A biodiverse wildlife wonderland, Florida’s natural beauty shines bright from coast to coast. Preserving and protecting that organic appeal has become a top priority for many Sunshine State businesses.
All across the state, restaurants, hotels, stores and other local businesses have pledged to minimize their environmental impact and give back to their community by buying ingredients and materials from local, ethical sources. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor, you can play a part in these efforts by choosing ecofriendly establishments.
Check out our top picks of socially conscious, environmentally friendly places to eat, sleep and shop in Florida.
Located just 30 miles south of Tallahassee, the Inn at Wildwood puts you and your family within arm’s reach of Florida’s ancient oaks and native wildlife. Hotel amenities include hiking trails, 18-hole golf course, solar-heated pool and on-site fishing, canoeing and boating.
Featuring bamboo flooring and furniture, energy-efficient cooling and heating systems, natural bath products in biodegradable packaging, the Majestic Hotel on Miami’s South Beach blends environmental consciousness with slick city style. If you’re looking for green accommodations next to the big blue, look no further.
In the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, Plantation Golf Resort and Spa is surrounded by protected lands for animal preserves and endangered species habitats. Offering guided tours of the area’s biodiverse attractions, plus a full-service spa and golf course, the resort is home to everything you’d want in a picture-perfect getaway.
Maximizing sustainability while delivering on flavor, Choices Organic Café is a fully vegan eatery with a focus on reducing environmental impact. Create your own plant-based wrap or bowl, or choose from specialty tacos, burgers and more, for a filling, savory and eco-friendly lunch or dinner option.
Serving up a twist on traditional southern fare, The Refinery’s locally sourced and ethically produced food keeps the eatery’s carbon footprint at bay. In fact, the restaurant’s menu changes three to four times each week to make room for the best of what the area’s farmers have to offer.
A family-owned business, Backwoods Crossing takes farm-to-table to the next level with many of its ingredients, including herbs, produce and eggs, sourced from the restaurant’s own farm, garden and chicken coop. What they don’t grow themselves, these chefs source locally to keep quality and sustainability the main focus.
There are few better places to shop local than the farmers market, and St. Petersburg’s Saturday Morning Market is amongst the best in the state. From organic produce to handcrafted gifts and even vintage clothes, you’re sure to find a little something for yourself while giving back to the city’s colorful community.
Whether you’re shopping for home accents, accessories or a fun souvenir, Adjectives Market is home to thousands of one-of-a-kind treasures. With three locations across Central Florida, this vintage superstore lets you reuse and recycle pre-loved items while reducing your impact on the environment.
If South Florida’s beaches and natural beauty are calling your name, be sure to plan a visit to Nomad Tribe, an ethical fashion boutique carrying unique pieces made by global designers focused on sustainability and fair trading. Explore the two Miami locations and find an eco-chic memento to take home with you.
Is your favorite eco-friendly restaurant, hotel or store not on this list? Let us know your top picks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #EcotourismFL.
