Sustainable Travel: Tips for Exploring the Coast Responsibly

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Sustainable travel is a responsible and mindful approach to tourism that seeks to protect and conserve the environment, culture, and communities of the destinations we visit. By making eco-friendly choices and supporting local initiatives, we can create a positive impact and ensure that these beautiful places are preserved for generations to come. Use this eco-friendly travel inspiration guide to help you plan your adventure to Ventura County Coast.

Sustainable Eats

Eating sustainably will have a big impact on your carbon footprint while visiting. Here’s a few tips to help you navigate our eco-friendly dining and food options, which are an important part of sustainable travel.

Ocean Friendly Restaurants

Discover Surfrider Foundation-approved ocean-friendly restaurants along the Ventura County Coast that help reduce beach pollution and follow Seafood Watch’s sustainability guidelines. These eco-conscious dining spots align with the principles of sustainable travel by offering vegan and organic options, ensuring a delicious and environmentally responsible dining experience. Use the link below to get up-to-date ocean-friendly restaurant locations.

Go Vegan

Explore the abundance of plant-based and farm-to-table dining options along the Ventura County Coast. Opting for locally sourced plant-based foods during your trip is not only a delicious experience but also a sustainable way to reduce your carbon footprint and support the local community.

Agritourism

Agritourism is a great way to connect with local growers and reduce your environmental impact. The simple act of buying and consuming locally grown or artisan crafted foods reduces waste, carbon emissions from transportation, and contributes to the local economy.

Tour a Sustainable Farm

Join us in November for the annual Ventura County Farm Day Event! 15 local farms will open their doors for exciting activities, tours, and special giveaways. Meet passionate local farmers and embrace the sense of community at this fantastic celebration of agriculture. During most of the year you can tour sustainable farms like Underwood Family Farm and McGrath Family Farms, where you can witness innovative farming practices in action. You can also pick your own produce, or buy direct farm to table. It’s a fun, educational day that connects you with the heart of our region.

Shop at a Certified Farmer’s Market

Delight in the vibrant atmosphere of Certified Farmer’s Markets, where you’ll not only support local growers, artisans, and food vendors but also savor the freshest produce and handcrafted delights. By embracing farm-to-table practices, you become part of a sustainable movement that contributes to reducing carbon pollution, leaving a positive impact on the environment. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the community, discover unique flavors, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Together, let’s nurture the planet while relishing the bountiful offerings of Ventura County Coast.

Sustainable Activities

Your activities play a crucial role on environmental impact. By opting for a sustainable activity, you’re actively reducing environmental stress on our environment while preserving the natural beauty of our fragile coastline. Here’s a few sustainable activities to try on your visit.

Visit our National and State Parks

Sustainable travel practices not only reduce your overall impact on our environment, it also helps preserve our open spaces and wildlife. The coast has an abundance of amazing parks managed by the National Park Service and California State Parks. Channel Islands National Park is an archipelago that consists of 5 unique islands. Book a ferry ride or charter to explore one of our National Treasures.  The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is place brimming with amazing trails, beaches, and campgrounds. Managed partly by the State Park Service, this destination is a great place to experience coastal California in it’s natural habitat. North of PCH lies an amazing assortment of state beaches that are simply stunning and unique.

Help Preserve our Natural Resources

Whether you want to volunteer for a beach cleanup or if you want to go on a nature tour, attending our local community events is a great way to learn about preserving this coastal gem for generations to come.  Here are a few recommendations on local preservation efforts that can help you preserve our natural treasures while visiting and while at home.

 

Shop Local

When you shop local while traveling, it helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions from long-distance transportation. It also supports the local economy and promotes sustainable practices. Plus, it preserves local culture and strengthens the sense of community. It’s a great way to make a positive impact while exploring new places.

Respect the Culture, Respect the Land

California is a place of wide-open spaces that champions open-mindedness and celebrates diversity. Californians respect our friends and neighbors and their health and safety. We respect the environment, local culture and all the different kinds of people who visit our state. Respect is the key to keeping each other safe and all of California’s precious and fragile beauty protected, today and tomorrow. Here’s a few tips to make your sustainable journey even greener.

A Greener Path Forward

Sustainable travel is more than just a trend, it’s a way to explore and appreciate the world while minimizing our impact on the environment. By making thoughtful choices, such as opting for ground transportation over air travel, supporting local businesses, dining at eco-friendly restaurants, and respecting natural spaces, we can preserve the beauty of the coast for future generations to come. Every small action adds up, and together, we can ensure that this breathtaking coastal destination remains vibrant and thriving. So, as you plan your visit, embrace a mindful approach, travel responsibly, and leave only footprints behind.

Plan Your Trip

Ready to explore the coast? Find hotels, motels, and places to stay at Ventura County Coast.