Located northwest of Fort Lauderdale, the city with almost 25 square miles was established in 1963, named for its natural spring water. To the west of the city is the Florida Everglades; beaches are a half-hour drive to the east. Parks and recreation centers include the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital, Coral Springs Gymnasium, the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex and Weight Training Facility, Sportsplex, Coral Springs Tennis Center, and Incredible Ice with two ice rinks and the home of the Florida Panthers Ice Hockey team. Popular Butterfly World with nature trails and picnic grounds is in adjacent Coconut Creek, and the South Florida Railroad Museum is in nearby Deerfield Beach.

Comfortable hotels and resorts include the Courtyard, the Coral Springs Marriott Hotel, Golf Club & Convention Center, the Courtyard Coral Springs, Homestead Coral Springs, La Quinta Coral Springs, Radisson Coral Springs, and the Wellesley Inn.

Numerous restaurants from casual to gourmet include La Petit Café, El Pazo Restaurant, La Fogata, Dimsum Buffet Village, Legal Seafood, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Hobo’s Fish Joint, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Sweet Tomatoes.

Events include the annual Coral Springs Dog Day Run. Festivals sponsored by the Coral Springs Multi-Cultural Advisory include Cinco de Mayo, Fiesta Coral Springs, Worldfest, and Holiday Parade.

Shoppers will find plenty of venues at the Coral Creek Shops, Pine Ridge Square, Coral Springs Mall, and the Coral Square Mall.

Golfers can choose from almost a dozen courses including Continental Golf & Tennis Club, TPC at Eagle Trace, Country Club of Coral Springs, Carolina Country Club, and Oriole Golf & Tennis Club.

 Written by: Natasha Lawrence