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Treading gently on the environment and conserving the natural bounty that surrounds us has always been a part of Ventura County Coast’s ethos. Our communities care about maintaining a pristine coastline, protecting our hillsides and rivers, and cultivating our rich agricultural lands sustainably. It is our great honor to serve as the gateway to the majestic Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. And we are equally proud that the pioneering outdoor lifestyle brand, Patagonia, is headquartered here—these eco-warriors are well-known for putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to being champions for Plant Earth, not to mention giving consumers great green options.
In this same spirit, we invite you to roam responsibly when you visit us. Making intentional choices with how you spend your hard-earned travel dollars and how you navigate our destination can have a big impact while minimizing your footprint. From supporting small businesses and taking advantage of public transportation, to eating and drinking locally and seasonally and adventuring with care, let these seven eco-friendly travel tips inspire your next Ventura County Coast trip.
#1: Go Car-Free
Consider leaving your car behind and taking the train. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and the MetroLink commuter rail both make frequent stops in Camarillo, Oxnard, and Ventura—and Port Hueneme is just a short bus or bike ride away. Camarillo Area Transit has a convenient and affordable trolley service running on a loop. You can rent bikes from outfitters like Wheel Fun Rentals who have six locations in convenient locations throughout Oxnard, Ventura, and Port Hueneme. Ventura County Transit Commission operates bus service throughout the region and offers more helpful resources to help you plan how to get around without a car. And there’s always rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to fill the gaps.
#2: Opt Outside
When you opt outside responsibly, your mind, body, and the environment stand to reap a plethora of benefits. Spend a day enjoying our uncrowded beaches, hunting for sea glass in Ventura, watching the surfers in Port Hueneme, and getting your steps in walking in the sands of Oxnard Shores. Find your Zen with al fresco yoga on the beach, in the park, or on the water. Take a day trip to the Channel Islands from either Ventura or Channel Islands Harbor—once there, you can hike or go kayaking through massive sea caves with Channel Islands Adventure Company.
Back on land, get grounded hiking our naturally gorgeous trails or pedaling your cares away through the hills or on the boardwalks. Do you part by staying on designated bike paths and hiking trails. Respect local wildlife and habitats by not touching animals and leaving no trace (a.k.a. don’t litter, which of course you know better!). Traveling with your furry friends? Ventura County Coast has several dog-friendly trails and beaches like Camarillo Grove Park and Ventura’s Surfer’s Point, too.
#3: Eat & Drink Green
Our bountiful agricultural industry spoils us with an abundance of organic produce all year round. Dine at farm-to-table restaurants where chefs make creative use of the delicious harvests. Support our sustainable fisheries and enjoy fresh catch from our local waters at seaside spots like Kanaloa Seafood. Savor locally brewed craft beers and regional wines. Sip cocktails made with local ingredients, from spirits distilled on our sunny shores to fresh fruit and herbs sourced from local growers. Patronize independent coffee shops that roast their own ethically sourced, fair-trade beans or support equally responsible artisan roasters like Humblemaker Coffee Co. in Ventura, who serve cups of Joe from inside a really cool renovated shipping container. Get closer to the land, learn about regenerative agriculture, and meet local farmers on a Farm Trail tour or a visit to one of our weekly farmers’ markets. Eating and drinking green sounds pretty darn delicious, doesn’t it?
#4: Buy Local
In addition to buying locally grown produce and hand-crafted libations to bring home as souvenirs, consider shopping small and supporting local entrepreneurs. Hit independent boutiques and cooperative marketplaces scattered throughout our pedestrian-friendly main streets, downtowns, and harbor complexes that are a delight to browse around. We’ve got great surf shops for all your swim and beachwear needs and well-curated, fashionable boutiques carrying pieces that will make your stand-out from the crowd. Plus, your support will help keep these folks in business while contributing valuable tax revenues that get reinvested in the community.
#5: Embrace Sustainable Style
Say “no ” to fast fashion and buy secondhand to lessen your impact on the environment and prevent perfectly good items from going into the landfill. Ventura County Coast is known for its awesome thrifting and vintage scenes, from clothing and accessories to furniture and home décor, you will certainly be able to score big! Swing into spots like Coalition thrift store in Ventura, Green Goddess Boutique in Camarillo and Streets of Vintage in Oxnard.
#6: Support Certified Green Businesses
Ventura County Coast is home to numerous certified green businesses, including big name brands like Patagonia, locally-owned mom and pop shops, restaurants, and hotels. Check out the list of businesses who have taken the time to get certified by the Ventura County Green Business program, which is part of the large California Green Business Network. Reward their commitment to sustainability by supporting businesses who are going above and beyond.
#7: Educate Yourself
Expand your knowledge on all things sustainability and conservation with a visit to area attractions that offer a unique lens on climate and environment. Channel Islands Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the wonders of local maritime heritage and their exhibits highlight the complex interrelationships with the ecology of the ocean. Pair that with a beautiful walk through Ventura Botanical Gardens whose world-class botanical garden showcases and preserves native plants while simultaneously providing educational, recreational, and cultural enhancement—plus, the 360-degree island and mountain views can’t be beat! Camarillo’s Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology is another fascinating place to learn about natural history and the world of birds. Their impressive collections include more than 225,00 sets of eggs, 18,000 nests, and 56,000 bird study skins. In fact, the nest collection is the largest of its kind in the world.
Book your eco-friendly stay today! We offer a diversity of accommodation types, ranging in size and prestige from global chain hotels and motels to bed & breakfasts and charming inns. You can also find incredible spots to tent camp or stop at an RV park.
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