Eco-Friendly Hotels for Spring Break Without the Party Crowds
Spring break runs mid-March through early April depending on your school or university. The destinations families and students actually choose — Florida, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, Hawaii — have a growing number of certified eco hotels that also deliver warm weather, pools, and beach access. This guide covers five destinations, with two options for Hilton Head, and the best eco-certified hotel in each.
Miami Beach, Florida – Eco Hotels Near South Beach
March in Miami Beach averages 75-80°F. South Beach has the Art Deco strip, Ocean Drive bars, Lincoln Road shopping, and some of the most recognizable beaches in the country. It's busy during spring break — part of the draw for college students, and manageable for families who pick the right hotel.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club (Autograph Collection by Marriott)
Green Key certified, LEED certified, Florida Green Lodging 3 Palm rated
The Cadillac is a 1940s Art Deco oceanfront building on Collins Avenue, restored and relaunched as part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. On sustainability, it publicly lists Green Key, LEED, and Florida Green Lodging Three Palms, plus programs including EcoLab Aquanomics laundry system, and property-wide recycling.
The hotel has two outdoor pools, private beach access, a beach club with cabanas, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Collins Avenue puts you steps from Ocean Drive nightlife and Lincoln Road shopping. Breakfast costs extra. Earns Marriott Bonvoy points.
Best for: Families who want beach access with a brand they know; college students who want South Beach on their doorstep; Marriott Bonvoy members
Explore rates and availability at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
Key West, Florida – Sustainable Resorts Away from Duval Street
Key West is at the end of the Florida Keys, 3.5 hours from Miami by car or reachable by direct flight. March averages 79°F. The island is walkable — you rent a bike or scooter and don't need a car. Duval Street has the bars and restaurants; the water has snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
4 Green Key certified, Florida Green Lodging 3 Palm rated
Parrot Key sits on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island, away from Duval Street. The hotel lists Level 4 Green Key certification — the highest available — on its own sustainability page, alongside LED lighting throughout, guest room energy management systems, refillable in-room amenity dispensers, recycled-content paper products, 4 EV chargers on-site, and native plant preservation on the grounds.
Four outdoor pools, a heated Jacuzzi, a private dock, water sports rentals, bikes, and on-site dining are on the property. Villas sleep larger families and groups. Duval Street is 15 minutes by bike — close enough to reach, far enough to sleep through.
Best for: Families with kids who want a pool-heavy resort setup away from the party strip; groups and families needing more space; Key West first-timers who want the experience without the noise
View current details at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Quiet East Coast Alternative
Hilton Head is a South Carolina barrier island with 12 miles of beach, 300+ miles of bike paths, and a quieter pace than Florida. March averages 62-68°F — warm enough for the beach, light jacket in the evenings. A practical choice for East Coast families who want to drive rather than fly and skip the Florida crowds.
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Green Key Eco-Rating Program certified
The Westin sits directly on the Atlantic with private beach access and three outdoor pools — a covered heated pool, a round shallow pool, and a large shared hot tub. The 24-hour fitness center, full-service spa with sauna and steam room, two restaurants, poolside bar, and beach volleyball round out the property.
The hotel earns Marriott Bonvoy points and is pet-friendly. Beach access is direct. The surrounding area has tennis, championship golf, and bike trails.
Best for: Families with children who want a full-service oceanfront resort; East Coast travelers who want South Carolina's Lowcountry pace; Marriott loyalists
Learn more about Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Sea Pines Resort
South Carolina DHEC Green Hospitality Award, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certified golf courses, 605-acre forest preserve
Sea Pines is worth a separate mention because it represents a different kind of Hilton Head trip. When founder Charles Fraser developed the resort in 1956, he built around the island's existing ecosystem — no building on the property exceeds the height of the tallest trees. The resort has a recycling program, builds oyster reefs from discarded shells from its own restaurants, and all three golf courses are Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certified.
