Unearth The Voyage
There is a spot in Fort Lauderdale where you can sit under a canopy of trees, feel the ocean breeze on your face, and enjoy a cold drink with a plate of crispy fries, all without leaving a state park. Most people drive right past it without knowing it exists.
The restaurant is tucked between lush greenery and the Atlantic Ocean, and it has become a favorite for locals who know exactly where to look. By the time you finish reading this, you will want to drop everything and go find it for yourself.
A One-of-a-Kind Address in the Heart of Nature
Not many restaurants can claim a state park as their front yard, but Park and Ocean does exactly that. Nestled inside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park at 3109 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, this gastropub occupies one of the most unusual and scenic dining addresses in all of South Florida.
The park itself is a narrow stretch of preserved land that sits between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, which makes the setting feel genuinely special rather than just a marketing gimmick.
You can reach the restaurant from two directions: through the park entrance off Sunrise Boulevard, where a small vehicle fee applies, or directly from the beach side off A1A, which is free on foot. Either way, the journey to your table is half the fun, and the reward waiting at the end is absolutely worth the trip.
The Story Behind This Surprising Gastropub
Park and Ocean did not happen by accident. The concept was born from a simple but brilliant idea: pair the natural beauty of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park with good food, cold drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere that matches the South Florida lifestyle perfectly.
The name itself tells you everything you need to know. The park is right there on one side, and the ocean is just steps away on the other.
That geographic sweet spot is what makes this place feel unlike any other dining experience in Fort Lauderdale.
Over the years, it has grown from a casual refreshment stop into a full gastropub with a rotating beer list, a solid food menu, and live music on weekends. Regulars come back again and again not just for the food, but because the whole experience feels refreshingly unhurried in a city that rarely slows down.
What the Outdoor Seating Area Actually Looks Like
The seating area at Park and Ocean is one of those places that looks even better in person than it does in photos. Rows of picnic tables are spread out beneath a thick canopy of mature trees that block out the harsh South Florida sun and create a cool, shaded environment even on the hottest summer days.
Sand occasionally drifts under your feet, the breeze off the ocean keeps things comfortable, and the greenery surrounding you on all sides makes it feel more like a backyard cookout than a restaurant visit.
There is no air conditioning here, and there are no walls either. The whole setup is open-air, which means you are fully immersed in the park environment from the moment you sit down.
On a clear afternoon, you can actually catch glimpses of the Atlantic through the trees, and that view alone is worth the visit.
The Food Menu and What to Order
The menu at Park and Ocean leans into classic pub fare with a few elevated twists that set it apart from your average beach shack. Burgers are a standout, arriving thick and juicy with toppings that actually make sense together rather than just piling on extras for show.
The conch fritters come highly recommended and are seasoned with enough spice to give them personality, so if you are sensitive to heat, it is worth asking ahead. The BBQ brisket loaded fries are another crowd-pleaser, stacked generously and built for sharing, though you might not want to.
Fresh options like the southwest chopped salad with mahi mahi offer something lighter without sacrificing flavor. Fish tacos, nachos, and wraps round out a menu that covers enough ground to satisfy a group with different tastes.
Portions are generous, and the quality consistently surprises first-time visitors who expected basic bar food.
Craft Beer and Non-Alcoholic Options on the Menu
The drink menu at Park and Ocean takes its beer selection seriously. On any given visit, you can expect around ten craft beers on tap, with a rotating lineup that keeps things interesting for regulars who stop in frequently.
The bar counter is small and intimate, with about ten seats, which gives it a neighborhood feel rather than the impersonal vibe of a larger venue. Ordering is done at the counter, and drinks are handed over right there on the spot, so there is no long wait before your cold beverage arrives.
For those not looking for something with a kick, the staff is genuinely accommodating. A strawberry lemonade made to order is one popular non-alcoholic choice, and the team is happy to work with you on custom requests.
Coffee drinks are also available, making this a solid stop at any hour of the day.
Live Music Weekends That Set the Mood
Every weekend, Park and Ocean transforms into something even more special than it already is on a regular day. Local musicians set up and perform live, filling the tree-shaded space with music that ranges from acoustic sets to upbeat covers depending on who is playing.
The sound floats out over the picnic tables and mingles with the rustle of palm fronds and the distant sound of waves, creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely cinematic without trying too hard. You can sit back with a cold drink, listen to a talented local artist, and watch people of all ages enjoying the same moment together.
The performances are low-key and friendly rather than loud and overwhelming, which makes it easy to hold a conversation while still appreciating the music. Weekends here tend to fill up, so arriving a little early to grab a good table under the trees is always a smart move.
Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals Right on Site
One of the most unexpected things about Park and Ocean is that it also manages the water recreation rentals for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are all available to rent, and the launch area is just a short walk from the restaurant itself.
