With Earth Month approaching in April, we’re spotlighting hotels, resorts and restaurants across the country that are weaving sustainability into the travel experience in meaningful ways. From LEED-certified urban stays and Green Key-rated beachfront resorts to reef-safe initiatives, conservation partnerships and hyper-local dining programs, these destinations are proving that responsible travel can be both thoughtful and elevated.
Earth Day falls on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, but in Miami, we celebrate all April long.
LEED HOTELS AND ATTRACTIONS
LEED Silver at Arlo Washington DC
As a LEED Registered Project, Arlo Washington DC, Arlo Hotels seventh location and first in the nation’s capital, is committed to sustainability, achieving over 25% reduction in energy cost with a 6,000-square-foot green roof, including a 12,000-gallon cistern to capture rainwater that is treated and reused on-site. Designed with environmental responsibility in mind, the property’s irrigation system uses 57% less potable water because of native plant selections and drip irrigation system. Additionally, the hotel has prioritized ENERGY STAR certified kitchen equipment and appliances in order to use less water. Due to its incorporation of the district’s oldest surviving apartment building, the 1888 Harrison Apartments, the property reduced material consumption, preserved architectural heritage and eliminated urban blight. Conveniently located within walking distance of Penn Quarter, Judiciary Square and Capitol Hill, the hotel is also accessible to many public transportation options, providing long and short term bike facilities and a walkability score of 91, encouraging low-impact travel.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science) — LEED Gold
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a state-of-the-art science museum in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park that combines interactive science exhibits, a three-level aquarium, and a high-definition planetarium under an environmentally conscious design. The campus of four interconnected structures incorporates sustainable technologies and efficient systems to achieve LEED Gold certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental education and green building practices while engaging visitors in hands-on exploration of science and nature.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) — LEED Silver
The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a contemporary art museum situated on Biscayne Bay that showcases modern and contemporary works with an emphasis on international and Atlantic Rim artists. Housed in a striking waterfront building designed with sustainability principles that earned LEED Silver certification, PAMM’s architecture blends tropical landscaping and daylight-optimized interior spaces to enhance both visitor experience and environmental performance.
GREEN KEY-RATED HOTELS & RESORTS
Stylishly Sustainable at Novotel Miami Brickell
Colorful, contemporary and consciously designed, Novotel Miami Brickell offers 275 rooms and suites crafted for both business and leisure travelers with sustainability always top of mind. Green Key’s eco-rating program recognizes Novotel’s achievements in environmental management and corporate social responsibility. As one of only 70 hotels in Greater Miami to earn this distinction, Novotel is proudly raising the green bar and demonstrating national industry leadership and a deep rooted commitment to environmental protection through comprehensive and sustainable policies and practices. Dedicated to doing right by the planet every day and not just on Earth Day, the hotel is proudly single use plastic free, proving that going green can still be sleek, stylish and totally on brand. With a state of the art fitness center, a climate controlled outdoor pool overlooking the Miami skyline and more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space, Novotel captures the essence of the Miami experience naturally.
Address: 1500 SW First Ave., Miami, FL 33129
EarthView at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
A premier green hotel in Miami Beach, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection takes many steps to preserve the beauty of its surroundings. The hotel encompasses a triple-bottom-line approach to sustainability through the implementation of EarthView, a proprietary sustainability program created by Hersha Hotels & Resorts that focuses on a holistic approach to hospitality, providing memorable amenities and unique offerings that enhance the guest experience. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club was the first hotel to achieve LEED Certification in Miami Beach in 2014 when the property was renovated. Throughout the guest rooms, green initiatives include recycled-content key cards, energy-efficient light bulbs (LED) and smart thermostats. The hotel’s housekeeping department has also adopted the EcoLab Aquanomic laundry program, which delivers significant energy and water savings. Recently, the hotel was awarded Green Lodging Designation by the Florida Green Lodging Program. Cadillac Hotel achieved the highest possible rating: three palms; because of this designation, the hotel can now host government business at all properties. In 2024, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club was recognized for its sustainability leadership by Green Key Global, a green certification run by AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association) and HAC (Hotel Association of Canada). The hotel also participated in Clean the World, a social organization with the mission to save millions of lives around the world by distributing recycled soap and hygiene products donated by hotels and resorts. Other green initiatives include property-wide recycling, branded hotel bicycles, a turtle conservation program and PATH water bottles in every room.
