California Adventure Travel

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I love California.  But, because I live here, I tend to think of California as not the place for exotic adventure travel.  However, California has a lot to offer those looking for educational, eco-friendly, or adventure travel, with rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, snowboarding, surfing, and other adventure possibilities.

In fact, a tourist’s paradise, California is home to the most striking environmental resources in the world. California has a series of unique geographical features that extend from north to south along nearly the entire length of the state. This glorious golden state of California stretches from foggy coastlines to dry endless deserts, lush green mountains to rolling hills of vineyards. Great locations and great weather, makes California a great place to visit. You can visit California any time of the year.

There are three main regions such as Northern California, the Central Coast, and the southern part of the State to visit. Whether you are looking for thrills and excitement, or peaceful, scenic surroundings, California has it all.

The number of visitors to the state is increasing every year. Tourism oriented business is flourishing. The major cities in California, Los Angeles and San Francisco draw millions of tourists from all over the world. Coastal towns like Monterey and Santa Barbara plus the spectacular scenic coastline of Big Sur, forests of giant redwoods, and snowcapped mountain peaks are some of the other famous destinations one must visit.

Vacation packages include fishing, wildlife viewing, adventure and eco-tourism, beach tourism, historical cultural and educational activities, winter activities, sightseeing and tours, day cruises, multi-day cruises and more.

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Sonoma moves towards Eco-Tourism

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Sonoma County prepares for Eco-Tourism

Several years ago a group of people in the Sonoma County tourist industry realized that they needed to do something to extend tourism year-round so that our town’s economy wouldn’t rise and fall with the summer season…to have jobs extend throughout the year so the local economy could be more stable. Knowing that our greatest asset is the beauty of our land and sea and that our population is ecologically conscious and concerned, they created EcoRing, to encourage Eco-Tourism as a solution to both economic needs as well as environmental concerns.

By Dawn E. Bell

One of the things that separates Sonoma County from other California counties is the endless variety of experiences that can be had in these 1,768 square miles. The ones that we are most known for – vineyards, coastline and redwoods – continue to attract attention from throngs of tourists. Among these 7.4 million annual visitors, many claim an unforgettable first impression of our environment. The first impactful view of the wild Sonoma Coastline is an awesome encounter for many. The first walk through ancient redwoods can change the way one views the world there after. And a drive through the changing colors of hillside vineyards causes more shutters to click than a herd of paparazzi faced with their favorite celebrity. We who live here are not only privileged to live with these beauties on a daily basis, but also with the responsibility to care for them.

There are many organizations here whose purpose is to protect Sonoma County’s treasures. Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, Daily Acts, for example, focus on protecting and caring for our environment; offering natural docent tours, sustainable activities and education. But one organization is blending the best of stewardship with tourism and is poised to help create economic growth through ecotourism: EcoRing. “This is where the river meets the sea and where a kayaker can float up to a seal pupping area, view the great blue heron or watch an Osprey hunt for dinner in its natural habitat” said Toni Tacoma, President of EcoRing. “All of these elements lend themselves to the heart of eco-tourism: responsible travel that sustains the local population. EcoRing expects to be a big part of the ecotourism market for many years to come and to help lead Sonoma County in conservation and tourism”.

Many countries around the world have focused their tourism dollars on eco-tourism. Countries like Costa Rica, Kenya and Australia where people can enjoy any number of protected natural environments. Countries where tourists can also find activities related to the great outdoor experience through “eco-adventures”. Whether it’s free diving off the coast of Australia, going on a photo-safari in Kenya or spotting rare birds in a Costa Rican rainforest, all Eco-Adventures are designed to promote tourism while protecting the environment.

But you don’t have to go to Australia to experience an exotic EcoAdventure. To international and domestic travelers alike Sonoma County is exotic and exciting. To many travelers Sonoma County is a wild place, filled with lush growth, fine weather, rolling hills and vistas unmatched in the world. Sonoma County will become an ecotourism destination famous for its conservation practices, the warmth of its people and the variety of activity. And EcoRing is leading the way to ensure exciting and safe adventure travel and opportunities.

According to a study by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), 70% of British and Australian travelers would willingly pay up to an additional $150 per week to stay somewhere with a “responsible environmental attitude”. The TIES study also reports ecotourism has been growing 20%-34% per year since the 1990s. TIES analysts predict there will be a boom to eco-resorts and hotels and other nature (eco) tourism businesses in the coming year. “All of this is good news for eco-tourism and therefore, great news for Sonoma County”, said Tacoma.