The freshwater lake inside the park runs in a fairly straight line, which makes it ideal for beginners who are still getting comfortable on the water. More experienced paddlers can explore a shaded passage tucked along the shoreline that offers a nice escape from the open sun.
There are lockers available near the launch for storing anything you do not want to get wet, which is a thoughtful touch that first-timers genuinely appreciate. The staff at the rental desk are knowledgeable and patient, walking you through safety basics and pricing before you ever touch the water.
It is a full outdoor experience wrapped into one stop.
Dog-Friendly Atmosphere That Locals Love
Park and Ocean has earned a loyal following among Fort Lauderdale dog owners, and for good reason. The entire outdoor space welcomes leashed dogs, and the bar even keeps a supply of free water available for four-legged visitors who need to cool down after a walk through the park.
On any given afternoon, you are likely to spot at least a few dogs lounging under the picnic tables while their owners enjoy a meal. The relaxed, open-air environment suits pets perfectly, and the staff treats animal guests with the same warmth they extend to everyone else.
For dog owners who struggle to find genuinely pet-friendly spots that go beyond a token outdoor table, this place is a proper find. The combination of shade, fresh air, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a go-to weekend destination for locals who want to bring the whole family, furry members included.
Beach Access and the Unique Dual Entry Point
One of the genuinely clever things about Park and Ocean is the fact that it sits at a crossroads between two completely different worlds. On one side is the lush interior of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and on the other side is direct access to the Atlantic Ocean beach via a dedicated walkway.
This means you can park inside the park, grab a meal, rent a kayak, and then walk straight to the beach without ever getting back in your car. For visitors trying to pack a full outdoor day into a single trip, that kind of convenience is hard to overstate.
The beach access point connects to the stretch of sand across from A1A, putting you right in the middle of one of Fort Lauderdale’s most popular coastal areas. The transition from shaded park to open beach happens in just a few minutes on foot, and the contrast between the two environments makes both feel even better.
Bike Rentals and the Two-Mile Park Trail
Beyond the kayaks and the food, Park and Ocean also connects visitors to bike rentals that open up the full two-mile loop trail winding through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. The trail is paved, shaded in most sections, and passes through some genuinely beautiful stretches of native Florida landscape.
Along the way, you might spot turtles sunning themselves near the water, iguanas perched in the vegetation, or a crane standing perfectly still at the edge of the lake. The trail also passes a small zen garden tucked into the park, which feels like a quiet reward for those who take the time to explore.
After a ride around the loop, coming back to Park and Ocean for a cold drink and a loaded plate of fries hits differently than it would otherwise. The combination of physical activity and good food in a beautiful natural setting is a formula that is hard to argue with.
How to Get There and What to Expect at the Entrance
Getting to Park and Ocean requires a small amount of planning, but nothing complicated. If you are driving into Hugh Taylor Birch State Park from Sunrise Boulevard, there is a per-vehicle entrance fee to access the park grounds and the restaurant’s main parking area.
Parking is generally plentiful during the week, though weekend crowds can make it tighter, especially on sunny afternoons when both the park and the beach are busy. Arriving before noon on a Saturday or Sunday gives you the best chance of finding a spot without circling.
Alternatively, parking along A1A is free for a limited time at the meters, and the beach-side entrance to the restaurant is accessible on foot without paying the park fee. A parking app that lets you pay by phone and receive low-time alerts makes the street parking option much more manageable and stress-free for first-time visitors.
The Ordering System and What First-Timers Should Know
Park and Ocean uses a counter-service model that takes a little getting used to on your first visit. You place your order and pay at one spot, collect your drinks immediately at the bar, and then wait for a text message notification before picking up your food at a separate counter nearby.
The system keeps things moving efficiently and works well when the spot is busy, but it does mean you need to make sure the phone number you give them is correct, or you might miss your pickup alert. The staff is helpful about walking new visitors through the process without making it feel like a big deal.
Service speed can vary depending on how busy the kitchen is, so building in a little extra time on a weekend visit is a good idea. Treating it as a leisurely experience rather than a quick stop makes the wait feel like part of the laid-back atmosphere rather than an inconvenience.
Best Times to Visit for the Full Experience
Late afternoons on a weekday are one of the best-kept secrets at Park and Ocean. The crowds thin out, the light through the tree canopy turns golden, and the whole space takes on a quieter, more relaxed energy that feels like a reward for showing up at the right time.
Weekend visits offer a livelier atmosphere thanks to the live music and larger crowds, but they also come with busier parking and slightly slower service at the kitchen. Both experiences have their own appeal, and the right choice really depends on what kind of outing you are looking for.
Summer visits are absolutely doable thanks to the natural shade and consistent ocean breeze that keeps the temperature more bearable than you might expect. The park also tends to be less crowded during the week in summer, which gives you more room to spread out and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