Embracing Sustainability at Hotel Effie Sandestin
Awarded the prestigious Green Key certification in 2024 by Green Key Global, Hotel Effie Sandestin in Florida’s Emerald Coast is dedicated to being an eco-friendly destination through its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Nestled between the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the living shorelines of Choctawachee Bay, the 250-room luxury hotel at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort weaves eco-conscious practices into every aspect of operations to ensure that every stay leaves a positive impact on the planet for generations to come. From energy-efficient lighting and responsible waste management to responsible sourcing, single-use plastics elimination and more, Hotel Effie has implemented programs including energy-efficient heating and cooling, LED lighting, linen and terry reuse, irrigation rainwater sensors, soap and toiletry donation, responsible purchasing policy, water bottle refill stations, electric vehicle charging stations and so much more.
ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS & RESORTS
Eco-Friendly Features at The Gates Hotel South Beach
The Gates Hotel South Beach, a serene oasis along the Collins Canal on Collins Avenue, merges the charm of South Beach with an impact-driven commitment to sustainability. As a Tier 2 member of Miami-Dade’s Plastic-Free 305 program, the hotel has eliminated all single-use plastics, ensuring it supports initiatives addressing plastic pollution in local communities, the ocean and other waterways. To further reduce waste, the property offers reusable water bottles for guests and maintains fruit-infused water stations throughout the hotel, encouraging hydration while minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainable Luxury at The Elser Hotel & Residences
The Elser Hotel & Residences is a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami whose dedication to a greener future is reflected in every aspect of the property. In the guest rooms, guests enjoy bulk bathroom amenities that reduce plastic consumption and WaterSense-certified toilets to promote water conservation. Each of the 646 residential-style guest rooms includes fully equipped kitchens with energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and energy-efficient washers and dryers. An innovative elevator system with the Petra Energy Saving & Conservation system also showcases the hotel’s sustainable approach to energy conservation. Sustainable practices at The Elser’s food and beverage venues are elevated with biodegradable packaging, composting of organic food waste, and eco-friendly packaging. Guests also experience eco-conscious luxury with refillable PATH water containers, bamboo toothbrushes and the elimination of single-use plastic bottles.
Address: 398 NE Fifth St., Miami, FL 33132
Sustainable Seaside Sophistication at Balfour Miami Beach
Balfour Miami Beach, an 82-room Registry Collection hotel in the heart of South of Fifth, embraces a thoughtful approach to sustainability rooted in everyday luxury. Throughout the stay, guests encounter intentional details designed to reduce environmental impact without compromising comfort. Energy-efficient LED lighting is implemented property-wide to reduce overall energy consumption, while bamboo key cards offer an eco-conscious alternative to traditional plastic. In the lobby, fruit-infused water and refill stations encourage reusable bottles and minimize single-use plastic consumption. In guest rooms and suites, bathrooms are appointed with refillable, vegan bath products by The Botanist & The Chemist, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to wellness-driven and environmentally conscious hospitality. The hotel also promotes low-impact exploration of Miami Beach through bicycle rentals offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Meanwhile, Laurel Miami Beach’s cosmopolitan, Mediterranean-influenced menu evolves with the seasons and highlights local ingredients, revealing imaginative dishes that feel both familiar and worldly. Each of these sustainable touchpoints signals Balfour’s broader philosophy: creating a refined guest experience shaped by longevity, responsible sourcing and small, meaningful choices that collectively make an impact.
Conscious Coastal Living at SkyBeach Resort
SkyBeach Resort continues to take thoughtful steps toward a more sustainable guest experience with the launch of its new SkyBeach Tumbler Program. Designed to reduce single-use plastics across the property, the initiative invites guests to purchase a 20 oz. or 40 oz. SkyBeach Resort–branded reusable tumbler in the resort’s gift shop and sip sustainably throughout their stay. As an added incentive, each tumbler purchase includes a complimentary cocktail and $1 off all cocktail refills at SkyBar + Grille. The program raises awareness, cutting down on waste and empowering guests to participate in the resort’s eco-conscious efforts in an easy, meaningful way. Also, Paradeco Coffee Roasters, located in the resort’s courtyard, offers an innovative example of environmentally mindful practices in action. The café features a striking 3D-printed bar façade crafted entirely from fully sustainable materials, underscoring both SkyBeach Resort and Paradeco’s commitment to thoughtful sourcing and forward-thinking design. Combined with its zero-emission roasting technology and focus on responsibly sourced beans, Paradeco further reinforces SkyBeach Resort’s broader dedication to sustainability through both everyday initiatives and elevated, design-driven solutions.
