KANE ANTHONY

July 29th, 2021

Whiskey Creek / Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Nature and Florida go hand-and-hand, as the state boast an impressive count of 175 State Parks and 9 trails maintained by state officials. However, finding large parks near major cities that can accommodate high traffic while also maintaining a natural appearance and resident wildlife can be a bit trickier. This brings us to Whiskey Creek Hideout, or more accurately, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.

Location

Located on a slither of land that separates the main channel of Port Everglades and the ocean is Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State park. There’s also a shallow creek that runs along most of the park on the intracoastal side that allows boat access and has a network of mangrove trees that can be paddled through by kayak or paddle board.

Parking

This State Park probably has more parking spaces per acre than any other park I’ve visited, and yet it takes very little from the park’s aesthetics and wildlife residents. Every parking lot has quick access to the beach, but the first two lots are best for quick access to the intracoastal.

Boating

The Park can be accessed by boat through the Whiskey Creek channel and has two boat ramps with adjacent parking for trailers. However, most people will opt to launch from these ramps, while visitors coming by boat may be more inclined to drop anchor on the bank of Whiskey Creek and make camp for a relaxing day of mangrove trees, soft sand, and either the relaxing flow of water on the creek-side or the calming sounds of breaking waves on the ocean-side.

Fishing

With relatively less traffic than most public beaches, anglers can enjoy fishing from the surf at almost any time of the day. Additionally, there are small walk-a-rounds that go over Whiskey Creek and part of the intracoastal where anglers can cast near mangroves or into the channel. Finally, the pavilion near the boat ramps have access to the mouth of the creek where anglers can often find schooling Jack Crevalles.

Friends & Family

Besides the kayak and paddleboard rentals operated inside of the park by Whiskey Creek Hideout, visitors can enjoy their time with friends under one of the large pavilions or at a picnic table on the beach with a grill near every section to really get things cooking.

Watch the Drop

One thing to be aware of at this park is that the beach is rather short compared to more popular tourist-focused beaches in the area. There’s usually a two-foot drop-off in the sand right after the picnic tables and grills before you can reach the ocean.