04 Mar Green City Series: San Diego, California
Spring is almost upon us, which means it’s the perfect time to book your seasonal travel plans. There’s no better place to enjoy the sunshine, relax on the beach, yet still get the lively scene of a big city than San Diego, California. Not only is it a worthwhile destination, but according to WalletHub, it’s also one of the greenest cities in the US (as of 2021).
Aside from the beautiful beaches, great weather, and accessible parks that draw eco-tourists in, the city of San Diego has also implemented Climate Action Plans to create a more eco-friendly environment. So, of course, we couldn’t leave San Diego out of our Green City Series, which highlights eco-conscious cities that every eco-tourist needs to visit.
Below, we’re sharing where to explore, eat, stay, and shop in San Diego.
What To Do
You can’t go to San Diego without going to the beach at least once throughout your trip. The good news is there’s no shortage of sand and waves for you to choose from, as there are more than 30 beaches in San Diego County.
If you’re done sunbathing and in the mood for adventure, you can take a kayaking tour to the La Jolla Sea Caves, take a stroll through Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, or even get your sports fix with a Padres baseball game at Petco Park!
Where To Shop
There’s no better way to cool off from the sun and heat than doing a little retail therapy, and San Diego has plenty of sustainable shopping choices! Thrift stores are an excellent way to shop eco-friendly fashion, so make sure to stop by Out of the Closet, Rock Thrift Store, and Positive Phee Sustainable Fashion Services, which is a zero-waste second-hand retail and upcycling business.
What To Eat
Let’s be honest, one of the best parts of every vacation is the food. Luckily, this Southern California city is a hotspot for delicious, healthy, and vegan dining options. A few of our go-to vegan-friendly restaurants in San Diego include The Purple Mint, Native Foods, Grains Cafe, and Plumeria.
In the mood for something sweet? Satisfy your cravings with vegan-friendly cakes, pastries, and other baked goods at Hazel & Jade. You’ll also find dairy-free and gluten-free ice cream options at Stella Jean’s. You must try the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and the Strawberry Oat Crumble!
Where To Stay
Treat yourself to luxurious accommodations at Paradise Point Resort in Mission Bay. The hotel purposefully intertwines with the great outdoors, and it’s committed to lessening its impact on the environment.
Across the property’s 44 acres and various outlets, the eco-friendly hotel is dedicated to sustainable practices that allow it to uphold its commitment to conservation while still delivering high-quality service and environmentally conscious hotel accommodations and a wide range of sustainable practices.
Looking for more eco-tourism tips? Check out our blog post about four easy tips for eco-conscious travel.