The Top 25 American States For An Eco-Friendly Vacation

Eco-tourism

Planning on travelling around the US soon but want to be environmentally responsible? Luckily Booking.com has cranked the numbers and found which US state has the most eco-conscious hotels in the country. Read on to see if your state ranks as one of the highest.

25. Michigan

With 24 eco-friendly stays within the state, Michigan has ranked 25th on this list. For a sustainable trip, book a room at El Moore, a 19th-century brick building with cozy lodges that produces 80% less energy and waste than a regular hotel. Events such as the 2021 Michigan Sustainability Conference helped the Great Lake State set clear targets for sustainability, such as waste and carbon emission reduction, as well as a recycling plan.

24. Alaska

Alaska has 24 properties that are focused on eco-friendliness. The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation works hard to protect and improve Alaska’s ecosystem and natural resources. To help with its efforts, why not book one of Bear Paw Adventure’s eco-friendly wooden cabins, where you can experience Alaska’s wild nature freely while ensuring its protection.

23. South Carolina

Beloved cities in South Carolina such as Greenville and Charleston are more than just pretty faces. They each have plans to protect their resources and environment. And with 28 sustainable places to stay, you can enjoy all the state’s beauty without worrying you'll harm it. For a trip to Charleston, book a room at Wild Dunes, a beach resort that's part of Destination Holidays, which has implemented over 100 environmental initiatives in its hotels.

22. Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s collection of 29 green hotels might be growing in the coming years, as the state has pledged to become more sustainable and carbon-free by 2050. Visit leading eco-friendly hotel The Pfister, located in Milwaukee, or book a stay at the Grand Geneva, situated right next to Lake Geneva, which has views to die for. Both are part of the Travel Green Wisconsin program, designed to protect the state’s landscape.

21. Nevada

​Focused on clean energy, creating more green spaces and environment-friendly transportation, Nevada is right on track to become more sustainable. Even in tourism it showcases eco-friendliness, with 34 green stays located all around the state. In lively Las Vegas, tourists can choose to spend a few nights at the Vdara Hotel & Spa, where energy and water conservation are a priority. For a trip to Reno, sleep at the Grand Sierra Resorts, whose GSR Cares program ensures sustainability.

20. Ohio

Thinking about visiting Ohio? The state has 37 eco-friendly properties to choose from, where you can rest easy at night knowing your stay is not affecting the environment. One of these options is The Hotel at Oberlin, which has been certified with the highest standard of sustainability (LEED Platinum certification) by the US Green Building Council. The hotel uses recycled and salvaged materials while also cutting down on plastic waste.

19. Washington

Thanks to its efforts in sustainable building, Washington has become home to 37 green stays. In recent years, The Washington State Department of Corrections has also received recognition for its sustainability efforts in reducing waste. Head to Seattle for a night at Three Tree Point Bed & Breakfast, situated on a serene hillside and committed to recycling and wasting less energy. 

18. Utah

In Utah you can find a total of 38 sustainable hotels all committed to helping preserve nature and its inhabitants. The state’s capital, Salt Lake City, has implemented award-winning environmental programs, which reduce pollution and conserve natural resources. Here you can also find the Grand America Hotel, an extravagant property that has implemented multiple sustainability and waste management measures.

17. New Jersey

Forty of New Jersey’s 1,511 hotels are focused on eco-friendliness, with many located right by the water. The state’s Department for Environmental Protection is working towards a more sustainable future, specifically when it comes to conserving resources, water and energy, as well as reducing pollution and waste. For a relaxing trip to the Garden State, stay at The Olde Mill Inn, part of the Sustainable Somerset Committee and surrounded by stunning greenery. 

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16. Tennessee

Founded in 1970, Tennessee’s Environmental Council aims to create a more sustainable future for the state, with current projects revolving around composting (to reduce waste) and recycling. The latter also plays an important role at Kimpton Aertson Hotel, one of Tennessee’s 44 green stays, where sustainability is a priority, using recycled materials and energy-efficient cooling systems. 

15. Arizona

The Grand Canyon state has many impressive landmarks and beautiful nature to conserve and, thankfully, cities such as Phoenix have committed to becoming carbon-free and preserving local landscapes. To help the state with its efforts, opt for one of its 47 eco-friendly properties such as the Arizona Grand Resort, which commits to sustainable practices, purchases recycled materials and, whenever possible, buys local produce. 

14. Maryland

Sustainability sits at the forefront of Maryland’s vision for the future and, with 49 green stays available, visitors can support that mission too. Opt for the eco-conscious Blue Moon Rising, hidden near Deep Creek Lake, and enjoy Maryland’s wilderness while sleeping in a cozy wooden cabin. 

