Hidden Gems and Things to do in Florida for Locals, Plus Must Have Essentials for Every Florida Home

Living Where Others Vacation

Living in Florida means experiencing the state beyond vacations and bucket lists. Beaches, parks, small towns, and natural spaces become part of everyday life here. Of course, we have to deal with the heat and humidity, but it’s a small price to pay when you think about all the things to do in Florida for locals. With that, we know Florida is not built like other states, so it’s important to have items on hand that are essential for every Florida home. Bug spray, sun block and flip flops are obvious, but grabbing products in preparation for hurricanes and crazy weather is necessary too.

Whether you are looking for quiet and secluded places with no tourists, unique weekend getaways, or low key adventures close to home, Florida residents have the luxury of living where many people only vacation. The Sunshine State is full of places that don’t show up on most travel lists; true hidden gems in Florida. The Florida food scene is also growing, with Michelin rated restaurants popping up, offering more than the usual staples.

As Floridians, we’re lucky to be able to hop in the car for spontaneous day trips and easy escapes that don’t require flights or long planning. There is always something new to explore when you start looking at Florida through a local lens. Sometimes that means familiar places, like Disney World, or the wetlands, and other times it means planning a Florida staycation to enjoy what’s been around the corner all along.

living in Florida your view is a pink and orange sunset with pool and screened in patio
Orange and yellow sky sunset of Sarasota Siesta Key beach a favorite for locals
Purple sunset with backlit palm trees in local Parkland Florida yard
Woman walking on boardwalk in Boynton Beach Florida
Woman on elevated platform at Loxahatchee National Park in Palm Beach Florida a hidden gem for locals
Woman posing with peace signs during a Florida staycation for locals with palm trees and sunset
woman looking at sunset over lake in Boca Raton Florida
View of Concert stage at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino a favorite place to visit for locals living in Florida
Blue sky and sand with people and umbrellas in Delray Beach Florida
View from high rise building in Pompano Beach Florida of beach ocean and palm trees
View from the W Fort Lauderdale Hotel of the skyline facing west in Florida
Pink and purple sunset sky view from the plane at the Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida with wing of plane in view
Vibrant sunset in Boca Raton Florida view from local Florida living pool and screenroom
Vibrant sky colorful sunset photo of Boca Raton Florida
View of Stonebridge Country Club pool with feet in water
Girls jumping into pool living in Florida
view of the pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton Florida
Rainbow over a lake on a golf course in Boca Raton Florida
View of Airbnb patio where locals are taking a Florida staycation a unique thing to do in Florida for locals in Fort Lauderdale
Back of a Tesla with a license plate reading OL N 1 a joke local Floridians love
Man midswing on Golf Course in Boca Raton Florida
View of woman taking photo in a golf cart in residential Florida neighborhood
Things to do for locals in Florida is play golf a PGA Tour sign in Boca Raton neighborhood
Scenic view sunny sky in residential neighborhood in Boca Raton Florida where sunscreen is an essential every Florida home needs
Stormy clouds during sunset over residential local homes in Palm Beach county Florida
Stormy sky sunset of Sarasota Siesta Key beach a favorite for locals
Orange and pink clouds during sunset over residential local homes and neighborhood lake in West Palm Beach county Florida
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