Miami is a colourful and eclectic city that offers a lot of fun and interest to its visitors. It's notorious for its wild parties at nightclubs, gorgeous beaches, delightful food and spectacular cruises. It's surely a go-to city for fun and worthy of all the attention it gets.
Miami is an important centre and leader in international trade, commerce, finance, arts and culture, but it also pays attention to the sustainable side of tourism. It offers many ways of exploring its attractions in a sustainable way with respect to the local people and culture. Go green on your next visit to Miami by following these eco-friendly travel tips.
Getting around
Miami has always invoked images of sunny beaches and neon-lit art deco buildings, but there’s a lot more to this popular Florida vacation destination than most people think. It has a deep and rich cultural legacy that bursts out the dance floors of Little Havana, in the Cuban street food and Michelin-rated restaurants, as well as on the urban art scene in places like up-and-coming Wynwood.
To get around the city and see all you want to see, you might opt for public transportation which is somewhat tricky, or Uber, which is what the locals prefer. Miami is an expensive city but you can save money in lots of ways – for example, with a Go Miami Card. It can help you save on sightseeing cruises of the top attractions in the city.
There are lots of things to see in the city, so depending on your time there, make a plan so you can get the best out of your visit. One way to go is to book Miami tours that offer excellent programmes - Key West Ultimate Island Eco Tour that takes you to explore the islands, on an unforgettable snorkelling adventure, and a thrilling mangroves kayak tour – all in just one day!
Or you might opt for a more serene excursion and take a sail on the Atlantic on a modern catamaran where you can enjoy an on-board delicious breakfast, see the world’s third-largest coral reef and Kayak alongside majestic dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish.
Eco-friendly attractions
Miami boasts quite a few national parks and gardens you can visit on your green tour. Start your journey at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, an 83-acre haven of rare tropical palms, cycads and flowering trees. It plays a vital part in the conservation of South Florida’s endangered plants. The garden is open every day allowing visitors insight into beautiful plants, petite waterfalls, butterfly conservatory and edible garden. Their environmentally-friendly bookstore sells fair trade products as well as books on tropical gardening and cuisine.
A 50-minute drive from downtown Miami, you get to the amazing Shark Valley Visitor Centre that offers walking and bike trails in the spectacular Everglades National Park. It’s a 150-mile loop that takes you through the largest subtropical wetland in North America. You can also rent a bike or take the two-hour tram tour.
With its impressive 750-acre grounds, Zoo Miami is an important factor in wildlife and environmental conservation. It houses more than 40 endangered species among its 3,000 animals living in open-air spaces. Its “Zoo Doo” program recycles elephants and rhinos manure and sells it as high-quality natural fertilizer to the community.
Eco-friendly activities
A very low-impact way to see Miami and its famous neighbourhoods is by taking bike tours. Several operators offer guides through areas such as Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, Wynwood Art District, the Design District, among other local gems.
Florida’s largest urban park, Oleta River State Park, offers over ten miles of mountain bike trails and seven miles of hiking paths for beginners. You can also enjoy swimming in the park’s saltwater lagoon, going kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding, as well as taking a break with a yoga session.
An ecologically and culturally diverse city, Miami extends a friendly welcome to all eco-minded visitors. From environmentally-friendly hotels and attractions to green activities, the great city of Miami offers many opportunities to support sustainable efforts, admire wildlife and leave little or no impact of your time well-spent there.
Written by Diana Smith
About the Author
Diana Smith is a full time mum of two beautiful girls and is interested in sustainability, ecology and home improvement. She enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family. You can find her on Twitter here.
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