Looking for a peaceful, eco-friendly getaway in South Florida? Head to Coconut Creek! Nicknamed the “Butterfly Capital of the World,” Coconut Creek blends lush landscapes, family attractions, and convenient access to nearby beaches and cities. Whether you’re exploring tropical gardens, shopping local, or relaxing under the palms, this suburban oasis offers sunshine and serenity year-round.
Coconut Creek, FL Highlights:
- Visit Butterfly World: Walk through the world’s largest butterfly park with thousands of butterflies, tropical birds, and lush gardens.
- Explore Tradewinds Park & Stables: Ride horses, picnic by the lake, or fish and bike in one of Broward County’s largest parks.
- Shop and dine at Promenade at Coconut Creek: Enjoy upscale shops, restaurants, and a luxury movie theater in a walkable outdoor setting.
- Relax in Sabal Pines Park: Find walking paths, ball fields, and tranquil areas for families and nature lovers.
- Visit the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek: Try your luck, enjoy live entertainment, and dine at one of several on-site restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Coconut Creek, FL
The best time to visit Coconut Creek is from November through April, when the weather is sunny and mild — perfect for outdoor adventures and beach days. Summers are warm and humid with occasional afternoon rain, but great for fewer crowds and lower prices.
How to Get to Coconut Creek, FL
- If you are traveling by car: Coconut Creek is located along the Florida Turnpike and US-441, about 40 minutes north of Miami and 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.
- By air: The nearest airports are Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL, 25 min) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI, 35 min).
- By public transit: Broward County Transit (BCT) and Tri-Rail provide access to nearby cities and beach areas.
Where to Stay in Coconut Creek, FL
- Hampton Inn & Suites Coconut Creek – Clean, modern hotel with free breakfast and convenient location near the Promenade.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Coconut Creek – Spacious extended-stay suites with kitchenettes and outdoor pool.
- Courtyard by Marriott Coral Springs – A nearby option with easy access to Coconut Creek and Coral Springs attractions.
Best Things to Do in Coconut Creek, FL
1. Learn and observe butterflies at Butterfly World
It was about a 40-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale to Coconut Creek and I drove here with my family just to see Butterfly World. However, once we got here we decided to stay a while to see many other attractions.
But first things first. Butterfly World is the world's largest butterfly park, home to more than 20,000 live butterflies and kids just love it here!
I learned here that the park was the vision of Florida electrical engineer Ronald Boender, who founded the organization MetaScience in 1984 to supply global zoos and research programs with butterflies.
Beyond the butterflies, you can also visit the largest free-flight hummingbird aviary in the country. You should also check out the lorikeet encounter experience, the tropical rainforest aviary, and the butterfly emerging area.
You can stroll through the Grace Gardens outdoor botanical garden, view mounted specimens at the park's insectarium, or observe butterflies at different stages of development at the park's laboratory facility.
Butterfly World, 3600 West Sample Road, Tradewinds Park, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, Phone: 954-977-4434
2. Fern Forest Nature Center
As a nature fan, I couldn't pass up a trip to the Fern Forest Nature Center!
This 247-acre nature preserve showcases one of South Florida's finest collections of preserved native plants. You can see more than 200 species of native Florida plants.
I just love the ferns, their resilience and beauty. So I truly admired over 30 species of native ferns here, including the endangered primitive whisk fern.
You can explore interpretive exhibits at the park's nature center, which also offers extensive indoor and outdoor special event rental facilities.
Outside, the mile-long Prairie Overlook Trail offers a 20-foot observation platform where you can admire the view.
If you have a family member in a wheelchair, the ADA-accessible Cypress Creek Trail is your best bet. You can follow a boardwalk within a hardwood hammock, maple and cypress forest.
Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 S Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33063, Phone: 954-357-5198
3. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
You can spend the night at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek which has more than 2,000 classic and new state-of-the-art slot machines.
70 live table games are also offered, giving you a chance to try your luck at your favorite games such as poker, baccarat, and blackjack.
I like casinos for their diverse (and often affordable) dining options. Here you will find eateries that range from the casual New York-style 1st Street Deli to the award-winning upscale NYY Steak restaurant. If you want a romantic meal, check out Sorrisi Italian restaurant and the Asian-style BOL.
After dinner, check out live music performances by internationally-renowned acts at the 1,200-seat Pavilion. Or if you prefer to dance, DJ sets are presented nightly at the Legends Lounge.
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 NW 40th St, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, Phone: 954-977-6700
If you decide to spend the night, there are many accommodations to choose from.
4. Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area
I love that Coconut Creek is so full of parks. Another place I had to see for myself was the Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area, a 56-3-acre natural area that preserves a wide variety of native flora and fauna within its pine upland and wetland ecosystems. You can spot zebra longwing butterflies, wood warblers, and a number of hawk species.
