It's Easy to be Green at these Eco-Friendly Family Vacation Spots

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May 10, 2012, 11:48 ET

CHICAGO, May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers wanting to leave a lighter footprint can combine family fun with education at these green activity destinations recommended by the travel experts at The GO Group, LLC.

San Francisco is known for being one of the most eco-aware cities in the U.S. Visitors can rent bikes, go hiking and attend numerous green festivals and when tired, hop on a famous electric powered streetcar. Spend an afternoon at the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market then get a good night's rest at the Orchard Garden Hotel, the first LEED-certified (environmentally sustainable) hotel in America.

Located 25 miles north of Manhattan is the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, a non-profit farm and education center and 80-acre four-season farm. Families will love the livestock, garden and barn tours and chores, such as working with beeswax or honey. The venue offers children's education programs and day camps as well as public awareness programs with a goal of improving the way America eats and farms.

Hawaii is an eco-lovers paradise offering nature-friendly activities such as whale watching, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, zip lines and surfing. The less adventurous can take guided volcano and garden tours or enjoy exotic produce at the farmers' markets. Green hotels and resorts are plentiful; check here for options: http://www.eco-tropicalresorts.com.

To learn about marine environmental programs head to Hidden Harbor Motel on Marathon Key, Florida, 75 miles south of Miami. There is a sea turtle hospital next door and the covered swimming pool has been converted into a recovery aquarium for marine patients. Motel guests may also participate in the rescue of endangered sea creatures. Guests receive a free Environmental Passport with discounts to local eco-tours, centers and exhibits. Profits from the motel support the facility.

Indianapolis is one of the top bike-friendly cities in the country. There are many trails to ride but the most popular is the Monon Trail. This 10.5 miles urban greenway links downtown, parks and residential neighborhoods and has direct connections to the many other trails to form a network that reaches to the west side of the downtown district.

Two hours north of Indianapolis is Fair Oaks Farms, a working dairy farm. Visitors can take tours, learn about sustainable dairy farming and watch a baby calf being born. The cafe serves "the best" grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream made on-site and offers a gift shop so visitors can take home edible reminders.

The GO Group serves all locations mentioned above and more. Visit the website for list of cities served.

The GO Group, LLC is a one-stop source for door-to-door airport shuttle services. Each year, its members transport some 13 million passengers to and from airports in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe. Travelers can book ground transportation to and from both departure and destination airports through GO's website, www.goairportshuttle.com

SOURCE The GO Group, LLC