16 Best Sustainable Travel Destinations in the U.S.
1. Everglades National Park, FL
Everglades National Park is where adventure and nature embrace. Spanning over 1.5 million acres in Florida, it’s a unique ecosystem brimming with life. You can explore walking trails or take guided eco-friendly tours, showcasing the stunning biodiversity of the area.
Paddle through tranquil waters, surrounded by mangroves, and spot alligators basking in the sun. Birdwatchers, your binoculars will get a workout here, with over 350 bird species to observe.
This park isn’t just special—it’s crucial for the environment and is honored as a World Heritage Site for its extraordinary natural value!
2. The Adirondacks, NY
The Adirondacks offer you a green getaway like no other. This region is a patchwork of protected forests and quaint towns, perfect for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers.
Enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. Don’t miss visiting spots such as Saranac Lake and Whiteface Mountain.
Foodies can also explore local, sustainable food options. The region is known for promoting eco-conscious travel, which minimizes your carbon footprint.
3. Acadia National Park, ME
In Acadia National Park, your adventure kicks off on foot with 158 miles of historic trails waiting for you to explore. Picture winding paths through wooded landscapes and rocky shorelines — nature’s finest work on display.
Want the best views? Drive along the 27-mile Park Loop Road where each curve offers a fresh, eye-popping vista. It’s perfect for when you want to cover more ground and mix up hiking with scenic stops.
4. Olympic National Park, WA
Olympic National Park is a haven for nature lovers. Here, you can bask in the beauty of the Hoh Rainforest, a lush oasis that feels like a different world. Get your fill of adventure with hikes around the Seven Lakes Basin, or take a breather along the Ozette Coast.
Check out the emerald landscapes and ancient forests holding stories of a thousand years. And it’s not just about the trees; the park embraces the majestic Roosevelt elk and a quaint ski spot, too!
If the waters call to you, Lake Crescent offers serene canoeing, kayaking, and catch-and-release fishing.
5. Denali National Park, AK
If you love vast wilderness and serene landscapes, your heart will soar in Denali National Park. Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali rises majestically at 20,310 feet.
Embrace the call of the wild by journeying through various trails throughout the park or revel in the crisp air on a flightseeing adventure. Amidst spruce forests and tundra, you might spot grizzlies, caribou, and wolves.
6. Glacier National Park, MT
Glacier National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, with over 700 miles of trails ribboning through pristine forests, alongside rugged mountains, and sparkling lakes.
In July and August, the park truly comes to life with pleasant daytime temperatures perfect for exploring all that nature has to offer.
Summer isn’t the only time Glacier shines; each season offers a unique display of natural beauty. Whether it’s the wildflowers blooming in spring or the snow-capped peaks in winter, there’s always something breathtaking to see.
7. Joshua Tree National Park, CA
Stroll under the starry skies in a park named for its iconic, twisted Joshua trees. This desert haven welcomes you with open arms to explore its rugged rock formations and fascinating desert landscapes.
With nearly 800,000 acres at your fingertips, you can discover a blend of two distinct desert ecosystems: the Mojave and the Colorado. The vivid sunsets here paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, making your visit truly special.
Don’t miss the chance to see the park’s thriving wildlife and blooming wildflowers, especially during the cooler months from March to May. You can hike, rock climb, camp, or simply relax in nature’s silence.
8. Mesa, AZ
Mesa beckons with open arms if you’re eyeing a getaway that’s as kind to the environment as it is invigorating for you. This Arizona jewel makes sustainable travel a breeze.
With the city championing a Living Green lifestyle, you can soak up the sun and give the solar panels a thumbs up, knowing they power local spots like the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center.
Ever wandered through an urban farm after a meal? In Mesa, Agritopia is your spot. You’ll find an urban farm village with a restaurant that serves up seasonal eats right from the source. It’s a refreshing twist on farm-to-table.
9. Lake Tahoe, NV/CA
Lake Tahoe is where serene waters meet breathtaking mountains! Your heart will soar as you gaze at those crystal-clear waters and snow-capped peaks.
Ready for a day at the beach? Tahoe boasts some stellar spots like Commons Beach and Kiva Beach, where you can soak up sun and scenery. Don’t forget to pack it in, pack it out to keep Tahoe blue!
10. Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite National Park is a haven for those passionate about the outdoors and eager to embrace sustainable travel. You’ll discover Yosemite like never before with responsible tour operators ready to show you its wonders.
The park’s commitment to conservation is evident in its eco-friendly practices. They have sustainable travel guidelines that encourage the use of shuttle services and inspire visitors to minimize their footprint.
11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
If you’re searching for a serene getaway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddling Tennessee and North Carolina is a leader in sustainability. Wake up to birds singing in beautiful forests at an eco-friendly safari-style tent, minutes away from the park.
Here, your love for the outdoors meets a commitment to the planet. In summertime, the Smokies burst with lush greenery, while autumn brings a brilliant palette of colors.
Between hiking, wildlife spotting, and simply breathing in fresh mountain air, you’ll find this escape is rejuvenating for both you and the environment.
12. The Florida Keys, FL
If you’re looking for a place where beautiful nature and eco-friendly travel meet, the Florida Keys should be at the top of your list! In this spectacular chain of islands, you can find sunny beaches and the only living coral barrier reef in the United States.
Whether you’re exploring the underwater wonders while scuba diving or enjoying the scenic drive across the renowned Seven Mile Bridge, the Florida Keys offer stunning views and a commitment to keeping their environment pristine.
13. Sedona, AZ
Have you discovered Sedona’s red rock scenery? It’s a place that puts nature first and invites you to do the same. With a Sustainable Tourism Plan, Sedona leads the way in green travel.
You can embrace outdoor adventures that protect the land. Sedona encourages you to live like a local, making for a trip that supports the community and the planet.
14. Zion National Park, UT
Zion National Park shines as a top pick for adventurers like you seeking sustainable travel spots in the U.S. Your eyes will light up at the sight of towering red cliffs and the sound of the gentle Virgin River.
Within its 150,000 acres, the park protects diverse wildlife and rich history, making it a haven for nature lovers. Sustainability efforts here are in full swing, meaning you can explore while keeping your environmental footprint minimal.
15. Big Sur, CA
Exploring Big Sur gives you a chance to connect with nature while being mindful of the environment. With an emphasis on preserving its natural beauty, Big Sur offers eco-friendly accommodations ensuring your visit leaves a minimal footprint.
Keeping Big Sur sustainable is a priority for both visitors and locals alike. Simple acts like staying on marked trails and picking up after yourself go a long way. Plus, the area’s hotels are on board with green initiatives to keep this spot pristine for years to come.
16. Hawaiian Islands, HI
The Hawaiian Islands offer you a splendid opportunity to enjoy a sustainable vacation. You can support the environment by staying at eco-friendly resorts like the Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho’omaluhia, where ocean views collide with conservation practices.
When exploring the islands, make sunscreen choices that protect the coral reefs. Hawaii was the first U.S. state to ban harmful sunscreens, so remember to use mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen.
