15 Enviable Eco-Friendly Hotels in the Golden State

California is home to a diverse selection of eco-conscious hotels dedicated to preserving the environment. Whether it's carbon-neutral establishments or those focused on minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting a sustainable lifestyle is more accessible than ever. With a wide variety of eco-friendly resorts across the state, embarking on a low-impact, waste-free travel adventure has never been easier.

Next time you crave a California staycation, go greener by choosing your lodging destination wisely—the possibilities are endless. 

The Top Sustainable Hotels in Northern California

1. Bardessono

Location: 6526 Yount Street, Yountville

For your next green journey to Napa, consider staying at Bardessono for a carefree experience. This stylish, eco-conscious hotel invites you to relax in luxury while embracing sustainability. With a commitment to the environment, Bardessono utilizes organic cleaning products and relies on natural methods for heating and energy. The hotel's restaurant takes pride in offering dishes prepared with local ingredients and supports sustainability through its recycling and composting initiatives.

Featuring an outdoor rooftop pool and in-room spa treatments, Bardessono is an environmentally friendly hotel that does it all. 

2. H2Hotel

Location: 219 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg

H2hotel elevates eco-friendly lodging with its exceptional green initiatives. Featuring a living roof that naturally filters rainwater and a restaurant dedicated to serving organic fare from local sources, this hotel is a beacon of sustainability. Its solar-heated pool further underscores its commitment to the environment, contributing to its achievement of LEED Gold Certification. During your stay, embrace the opportunity to discover Healdsburg's stunning landscapes through numerous hiking trails, all while enjoying the comforts of this luxurious eco-conscious hotel.

3. Argonaut Hotel

Location: 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco

Discover breathtaking panoramas at the celebrated Argonaut Hotel, nestled in Fisherman's Wharf. This eco-conscious boutique destination prides itself on being a Certified Green Business, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to sustainability. With innovations like LED lighting and motion-sensor technology throughout its premises, the Argonaut leads by example. Its use of eco-friendly cleaning products and a robust recycling program underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship. Indulge in a sumptuous experience at this standout among San Francisco's green hotels, where luxury meets responsibility.

4. Hotel Triton

Location: 342 Grant Avenue, San Francisco

Hotel Triton in San Francisco is all about combining the comfort of a friend’s home with the style of boutique hospitality. Located opposite the Chinatown Gate, Triton’s top-notch location alone makes it one of the best eco-hotels in town. Boasting energy-efficient lighting and motion sensors, Hotel Triton has many sustainable features that make it a prime destination.

5. Orchard Garden Hotel

Location: 466 Bush Street, San Francisco

A year after it opened in 2006, the Orchard Garden Hotel became the first in San Francisco to earn a LEED certification. The best sustainable hotel blends boutique luxury with a state-of-the-art eco-friendly design. This gives a whole new meaning to sustainable hospitality.

Located alongside Chinatown, this eco-friendly hotel is in a prime locale and boasts top-notch amenities. With a wonderful rooftop garden and patio, the hotel is close to many S.F. landmarks. 

6. Treebones Resort

Location:  71895 Highway 1, Big Sur

For a unique blend of luxury and nature, consider Treebones Resort for your next retreat to Big Sur. This family-run, eco-conscious glamping site offers an array of accommodations, including opulent yurts, one-of-a-kind human nests, and a sprawling 500-square-foot tent powered by solar energy. 

Treebones Resort epitomizes harmony with nature, serving organic, garden-to-table meals and ensuring that all leftovers nourish the onsite animals. Emphasizing sustainability, the resort utilizes zero-emission vehicles for onsite transport and diligently recycles or composts all other waste, crafting an eco-friendly haven for guests seeking tranquility and minimal environmental impact.

7. Ventana Big Sur

Location: 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur

This woodsy-chic resort sits on 160 acres of land surrounded by redwoods—half a mile away from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. From property-wide recycling programs to low-flow faucets, Ventana Big Sur doesn’t take the word ‘sustainability’ lightly.