A big part of EcoRing’s mission is to increase ecotoursim in order to positively impact local commerce and to help create new jobs through this effort. “By marketing eco-adventures, green stays and other environmentally important aspects of travel, EcoRing is poised to bring a lot of responsible travel to Sonoma County in the coming year”, said Tacoma. By working with nearly one hundred and fifty local adventure providers (hot air balloon rides, kayak companies, horseback riding, etc.), the EcoRing website (ecoring.org) provides a way for interested eco-travelers to find and book their green vacations, find out about the region and learn practical tips to being a green tourist.

EcoRing will continue to work with its affiliates like Stewards and Daily Acts to market all types of eco adventures. EcoRing will also oversee the sale of group tours and activities through work with outside contractors like travel agents, meeting planners and other hospitality and travel related industry professionals. Through these collaborative relationships, EcoRing believes its goals will be met and that success to this already popular region will increase in the coming years with the added benefit of new and extended employment and an environment that is maintained through thoughtful visitors.

Guide to Green Eco Travel in California

I live here in Southern California, so I noted with great interest the article in Plenty Magazine listing the most green ecotravel destinations, state by state, including those here in California, which are as follows:

Tomales Bay Oyster Co Bivalve farm sells namesake oysters, mussels, and clams. Waterside picnic area for prime shucking. 15479 Hwy 1, Marshall, CA. 415-663-1242; tomalesbayoysters.com

Buell House Save-the-planet politicos Mark and Susie Tompkins Buell’s peace sign–fronted barn is a legend in Bolinas. Tricky hike to Alamere Falls, but it’s worth it for the 50-foot cascade directly into the ocean. Off Mesa Rd, Bolinas, CA. marintrails.com

Monarch Grove Sanctuary Some 25,000 monarchs arrive from the Canadian Rockies and Alaska to new digs in Butterfly Town, USA. Locals work to preserve their habitat and that of the Australian eucalyptus. October through March. Ridge Rd, Pacific Grove, CA. 831-648-5716; pgmuseum.org

Post Ranch Inn Architecture fit for its surroundings. Morning yoga, afternoon nature walks, and evening astronomy sessions. They know what you like. Off Hwy 1, Big Sur, CA. 800-527-2200; postranchinn.com

Los Feliz Lodge Live like an Angeleno who has compost, conscious lighting, vintage furnishings, and nontoxic laundry supplies. 1507 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA. 323-913-1443; losfelizlodge.com

Three Twins Ice Cream Certified-organic farmers’ market fave. Biodegradable and compostable servingware. 610 1st St, Napa, CA. 707-257-8946; threetwinsicecream.com

The California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture The roots of Nader Khalili’s futuristic subdivision and school. Called anything from eco-domes to super adobes to moon cocoons. Tours by appointment. 10177 Baldy Ln, Hesperia, CA. 760.244.0614; calearth.org

La Jolla Cove Ecological Reserve Swim past the lounging sea lions, snorkel into a protected underwater ecosystem with Garibaldi fish and endangered giant black sea bass. 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 619.260.1880; scubasandiego.com

Green Fusion Design Center Healthy for your home and the earth. Retail shop, gallery, and educational center. Green through and through, from the building to the initiatives. 14 Greenfield Ave., San Anselmo, CA. 415-454-0174; greenfusiondesigncenter.com

Roots Restaurant in the Orchard Garden Hotel San Fran’s first green hotel adds restaurant with same standards. Grass-fed beef, biodynamic beer in elegant whitewashed setting. 466 Bush St., San Francisco, CA. 415-399-9807; theorchardgardenhotel.com

Smiley’s Schooner Saloon & Hotel No signs and no tourists in this famously secluded, activist-minded coastal town. More than 150 years old and not ashamed. Drink up; stay the night. But don’t expect modern conveniences. 41 Wharf Rd., Bolinas, CA. 415-868-1311; coastalpost.com/smileys

Helios House Ironic concept that’s not Frank Gehry’s. A station that pumps BP gas, but much else is designed to save—from the energy-efficient solar panels to the water filtration. 8770 W. Olympic Blvd at the corner of Olympic & Robertson, Los Angeles, CA. 310-855-9346; thegreencurve.com

Akasha Locally roasted fair trade coffee and goodies flavored with artisan sea salt and non-irradiated spices. 9534 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA. 310-845-1700; akasharestaurant.com

For more see:  http://www.plentymag.com/features/2008/07/city_guide_for_local_travel.php