As climate change and environmental sustainability become increasingly important issues, more travelers are looking to minimize their carbon footprint by visiting eco-friendly destinations. The good news is that there are many Eco Friendly Destinations travel options right here in the USA. From eco-lodges nestled in nature to cities with excellent public transportation, you can easily plan a vacation that matches your green travel values.
In this blog post, I’ll highlight some of the top eco-friendly destinations across the United States and explain why they are great options for sustainable vacations. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, urban sightseeing, or relaxing at an eco-lodge, you’ll find plenty of inspiring ideas here!
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the USA, receiving over 4 million visitors per year. Luckily, it incorporates extensive sustainability practices to preserve the stunning natural landscape. Over 90% of the park facilities are powered by renewable energy, and hybrid shuttle buses provide car-free transportation with charging stations powered by solar panels. Camping and lodging options include eco-friendly canvas tents, cabins, and historic hotels with green business certifications. With endless hiking trails, waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and wildlife viewing opportunities, Yosemite makes for an unforgettable sustainable national park trip.
Portland, Oregon
With its reputation as one of America’s greenest cities, Portland is a leading sustainable travel destination. It’s consistently ranked #1 for public transportation, making getting around via the light rail system, buses, and streetcars very easy. There are also over 300 miles of bike lanes and paths to pedal around car-free. You’ll find LEED-certified green hotels like the Nines Hotel and a flourishing Farmers Market scene focused on local and organic goods. And don’t miss exploring neighborhoods like the Pearl District with environmentally conscious shops, restaurants, breweries and cafes. With its walkable neighborhoods, farm-to-table dining, nature-filled parks, and eco-conscious mindset, Portland encapsulates an eco-friendly urban getaway.
Volcano, Hawaii
For a truly unique sustainable travel experience, visit Volcano, Hawaii. This remote village on the Big Island sits at the edge of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering exceptional eco-friendly accommodation, dining, and recreation options while surrounded by raw natural beauty. Stay at Volcano Garden Arts, an art gallery and eco-B&B with that runs almost entirely on solar power. Or choose Kilauea Lodge, a historic lodge praised for its sustainability, green business certification, and dedication to serving locally sourced Hawaiian meals. You can spend days hiking through volcanic craters, seeing steam vents, walking through rainforests, and staring up at starry skies free of light pollution. The off-the-grid tranquility in Volcano makes it feel worlds away.
Aspen, Colorado
Known for its stunning mountain scenery and outstanding ski slopes, Aspen also scores high marks as a green travel destination. The city has been committed to environmental stewardship for years, as reflected in its numerous sustainability awards. Once you arrive, you can easily get around via free buses and bike shares with ample lanes and trails weaving through town. There are also over 170 LEED Certified green buildings, showing that sustainability reaches every level of the community. For eco-friendly stays, check out the Limelight Hotel made partly from recycled materials or the LEED Platinum certified Aspen Meadows Resort. And you’ll love dining on organic cuisine from the many sustainably-minded restaurants, like the vegetarian Paradise Bakery. Whether visiting in winter for world-class skiing or summer for music festivals and hiking, Aspen makes green travel easy.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Nestled on the border of California and Nevada, South Lake Tahoe brings together breathtaking mountain scenery and eco-conscious practices. Getting around via public transportation like the BlueGo bus system, bike paths, electric vehicle charging stations and green taxis is very convenient. In terms of accommodation, you’ll find multiple eco-lodges with LEED certification like Basecamp Hotel South Lake Tahoe and the Coachman Hotel. These green hotels use renewable energy systems, serve locally sourced meals, and incorporate upcycled design elements. And be sure to take advantage of South Lake Tahoe’s wealth of sustainable outdoor recreation through kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and beach cleanups around the crystal clear waters. With so many eco-focused initiatives, South Lake Tahoe deserves a spot on any sustainable travel bucket list.
Conclusion
Eco-conscious travelers will find plenty of sustainable vacation options across the USA. From majestic national parks and charming small towns to exciting big cities, there are many impressive places prioritizing renewable energy, nature conservation, green business development and local community support. I sincerely hope you find this “Eco Friendly Destinations in USA” article helpful.
