Green getaways in the Golden State: Leave only footprints at these eco-friendly finds
As sustainability continues to take center stage in the travel industry, California stands out with its wealth of eco-friendly activities, unique accommodations and breathtaking landscapes, all committed to protecting this beautiful planet we call home.
From relaxing beachside resorts to scenic mountain retreats and thriving wine regions, here’s a curated list of California’s top sustainable experiences and eco-conscious destinations.
1. Desert Hot Springs
Nestled in the serene desert oasis of Desert Hot Springs, Two Bunch Palms is North America’s first carbon-neutral resort. Just a short drive from Palm Springs International Airport, this 67-room boutique hotel offers a haven of relaxation atop the ancient healing waters of Desert Hot Springs.
The resort prides itself on conservation and sustainability, harnessing solar power for 100% of its electricity and using eco-friendly products for cleaning and treatment. Guests can unwind in the heated mineral water pool and explore over 30 complimentary wellness programs, including sound bowl healing, ceramics and yoga.
2. North Lake Tahoe
Straddling the California-Nevada border, North Lake Tahoe combines stunning alpine scenery with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. This iconic destination offers numerous outdoor activities, from hiking and biking on hundreds of miles of trails to enjoying the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe.
Recent sustainability initiatives include the Traveler Responsibility Pledge, TART Connect (an eco-friendly transit service) and mesmerizing drone light shows as an alternative to fireworks. Additionally, North Lake Tahoe’s Beach Bot (BEBOT), an all-electric sand-sifting robot, helps clean microplastics from beaches, preserving the lake’s natural beauty.
Lodging options like the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offer an immersive eco-friendly experience, with energy-saving lighting, waste reduction programs and educational partnerships such as Keep Tahoe Blue.
3. Temecula Valley
Temecula Valley has become a hub for sustainable winemaking and farm-to-table dining. Wilson Creek Winery leads the way with regenerative farming practices, using compost and cover crops to revitalize soil health while avoiding harmful chemicals. Vineyard manager Greg Pennyroyal’s commitment to ecosystem health is evident in every bottle.
Leah Delyte Di Bernardo’s E.A.T. Marketplace in Old Town Temecula takes the farm-to-table concept further by partnering with local farmers who produce high-quality organic ingredients. As a culinary instructor, Di Bernardo educates future chefs on regenerative practices, making E.A.T. a must-visit for eco-conscious food lovers seeking a connection between agriculture and their plates.
4. Tri-Valley Region
The Tri-Valley area, including Pleasanton, Livermore and Danville, is rich in eco-tourism and sustainable wine experiences. Explore Livermore Valley Wine Country on a Pedego electric bike tour, gliding through vineyards with minimal environmental impact. Esteemed wineries like Wente Vineyards and Retzlaff Vineyards showcase their dedication to sustainability with organic practices, energy conservation and waste recycling.
For a hands-on experience unlike any other, Gerard’z Honeybees offers beekeeping workshops with a vineyard backdrop. Visitors can learn about the crucial role of bees in agriculture while also enjoying honey and wine pairings.
5. Ojai Valley
Surrounded by the lush landscapes of Ojai Valley, the Ojai Valley Inn provides a sustainable luxury escape that emphasizes water conservation and biodiversity preservation. The resort’s rainwater collection and low-flow irrigation systems nurture gardens filled with native and drought-resistant plants.
Guests can indulge in treatments at Spa Ojai, featuring products made from organic ingredients or dine at The Farmhouse, which serves seasonal produce sourced locally. Ojai Valley Inn also hosts activities that celebrate Ojai’s natural beauty, including guided hikes, beekeeping and honey tastings.
6. Laguna Beach
Certified as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a pioneer in sustainable hospitality. The property uses reclaimed water to irrigate its grounds, saving millions of gallons of potable water annually and turns food scraps into compost to enrich their Harvest Garden, which supplies ingredients for the resort’s restaurant.
Guests can participate in eco-friendly activities at The Ecology Center, from farm tours and yoga to hands-on classes in regenerative agriculture.
7. Sonoma
Located in the heart of Sonoma’s wine country, The Farmhouse Inn is a luxury boutique hotel with deep-rooted sustainability practices. Each stay supports local farms and vineyards that prioritize organic, bio-dynamic agriculture.
Guests can enjoy fresh, seasonal fare at the inn’s Michelin-starred restaurant, sourced from Sonoma’s organic farms. With its commitment to preserving Sonoma’s natural beauty, The Farmhouse Inn provides an authentic and eco-friendly experience in the heart of California’s wine country.
8. Dana Point
Dana Point offers an unforgettable eco-friendly whale-watching experience along California’s coast, in a location recognized as America’s first Whale Heritage Site. This vibrant marine destination invites travelers to witness the majesty of migrating whales with a focus on responsible tourism.
At the Eco-Adventure Center at The Ritz-Carlton, guests can explore the diverse marine ecosystem through hands-on activities like squid dissections and guided nature walks. These experiences help visitors connect deeply with the local environment while learning about the importance of marine conservation.
9. Mendocino Coast
Nestled along California’s stunning Mendocino Coast, Stanford Inn by the Sea is a trailblazer in eco-friendly accommodations. This destination combines wellness and sustainability, featuring a certified organic farm that supplies fresh produce to the inn’s plant-based dining options.
Guests can try out sustainability workshops, explore farm-to-table dining and immerse themselves in the inn’s eco-focused training programs, making it a dream getaway for environmentally conscious travelers. From its commitment to vegan-friendly hospitality to hands-on learning opportunities in sustainable practices, Stanford Inn offers a truly holistic get.
This story was originally published November 6, 2024 at 2:35 PM.
