Traveling is a privilege, and with it comes responsibility. In today’s world, being a conscious traveler means taking steps to minimize your environmental footprint and positively impact the places you visit. It’s no longer just about having a good time—it’s about ensuring that the beautiful destinations we enjoy remain pristine for future generations. Oceanside, California, affectionately known as “O’side,” is leading the way in promoting sustainable tourism. Here’s how you can ‘travel green‘ on your next visit to Oceanside CA!
STAY GREEN IN OCEANSIDE CA
Your accommodation choice plays a significant role in your environmental impact. One of the best ways to stay green in Oceanside is by booking a Kind Traveler property. Booking at one the Love O’side lodging partners – Marbella, Stay Coastal, or BeachFront Only, automatically gives back at no extra cost to you! This simple act of choosing the right stay allows you to enjoy your trip while supporting the local community!
Additionally, Oceanside is home to several eco-friendly options like Mission Pacific and The Brick that prioritize sustainability. These green locations implement practices such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and waste reduction programs. By choosing to stay at one of these hotels, you can rest easy knowing your visit is contributing to the environmental health of the city.
LOVE O’SIDE
Love O’side is Oceanside, California’s sustainable tourism initiative aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices while supporting the local community. The program encourages visitors to reduce their environmental impact by participating in activities like beach cleanups, using sustainable transportation options, and supporting local businesses that prioritize green practices. It also focuses on conserving Oceanside’s natural beauty, such as its beaches and wetlands, through responsible tourism education.
Oceanside’s commitment to green effort goes above and beyond. On the Visit Oceanside website, there is an entire page dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility. Here on the aptly-named ‘Love O’side‘ page, you can find ways to stay, play, and go green. Also, you can read their Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, publicly on display for all to see. Oceanside CA is not hiding behind words like ‘conscious’ and ‘eco-friendly’ – they’re openly living it!
GO GREEN WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND GREEN SHUTTLES
Transportation is another area where you can make conscious choices. Oceanside CA offers several eco-friendly options to help you get around town without relying on fossil fuels. Outside of walking, one of the best ways to explore O’side is by using the gO’side electric shuttles. These shuttles are not only convenient but also emit zero emissions, making them a fantastic option for reducing your carbon footprint while you travel. Simply download the “Ride Circuit” app and select “Oceanside” as your location and you’re ready to ride!
Similarly to other rideshare apps, you can request your pickup location and drop-off destination. But with gO’side – the cost does not fluctuate. You will be a $3 fare per rider, and caps at $6 if there are multiple folks in your party. So for just a few dollars, you can safely and greenly make your way all over Downtown O’side!
For those who prefer a bit more independence, consider renting an electric vehicle from Moke and Sun. These fun, open-air electric cars are perfect for cruising around Oceanside in style while keeping your environmental impact low. They’re easy to drive, and their small size makes parking a breeze. Plus, they’re 100% electric, so you can explore without guilt. Cruise down the strand, park by the pier, or pop into the local shops and restaurants.
EAT GREEN AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Oceanside’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious! With a strong emphasis on sustainability and supporting local businesses. Many restaurants partner with local farmers to create fresh, farm-to-table dishes that are as good for the planet as they are for your taste buds. By choosing to dine at sustainable eateries, you’re not only enjoying a great meal but also supporting the local economy and reducing the environmental impact of your food. Look for restaurants that have been recognized for their commitment to sustainability, and feel good about every bite!
Dining at The Plot is a green culinary experience! A fully plant-based restaurant that utilizes fresh local ingredients, many from regenerative farms, as well as their own on-site garden. They also strive to be zero-waste by saving water to use in their gardens, using biodegradable to-go containers, and so much more! All of their menu items, including “meats”, are made in-house – and are delicious! Menu items change throughout the seasons, but you can’t go wrong.
SHOP LOCALLY AND SUSTAINABLY
Oceanside is home to a variety of unique shops that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. When shopping in O’side, seek out stores that focus on eco-friendly products, fair trade goods, and items made by local artisans. Not only will you find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, but you’ll also be supporting businesses that are doing their part to protect the environment.
Each Thursday from 9am-1pm you’ll find a lively farmer’s market along Pier View Way. Local food and shop vendors line the road and it’s the perfect way to spend a few hours in O’side! Year round there is fresh fruit, local produce, and artisan goods that draw in locals and visitors alike.
A must-visit green shop in Oceanside is Sonora Refillery, where you can stock up on zero-waste products. From reusable containers to eco-friendly personal care items, Sonora Refillery has everything you need to live a more sustainable lifestyle. By shopping here, you’re taking a stand against single-use plastics and helping to reduce waste.
Even travelers can make a difference here. Bring in your empty shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles and refill them at the refillery. You can also pick up reusable shopping bags, a travel mug, and a metal straw, and you’re on your way to conscious traveling!
VOLUNTEER FOR A BEACH CLEANUP
You can easily find a few hours to make a difference! Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and make a tangible difference during your trip. It’s a rewarding experience that allows you to leave Oceanside better than you found it. Plus, spending a few hours on the beach cleaning up debris is a small price to pay for the countless hours of enjoyment you’ll get from the city’s beautiful coastline.
Oceanside’s stunning beaches are one of its biggest attractions, and it’s essential to keep them clean and pristine for everyone to enjoy. During your visit, consider volunteering for a beach cleanup with the Surfrider Foundation (San Diego Chapter). This organization is dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans and beaches, and they regularly organize beach cleanups in Oceanside CA.
YOUR GUIDE TO TRAVELING GREEN IN OCEANSIDE CA
Green travel is all about making mindful choices that benefit the environment and the local community. By following this simple guide, you can ensure that your visit to Oceanside is both enjoyable and sustainable. From staying at eco-friendly accommodations to volunteering for a beach cleanup, every small action you take makes a big difference.
Oceanside is more than just a beautiful beach town—it’s a community that cares about the planet and the people who live there. By choosing to be a conscious traveler, you’re not only enjoying everything O’side has to offer but also helping to preserve it for future generations. So, the next time you plan a trip to Oceanside CA, make it a green stay. Your actions today will ensure that this coastal paradise remains a top destination for years to come. Let’s all do our part to Love O’side and travel sustainably!
GET MORE O’SIDE INSPO HERE:
- O’SIDE SIPS: EXPLORING THE BEST BEVERAGES IN OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA
- EXPLORE OCEANSIDE BY LAND, SEA, AND AIR: AN ADVENTURE-PACKED GETAWAY
