Top Things to Do in Coral Springs, FL
Discovering Coral Springs
Overview of Coral Springs
The City of Coral Springs might look like one big suburb on the map, but locals know it’s a self-contained slice of sunny Florida life.
Roughly 135,000 people call it home, and many newcomers start browsing homes for sale in Coral Springs, FL, the minute they see our tree-lined streets and open space parks.
We’re only about 20 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale and ten miles southwest of Boca Raton, so day-tripping to the beach—or the airport—is easy.
Getting Around Coral Springs
Planning your weekend is simple: hop on the Sawgrass Expressway, book an inexpensive ticket on Broward’s Breeze bus, or just grab a bike and explore the flat grid of neighborhoods.
Driving to Fort Lauderdale takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Explore the Great Outdoors in Coral Springs
Visit Tall Cypress Natural Area
Need an outdoor activity that doesn’t feel manufactured?
Wander the raised boardwalk at Tall Cypress Natural Area. Birds glide over the swampy open space, and the filtered light keeps things relatively cool for a mid-day photo session. Reviewers on Tripadvisor rave that the “fantastic” fern-lined path feels worlds away from the nearest mall.
Take a Walk Through Betti Stradling Park
Betti Stradling Park is Coral Springs’ all-ages recreation hub. Parents chase toddlers across the splash pad while teens skate the onsite park; adults shoot hoops, hit softballs, or join a friendly sand-volleyball pickup.
Pack a gift for yourself—maybe an iced coffee from a nearby shop—and claim a shaded picnic table.
Enjoy a Picnic at Cypress Park
If you’d rather spread out a blanket under a palm, Cypress Park is the resource locals rely on for roomy pavilions, grills, and a lake breeze.
Joggers circle the paved loop, kids practice golf-like chip shots on the lawn, and everyone agrees the atmosphere is wonderfully laid-back.
Family-Friendly Attractions You’ll Love
Butterfly World at Tradewinds Park
Just over the city line, Butterfly World lets you walk through a screenhouse alive with 20,000 colorful wings. Kids race to get the best photo, adults geek out over exotic species, and everyone cools off in the misting grottos.
Weekend gate admission to Tradewinds is $3 per car, and Butterfly World tickets start around $35.
Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital
Back in town, the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital is a small, non-profit facility that treats injured birds, reptiles, and the occasional orphaned panther cub.
Stroll shaded enclosures, watch the rehab team run its wildlife program, and learn how to support the center’s mission with a quick gift-shop stop.
Coral Springs Museum of Art
Art lovers head straight to the Coral Springs Museum of Art. Recent shows ranged from street-art retrospectives to glass by Dale Chihuly.
Past exhibitions have spotlighted Alexandra Nichita, Wolf Kahn, Duane Hansen, Clyde Butcher, José Bedia, and Yuroz, proving the museum punches well above its weight for a suburban spot.
Check the current exhibition schedule before you visit—many events are free or suggested donation.
Where to Eat and Drink in Coral Springs
Local Favorite Restaurants Worth Trying
Looking for upscale? The Cook & the Cork’s seasonal small-plate program and chef-tasting tickets vanish fast.
Divieto Ristorante serves lobster linguine in a sleek Art-Deco room, while Runyon’s keeps old-school steakhouse charm with tableside Caesar and live entertainment.
Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Town
For your morning brew, The Little Coffee Shoppe pours cortados in a cozy storefront, and Crocante Café turns guava-cheese pastries into an art form.
Sit, sip, and plan your next weekend adventure in a chilled, laptop-friendly atmosphere.
Craft Beer and Casual Nightlife Spots
After dark, locals drift to Yeasty Brews for small-batch IPAs, or over to Big Bear for live music. Most places feature outdoor seating—perfect for Coral Springs’ “everything under the sun” vibe—and many host trivia session nights for an extra layer of laid-back entertainment.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Catch a Show at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts
The Coral Springs Center—also branded the Springs Center for the Arts—draws touring comedians, tribute bands, and even full-scale Broadway road shows. Upcoming dates include Beetlejuice The Musical and Colin Mochrie’s improv tour. Snag a ticket early; the 1,471-seat center sells out fast for big-name acts.
Explore Local Art Galleries and Installations
Beyond the museum, the ArtWalk downtown strings together open-air sculptures, murals, and pop-up exhibits like Vito Di Bari’s “TRAILS of Expression.” It’s free, dog-friendly, and makes a solid golden-hour stroll for photographers and casual travelers alike.
Attend Annual Events and City Festivals
March brings the two-day Coral Springs Festival of the Arts, where Florida artists sell handmade craft pieces and GardenFest vendors hawk orchids under striped tents. Food trucks, live bands, and kids’ zones make it the community’s signature attraction—a can’t-miss if you’re in town that weekend.
Hidden Gems Only Locals Know About
Quiet Spots for Reading and Relaxation
Need a chill spot? Slip into Northwest Regional Library’s palm-shaded courtyard or stretch out on Betti Stradling’s seldom-used back lawn. Both places feel miles away from the retail buzz of Coral Square Mall, even though they’re minutes apart.
Unique Local Shops and Boutiques
Inside the Coral Square Mall, you’ll find indie kiosks selling artisan candles beside national anchors, while a quick drive to The Walk uncovers mom-and-pop boutiques where you can shop handcrafted jewelry as a treat for yourself or a gift for a friend.
Photo-Worthy Murals and Art Spots
Keep an eye on blank walls: the city regularly commissions new pieces, and a single afternoon “mural crawl” can net dozens of Instagram-worthy shots—perfect if you’re building a “things to do in Coral” reel.
The IceDen, our NHL practice facility, even sports rink-side art if you look past the boards.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Coral Springs
Where to Stay: Hotels and Lodging Options
Coral Springs isn’t overloaded with lodging, but the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel sits beside a championship golf course, while budget-minded hotels like La Quinta keep you close to the Sawgrass Expressway.
Book early during festival season—rooms fill when sports teams host regional tournaments.
Best Times to Visit Coral Springs
Winter and early spring bring chamber-of-commerce weather: sunny skies in the 70s, low humidity, and just-right breezes for outdoor concerts.
Summer is steamier but quieter—ideal if you crave shorter admission lines and last-minute hotel deals.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Coral Springs
Whether you’re a curious adult, a stroller-pushing resident, or a snowbird traveler scoping out relocation options around Coral Springs, you’ll discover a community that mixes small-town charm with big-city perks.
From museum exhibits to skate-park sessions, from butterfly conservatories to Broadway road shows, there’s always another option to explore.
Things to Do in Coral Springs FAQ’s
What are the best free things to do in Coral Springs?
Strolling the ArtWalk, bird-watching at Tall Cypress, and catching sunset pickup games at Betti Stradling Park cost nothing but time and sunscreen.
Is the Sawgrass Nature Center kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Interactive displays, shaded trails, and scheduled animal-encounter programs keep little ones engaged while teaching respect for local wildlife.
Where can I find live entertainment on a Friday night?
Check the Coral Springs Center for the Arts calendar for comedy, concerts, and touring plays, or slide into Big Bear Brewing’s patio for beer-garden vibes and acoustic sets.
Do I need a car to get around?
Ride-shares work fine for short hops, but having wheels makes it easier to bounce between Butterfly World, Sawgrass Nature Center, and evening dinners without clock-watching.
Is Coral Springs a good home base for exploring South Florida?
Yes: you’re under 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, about 45 from Miami nightlife, and an hour from the eco-rich Everglades—plenty of best things to fill any itinerary.
