The ultimate paradise for nature lovers, the Florida Keys offer travelers the very best of both land and sea adventures. From serene beaches and waterways to explore, to lush conservation areas ideal for birding, hiking and more, the island chain is home to endless varieties of flora and fauna, with Key West as the perfect home-base to experience it all.
Here’s your all-in-one guide to planning an Earth-friendly getaway to the Florida Keys and Key West:
With ecotourism becoming a more sought after way to experience everything a destination has to offer, many resorts and hotels have made commitments to reduce their waste and energy consumption, conserve water, and more as part of green initiatives. Each of the following accommodations have been recognized by the Florida Green Lodging program for their commitment to environmental consciousness.
In the heart of Old Town, the Banyan Resort mixes eco-friendly amenities with historic charm. The property features two solar panel-heated swimming pools and recycling bins in units and throughout the grounds, as well as practicing Xeriscaping, planting native plants that require less water.
Having earned GreenLeaders Platinum Level status from TripAdvisor, the luxurious Gardens Hotel makes use of energy-efficient products and appliances and participates in a linen reuse and recycling program. Onsite bicycle rentals help cut down emissions and keep travelers connected to everything Key West has to offer.
With a relaxed, art-deco style, the ideally-located Eden House offers more than a central location and comfortable stay. The hotel’s move towards green practices includes switching to shampoo, soap and lotion dispensers in all bathrooms to avoid waste from travel size products, as well as using corn-based paper and plastic cups.
When it comes to being kinder to our planet, eating local foods is one of the best tips to follow, no matter if you’re at home or traveling somewhere like the Florida Keys.
In Key West, there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants serving locally-sourced ingredients and fresh-caught seafood. You’ll find the day’s best catch at eateries like the Stoned Crab and the Square Grouper Bar and Grill, each serving fresh, local seafood in an eco-friendly environment. Wherever you choose to dine, look for fish caught in local waters, like mahi-mahi, grouper and snapper, as well as sustainable choices like Key West pink shrimp and clawless, spiny lobster.
Another way of keeping your dining sustainable is to look for vegetarian or vegan eateries. Plant-based cuisine has a much smaller carbon footprint than other menus as it requires less water, land and resources to grow, harvest and prepare. Certain vegetarian-friendly eateries, like Date & Thyme, have implemented corn-based to-go containers, recycling and compost stations within the restaurant, and a rain barrel used to water their herb garden.
Surrounded by both sparkling waters and lush greenery, Key West offers travelers a unique ecotourism experience.
From conservation areas and museums to botanical gardens and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities, eco-attractions are nearly endless in the Florida Keys. A few can’t-miss natural attractions include the Key West Topical Forest & Botanical Garden, which houses many endangered or threatened species of plant and wildlife, and the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center’s 2,400-gallon Living Reef Exhibit.
For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Key West excursion, a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park would be an unforgettable experience. About 70 miles west of Key West, the park is home to the breathtaking, Civil War-era Fort Jefferson and is a one-of-a-kind destination for diving, boating and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters that surround it.
Ready to finalize your Key West vacation plans? Be sure to share these eco-friendly finds and attractions with your friends, family and fellow travelers!
