Need a family-friendly South Florida escape with parks, art, and sunshine? Head to Coral Springs! Tucked between the Everglades and the Atlantic coast, Coral Springs offers scenic nature, vibrant public art, diverse dining, and easy access to beaches. Whether you’re hiking in preserves, exploring museums, or relaxing by the pool, this city blends suburban charm with tropical fun.
Coral Springs, FL Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Explore Tall Cypress Natural Area – Walk boardwalk trails through wetlands filled with birds and native plants.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Coral Springs Museum of Art – Contemporary exhibits, sculpture gardens, and art classes in a unique civic center space.
- For Shoppers: Stroll The Walk of Coral Springs – An outdoor lifestyle plaza with shops, salons, restaurants, and entertainment.
- For Couples: Catch a performance at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts – Enjoy comedy shows, concerts, or Broadway-style productions.
- For Families: Play and splash at Betti Stradling Park – Shaded playgrounds, splash pad, sports fields, and picnic shelters.
Best Time to Visit Coral Springs, FL
The best time to visit Coral Springs is from November through April when temperatures are warm and dry—perfect for outdoor adventures, festivals, and relaxing under the sun without the summer humidity.
How to Get to Coral Springs, FL
- If you are traveling by car: Coral Springs is easily accessible via the Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869) and is located 40 minutes northwest of Miami and 30 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale.
- By Air: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the closest major airport, just 30 minutes away.
- By Train: Nearby Tri-Rail stations in Deerfield Beach and Cypress Creek provide regional access with short rideshare connections to Coral Springs.
Where to Stay in Coral Springs, FL
- Recommended for Families: Courtyard by Marriott Coral Springs – Comfortable rooms, pool, and close proximity to parks and shopping.
- For Couples: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center – Resort-style stay with golf course views, pool, and on-site dining.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Coconut Creek – Just outside Coral Springs, this stylish and modern hotel offers easy access and amenities.
Best Things to Do in Coral Springs, FL
1. Explore Tall Cypress National Area
★★★★★
I actually discovered Coral Springs as a day trip from Fort Lauderdale some years ago. Now I recommend it as a weekend getaway because there is so much to do here.
The first attraction to see here is Tall Cypress National Area named for its dense canopy of Cypress trees. These trees are essential for the swampy undergrowth of ferns, palms and other plants which in turn offer a habitat for a large variety of birds and reptiles.
You can explore the area along the elevated boardwalk which stretches for over 2000 feet, leading you through a collection of separate natural habitats which are perfect for bird watching.
There are restrooms at the parking area, interpretive signs along the boardwalk and a seating area where you can relax and enjoy the sounds of nature. It's a great idea to bring a picnic lunch because you will be hungry after you are done walking around! Pick up a picnic lunch from Doris Italian Market which I write about in a minute.
Tall Cypress National Area, 3700 Turtle Run Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33065, Phone: 954-357-5100
2. Admire art at the Coral Springs Museum of Art
You will find the Coral Springs Museum of Art in an impressive building known as the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, which also houses a performance theater and a wonderful outdoor sculpture garden.
The open-plan architecture of the museum is particularly inviting, temping visitors to move from one exciting exhibit to the next.
You are welcome to enjoy the museum at your own pace and are also invited to join in the regular First Friday tour.
You and your children are also encouraged to join in a variety of art programs designed to bring the visual arts to everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065, Phone: 954-340-5000, Map
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Visit the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital
The Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital is located on five acres of donated land in the Sportsplex Park.
Besides fulfilling an essential service of rescue and rehabilitation of native animals and birds, the non-profit center offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to learn about wildlife and nature.
When you visit you will be able to get up-close and personal with a variety of resident birds, reptiles and animals which were rescued and are not able to be repatriated into the wild for a variety of reasons.
The center presents regular educational events and offers a great children’s birthday party venue where your birthday group will be treated to a hands-on presentation before having free time to enjoy exploring the center.
Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital, Sawgrass Nature Center, 3000 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065, Phone: 954-752-9453
4. Head to Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Regardless of when you plan to visit Coral Springs you will find there is always something happening at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.
The performance theater hosts a constantly-changing program of musical and theatrical entertainment for the whole family.
If you are lucky enough to live close by you can enroll your children in their “Next stop Broadway” program, which aims to foster a love of acting and performance in young children.
The center presents regular matinee performances of children’s theater favorites, perfect for a group outing.
While you are in the area you are also invited to visit the Coral Springs Art Museum which is located in the same building.
Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33065, Phone: 954-344-5990
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Go for a swim at Coral Springs Cypress Park and Pool
If you are looking for a great family day out you need look no further than the Coral Springs Cypress Park and Pool.
The park area is great for sporty visitors who can hone their skills at baseball and soccer fields or basket ball and volleyball courts, or set off to enjoy the fitness track.
However, it is the large water park that is the most popular attraction of the park.
Here you will find everything you need to keep the kids active and happy for hours.
You can float along the Lazy River, slip and slide down the water slides or enjoy swimming in the three swimming pools.
The park offers swimming and diving lessons and there is a splash pad for younger visitors.
Coral Springs Cypress Park and Pool, 1300 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071, Phone: 954-245-2109
6. Play at Monster Mini Golf
Designed to offer “monstrous” family fun for all ages, the Monster Mini Golf center offers so much more than your usual run-of-the-mill mini golf.
Regardless of the weather, Monster Mini Golf is waiting to entertain you with an indoor adventure park boasting an 18-hole mini-golf course as well as a video game arcade (with “monstrous” prizes), Monster-themed Laser Maze and much more.
Your children will love the monster-themed décor (friendly monsters only) and the center is an ideal venue for a fun children’s birthday party. You can bring the family to have hours of fun.
Monster Mini Golf, 9533 Westview Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33076, Phone: 954-526-5115
Where to Eat:
7. Pick up a picnic lunch from Doris Italian Market
Doris Italian Market have been pleasing Florida palates with delectable Italian specialties since 1947.
Here you can totally indulge your inner foodie with an excellent range of Italian meats and cheeses, fresher-than-fresh local farm produce and freshly-caught fish and seafood.
You can also shop for prepared foods, bakery items, wine, fresh meat (including home-made Italian sausages) and a huge range of imported Italian olive oils, vinegars, pastas and more.
Lunches from the Doris market are legendary – they offer a weekly special sub and you can order freshly made sandwiches, meat and salad platters to be delivered to your doorstep every day of the week.
Doris Italian Market , 2077 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071, Phone: 954-346-7774
I'm a big fan of this area and have written about it extensively. If you are looking for more things to do, visit Coconut Creek and learn all about butterflies.
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