Welcome to Miami, Bienvenidos a Miami

Miami is renowned for beach bodies, buzzing nightlife, and the cultural vibrancy of Little Havana but there is a new trend starting too: environmental awareness. From the trendiest of hotels to the most exclusive of cafés, eco-friendliness is getting its foot in the door and is here to stay. Get on the scene yourself with these tips for a responsible visit to Miami.

1 Hotel South Beach is the Place to See, Be Seen, and Be Green

This Eco-friendly hotel is more than accommodation: it’s a destination. They offer luxury and simplicity in equal measures through something as wonderful as the in-room tablet which comes pre-loaded with a guided meditation. Imagine an organic farmers market in the hotel lobby, Tesla electric cars at your disposal, and sleeping on the softest organic sheets. This, is 1 Hotel South Beach; over 400 rooms filled with hemp mattresses, yoga mats, and water filters putting your health first on the agenda.

Image courtesy of Miguel Vieira from Flickr

Nourish Body and Mind at Green Gables Café

Looking for a place you can feel great about eating at? Green Gables Café will be your new favorite. Their ethical food sourcing guidelines (everything local, 100% organic) means the food is fresher and better for everyone involved.

Though most of the menu specializes in gluten free, dairy free, and vegan, you’d never know it! This is a restaurant where the health conscious and fast food lovers can both agree: from the avocado-kale stuffed sweet potatoes to the cilantro citrus salad, your taste buds will thank you.

Leave room for dessert because the warm organic brownie and Cuban Coffee are a match made in heaven. If you’re not into vegan food, fear not as the meats on offer are free range, grass-fed, and hormone-free.

An Intrepid Street Art Tour

Travel is all about infusing yourself in the local culture and flavor – well jump on this street art tour to get a first hand look at the city speaking through their walls. The tour starts at a local watering hole (apropos for a Miami tour) and ends at Miami’s one and only rum distillery. In between, you’ll learn about the history of the city, current affairs, and brush up on all the art that is hot right now. This tour also has a carbon offset voucher program so you can leave Miami as pristine as when you found it.

Image courtesy of Pablo FJ from Flickr

Hop on the Metro to Keep Emissions and Costs Low

Many people don’t know that Miami has a metro, but you do, you savvy traveler! The Orange line makes getting into the city from the airport a breeze and the green line goes as far as Dadeline South, so there’s no reason to get stuck in traffic. In case you prefer fresh air and a good workout, the Citi Bike system is now up and running in Miami. Rentals can be done by the hour and the bikes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Your next Miami vacation is a breeze with these tips, and future generations will thank you for caring for the planet so they can travel it, too!

Please note : This is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove. Hipmunk.com is low-cost and budget travel service that I use while planning budget travel, and am thrilled to write for. I know you will find the articles as well as their services useful.

Remember, you are my first priority and I only work with or support companies whose products and services I believe in. For all the nitty gritty on this check out my disclaimer. It’s even got pictures of monkeys.