GREEN INITIATIVES & EXPERIENCES
Sustainability at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago’s sustainability program for guests, giving them the option to take home small bags of compost to use in their gardens. This unique amenity for groups and travelers has been introduced to the luxury property as a way for meeting and event attendees to divert 100% of their food waste, repurposing food that is otherwise wasted into a high-value, sustainable natural resource through an environmentally friendly, fully circular process. The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago’s management, Sage Hospitality Group, partnered with BioGreen360, the leading innovator in distributing food waste management solutions, to roll out the first phase of the collaboration. BioGreen360’s innovative integrated technology solution includes a waterless distribution digester, proprietary biocatalysis, and a real-time data analytics package.
Orb Projections at The Betsy – South Beach
This Earth Month, The Betsy Orb—the egg-shaped architectural bridge connecting the hotel’s two buildings—will illuminate with a site-specific cinematic work by local transmedia artist dNASAb (pronounced diz-nee). Known for immersive, environmentally driven installations, dNASAb transforms The Orb into a luminous meditation on the evolving relationship between technology, ecology and South Florida’s threatened coastal ecosystems. The genesis of this environmental body of work lies in using reclaimed marine debris collected from local waterways. These materials are reconfigured into sculptural forms that are reintegrated into natural and aquatic environments, becoming the foundation for environmentally charged films that confront ecological fragility while envisioning regenerative futures. Blending cinematic projection with environmental impact art, The Orb becomes both an architectural canvas and an ecological signal—amplifying urgent conversations about stewardship, resilience, and our responsibility to the ecosystems that define South Florida. Additional details and the viewing schedule can be viewed HERE.
Address: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Ocean Conservation at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort, the modern waterfront resort located on the Key West Historic Seaport, has partnered with nonprofit Reef Relief and sustainable sun care brand Stream2Sea to install public sunscreen dispensers on property to encourage the use of mineral, reef-friendly sunblock. Stream2Sea is known for its rigorously tested, reef-safer formulas designed to protect both people and marine life. This initiative not only benefits skin health but also works toward preserving coral reefs and supporting ocean conservation. The Marker has also expanded its local environmental support through its partnership with the Plogging the Keys. In 2025, the resort sponsored multiple Plogging the Keys cleanups, contributing to the organization’s year-to-date impact across Key West. These efforts helped support a total of 2,623 volunteers who removed 14,362 pounds of trash, 119 gallons of cigarette butts, and 1,466 pounds of recycling. The resort will continue this effort by sponsoring an upcoming ‘Plogging the Keys’ cleanup on June 5, 2026, scheduled between World Reef Day (June 1) and World Ocean Day (June 8) to further promote community engagement and coastal stewardship. Further reinforcing its commitment to marine education and conservation, The Marker hosts a complimentary Eco Manatee Harbor Tour every Thursday as part of its Sustainability Day programming. Led by a marine biologist, the guided harbor walk offers guests an educational look at local manatees, harbor ecosystems, and sustainability efforts, and is included as part of the resort fee.
Carefree, Car-Free Vacay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort + Hotel Effie Sandestin
Sandestin Golf and Beach is an ecotourism utopia. Upon arrival, guests can automatically reduce their carbon footprint; this is where the “carefree, car-free” motto comes to life. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a walkable, bike-friendly resort with everything in close proximity, from dining and activities to hotels and vacation rentals. It is a mecca for outdoor recreation with nature trails, kayaking, paddleboarding, tennis, golf, fishing, bonfires and more! At Hotel Effie Sandestin, guests can relax and recenter at Spa Lilliana, a luxury spa that only uses clean and sustainably made products from brands such as Osea and Biologique Recherche. Hotel Effie guests have access to all Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort amenities.
