Responsible Travel in Monterey County
In Monterey County, we are always striving to protect and preserve our destination’s pristine landscapes and natural beauty. Responsible travel reduces negative impacts on our destination, supports our local businesses and communities, respects our residents' and travelers' health and safety, and preserves the cultural and natural resources that draw people to Monterey County. We've put together a few easy tips and tricks to help guide you toward taking the right path to help maintain the beauty of Monterey County so it’s just as pristine and inspiring for the visitor of tomorrow.
Tips for Responsible Travel
- Choose an eco-friendly tour operator or accommodations.
- Consider local conservation or social projects that you could visit or support during your trip.
- Buy local goods and produce instead of imported goods.
- Hire a local guide.
- Do not buy products from endangered species, hard woods and ancient artifacts.
- Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places.
- Use public transport, rent a bike or walk when convenient.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to reduce the amount of single-use plastics.
- "Pack in, pack out" and "leave no trace".
- When you leave your hotel room, turn off the lights and all electronics.
- Consider leaving the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door so that housekeeping staff won't clean your room every day.
- Stick to marked trails to avoid harming native flora and consider taking a bag to pick up trash along your hike.
- Take time to immerse yourself in the local music, art and cuisine.
- Embrace the cultural differences that make a place unique.
Travel Like a Local Expert
Each of our destinations is unique with its own tips for sustainable travel. Click on the links below for tips on how to travel like a local expert specific to each area.
- Monterey
- Big Sur
- Pebble Beach
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Carmel Valley
- Pacific Grove
- Marina
- Seaside
- Salinas
- Salinas Valley
- Moss Landing
Resources:
EXPLORE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
Monterey County is full of Instagram-worthy bucket list destinations, but consider exploring the lesser-known hidden gems while still experiencing authentic Monterey County.
PLAN AHEAD
Plan ahead and research the best insider tips to make your trip easier and more sustainable. For instance, make sure you’re following the rules and guidelines of the area and know your options when it comes to public transportation for getting around and best practices for camping and hiking.
SHOP LOCAL
Take home a special Monterey memento. Not only will you go home with a unique gift, but you will be supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs as well. Carmel-by-the-Sea is full of boutique art galleries and unique shops, it's a great place to find the perfect souvenir and give back to the small businesses in the area. If you are committed to supporting Black-owned businesses, we’ve gathered some great ones here. And explore some of our amazing Woman-owned businesses in Monterey County here. The goodies you’ll find at these unique businesses are a great way to bring Monterey County back home with you. Shop local and give back to our community when exploring the destination, our businesses appreciate it!
PROTECT & CONSERVE
You can help preserve the beauty of Monterey County for generations to come by adhering to practical habits. Remember to stay on designated trails and keep out of closed parks, trails and private property. Make sure to dispose of waste and recyclables in designated receptacles and take a moment to pick up loose trash to leave the land better than you found it. Just like at home, conserve water when brushing your teeth or taking a shower and turn off the lights before leaving your room for the day. And don’t forget your reusable shopping bag and refillable water bottle!
TRAVEL MID-WEEK OR IN THE OFF-SEASON
Luckily, it’s always ON season in Monterey. No matter the time of year, Monterey County is a great place to visit. Consider traveling during the winter months to see the sights with fewer crowds and enjoy shoulder season lodging discounts. Or, take a midweek vacation for similar benefits. It’s a great way to experience the magic of Monterey County while saving time and money.
Travel responsibly on your next trip to Monterey County. Our residents, businesses, wildlife, flora, lands and seas appreciate it! Find more tips and information at SeeMonterey.com/Sustainable.
Regenerative California
Regenerative California is an initiative devoted to making the Golden State the first regenerative economy in the nation – an economy that benefits our diverse populations and epic natural environment while generating economic prosperity now and for generations to come.
Learn more and watch the video here: https://www.regenerativecalifornia.org/