10 Places to Visit in South Florida for Locals

Besides the sunny weather and beautiful beaches, there's something else that makes South Florida special: The fact that you can live here all your life, and still not experience everything there is to see. With that being said, what are the best SoFlo spots for locals? Where can you go that's underrated in Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade Counties that even South Fla. residents don't know about? What could be new to you that makes you say, "Wow, I didn't even know that existed so close to home?" Here's a list of 10 spots that fit that description:

Kampong Botanical Garden - Miami

It's the former home of Dr. David Fairchild, a legend among horticulturists, and most Miami natives don't even know it exists since this secret garden is hidden behind a red gate and tons of exotic plants. Located in Biscayne Bay's Coconut Grove neighborhood, you'll find plenty of eye-popping plants and picture opportunities here.

Bear Cut Nature Preserve - Miami

Want to enjoy nature with the family without South Florida's typical hustle and bustle or loads of tourists? Head over to Bear Cut Nature Preserve at the north end of Crandon Park. Some call it the best-hidden nature trail in Miami, and it offers a 3.5-mile look at SoFlo's diverse ecosystems via paved and dirt trails.

Redland Market Village - Homestead

There's a little bit of everything for the whole family to enjoy in this great Dade County spot for locals that sits just south of Miami. You can shop the indoor and outdoor flea market that includes a farmer's market and fish market, among other shopping locales. You can even pick up a pet for the kids at the pet store, or let them enjoy the kid zone's petting zoo and rides.

Islamorada - Florida Keys

Want to enjoy Key West without having to drive all the way down there? Then take a trip to underrated Islamorada for the day. It's not as crowded as Key West and is perfect for locals who want a quick getaway from the lights, camera, and action of Miami and other SoFlo spots. Hit Anne's Beach for a picnic, personally feed the super-aggressive tarpon at Robbie's Marina, or swim with the dolphins at Theater of the Sea.

Zoological Wildlife Foundation - Miami

Regardless of your age, you'll love it here. And even if you're a So Fla. local, it's likely you never knew something like this existed. Why? Because you can book private tours that make you feel like the zoo is yours as you get incredibly up-close and hands-on with animals like chimpanzees, sloths, owls, big cats, and more. You can even get selfies with baby lions and tigers!

Watch Sea Turtles Nest - Broward County

South Fl. locals know the area isn't just glitz and glamour, and this is a perfect example. Technically, you can see sea turtles lay their eggs up and down the entire Atlantic Coast, but in Broward, you can join groups to enjoy the experience from John U. Lloyd Beach and the Museum of Discovery and Science in season from March to October.

Dania Jai-Alai - Dania Beach

The Miami Dolphins, Heat, and Marlins soak up most of the fame when it comes to South Florida sports fans, but there's one sports locals may want to check out: Jai-Alai. Any SoFlo local will remember tons of Jai-Alai TV commercials in the past, and if you haven't done so, check it out in person. They call it the fastest sport in the world, with balls traveling at nearly 200 miles per hour.

Major League Baseball Spring Training - Palm Beach County

South Florida locals know about their Marlins, but in February and March, several other Major League Baseball teams call SoFla home as well, such as the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, and the Houston Astros. It's an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with some of those big league stars you see on TV.

Grassy Waters Nature Preserve - West Palm Beach

There's no need to head down south towards Broward and Dade County to see part of the world-famous Everglades. At Grassy Waters Nature Preserve, Palm Beach County locals can enjoy that experience without wasting gas money. The preserve is family-friendly, affordable, has nature trails, canoes, kayaks, and much more.

Jules' Undersea Lodge - Key Largo

No matter how long you've lived in South Florida, here's one thing you've probably never experienced as a local: Living underwater. At Jules' Undersea Lodge, you can do just that. It is pricey and not too luxurious, but it is an experience that's unique and something your kids will love. If the thought of sleeping in an underwater hotel freaks you out, there's the option just to do it for three hours to get a little taste of that submarine life. Looking for other local hotspots in South Florida? Have a look around our site where you'll find attractions from Boca Raton to Bahia Honda State Park and beyond.