through. Also, the waterway we kayaked on was gross, swampy, and stinky. Consider moving it to the Inter-coastal waterway so we can see nice houses, boats, and, A SUNSET. Finally, include the park entrance fee in your price. It seems unfair to pay $35 for an hourly kayak rental (already pretty high compared to other rentals) and then have to pay the state park fee. We didn't intend or have time to explore the park so it seems like a waste. I thought this was a scam for a moment, but there are easy and inexpensive ways to better this tour. I think there is potential for this to be a pleasant, informational, and even romantic tour, but damn, this ain't it. Unless they consider improvements, I will not be doing this again. I would look elsewhere for a kayak rental.
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January 2022 by Trecia Hosein
We had a great Kayaking adventure. Purchasing tickets was a bit slow because there was only one person at the register.
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November 2021 by Jess llobet
The bar tender Dani is the best!!! Always has a smile on her face. She’s the reason I come and enjoy my drinks and food!!!! Food is yummy! Atmosphere is amazing!
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October 2021 by C T
Kayaking, biking, hiking trails, parasailing, beach chair rentals for beach access, barbecuing, great fish tacos, nice selection of beer, live music, outdoor seating with waterfront views… everything you need in one of place for a day full of outdoor activities with friends and family and you can even bring your dog. This place is a secret. So much fun! Coming back, repeatedly, soon. Highly recommended.
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August 2021 by Jenna ingram
We took the water taxi to access the park. The walk from the water taxi access is a beautiful but quick walk. We really just stopped in for some drinks. We opted for frozen rose because it was so hot outside! The view and vibe was amazing as it's also right across from the beach. Drinks were a little pricey, but that's to be expected. Definitely worth a visit!
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July 2021 by Melissa L.
Sunset Kayak tour was nice however my car was broken into parked inside the park.
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March 2021 by Chloe R.
We are from out of town and we were pretty disappointed with the sunset kayak tour that we looked forward to all day. We arrive at the site location with no greeting, simply stared at until we asked if this is where the tour was at. The tour guide had a sour attitude, not sure if he had a bad day or what, but he wasn't enthusiastic about the tour. There was no safety brief, no direction, didn't assist anyone into the kayaks, was distracted by multiple things and a resident where he proceeded to stop our tour half way through to talk to. We paid for 6:30-8:30, didn't load into the kayaks until 7 because he waited on 2 guests who were very laid and were back by 7:45. We didn't finish the route, we turned around a little bit past the fountain and he told us it was to narrow to turn around at because of the lack of experience half of the group had. It was basically like giving yourself your own tour. A lot of the guests on the tour felt the same way. The tour guide left the second half of the group, didn't turn back and look once. The most direction he gave was "you never want to fall in the water." My friend and I have been kayaking several times before and this was by far at the bottom of our list, which we are pretty upset about. Again, not sure if the tour guide had a bad day, but simply upset with the service as the website & other reviews look like a blast.
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March 2021 by Josh Bloom
Lived nearby for years, nice relaxed spot for drinks and lunch on the edge of a park. Fish tacos were solid.
