Vacationing in Orlando, Florida, can be exciting and eco-friendly at the same time. Many attractions in the greater Orlando area focus on sustainable initiatives, allowing you have the trip of a lifetime while feeling good about your impact. Pack your shorts, bring your sunscreen, and plan your vacation to include these fun and environmentally friendly destinations.
Walt Disney World
Image via Flickr by douglascairns78
What would a trip to Orlando be without visiting Walt Disney World? Orlando’s most famous attraction works hard to lessen its environmental impact through recycling, protecting wildlife, and connecting children to nature. Disney’s initiatives include reducing water and energy use, partnering with leading environmental organizations to protect wildlife habitats across the globe, and reducing emissions at all Disney properties.
Whether you plan your visit to include the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can rest assured that the park is focused on both your enjoyment and the health of the planet. Pick up a guide to Orlando’s top landmarks to make sure you don’t miss a thing during your visit.
BK Adventure
If you’re looking to get up close and personal with Orlando’s natural beauty, look no further than a tour with BK Adventure. The guides at BK Adventure specialize in sustainable kayaking, hiking, and biking trips in the Orlando area. They offer hotel pickups, lunch or snacks, and full equipment rentals. Don’t miss the sunset kayaking tour that seeks out dolphins, manatees, birds, and the bioluminescence that plankton and comb jellies create.
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grand Lakes
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grand Lakes, offers a unique and environmentally friendly golf experience. When designing the course, British Open Champion Greg Norman focused on maintaining the natural habit of Central Florida. You can drive, putt, and chip through a landscape lush with live oaks, ponds, and wetlands.
The natural curves and hills will challenge you while you bask in the beauty of a well-preserved natural environment. This golf club is so eco-friendly that it is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and was named an Environmental Leaders in Golf winner by Golf Course Management Magazine.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Just 20 minutes north of Orlando lies Wekiwa Springs State Park, where 42 million gallons of spring water issue from Wekiwa Springs every day. The spring fills the Wekiwa River and provides a natural playground for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. In addition to recreation, the park focuses on conservation efforts for the species that call this beautiful habitat home.
The crystal-clear waters of Wekiwa Springs remain at 72 degrees throughout the year, making them perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the 15-mile water trail. Grill up a barbecue lunch at one of the picnic areas, and then stretch your legs as you tackle a section of multi-use trail. Wildlife and birds abound at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Orlando is full of wonders both natural and man-made. With a bit of research and planning, you can experience Central Florida in a way that’s both exciting and light on the earth. Whether it’s at Walt Disney World, on a bioluminescent kayak tour, on the golf course, or swimming in a natural spring, you can immerse yourself in an eco-friendly vacation in Orlando.