10 Eco-Friendly Vacations to Try This Year

Oct 08, 2024

10 Eco-Friendly Vacations to Try This Year
By Westgate Resorts

10 Eco-Friendly Vacations to Try This Year

Do you hear that? It’s the call of nature! In our tech-driven world, more people are seeking eco-friendly getaways that help them unplug and embrace their surroundings.

Whether you choose Branson resorts or RV camping in Florida, there’s a nature vacation for everyone!

The Best Eco-Friendly Vacations in the U.S.

  1. Branson, Missouri

  2. Lake Wales, Florida

  3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

  4. Park City, Utah

  5. Mesa, Arizona

  6. Whitefish, Montana

  7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

  8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

  9. Woodstock, Vermont

  10. The Catskills, New York

From breathtaking mountain trails to peaceful lakes, there are so many beautiful spots throughout the United States to take a nature vacation.

Best Eco-Friendly Vacation Spots in the U.S.

America has millions of acres of land, parks, lakes and rivers to explore, so what are you waiting for?

These 10 nature vacation ideas will help you get in touch with your wild side. Keep reading for some epic travel inspo!

1 | Branson, Missouri | Breathe in the fresh air, spend some time in the mountains and see why this city is a nature lover’s dream.

Branson may be known for its flashy musical shows, but it’s also the gateway to the Ozarks.

From glimmering Lake Taneycomo to Table Rock Lake and Dogwood Canyon State Park, Branson has over 300 acres of parks to explore.

Hot Tip: Check out Westgate Branson Woods Resort or Westgate Branson Lakes Resort for a great place to stay during your next visit.

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2 | Lake Wales, Florida | Nestled just an hour and a half from Orlando, Lake Wales is a gorgeous city with the stunning Bok Tower Gardens. It’s also full of vibrant greenery, lush foliage and home to Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo.

At Westgate River Ranch, you can embrace the raw beauty of the Florida wilderness with hundreds of acres of rivers, trees and fields. It’s easy to feel one with your surroundings as you hike, boat, kayak, fish and explore the grounds.

Glamp in a rustic wagon or teepee, book a cabin or stay in the comfort of a rustic lodge room. You pick your own adventure!

On Saturday nights, don your Western best and give a big howdy to the cowboys and cowgirls riding in the resort’s very own rodeo.

Hot Tip: Unplug and disconnect at River Ranch to experience the ultimate digital detox. You’ll thank us later.

3 | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Nothing says nature like the Great Smoky Mountains. This breathtaking landmark offers incredible hiking and sightseeing opportunities.

Gatlinburg has over 800 miles of hiking trails and gorgeous scenery at every turn. From black bears to white-tailed deer, bobcats and even wild turkey, there are dozens of amazing animals that call the Smokies home.

On your nature getaway, you can climb to the top of Anakeesta, the mountain adventure park, or zip line through the Smokies. No matter what you do, it’s sure to be an adventure that sticks with you for a lifetime.

Hot Tip: In the heart of the city lies Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park. The resort features a year-round, indoor water park, Wild Bear Falls, and easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as all the best restaurants and entertainment.

4 | Park City, Utah | Park City is the perfect blend of eco-tourism and cosmopolitan travel. While there are luxury resorts and cabins available, the real star of the destination is the Wasatch Mountains terrain.

The famous Park City Mountain is the biggest in the area, reaching a staggering 10,000 feet above sea level.

While Park City is the largest ski resort in the U.S., it’s also great off-season. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding make Utah a nature lover’s dream destination.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking for a great place to stay with luxurious amenities, check out Westgate Park City Resort & Spa!

5 | Mesa, Arizona | Mesa is located east of Phoenix, and it offers amazing hiking in desert parks filled with cacti and canyons.

Discover ancient rock formations at Papago Park or enjoy camping, horseback riding and archery at the Usery Mountain Regional Park.

Mesa also has many cultural sights worth seeing, like the Mesa Grande Cultural Park and Arizona Museum of National History.

Hot Tip: Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort in Mesa will put you close to all the action and give you a spacious, comfortable suite to recharge after a thrilling day outdoors. Plus, you can relax with a nice game of golf, of course!

6 | Whitefish, Montana | Montana is one of the most rugged states in the country, filled with vast mountains, roaring rivers and incredible wildlife.

Whitefish is just a 36-minute drive to Glacier National Park. This park features incredible valleys, over 300 species of mammals and birds, and 375 historical structures and landmarks.

While in town, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including shopping, dining and exploring the cozy downtown area.

7 | Jackson Hole, Wyoming | The Western culture and wildlife in Jackson Hole make it a great eco-friendly vacation idea.