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve spans over 600 acres — the largest tract of undeveloped land on Hilton Head Island — with hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing for over 200 bird species. Direct ocean beach access, three championship golf courses, kayaking, horseback riding on the beach, and Eco-Adventures tours are available. Harbour Town has restaurants, shops, and the landmark red-and-white lighthouse. Accommodation includes vacation villas and homes alongside hotel rooms.
Best for: Families who want nature immersion alongside resort activities; golfers; anyone who wants a full-destination experience with long-standing environmental credibility
See accommodation options at Sea Pines Resort
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Tropical Spring Break Without a Passport
Puerto Rico is a US territory — no passport needed for American travelers. San Juan has 80°F weather in March, Old San Juan's Spanish colonial streets, El Yunque rainforest, bioluminescent bays, and Atlantic coastline. East Coast flights run under 3 hours, and March sits between peak winter season and summer — typically cheaper while still warm.
Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
LEED New Construction certified — first hotel in the Caribbean and first Sheraton worldwide to earn LEED certification (2010)
The Sheraton opened in 2009 and earned LEED certification in 2010 following a 15-month audit and validation process. The building achieved 20% energy savings and diverted 50% of construction waste from landfill during construction — both confirmed in the LEED documentation.
The hotel has 503 rooms, a 57,000-square-foot pool deck with an infinity pool and cabanas overlooking San Juan Bay, a full-service spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, and a 24/7 casino. It's AAA Four Diamond rated and earns Marriott Bonvoy points.
Best for: East Coast families who want a tropical trip without passport requirements; college students who want beach access and nightlife in the same place; Marriott loyalists; groups who need meeting space alongside vacation
Review room types and rates at Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
Maui, Hawaii – Eco-Certified Beach Resorts in Ka'anapali
Maui averages 80°F in March. Humpback whale watching runs through April, the snorkeling off Ka'anapali Beach is accessible to beginners, and Ka'anapali has enough activities on-property that you don't need to leave the resort if you don't want to. It's the most expensive destination on this list — but for families who want a self-contained tropical resort, it's hard to match.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
LEED Silver certified (EBOM) — first resort in Hawaii to achieve LEED Silver, TRUE Waste Precertified by USGBC
The Hyatt sits on Ka'anapali Beach with direct ocean access and calm, swimmable water. The LEED Silver EBOM certification covers energy efficiency, water conservation, waste diversion, sustainable purchasing, and indoor environmental quality. Water-saving measures save over six million gallons annually, and more than 70% of purchased items are local, recycled, or made from a renewable resource. The resort was the first in Hawaii to earn TRUE Waste Precertification.
The resort has a 60,000-square-foot pool complex with waterfalls, water slides, and a swim-through grotto. Camp Hyatt runs supervised activities for children ages 3-12. The Drums of the Pacific luau is on-site. Multiple restaurants, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and evening penguin and flamingo feedings complete the picture. Whale watching tours depart from the Ka'anapali beachfront directly in front of the hotel during spring break season. Earns World of Hyatt points.
Best for: Families with children of all ages; West Coast travelers who want Hawaii's most rigorously certified full-service beach resort; Hyatt loyalists
Check availability at Hyatt Regency Maui
When to Book Spring Break Hotels
Peak spring break runs mid-March through early April. Maui, Key West, and Miami Beach fill up first — book 3-4 months ahead. Puerto Rico and Hilton Head have more availability during March and generally run at lower rates.
Families with young children will find the most structured on-property programming at Hyatt Regency Maui (Camp Hyatt ages 3-12) and Sea Pines (Eco-Adventures). College students and older teens are best positioned at the Cadillac in Miami Beach and the Sheraton Puerto Rico, both within reach of nightlife. Parrot Key and Sea Pines are the better picks for families who want a resort experience without South Beach or Duval Street energy.
