Ahead of World Earth Day on 22nd April, spotlighting sustainable travel is paramount, with conscious tourism emerging as a leading trend in 2024. Situated along Florida’s southeast coast and comprised of a collection of 39 magical cities and towns, The Palm Beaches offer endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.
Aligning with the surge in travel driven by sustainable choices and inviting travellers to revel in nature-based activities and experiences, The Palm Beaches is a progressive destination at the forefront of eco-conscious offerings.
Nature Reserves for Conservation-Focused Travel
From species protection to conservation efforts, The Palm Beaches are home to wildlife sanctuaries such as the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for hiking, cycling, fishing, and kayaking over the historic Everglades wetland ecosystem. The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at Abramson & Schlaggar Reserve is another nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. With the purpose of rescuing and rehabilitating injured native Florida wildlife, the center also serves as a permanent home to provide quality care to hurt animals that cannot return to the wild.
For a more active activity, travellers can venture through the mangroves with Visit Palm Beach’s Mangroves and Mansions Kayak Tour where they can enjoy breathtaking views of some of the destination’s most spectacular estates. Paddle through the South Cove Natural Area to spot birds, fish, and sometimes manatees along the way. Speaking of manatees, guests can catch a glimpse of Florida’s beloved “sea cows” at Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center during manatee season (Mid-November through late March) or adopt a sea turtle patient at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) on Juno Beach, one of the world’s most densely-nested Loggerhead sea turtle beaches. In keeping with this year’s mantra, Planet Vs Plastics, this centre is dedicated to ocean conservation, rehabilitation, and research, offering guests first-hand experiences to engage with the local community and provide vital health care to the endangered species.
Getting around the Greener Way
It’s easier than ever to explore The Palm Beaches whilst being mindful of your environmental footprint with Circuit’s convenient 100% electric shuttle service. Available in downtown West Palm Beach free of charge, and in Palm Beach for a small fee, this is a great alternative to driving. Delray Beach Freebee is also a free, on-demand service that transports visitors and locals in and around the downtown Delray Beach area. Last year, Brightline launched a sustainable high-speed rail service between Miami and Orlando, with stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, the latter two located in The Palm Beaches. The company’s advanced technology provides an energy-efficient alternative way to explore the city, helping to remove more vehicles from the roadways and reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Stay in an Environmentally-Conscious Way
The commitment to sustainability is reflected in the destination’s hospitality scene with several hotels belonging to the Florida Green Lodging programme, including The Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and Courtyard by Marriott Boynton Beach, among many others. This initiative is designed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and recognises lodging facilities that make a voluntary commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. The Hilton West Palm Beach, which is LEED-certified Silver, uses energy-efficient lightbulbs throughout the property that use 75% less energy than standard lighting. They also proudly work with “Clean The World” to recycle discarded soap into new bars and work with Circuit to ensure guests have an easy, eco-friendly transportation method for the duration of their stay. Similarly, the historic Colony Hotel & Cabana Club uses 100% renewable energy, high-efficiency lighting, recycled lumber for renovations, and continues to donate a U.S. dollar per booking to a local green organisation to help play their part in the journey towards a more sustainable future.
Blending wildlife experiences with exceptional hospitality, PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens is home to four onsite beehives and more than 250,000 honeybees and their queens. For $125 per person, guests 6 years and older can enjoy a guided tour of the hives, complete with protective beekeeping clothing and a professional beekeeper, where they can learn more about the species’ health and productivity. For those seeking farm-to-table dining experiences this Earth Day, the experience is complemented by a honey and food-tasting session at the property’s on-site restaurant, Honeybelle.
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