Looking for a vacation that won’t harm the planet? More American cities and parks are making big changes to welcome travelers while protecting nature. These special places use clean energy, reduce waste, and support local communities. From coastal cities to mountain getaways, here are ten destinations leading the way in green travel for 2025.
Portland, Oregon – Bicycle Paradise
Pedal through America’s cycling capital where two-wheeled transportation reigns supreme. Portland’s 385+ miles of bike paths connect vibrant neighborhoods, lush parks, and local businesses committed to sustainability.
The city’s famous food cart pods run on renewable energy, while the newly expanded timber-built airport terminal showcases sustainable architecture at its finest. Locals embrace zero-waste shopping at package-free grocery stores scattered throughout the city.
Forest Park, one of America’s largest urban forests, offers 80+ miles of trails just minutes from downtown. Visit in spring to experience the Portland Rose Festival when the city’s commitment to green spaces truly blossoms.
San Jose, California – Tech-Powered Sustainability
Silicon Valley’s capital leads America’s sustainability rankings with impressive credentials. Nearly 15% of San Jose hotels boast eco-certification, while city planners have designed neighborhoods where amenities sit just 19 minutes away on foot.
Solar panels crown office buildings and homes across the sun-drenched valley. The city’s innovative water recycling program, among the nation’s most advanced, helps combat California’s persistent drought challenges.
Visitors marvel at the green-roofed Mineta International Airport and zero-emission public transit options. For sustainable dining, the downtown farmers market showcases organic produce from nearby farms, creating a farm-to-table experience that tech professionals and travelers alike appreciate.
Boston, Massachusetts – Historic City, Modern Green Vision
Revolutionary history meets forward-thinking sustainability in America’s walking city. Boston offers an impressive 186 walking tours, making car-free exploration delightfully simple while showcasing centuries of American heritage.
The Emerald Necklace park system provides urban cooling and carbon capture across 1,100 acres. Despite challenging New England weather, 15% of Boston hotels have achieved green certification, integrating renewable energy and waste reduction into historic buildings.
Harbor restoration efforts have transformed once-polluted waters into swimming areas and wildlife habitats. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table dining at restaurants supplied by the Boston Public Market, where local farmers and food artisans showcase New England’s sustainable bounty year-round.
Moab, Utah – Desert Conservation Pioneer
Red rock wonderland Moab balances adventure tourism with fragile desert protection. The gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks has embraced strict water conservation measures, crucial in this arid landscape where every drop counts.
Dark sky initiatives have earned Moab international recognition for limiting light pollution. Stargazers travel worldwide to witness the Milky Way stretching across the desert night in breathtaking clarity.
Electric vehicle charging stations dot the town, while solar installations power hotels and businesses. Local adventure companies follow leave-no-trace principles, educating visitors about desert ecosystem protection while providing thrilling experiences. The Moab Made store showcases sustainable local crafts, supporting artists who draw inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty.
Roanoke, Virginia – Blue Ridge Mountain Stewardship
Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke has transformed from railroad hub to outdoor recreation paradise with sustainability at its core. The Roanoke River Greenway connects neighborhoods to nature along 30+ miles of trails accessible to all ability levels.
Downtown’s historic buildings house farm-to-table restaurants serving Appalachian cuisine made with ingredients grown within 100 miles. The LEED-certified Taubman Museum showcases regional art in an energy-efficient space that celebrates both culture and conservation.
Mountain bikers flock to newly developed trail systems built with erosion control in mind. Local outfitters offer equipment rentals and guided experiences that teach visitors about the region’s unique ecology while supporting conservation efforts that protect the Blue Ridge Mountains’ remarkable biodiversity.
Icy Strait Point, Alaska – Indigenous-Led Conservation
Alaska’s first cruise destination owned and operated by native Tlingit people demonstrates how tourism can honor culture and environment simultaneously. All profits from Icy Strait Point return to the Hoonah community, supporting local schools and infrastructure improvements.
Visitors arrive at the car-free destination via electric shuttle buses. The carefully designed boardwalks protect fragile coastal ecosystems while providing access to wildlife viewing areas where guests might spot humpback whales, brown bears, or bald eagles.
Cultural performances share Tlingit traditions in spaces built using sustainable lumber harvested from tribal lands. Restaurants serve wild-caught seafood following indigenous conservation principles that have sustained these waters for thousands of years, offering a model of tourism that strengthens rather than diminishes local culture and environment.
Denver, Colorado – Mile-High Green Innovation
Rocky Mountain innovation meets urban sustainability in Colorado’s capital. The groundbreaking Populus Hotel stands as North America’s first carbon-positive accommodation, removing more carbon than it produces through pioneering design and operations.
Denver’s public transit system connects downtown to hiking trails via light rail, reducing car dependency for outdoor adventures. The city’s ambitious green roof initiative transforms urban heat islands into cooling oases atop commercial buildings.
Visitors enjoy the nation’s first certified sustainable marijuana industry, with strict energy and water regulations. Denver’s restaurant scene embraces zero-waste principles and Colorado-grown ingredients, while breweries pioneer water conservation techniques in their craft beer production. Even Denver International Airport leads with the largest solar array at any U.S. airport.
Great Smoky Mountains – America’s Most Visited Sustainable Park
America’s most popular national park balances 12+ million annual visitors with exceptional conservation. The Great Smoky Mountains’ transit system has dramatically reduced private vehicle emissions while improving visitor experiences through less congestion.
Park lodges utilize renewable energy and water conservation technology. Educational programs highlight the region’s unparalleled biodiversity – more tree species grow here than in all of northern Europe!
Gateway communities like Gatlinburg have embraced sustainability with electric trolleys and LEED-certified accommodations. The park’s model forest management practices protect ancient trees while sequestering carbon. Scientists study the Smokies’ remarkable salamander populations (the world’s most diverse) to understand climate resilience, sharing findings that benefit conservation efforts globally.
Burlington, Vermont – 100% Renewable Energy Pioneer
Nestled along Lake Champlain, Burlington made history as America’s first city powered entirely by renewable energy. This college town combines New England charm with environmental leadership, making it a model for sustainable communities nationwide.
The vibrant Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only shopping district, showcases local businesses committed to sustainability. Waterfront bike paths connect downtown to beaches and parks, while electric buses shuttle visitors to nearby ski areas in winter.
Burlington’s innovative food system includes community gardens, year-round farmers markets, and restaurants serving ingredients grown within 50 miles. The Intervale Center, a 350-acre urban agricultural experiment, demonstrates how cities can produce food locally while creating green jobs and building climate resilience through regenerative farming practices.
Sedona, Arizona – Responsible Red Rock Tourism
Spiritual seekers and outdoor enthusiasts find common ground in Sedona’s commitment to preserving its iconic landscape. The Sedona Sustainable Tourism Plan limits visitor numbers at popular trailheads through reservation systems, preventing overcrowding and protecting fragile desert ecosystems.
Dark sky protections make stargazing extraordinary, with special lighting requirements for businesses and homes. Local hotels pioneer water conservation in the desert climate, while restaurants emphasize drought-resistant ingredients native to the Southwest.
Sedona’s Earthship visitor center demonstrates sustainable desert architecture using recycled materials and passive solar design. The town’s renowned art community creates works from reclaimed materials, reflecting the landscape’s beauty while advocating for its protection. Guided spiritual tours teach visitors about respecting sacred sites while experiencing Sedona’s famous energy vortexes.