You can hike along the park's 0.7-mile nature trail, which offers covered overlooks and interpretive signage along a concrete walkway and 2,000-foot elevated boardwalk.
You should note that pets, bicycles, skateboards, and inline skates are NOT allowed at the park. Guided nature walks are offered periodically throughout the year so keep an eye on the calendar if your travel dates are flexible.
Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area, 5591 NW 74th Pl, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, Phone: 954-357-5100
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Winston Park Nature Center
If you thought we were done with natural areas to see in Coconut Creek, think again! Pack a picnic lunch and head to the lovely 25-acre Winston Park Nature Center in North Coconut Creek.
Follow the nature trail with a 1,000-foot boardwalk winding through cypress forest areas with giant ferns and other native Florida plant life.
There is a butterfly garden here too! The reason I said to bring a picnic lunch is because there is a great recently-renovated picnic pavilion available where you can sit and eat your meal.
If you have active kids with you, there's basketball, tennis, racquetball, sand volleyball and a children's playground.
The nature center offers public restrooms and is completely FREE to enjoy.
Winston Park Nature Center, 5201 NW 49th Ave, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, Phone: 954-973-6700
6. Tradewinds Park and Stables
There is one more public park I have to mention because it's one of Broward County's largest! If you thought we were done with places to see butterflies in Coconut Creek, I can assure you that we were not!
Tradewinds Park and Stables spans more than 600 acres and is the home of the iconic Butterfly World attraction, the first butterfly park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
On select weekends, the park's Tradewinds and Atlantic Railroad attraction offers small-scale steam railroad rides, giving you a unique vantage point on the park's beautiful scenery.
I enjoyed the freshwater fishing pier although we didn't come prepared to fish. There are also equestrian trails, children's pony rides, and an educational farm museum. You can camp overnight as well.
During the holiday season, the park hosts autumn hayrides and an annual drive-through Christmas light show spectacular which I highly recommend.
Tradewinds Park and Stables, 3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 33066, Phone: 954-357-8870
7. Off the Wall Trampoline Fun Center
The reason I'm including Off the Wall Trampoline Fun Center among my favorite things is not just because of its size (although it's definitely huge at 36,500 square feet). I'm including it because if you are visiting in the summer, it will get quite hot in the afternoons. So take your kids to this indoor play center instead!
In addition to trampolines, there are basketball courts, an obstacle ropes course, rock climbing wall, and other sporting activities for children and teenagers.
There is a fully-stocked arcade featuring state-of-the-art video and redemption game favorites.
My son found some kids to play with at the two-level laser tag area while I relaxed at the espresso bar and sports lounge. Afterwards we had lunch at the cafe. Think New York-style pizza, chicken wings, and Angus beef burgers!
Off the Wall Trampoline Fun Center, 4939 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Coconut Creek, FL 33063, Phone: 954-973-3031
Where to Eat:
8. ethos Greek Bistro
Another great place to eat was ethos Greek Bistro. I was in the mood for Greek food and this fine dining Greek restaurant was great. You'll find it within the 23-acre Promenade at Coconut Creek, the city's premiere upscale open-air shopping complex.
The modern dining space has both indoor and outdoor seating areas, so you can choose.
Tables of two or more diners can enjoy the restaurant's unique Taste of Ethos dining experience, which allows you to sample some of the restaurant's most popular dishes.
A wide array of shareable meze-style small plates are also available for purchase, along with entrees such as Mediterranean sea bass, slow-cooked lamb with barrel-aged feta, and Greek-style platters with protein options such as kefte, gyro, or falafel.
ethos Greek Bistro, 4437 Lyons Rd E104, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, Phone: 754-999-0050
9. NYY Steak
If you prefer steaks, I have to mention NYY Steak, a flagship restaurant of the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.
If you skipped my casino section before, perhaps this restaurant will tempt you do visit after all. I loved the an open-plan kitchen that serves up dry-aged steaks prepared at its in-house butcher shop.
Excellent dining options include USDA prime steaks and delicious seafood entrees, which are prepared to your individual specifications.
A well-curated wine list has been awarded with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, with fine selections of beers and spirits also available.
Sunday brunch seating features live music performances and bottomless cocktails, while lounge seating at the restaurant's Legends Lounge offers access to top-shelf spirits and bottle service.
If you are traveling with your whole family, you can also book reservations at the restaurant's Chef's Table, which pairs family-style courses with fine wines for up to 12 guests.
NYY Steak, 5550 NW 40th St, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, Phone: 954-935-6699
I enjoy writing about Florida, Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas. I think you would enjoy my article on more Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale. If you are heading to Fort Lauderdale, I have some local favorites that you can read about here.
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