At Dyme, every booking contributes to something beyond the trip. We invest our profits in solar installations for schools and hospitals around the world — cutting energy costs, creating local jobs, and building cleaner infrastructure where it's needed most.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
Table of Contents
Eco-Friendly Hotels for Spring Break Without the Party Crowds
Spring break runs mid-March through early April depending on your school or university. The destinations families and students actually choose — Florida, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, Hawaii — have a growing number of certified eco hotels that also deliver warm weather, pools, and beach access. This guide covers five destinations, with two options for Hilton Head, and the best eco-certified hotel in each.
Miami Beach, Florida – Eco Hotels Near South Beach
March in Miami Beach averages 75-80°F. South Beach has the Art Deco strip, Ocean Drive bars, Lincoln Road shopping, and some of the most recognizable beaches in the country. It's busy during spring break — part of the draw for college students, and manageable for families who pick the right hotel.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club (Autograph Collection by Marriott)
Green Key certified, LEED certified, Florida Green Lodging 3 Palm rated
The Cadillac is a 1940s Art Deco oceanfront building on Collins Avenue, restored and relaunched as part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. On sustainability, it publicly lists Green Key, LEED, and Florida Green Lodging Three Palms, plus programs including EcoLab Aquanomics laundry system, and property-wide recycling.
The hotel has two outdoor pools, private beach access, a beach club with cabanas, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Collins Avenue puts you steps from Ocean Drive nightlife and Lincoln Road shopping. Breakfast costs extra. Earns Marriott Bonvoy points.
Best for: Families who want beach access with a brand they know; college students who want South Beach on their doorstep; Marriott Bonvoy members
Explore rates and availability at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
Key West, Florida – Sustainable Resorts Away from Duval Street
Key West is at the end of the Florida Keys, 3.5 hours from Miami by car or reachable by direct flight. March averages 79°F. The island is walkable — you rent a bike or scooter and don't need a car. Duval Street has the bars and restaurants; the water has snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
4 Green Key certified, Florida Green Lodging 3 Palm rated
Parrot Key sits on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island, away from Duval Street. The hotel lists Level 4 Green Key certification — the highest available — on its own sustainability page, alongside LED lighting throughout, guest room energy management systems, refillable in-room amenity dispensers, recycled-content paper products, 4 EV chargers on-site, and native plant preservation on the grounds.
Four outdoor pools, a heated Jacuzzi, a private dock, water sports rentals, bikes, and on-site dining are on the property. Villas sleep larger families and groups. Duval Street is 15 minutes by bike — close enough to reach, far enough to sleep through.
Best for: Families with kids who want a pool-heavy resort setup away from the party strip; groups and families needing more space; Key West first-timers who want the experience without the noise
View current details at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Quiet East Coast Alternative
Hilton Head is a South Carolina barrier island with 12 miles of beach, 300+ miles of bike paths, and a quieter pace than Florida. March averages 62-68°F — warm enough for the beach, light jacket in the evenings. A practical choice for East Coast families who want to drive rather than fly and skip the Florida crowds.
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Green Key Eco-Rating Program certified
The Westin sits directly on the Atlantic with private beach access and three outdoor pools — a covered heated pool, a round shallow pool, and a large shared hot tub. The 24-hour fitness center, full-service spa with sauna and steam room, two restaurants, poolside bar, and beach volleyball round out the property.
The hotel earns Marriott Bonvoy points and is pet-friendly. Beach access is direct. The surrounding area has tennis, championship golf, and bike trails.
Best for: Families with children who want a full-service oceanfront resort; East Coast travelers who want South Carolina's Lowcountry pace; Marriott loyalists
Learn more about Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Sea Pines Resort
South Carolina DHEC Green Hospitality Award, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certified golf courses, 605-acre forest preserve
Sea Pines is worth a separate mention because it represents a different kind of Hilton Head trip. When founder Charles Fraser developed the resort in 1956, he built around the island's existing ecosystem — no building on the property exceeds the height of the tallest trees. The resort has a recycling program, builds oyster reefs from discarded shells from its own restaurants, and all three golf courses are Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certified.
