When you picture a US getaway, it’s easy to think of big cities and marquee attractions. However, some of the most rewarding trips are happening in humble small towns effecting big change. These communities weave sustainability into everyday life through hyper-local produce, renewable energy, and innovative waste programs, rewarding visitors with a slower, more intentional pace of travel.
- San Luis Obispo, California
open image in gallery The sleepy surf town of Cayucos (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Known as “SLO” to the locals, this town blends sunny charm with serious environmental ambition. It features a facility that transforms organic waste into renewable power and hosts one of California’s largest certified farmers’ markets every Thursday. Visitors can enjoy the walkable historic downtown or head to Edna Valley for a tasting at Chamisal Vineyards, a pioneer in sustainable winemaking.
- Missoula, Montana
Missoula Area
Cradled by five mountain ranges, Missoula is a river town that lives for the outdoors. Even with intense wildfire seasons, the city remains resilient through the “Climate Ready Missoula” initiative, providing clean-air public spaces for residents and guests. After a day of fly-fishing or hiking the “M” trail, you can catch a show at the historic Wilma theatre under the famous “Big Sky.”
- Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a hub for the “circular economy,” hosting Fix-It Clinics where volunteers repair household items to keep them out of landfills. This culture of reuse thrives in local thrift shops like Trash Panda Thrift and creative marketplaces. Notably, it was the world’s first International Dark Sky City; a trip to the Lowell Observatory offers a stunning, protected view of the galaxies.
- Hanover, New Hampshire
Hanover, New Hampshire
This Ivy League town is committed to a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Hanover is perfectly walkable, featuring gems like Still North Books & Bar, where you can pair a local craft pour with a new book. The Hanover River Trail offers a scenic ride through towering pines, particularly breathtaking during the autumn leaf-peeping season.
- Ithaca, New York
Ithaca, New York
Ithaca was one of the first US municipalities to adopt a Green New Deal, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. The eco-spirit is most vibrant at the Ithaca Farmers Market, held under a wooden pavilion overlooking Cayuga Lake. Visitors can spend Sundays hiking to some of the area’s 150 waterfalls, including Taughannock Falls, which stands three stories taller than Niagara.
- Lander, Wyoming
Lander, Wyoming
In Lander, a tight-knit community of climbers and skiers maintains the land they love, working with the Forest Service to repair trails and protect habitats. It’s a high-altitude destination where you can explore the geological wonders of Sinks Canyon State Park. The day usually ends at the wood-beamed Lander Bar, which captures the town’s rugged “Old West” soul.
- Vail, Colorado
Vail
Vail serves as a blueprint for sustainable mountain tourism, utilizing a free, town-wide bus system to reduce car traffic. The pedestrian village even uses an underground snow-melt system to keep streets clear without harsh chemicals. Beyond skiing, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens act as a living laboratory for climate-sensitive plants in the Gore Range.
- Silver City, New Mexico
Silver City, New Mexico
This high-desert town draws inspiration from the ancient, temperature-regulating Gila Cliff Dwellings. Today, Silver City utilizes over 300 days of sunshine to power its infrastructure with solar energy. The downtown is a vibrant arts hub where you can visit letterpress studios or walk “The Big Ditch,” a former main street reclaimed as a lush urban pedestrian trail.
- Arcata, California
Arcata, California
Arcata pioneered the use of wetlands to treat wastewater at the 225-acre Arcata Marsh, now a thriving wildlife habitat. The town’s eco-identity is visible in its walkable core and community forests filled with ancient Redwoods. For relaxation, visitors often head to the Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs to soak among the trees before watching the sunset at the Me-le’l Dunes.
- Moab, Utah
Moab, Utah
As the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands, Moab is pioneering tourism that protects its fragile desert crust. The “Do It Like a Local” initiative teaches travelers how to explore the red rocks without damaging the soil. With three certified Dark Sky Parks nearby, it remains one of the most reliable places in the US to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
