In the heart of Florida, a state named for flowers and sunshine, Orlando’s natural beauty serves as the perfect counterbalance to the area’s signature theme park fun. Ecotours, natural springs, birding, nature trails, fishing, kayaking, airboat rides and lots of thrills are some of the many options for exploring the great outdoors in Orlando. Whether peacefully paddling through spring-fed lakes or hang-gliding 2,000 feet above orange groves, you can dive into a variety of lush ecosystems, all within driving distance of the tourism districts.
Orlando
Explore life beyond the theme parks
What makes Orlando sustainable?
Orlando is a destination where dreams come true — and these dreams include a sustainable future. Here, eco-friendly practices are a priority. It’s why Orlando is ranked as one of the greenest cities in America.
Sustainable tourism in Orlando embraces a commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while providing memorable experiences for visitors. From eco-friendly accommodations to responsible wildlife encounters, Orlando’s sustainable tourism initiatives aim to minimise environmental impact and support local communities. Visitors can explore conservation-minded attractions like nature reserves, organic farms, and green spaces, immersing themselves in the region’s diverse ecosystems while contributing to their protection. Through education and advocacy, Orlando continues to innovate in sustainable tourism, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its treasures for years to come.
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Orlando
Quick Facts
When to Visit Sustainably
One of Orlando’s biggest draws is it’s year-round sunny, mild weather. Florida is the Sunshine State after all. Being In Central Florida means that Orlando enjoys temperatures of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22° C).
March to April, and June to August are the busiest times of year to visit Orlando, thanks to spring breakers (in March and April) and school Summer Holidays (In June to August). The weather also reaches peaks during this time, often reaching up to 90°F (32°C).
May and September to November are quieter, with fewer crowds and milder temperatures – these months are the perfect time to visit for a more laid-back visit with plenty of warm and sunny days. Over Halloween (end of October) the crowds tend to pick up again, thanks to various events being held at the theme parks.
December to February are the coolest months of the year in Orlando, temperatures have been known to dip below freezing, although rarely. Given the cooler temperatures, you’re less likely to find yourself in large crowds – unless you’re visiting around Christmas and New Years.
Suggested Season
To maximise your positive impact holiday, we’d recommend visiting Orlando in May, September, November, or February. These months are when the weather is at it’s most temperate, and the crowds are much smaller. So not only will you be saving money, you’ll also be creating much less of a strain on local resources compared to in the peak seasons.
Time Zone
EST/ EDT (GMT -4)
How to Get There: Fast / Slow
Fly in economy, on a direct service from London (Heathrow or Gatwick) or Manchester. Or if you’d like to include Orlando in your existing USA trip, we can help you plan travel between destinations, like the Brightline rail service operating in Florida between Tampa and Miami (serving Orlando), or by Greyhound bus, or perhaps self-driven in an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Currency
US Dollar
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is customary for most services and should only be withheld in cases of extraordinarily bad service. Typically, a tip is between 15-20%.
Your Peace of Mind
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Sustainable highlights
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Orlando Science Center
Part of Loch Haven Park, north of downtown Orlando, Orlando Science Center is the first nonprofit in Florida to be LEED Gold Certified. A roof equipped completely with LED lights, along with exhibits that actively promote the real-world benefits of renewable energy and conservation, makes the centre an enjoyable and educational day out for the whole family.
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Accessible Orlando
Orlando is the number 1 tourism destination in the US and therefore has plenty of attractions, accommodations, transport, and more to suit every type of holidaymaker. If you or a member of your party has a hearing or visual impairment, a neurodivergence, limited mobility, or anything else that makes other holiday styles a challenge, Orlando will have something to entertain and excite you. Every theme park, many hotels and resorts, transportation providers, countless attractions, restaurants, recreational opportunities and many other businesses follow the American Disability Association (ADA) guidelines to ensure that every visitor is given the full Orlando experience, providing limitless adventure for everyone to enjoy,
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Showcase of Citrus
An antique farm store with a ‘pick-your-own’ grove offering 50 varieties of citrus fruits, Showcase of Citrus is in Clermont, just west of Walt Disney World. On-site you can also participate in an eco-tour, and freshwater fishing.
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Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Explore Orlando’s wild side with ease on an idyllic kayak or paddleboard journey through pristine Florida wilderness. There are plenty of natural springs, coastal areas, scenic canals, and even private resort waterways to paddle along at your leisure, or maybe head out on a night glow or bioluminescent tour.