The Sea Pines Forest Preserve spans over 600 acres — the largest tract of undeveloped land on Hilton Head Island — with hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing for over 200 bird species. Direct ocean beach access, three championship golf courses, kayaking, horseback riding on the beach, and Eco-Adventures tours are available. Harbour Town has restaurants, shops, and the landmark red-and-white lighthouse. Accommodation includes vacation villas and homes alongside hotel rooms.
Best for: Families who want nature immersion alongside resort activities; golfers; anyone who wants a full-destination experience with long-standing environmental credibility
See accommodation options at Sea Pines Resort
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Tropical Spring Break Without a Passport
Puerto Rico is a US territory — no passport needed for American travelers. San Juan has 80°F weather in March, Old San Juan's Spanish colonial streets, El Yunque rainforest, bioluminescent bays, and Atlantic coastline. East Coast flights run under 3 hours, and March sits between peak winter season and summer — typically cheaper while still warm.
Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
LEED New Construction certified — first hotel in the Caribbean and first Sheraton worldwide to earn LEED certification (2010)
The Sheraton opened in 2009 and earned LEED certification in 2010 following a 15-month audit and validation process. The building achieved 20% energy savings and diverted 50% of construction waste from landfill during construction — both confirmed in the LEED documentation.
The hotel has 503 rooms, a 57,000-square-foot pool deck with an infinity pool and cabanas overlooking San Juan Bay, a full-service spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, and a 24/7 casino. It's AAA Four Diamond rated and earns Marriott Bonvoy points.
Best for: East Coast families who want a tropical trip without passport requirements; college students who want beach access and nightlife in the same place; Marriott loyalists; groups who need meeting space alongside vacation
Review room types and rates at Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino
Maui, Hawaii – Eco-Certified Beach Resorts in Ka'anapali
Maui averages 80°F in March. Humpback whale watching runs through April, the snorkeling off Ka'anapali Beach is accessible to beginners, and Ka'anapali has enough activities on-property that you don't need to leave the resort if you don't want to. It's the most expensive destination on this list — but for families who want a self-contained tropical resort, it's hard to match.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
LEED Silver certified (EBOM) — first resort in Hawaii to achieve LEED Silver, TRUE Waste Precertified by USGBC
The Hyatt sits on Ka'anapali Beach with direct ocean access and calm, swimmable water. The LEED Silver EBOM certification covers energy efficiency, water conservation, waste diversion, sustainable purchasing, and indoor environmental quality. Water-saving measures save over six million gallons annually, and more than 70% of purchased items are local, recycled, or made from a renewable resource. The resort was the first in Hawaii to earn TRUE Waste Precertification.
The resort has a 60,000-square-foot pool complex with waterfalls, water slides, and a swim-through grotto. Camp Hyatt runs supervised activities for children ages 3-12. The Drums of the Pacific luau is on-site. Multiple restaurants, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and evening penguin and flamingo feedings complete the picture. Whale watching tours depart from the Ka'anapali beachfront directly in front of the hotel during spring break season. Earns World of Hyatt points.
Best for: Families with children of all ages; West Coast travelers who want Hawaii's most rigorously certified full-service beach resort; Hyatt loyalists
Check availability at Hyatt Regency Maui
When to Book Spring Break Hotels
Peak spring break runs mid-March through early April. Maui, Key West, and Miami Beach fill up first — book 3-4 months ahead. Puerto Rico and Hilton Head have more availability during March and generally run at lower rates.
Families with young children will find the most structured on-property programming at Hyatt Regency Maui (Camp Hyatt ages 3-12) and Sea Pines (Eco-Adventures). College students and older teens are best positioned at the Cadillac in Miami Beach and the Sheraton Puerto Rico, both within reach of nightlife. Parrot Key and Sea Pines are the better picks for families who want a resort experience without South Beach or Duval Street energy.
At Dyme, every booking contributes to something beyond the trip. We invest our profits in solar installations for schools and hospitals around the world — cutting energy costs, creating local jobs, and building cleaner infrastructure where it's needed most.
Become a Dyme member to support cleaner, low-impact travel and unlock exclusive prices.
%201.svg){kind=small}