Green Meets Blue in Monterey County
The effervescent surf, rare coastal wildlife, pristine beaches, vineyards and redwood forests of Monterey County are all breathtaking assets of a destination that is beholden to the beauty its environment bestows. Perhaps that’s why the area has been practicing Earth-friendly initiatives long before “being green” was a trendy marketing phrase.
Just as there are seemingly endless ways to enjoy the region, there are many ways to experience the destination with a small carbon footprint that’s still big on fun.
Eat Green
Monterey County’s lush farmlands yield local produce that goes from farm to table at haute area restaurants. From cozy cafés to buzz worthy bistros and Zagat rated restaurants, foodies will find local, organic and seasonally exceptional dishes on menus. Acclaimed restaurants like Pacific Grove’s Passionfish and Bernardus Lodge’s Marinus in the heart of Carmel Valley are just a few area eateries that offer mouthwatering sustainable cuisine with farm-to-table freshness.
No matter what day visitors find themselves in Monterey County, there’s a neighborhood Farmers Market nearby with fresh finds on local produce and artisan goods. Fruit stands and you-pick farms like the organically delicious Earthbound Farm are peppered throughout the region.
Travelers can experience more about the destination’s sustainable culinary programs, like the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Watch. Or hop aboard a tour with AgVenture Tours for a one-of-a-kind experience in the area’s verdant farmland and vineyards.
Nine distinct viticultural areas are producing prized California wines. Reduce your fossil fuel use while visiting local wineries via the Grapevine Express, a public transportation line that travels through Carmel Valley, stopping at 11 tasting rooms including Chateau Julien and Bernardus Winery for just $6.
Play Green
By virtue of Monterey County’s balmy climate and welcoming natural habitat, visitors are drawn to the explore the great outdoors and luckily, there’s a myriad of sustainable activities and attractions.
Visitors can paddle Elkhorn Slough to view local wildlife, soak up some solar energy on Carmel-by-the-Sea’s sugary white sand beaches or hike notable trails at Pinnacles National Monument or Pffeifer Big Sur State Park. Hangliders and kite flyers use wind power to enjoy the towering sand dunes and sea spray at Seaside’s Fort Ord Dunes State Park.
Horseback riding with Monterey Bay Equestrian Center allows low-impact access to beach and trail rides in limited access areas. Or take green to the next level while playing the esteemed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Here, efforts to sustain the local ecosystems conserve water and use renewable materials are a resort-wide common thread.
Sleep Green
Visitors can rest easy knowing they are staying in a destination that incorporates sustainable hospitality initiatives that provide both quality of life and quality of environment. Monterey County hotels are doing their part, not just by replacing lightbulbs and abstaining from washing towels every day, but taking significant strides in green business initiatives.
Located in the heart of historic Monterey, the Portola Hotel & Spa is slated to complete its L.E.E.D certification and will join the ranks of a select group of hotels with this designation. Carmel Valley Ranch recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation that included not only exquisitely appointed upgrades but also an organic lavender garden and new bee keeping classes for guests to enjoy. Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn offers an eco-friendly, luxurious retreat that stands behind all things green green from solar energy use to lodging built with sustainable materials; organic spa treatments to landscaping with native plants and more.
The environmentally conscious traveler can sleep easy in Monterey County, enjoying low-impact indulgence.
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