10 eco-friendly activities in Southern California you have to try

Being an eco-minded Southern Californian isn’t limited to composting and using less water. There are countless ways to conserve and connect with the state’s natural side. Go green by shopping for Earth-friendly products or joining a coastal cleanup, for instance. Or you might prefer to augment your appreciation for nature by taking hikes, soaking in hot springs, or visiting with your marine neighbors.

Earth Day, April 22, is a perfect time to plan at least one fun thing to do to celebrate our planet. Start with one of these 10 eco-friendly activities in California that spotlight our state’s natural beauty, wildlife, and sustainable farming. 

The California coast is the birthplace of organized whale watching and one of the best places in the world to spot these gargantuan marine mammals year-round. You can catch gray whales migrating in the spring, blue whales in the summer, and minke whales in the fall. 

Several SoCal outfitters take groups out to sea, including The Condor Express in Santa Barbara Channel, Davey’s Locker in Newport Beach, Oceanside Adventures in Oceanside, and Dana Wharf Whale Watching.

Wild Willow Farm in San Diego incorporates growing practices that regenerate the soil and teaches visitors do the same. The 5-acre farm offers tours, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops for all ages that range from beekeeping classes to lessons on pruning fruit trees.

The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano is a 28-acre certified organic farm producing seasonal produce for the community. Families and small groups are invited to join “Grow, Eat, Make” field trips and experience farm life. Before leaving, you can visit the center’s Farm Stand to buy locally grown specialty items.

Ecotourism can also mean giving back. While the Surfrider Foundation’s group cleanups have been suspended due to the pandemic, you can still care for local beaches by removing trash as part of a solo beach cleanup. You’ll reduce marine pollution and conserve the ocean’s health, all while enjoying a day by the water.

Support your local farmer by visiting your neighborhood farmers market. You’ll usually find more than just produce; nuts, tamales, and handmade soaps are also typical staples.

If you’re looking for other sustainable goods, such as green household products or Earth-friendly kids’ toys, The Ultimate Green Store in Encino is your one-stop shop. Pick up recycled glassware, waste-free lunch containers, and organic baby clothes.

Gaviota Hot Springs, about 32 miles north of Santa Barbara, is an oasis of tranquility. Two rustic geothermal pools are easily accessible to the public thanks to their location in Gaviota State Park. The springs’ natural minerals are said to have healing properties and are well worth the short hike from the trailhead.

Paddle among leopard sharks, sea lions, and garibaldi in the waters off La Jolla. The San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, home to one of California’s densest concentrations of marine life, is an ideal place for ecotourists to spend a day on the water. Outfitters like Everyday California will guide you through the marine ecosystem, including the cove’s seven sea caves.

Those with a green thumb (or those who wish they had one) should visit South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Situated on a former landfill, the garden showcases trees and native plants in themed collections, like the Bohannon Rose Garden and the Garden of the Senses. Species from cacti to acacia trees remind visitors that water-efficient gardens can still be visually stunning.

Hiking is a fun and healthy eco-friendly activity for all ages, and trails abound in Southern California. The foothills, mountains, and backcountry offer a rugged escape just a short drive from urban areas. Consider an outing in the San Jacinto Wilderness in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Long Valley, the park’s most popular area thanks to easy access via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, leads to trails for all levels, from easy strolls to strenuous summits. For other Southern California hikes, check out the Afoot and Afield hiking guide series, which includes editions featuring Los Angeles County, the Inland Empire, Orange County, and San Diego County. 

Going meatless isn’t just better for the Earth—it’s also delicious. At least that’s the case at Gracias Madre in Newport Beach and West Hollywood, which features traditional Mexican cuisine made with plant-based ingredients (think mole and mushroom tamales).

Other tasty restaurant options include Nectarine Grove in Encinitas, which offers locally sourced organic foods, and Café Gratitude (five Southern California locations), where the words “plant-based” and “gourmet” go together like market vegetables and garlic tahini.

Canyon, creek, garden, and sea make up the natural backdrop to The Ranch at Laguna Beach. The term “eco-lodge” might conjure images of a yurt in the woods, but The Ranch proves it’s possible to blend luxury and sustainability.

Among its green initiatives, the hotel practices water conservation and sources seasonal produce for its Harvest restaurant from an on-site organic garden (open for guest tours on Thursdays and Saturdays). While you’re at The Ranch, take in Southern California’s natural beauty by taking a walk in the surrounding canyons or at nearby Aliso Beach.

Annelise Jolley is a San Diego–based freelance journalist and essayist who covers food, travel, and ecology. Her work appears in a variety of publications, from National Geographic to Life and Thyme.