Jackson Hole serves as a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and it’s home to the National Elk Refuge.

Don’t forget to visit the incredible Bridger Teton National Forest, where you can camp and enjoy wild, scenic rivers.

8 | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | While most of us think of wooded areas for nature vacations, the beach can be just as wonderful!

Beach ecosystems are rich with dynamic organisms, and they’re a fascinating blend between land and water.

Myrtle Beach is a coastal city with over 60 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreland. It’s also home to the state’s first state park: Myrtle Beach State Park. There, you’ll find 312 acres of hiking trails, a maritime forest, an undeveloped beach and a fishing pier.

Hot Tip: If you want to stay near the center of town, check out Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort for incredible views, spacious rooms and easy access to the best nature spots.

9 | Woodstock, Vermont | Known mostly for its remarkable leaves in the fall, Woodstock is really a nature lover’s paradise year-round.

The town is surrounded by beautiful trees, and it has a famous covered bridge that leads directly to Mount Tom, a 1,357-foot peak.

Mount Tom has some of the best hiking in Woodstock, and there are over 10 different paths you can take to reach the summit.

There are also lakes and rivers, plus there’s no shortage of scenic roads, so you can really embrace the natural beauty of Mother Nature.

10 | The Catskills, New York | When New Yorkers want a break from the city, they head upstate to the Catskills.

These mountains are famous for the Catskill Forest Preserve, a nature park with over 300,000 acres of forests, meadowlands, cliffs, mountains, waterfalls and more! It’s also home to the famous Adirondack Mountains.

Popular spots to stay include Windham, known for its Scandinavian-style cabins, Hunter, for its skiing, and Kingston, New York state’s original capital.

No matter your preference, there are plenty of lodges, cabins and campgrounds in the Catskills for adventurers of all levels.

Use Our Handy Map to Find Your Way Around!


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Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Vacations

Some of the best eco-friendly vacation destinations in the U.S. include Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains. These locations offer sustainable travel options like eco-lodges, wildlife conservation tours, and green-certified activities.

To plan a sustainable vacation in the U.S., choose eco-friendly hotels and lodges, opt for public transportation, or explore the destination by walking or biking. Participating in local conservation efforts and supporting eco-conscious businesses also makes a big difference.

Top eco-friendly hotels and resorts in the U.S. include the Bardessono Hotel & Spa in Napa Valley, the Lodge at Chaa Creek, and the Proximity Hotel in North Carolina. These hotels are LEED-certified and emphasize sustainable practices such as energy conservation and using organic, local ingredients in their dining services.

National parks like Yosemite, Zion, and Acadia are known for their eco-friendly practices, including sustainable waste management, energy-efficient facilities, and wildlife preservation programs. Visiting these parks supports conservation efforts while allowing you to enjoy nature responsibly.

To minimize your carbon footprint while traveling, choose eco-friendly transportation options like trains or electric vehicles, stay at green-certified hotels, and support local businesses that prioritize sustainability. Avoid single-use plastics and participate in activities that respect the environment.

Yes, eco-friendly family vacation spots in the U.S. include places like Great Wolf Lodge, which uses energy-efficient practices, and Asilomar State Beach in California, where families can enjoy nature while learning about conservation.

Eco-friendly vacation activities in the U.S. include hiking, wildlife viewing, and visiting sustainable farms or vineyards. Many national parks also offer eco-tours that focus on conservation and sustainability education.

To find eco-friendly vacation packages, look for travel companies that specialize in sustainable tourism. Websites like Responsible Travel and Green Getaways offer curated packages that focus on eco-conscious travel and accommodations.

Choosing eco-friendly vacations in the U.S. helps reduce your environmental impact while supporting conservation efforts. By staying in sustainable hotels, reducing waste, and participating in eco-conscious activities, you contribute to the preservation of natural landscapes and wildlife. These vacations also often offer unique, enriching experiences that bring you closer to nature.

Yes, there are several eco-friendly beach vacation spots in the U.S. that prioritize sustainability, such as Cannon Beach in Oregon and Key West in Florida. These locations offer eco-conscious lodging, beach clean-up initiatives, and water activities like kayaking and snorkeling that have minimal environmental impact.

Finding the Best Nature Vacation Ideas

The first thing you should do is think about the type of eco-friendly vacation you want. Are you interested in staying by a lake, near mountains or possibly in a forest?

Depending on the region you want to explore, you can narrow down your search by researching national parks or cities that are known for their nature.

Plus, don’t forget to look for places where you can unplug from your digital life. Some places offer off-the-grid adventures, so that might be something to keep in mind.

Check out our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog for more travel inspiration!


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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

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