Not only does the environmentally friendly resort implement eco-friendly practices, but it also boasts luxurious amenities that take it one step further. If you’ve been on the lookout for an enviable girls’ weekend destination, Ventana Big Sur is as opulent as it gets. 

8. The Stanford Inn By the Sea

Location: 44850 Comptche Ukiah Road, P.O. Box 487, Mendocino

Take your getaway to Mendocino to another level by booking a room at the Stanford Inn By the Sea—one of the most sustainable hotels on the Central Coast. The Stanford family approached the inn as they would a family farm. Raven’s Restaurant, the inn’s eco-friendly eatery, serves plant-based meals.

The luxury sustainable resort also runs an environmental leadership field school. Participants receive tools for creative problem solving on how to live sustainably.

The Top Sustainable Hotels in Southern California

9. Hotel Indigo San Diego

Location: 509 Ninth Avenue, San Diego

The Gaslamp Quarter’s Hotel Indigo was the first LEED-certified hotel in the city. Boasting two green roofs planted with native species, the eco-friendly hotel helps reduce heating and air conditioning emissions. Hotel Indigo’s prime location makes it possible for guests to go car-free during their stay. Walking a few steps from the hotel exposes you to amazing food and entertainment options.

10. The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles

Location: 900 West Olympic Boulevard, Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles is embracing green living with sustainable practices implemented in every region. From cultural attractions to restaurants and public transportation, hotels are no exception. The Ritz-Carlton in Downtown L.A. is a great example. The sustainable hotel makes extensive use of durable materials. Boasting eco-friendly hotel rooms, the Ritz Carlton features water-saving fixtures, recycling programs, and alternative transportation options. 

11. L’Auberge Del Mar

Location: 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar

Sun, sand, and picturesque beaches—visiting the coastal village of Del Mar feels like stepping into a postcard. Overlooking the Pacific, L’Auberge Del Mar offers an eco-friendly escape. The luxury eco-friendly resort implements green practices into daily operations. Some of its sustainable operations include using energy-efficient light bulbs and biodegradable guest room key cards.

12. The Ambrose Hotel

Location: 1255 20th Street, Santa Monica

This eco-friendly boutique hotel is chic, sustainable, and just five minutes away from the beach. Book a room on your next getaway to Santa Monica and enjoy the many amenities of the award-winning green Ambrose Hotel. Among its sustainable practices are water-saving faucets, natural toiletries, and ecologically responsible cleaning products. Here, you can also rent hybrid cars for easy, sustainable exploration.

13. Shore Hotel

Location: 1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica

An eco-conscious favorite, the Shore Hotel is a LEED-certified accommodation providing a laid back beachy vibe. Boasting many sustainable amenities, the hotel features a one-of-a-kind lighting and temperature system. It adjusts automatically as you enter and leave the room. By staying at this eco-friendly hotel, you're already making conscious efforts in reducing your carbon footprint.

14. The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Location: 31106 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach

Sitting on 87 acres in the Aliso and Wood Canyons, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is committed to promoting sustainability. By partnering with The Ecology Center, the luxury sustainable hotel has created a half-acre on-site garden. The verdant area provides fruit, vegetables, and herbs for the resort’s restaurant. 

The hotel’s culinary team also works with Chefs to End Hunger, which redistributes leftover prepared meals to local food agencies. Staying at this eco-friendly hotel means minimizing your travel’s impact on the environment and positively helping those in need.

15. Two Bunch Palms

Location: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs

The oldest mineral hot springs resort in the country and one of the very first sustainable ones—Two Bunch Palms is as eco-friendly as it gets. Not only is this sustainable hotel completely carbon neutral, but it also grows its produce on-site and uses biodegradable cleaning products.

Two Bunch Palms generates electricity from 100 percent renewable sources and utilizes sustainable practices. If you’ve been yearning for a romantic getaway with your one and only, consider making Two Bunch Palms your destination of choice.