13. Illinois

Working on multiple environmental efforts, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency promotes recycling, preserving water, improving air quality, reducing waste and conserving energy. With 50 eco-friendly stays, these endeavors are also reflected in Illinois' hotel industry. A favorite among eco-conscious properties is the Makanda Inn, hidden in the Shawnee National Forest and packed with luxurious lodges. 

12. Oregon

Visitors can discover 51 environment-friendly hotels all around Oregon, whose Department of Energy is focused on saving energy in homes and offices. Resorts like The Allison Inn & Spa use solar hot water, avoid plastic bottles and are built with ‘green eco-roofing’. 

11. Virginia

With sustainability in mind, Virginia established its own network of tourism-related organizations, all committed to protecting the environment while promoting responsible tourism. The annual Virginia Green Travel Star Awards was created to recognize some of the companies’ eco-conscious efforts. In 2022, the winner of the Green Hotel of the Year category was the Club Wyndham Kingsgate in Williamsburg, beating Virginia's 59 other sustainable stays. The hotel was commended for its high savings in water, gas and energy.

10. Georgia

Coming in at number 10, Georgia has an established Environmental Protection Agency, which conserves the state’s air, land and water. These endeavors are also essential to the 61 eco-friendly properties scattered throughout the Peach State. One is Ellis Hotel, a boutique offering nestled in the center of downtown Atlanta that's installed water-saving fixtures and 100% energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as using biodegradable housekeeping products.

9. Massachusetts

Out of 629 stays in Massachusetts, 66 are committed to creating a sustainable hotel experience. Having won several awards for its environmental practices, Irving House is a great option for an eco-friendly trip to the state. Situated near Harvard Yard, the wood-framed B&B recycles, uses composting techniques to avoid waste and provides reusable supplies to its guests. 

8. North Carolina

Alongside its many green activities that help sustain the state’s environment, North Carolina is also home to 71 eco-conscious hotels. Nestled in Flat Rock, the Highland Lake Inn & Resort is passionate about sustainability and is a proud Energy Star member. Among its many green initiatives, the inn doesn’t only conserve energy but also recycles and uses homegrown produce from its organic garden.

7. Pennsylvania

In 2021, Pennsylvania created a Climate Action Plan promising a 26% reduction in the state’s greenhouse gases by 2025. Luckily, as many as 77 eco-friendly stays are already helping Pennsylvania reach that goal. An excellent example is The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, which uses geothermal heating and cooling, rainwater harvesting and furniture made from recycled materials, among other impressive initiatives. 

6. New York

Although New York is mostly known for its skyscrapers, visitors can find plenty of green spots within the Big Apple as well as around the rest of the state. New York City’s most famous green space, Central Park, is home to 1 Hotel, one of the state’s 83 eco-friendly stays. For a nature-packed escape from the city, book a room at Woodstock Way, a hotel made with reused wood and other recycled materials. 

5. Hawaii

With 97 sustainable hotels, Hawaii comes in at number five on this list. For the island state protecting the environment is essential, so much so that it has created a sustainability plan for goals it wants to achieve by 2050. A sustainable approach also sits at the core of The Modern Honolulu, an award-winning lifestyle hotel that offers farm-to-table foods, uses eco-friendly cleaning products and recycles as much as possible.

4. Colorado

Colorado enacts multiple sustainable practices, specifically regarding waste reduction and recycling. With its Environmental Leadership program, the state recognizes organizations that constantly work to become more eco-friendly. One of Colorado’s 99 green stays, the Boulder-based St Julien hotel was awarded this important recognition. So far, it's reduced electricity usage by 22% in every occupied room, gas usage by 14% and water by 21%.

3. Texas

Entering the top three US states for sustainable accommodation, Texas encompasses a total of 141 eco-conscious hotels for you to stay in. The state’s capital, Austin, has established an Office of Sustainability to protect and improve the quality of life within the city. Here visitors can also find the Habitat Suites, a solar-powered hotel that's big on waste reduction.

2. Florida

Visitors can discover 323 environment-friendly hotels all around Florida, which has launched its own Sustainable Initiatives Programs (the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Green School Designation Program). One of the Sunshine State’s green properties is EAST Miami, a trendy LEED-certified lifestyle hotel committed to recycling and reducing its carbon footprint as much as possible.

1. California

Thanks to a total of 398 eco-friendly stays, California takes the top spot on this list. The Golden State is completely committed to a green future, even having a dedicated website for all its sustainable endeavors. To support the state in its efforts, book a trip to Axiom Hotel in San Francisco, which focuses on recycling, has energy-efficient lighting and an energy management system, as well as other green initiatives.

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