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Hiking, Biking, and Nature Trails
Get about the city or escape into the wild on scenic multi-use trails throughout Orlando. The West Orange Trail is a popular choice, offering 22 miles of paved trail running from downtown Apopka to Killarney. Take a break midway to explore the historic Winter Garden, where you’ll find places to eat, museums, and a brewery.
Take in the biodiversity of Florida’s native ecosystems along the Florida National Scenic Trail which covers 1,500 miles. In Orlando’s section of the trail, you can hike through pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, wetlands and more.
Tibet-Butler Preserve and Oakland Nature reserve offer laid-back outdoor fun for families, with kid-friendly interpretive trails, hands-on learning centres, and serene lakeside settings within 30 minutes of Walt Disney World. Lake Louisa State Park is another great option, with over 20 miles of trails and 11 distinct ecosystems. You can even go glamping or stay overnight in a cabin for an eco-adventure made easy. -
Swimming in Natural Springs
Unwind in crystal-clear natural springs, many of which are within an hour of Orlando. Located near King’s Landing, Rock Springs Run State Reserve is one of the closest to Orlando, with a swift creek and tube rentals for an all-natural ‘lazy-river’.
Weikiwa Springs State Park is another excellent choice for hiking, paddling, snorkelling, and swimming, while De Leon Springs State Park and Blue Spring State Park boast all that, plus serene, guided boat tours. -
Up in the Air
Soar through the air on a daring zipline adventure, keep your cool with an indoor rope course, climb to new heights in Lake Nona, or explore a variety of rugged ziplines and rope courses at local attractions.
For even more high-flying fun, head to Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park for a tandem discovery flight. Wallaby Ranch is the first aerotow hang gliding flight park in the world and is within a half an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World. -
Sustainable Shopping
Leave the mass-produced and generic souvenirs behind, and instead shop meaningfully and thoughtfully. Orlando is full of opportunities to shop smarter, with neighbourhood boutiques, vintage and thrift stores, and renowned outlet and luxury malls.
Oh Eco, named for Orlando’s moniker of O-Town, specialises in environmentally friendly self-care, wellness, home, and baby product, and is located in Orlando’s Ivanoe Village Main Street.
Stop by Rouge Beauty Lab for a unique souvenir. A custom cosmetics shop, specialising in high-quality vegan beauty products. Book a 1-hour private session and work with a cosmetic chemist to design your own lipstick, lip gloss, foundation, or concealer, using clean, gluten-free ingredients that look as good as they feel.
Visit Indeu Apothecary to shop a curated collection of soaps, candles, eco-friendly supplies, and gifts crafted by local artisans. There are also sustainable wellness products and hands-on classes for making candles, diffusers and more on offer at its location in Downtown Orlando.
Etoile Boutique in the Milk District of Downtown Orlando is a hub of vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, and homeware, along with modern accessories, spa goods, and vintage-inspired clothing from local brands. On Tuesday nights the neighbourhood livens up with ‘Tasty Takeover’, a food truck block party featuring a collection of culturally diverse food trucks.
The Owl’s Attic in the Audubon Park Garden District features hand-picked vintage styles from the ’50s to ’90s, along with vintage furniture, knick-knacks, home décor from bygone eras, and artisanal jewellery and accessories designed in Orlando.
Orlando
Where in the World?
Suggested Journeys for You
Ready to embark on your own Sustainable Journey? Check out our related Sustainable Journeys below that will either take you to this destination, or offer an alternative location that you may want to consider for your next trip!
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Sustainable Stays
Want to see the sorts of Sustainable Stays we offer? From hotels and resorts to lodges, cabins and B&Bs we ensure that the properties we feature have been considered on a range of factors which contribute toward their overall sustainability. Learn more and view our suggested Sustainable Stays.
- Colombia, South America
Starting in Bogotá, this 13-day luxury Sustainable Journey will see you delve into the...
- Asia, India
Begin in vibrant Delhi and explore the city by rickshaw and metro. Travel to...
- Africa, Morocco
Embark on a captivating 13-day journey through Morocco, exploring the ancient traditions of the...
Discover the Sustainable Journal
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Sustainable Stays
There’s a range of Sustainable Stays in this destination. Learn what makes these properties sustainable, what their ethos is and what actions their taking to better their offering.
Discover the Sustainable Journal
Read inspiring and informative articles on a range of sustainability topics, written by leading travel journalists and sustainability experts. Learn something new, and be inspired by the incredible world we live in.
See it for yourself