U.S. Ecotourism Destinations

Typically, vacations are a time to chill, scrap the agendas and give little thought to what happens when you leave your destination. Ecotourism, though, is giving vacations a whole new look and mission. It means learning about the culture, history and environment of the places you visit and not causing any harm while you are there.

European cities like Zurich, Switzerland, and Copenhagen, Denmark, are usually the types of names that come up when discussing sustainable travel destinations. But ecotourism trips are both popular and plentiful in the U.S., allowing travelers to relax and give back stateside.

It’s Easy Being Green

Not too long ago, ecotourism was a specialty niche, but now it is reshaping the travel industry. While ecotourism trips may sound like treks through the rainforests, swamps and jungles of the world – and some, of course, are – they can be booked anywhere. Many of the top destinations are in the U.S.

Any trip can become eco-friendly if you spend less time driving and more time hiking, biking and cleaning up the environment, and opt for lodging with fewer frills and that supports the local economy.

U.S. Ecotourism Is Trending Up

The U.S. is rapidly expanding its spot in the ecotourism market. The nation’s sustainable tourism industry is nearly 7.5% of the global market. In 2023, that market’s estimated value was over $258 million, and it is projected to climb to above $663 million by 2033.

Interest in ecotourism is surging across all age groups, according to AAA Northeast travel advisor Brian Garland.

AAA Travel plans to develop extensive expertise in the sustainable travel market and become a leader in ecotourism. It recently partnered with Tourism Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to the long-term survival of the travel and tourism industry, to create sustainable itineraries for popular destinations.

With the effects of climate change becoming more apparent, ecotourism and sustainable travel could be the new norm. Conventional tourism takes a heavy toll on the environment.

“Different geographical areas and different population groups will be proportionally affected differently here and around the planet,” Garland said. “Ethically responsible tourism addresses those concerns, no matter what the destination.”

Plan your eco-friendly vacation with the help of a AAA travel advisor.

Top 5 Ecotourism Destinations in the U.S.

Alaska

The open space, natural beauty, wildlife and rugged terrain of Alaska, coupled with the rich culture of its native people, make it a popular ecotourism destination. Visitors can learn the history of the cities and Alaska’s native people, experience the indigenous practices of fishing and food preparation, observe native wildlife, hike, camp and enjoy outdoor activities. Among the most popular destinations for viewing wildlife are Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Denali National Park and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can go sea kayaking with orcas.

California

A domestic leader in the green tourism movement, California offers a variety of ecotourism options. One of the most popular is Yosemite National Park, 95% of which is protected from urban activity. Visit Eureka, known for its 67-acre Sequoia Park forest and garden with numerous trails. Even historic San Francisco gets ecotourism props for having more zero-emissions electric trolley buses than any other transit system in the country. It also has 464 miles of bike paths making it the second-best big city for biking, just behind Minneapolis, according to Axios.

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is a must for ecotourism enthusiasts. Hunt, fish, camp and view wildlife in the 415-square-mile park. Join a guided hike to learn about the park’s wildlife and history. For a real rewarding vacation, volunteer to help repair a trail in different areas of the state.

Florida

The Sunshine State overflows with ecotourism opportunities. Take a tour in the Florida Keys, adjacent to the only living coral reef in the U.S, and experience four national wildlife refuges, two ecological reserves and fish hatcheries. If you enjoy kayaking, you can paddle for miles through Florida’s kayaking trails. The Everglades, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a variety of wildlife.

Hawaii

As a proud member of the International Ecotourism Society, sustainability has been a way of life for Hawaii’s indigenous people for thousands of years. The malama ‘Aina philosophy (to care for the land) is still embraced by residents. Besides surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving, visitors can learn about the islands’ history and natural resources. Tour a farm, visit a nature preserve or go on a tree-planting tour.

Canada: Our Eco-Friendly Neighbors to the North

Banff National Park, Cape Breton Highlands National Park – featuring the famous Cabot Trail along the coast – and Whistler, a top skiing, hiking and mountain biking destination, are among the many eco-friendly places to visit in Canada. If you are eager to return to the age of adventure, Canadian arctic cruises offer the chance to view wildlife and learn about native Inuit culture while sailing through the Northwest Passage.

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