Arlo Wynwood x Kind Traveler – Every Stay Gives Back to Pelican Harbor Seabird Station
Arlo Hotels recently announced a partnership with regenerative travel platform Kind Traveler, bringing its Every Stay Gives Back™ (ESGB) program to major cities across the country. Through the program, Arlo Wynwood donates $0.50 per night, per guest, from every stay to Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, a local nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured wildlife while advancing conservation education in South Florida. The partnership ensures that every hotel stay creates a meaningful environmental impact without requiring guests to change how they book or travel. Founded in 1980, Pelican Harbor is Miami’s premier wildlife hospital and conservation education center, having treated tens of thousands of animals representing more than 130 native species and returning them to their natural habitats whenever possible. Guests can engage with the program through on-property QR codes linking to Kind Traveler’s Positive Impact Dashboard, which provides real-time transparency into how their stays support wildlife care and environmental stewardship efforts. For those looking to further connect with the cause, Pelican Harbor also offers immersive experiences such as its Seabird Sunset Cruise and educational tours led by station experts. With no additional steps required from travelers, the partnership makes it easy for every stay to give back to the local community.
Green Initiatives in Greater Miami & Miami Beach
Greater Miami & Miami Beach puts sustainability at the forefront of the visitor experience, beginning before arrival. Adjacent to Miami International Airport, the largest floating solar array in the southeastern U.S. greets travelers from above, while LEED-certified terminals equipped with $45 million in energy-efficient lighting and upgraded HVAC and water systems reduce the airport’s carbon footprint. At PortMiami, up to three cruise ships at a time can plug into shore power, cutting emissions by as much as 98% while docked. The commitment extends across the hospitality and culinary sectors, with more than 30 Florida Green Lodging-designated hotels and several LEED-certified properties implementing measures such as reclaimed building materials, motion-controlled electricity, water-efficient fixtures and the elimination of single-use plastics. Restaurants across the region embrace farm-to-table sourcing and zero-waste composting practices. Outdoor experiences reinforce the connection to conservation, from kayaking in Biscayne National Park and exploring the Everglades to snorkeling REEFLINE, a newly opened seven-mile underwater sculpture park off Miami Beach. Crafted from marine-grade, pH-neutral concrete to foster coral growth and shoreline protection, its inaugural installation, Leandro Erlich’s “Concrete Coral,” transforms submerged cars into a living reef, an example of how art, ecology and tourism intersect in this coastal destination.
ECO-FRIENDLY DINING EXPERIENCES
aioli Sour Dough Bakery & Cafe
For Earth Day, aioli Sour Dough Bakery & Cafe in West Palm Beach highlights a philosophy that extends far beyond the plate. A 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, the neighborhood café and bakery is led by Chef Michael Hackman and his wife and co-owner, Melanie Hackman. Chef Hackman’s philosophy is rooted in connection to craft, to people and to place. Championing a true locavore mindset, aioli sources ingredients from nearby partners like Swank Specialty Produce, pours milk from Okeechobee’s Sutton Milk and even trades pastries for beans with Pumphouse Coffee, keeping its supply chain intentionally close to home. Nearly everything is made in-house, from naturally fermented sourdough and seasonal sandwiches to scratch-made pastries and house syrups, reducing excess and honoring ingredients at their peak. Signature dishes like the Key Lime Tart in a house granola crust and the spinach-tomato-Parmesan quiche reflect both Florida’s agricultural heritage and the café’s thoughtful, community-driven ethos — a model of sustainability that’s lived daily, not just celebrated once a year.
Instagram: @aioliwpb
Address: 7434 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Phone: 561.366.7741
Casa Sensei
Voted “Best Asian Restaurant” by Fort Lauderdale Magazine for the past five years, Casa Sensei brilliantly blends traditional Latin American cuisine with Pan-Asian staples to create the best of both worlds. Customers can reserve a private dinner cruise on one of their Riverfront Gondola Tours’ eco-friendly and electric-powered boats that seat up to six people. The scenic gondola ride offers views of stunning waterfront homes, tropical foliage and South Florida wildlife, including manatees, peacocks, iguanas, exotic birds and other animals in their natural habitat, perfect for being surrounded by nature on Earth Day. Our favorite earth-friendly item: the Crispy Tofu Soba, made with roasted veggies, sweet soy and organic buckwheat soba noodles.
Instagram: @casasensei
Address: 1200 E. Las Olas Blvd., #101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954.530.4176
EARTH DAY EVENTS – APRIL 22
Earth Day in Miami and Miami Beach
From the Everglades to the beaches, Miami and Miami Beach’s natural beauty deserves to be explored and protected. This Earth Day, embrace conservation and sustainability through exciting events across the city. The month-long celebration will feature eco-adventures, cleanup, and hands-on activities that make a difference. Earth Day falls on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, but in Miami, we celebrate all April long. See a full list of Earth Day events HERE.