The huge area of the USA includes a plethora of natural wonders such as stunning mountainous landscapes, serene plains as well as fascinating ocean coasts beaming with wildlife. The rising trend of ecotourism has proven that people are getting more and more aware of the importance of sustainable travel. Eco-friendly travel enables you to see and enjoy all the remarkable places out there, without leaving any harm to them and reducing your carbon footprint by choosing a green means of travel as well as green accommodation. There are plenty of amazing destinations you can visit on foot or by bicycle – take a look at some of the best destinations for ecotourism in the US.
1. Hawaii
Hawaii is the right place to start when it comes to sustainable travel destinations. Residents and natives of Hawaii respect the notion of taking care of the land. If you visit this magnificent place, you will be able to enjoy all kinds of fun green beach activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving. Besides these, there are other activities including a visit to the National Historical Park and the Hawaii Volcano National Park. You can learn a lot about Hawaiian culture through all these activities and at a hula festival. Connection to nature is embedded in Hawaiian culture, so you’ll have a chance to see and experience it firsthand. Also, there are plenty of sustainable accommodation alternatives.
2. Oregon
The Pacific Northwest encompassing Oregon has always been a pioneer in the rising eco-friendly movement. It is surrounded by breathtaking natural sights, which you can explore on foot as well as on a bicycle, as the state of Oregon has invested a lot of money into all kinds of trails and bike routes. All you and your friends (or family) need for this kind of endeavor are good-quality road bikes and the adventure can begin! On the way, you can visit the famous Amity Vineyards, which have been a sustainable winery for more than two decades. They produce three types of eco-wines, which are both organic and sulphite-free.
3. Montana
Montana is a country that is rich in diverse terrain, encompassing Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. Even though Montana as a country has been targeted for gas drilling, efforts have been made to make it eco-friendly in any way possible. For that reason, Montana has created the first LEED-certified hotel in the state, that uses alternative energy, organic towels, and linens as well as has water conservation systems. Moreover, a lodging company, which owns several ecolodges across Montana has developed an energy-conserving strategy as well as a recycling strategy as well. The Treasure State also has many eco-friendly cottages and cabins all across the country.
4. Colorado
Colorado is a region with diverse landscapes, whose residents are devoted to preserving its natural beauties. It has many attractions that are dedicated to the LEED Certification Program. The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is the first gold-certified museum in the country and it is located in the state of Colorado. Activities that you can engage in on this sustainable travel destination include rafting through river canyons and exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. Element Denver Park Meadows has implemented energy-saving methods as well as recycling strategies. Colorado is one of the best options if you want an active, eco-friendly vacation.
5. Washington
Ecotourism is blossoming at Rainier National Park. You can enjoy your stay at an eco-friendly hotel and there are plenty of eco-friendly activities you can do. These include hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing – so if you’re into these kinds of activities, Washington is the place for you. When it comes to Seattle, you can taste some organic products such as coffee, beer, and seafood. The Emerald City has plenty of green hotels to stay in as well as some pet-friendly ones, for your four-legged furry friend.
6. New York
Besides the huge city, the state of New York offers plenty of other fun and sustainable destinations. One of those amazing getaways on the East coast includes Lake Placid. It offers plenty of options for a sustainable traveler. You can find three of the highest-rated eco-friendly properties here which have received platinum certification in Audubon International’s Eco-Rating Program, which is a program that cooperates with different hotels and resorts in order to make sure they follow all the necessary guidelines in providing eco-friendly accommodation. Activities you can do here include hiking and cycling through stunning landscapes.
7. Texas
The first two things that come to mind when speaking about Austin are barbeque and live music. However, that’s not all about this southern state. Austin is abundant in parks, with over 200 of them; it also has 12 preserves and 26 greenbelts. It is a perfect place for growing eco-friendly businesses, including green hotels and other accommodation alternatives. It is heaven both for eco-aware residents and travelers.
8. California
The Western state of California has put emphasis on green travel. It offers plenty of green jobs, meaning that it places its focus on transforming it into an eco-friendly state. Around 95% of the Yosemite National Park, which is located in the state of California, is protected from any kind of urban activity. Eco-enthusiasts are working on decreasing the remaining 5% by introducing hybrid shuttle buses intended for transportation as well as green concessions. What’s interesting for tourists is that you can go on eco-friendly excursions in Palm Springs and visit Indian Canyons, San Andreas Fault, and Joshua Tree National Park. And while you’re there, don’t forget to Google “local vineyard near me“. It’s wine country, after all!
9. Lake Erie, Ohio
One of the most popular Midwestern destinations is Lake Erie, which attracts a lot of tourists each year. The region around the lake is vast and it consists of a few areas including the Put-in-bay, Kelley’s Island, North Bass Island, Middle Bass Island, the central shores, north shores, and west shores as well as east shores. You can enjoy a lot of diverse activities here. Have in mind that distinct areas focus on different things, where the central shores offer more activities suitable for families, while the north and west shores focus more on nature and sustainability.
These are just some of the sustainable destinations you can visit in the USA and enjoy. Before going on such a trip, do your research and find out about different places you can visit and choose the one(s) you like the most – you won’t regret it.
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