Looking to explore Marin County while keeping sustainability in mind? Marin offers plenty of eco-friendly travel options that let you enjoy its natural beauty without leaving a heavy footprint.

From green transportation choices and sustainable dining to environmentally conscious accommodations, Marin County has something for every eco-minded traveler. Explore the area’s offerings and discover how to connect with nature and the local community while making responsible travel choices.

Eco-Friendly Transportation

One great way to be eco-friendly while traveling is to consider various transportation options. Take advantage of the local buses in the different Marin municipalities, the ferry, train, and paratransit services. Public transportation is a sustainable way to explore Marin and a great way to mingle with locals and experience the culture.

Ferries and a SMART Rail

We highly recommend taking a ferry to be sustainable while also taking in the picturesque views of the San Francisco skyline, the iconic Alcatraz Island, and the stunning waterfront. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, taking a ferry is a green transportation option that connects you to nearby destinations like the Country Mart in Larkspur, Tiburon, and Angel Island.

Additionally, there is now a shuttle that connects the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit to the ferry in Larkspur that serves the SMART Larkspur station, the Golden Gate Ferry Larkspur Terminal, and the surrounding Larkspur Landing area. Plus, on weekends, the shuttle also serves the Village and Town Center shopping malls in Corte Madera.

 

Electric Vehicles

If public transport doesn’t suit your fancy but you still want to be eco-friendly, Marin offers plenty of convenient EV charging stations. You can find them at the following locations:

• Marin County Civic Center
• Marin Center Exhibit Hall in San Rafael
• Health and Wellness Center at 3240 Kerner Boulevard
• 20 North San Pedro Road Campus at Civic Center
• Health & Human Services in Point Reyes Station at 1 Sixth Street
• 1600 Los Gamos Drive Campus

For more information about these electric charging stations, you can click here.

Biking

Another eco-friendly transportation option, aside from walking or hiking, is biking. Marin is highly bike-friendly, with numerous trails offering sustainable travel options. Renting a bike allows you to explore at your own pace while minimizing your environmental impact. Vacation Bike Rentals provides premium eBikes suitable for paved surfaces, smooth gravel, and dirt paths. You'll receive a bike, helmet, and lock—everything you need for a day of eco-friendly exploration in Marin County.

 

 

Eco-Friendly Hotels and Accommodations 

A great way to travel sustainably is by choosing accommodations that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Staying at a green-certified hotel not only reduces your environmental impact but also supports businesses committed to protecting the environment. 
If you’re seeking eco-conscious lodging in Marin, consider these green-certified hotels and accommodations:

Acqua Hotel and Mill Valley Inn

The Acqua Hotel and The Mill Valley Inn are both committed to sustainability, making them standout choices for eco-conscious travelers in Marin County. Both hotels feature energy-efficient LED lighting and water-saving fixtures while also providing guests with biodegradable, chemical-free bath products. They prioritize waste reduction through their recycling programs and offer a towel and linen reuse option to conserve water and energy.

Bear Valley Cottage

Bear Valley Cottage is an idyllic, eco-friendly retreat in Marin County, committed to sustainable practices. As a Green Business, the cottage offers a 220-powered EV charging station parking lot for guests, highlighting its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint. This commitment extends to water conservation through drip irrigation and the use of Energy Star appliances. The property is thoughtfully designed with recycled materials in the gardens and fences.

Additionally, Bear Valley Cottage uses eco-conscious cleaning products, supports local businesses. The cottage also practices recycling, composting, and organic gardening on top of implementing energy-saving measures like efficient lighting and timers for outdoor lights. Guests can feel good about their stay, knowing they’re contributing to a low-impact, sustainable environment.

Novato Oaks Inn

Novato Oaks Inn offers comfortable, modern accommodations in Marin County and is proud to be part of the California Green Lodging Program. This program recognizes hotels committed to environmentally friendly practices, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

While Novato Oaks doesn’t list its green initiatives on its website, the CGL Program ensures it adheres to rigorous environmental standards, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers looking for a place to stay in Novato.

Marin Suites Hotel

The Marin Suites Hotel is a top choice for eco-friendly travelers in Marin County, thanks to its green initiatives. It’s one of Marin’s only all-solar-powered hotels in the region, with 453 solar panels that generate 250,000 kilowatt hours annually—equivalent to planting over 80 acres of trees.

The hotel also emphasizes its commitment to sustainability through various practices, including using recyclable water bottles, implementing a great recycling program, and conserving water with low-flow fixtures and nighttime pool covers to stop evaporation. These efforts make it an ideal stay for those committed to reducing their carbon footprint. You can learn more about their green initiatives on their website here.

TIP: Remember to book in advance and inquire about the specific eco-friendly amenities and initiatives offered by each hotel.

 

 

Eco-Tourism and Programs

Call of the Sea offers engaging outdoor exploration programs through their Bay Exploration Sails, designed for groups of 10–12 students. Participants rotate through 30-minute learning stations, with options to explore different themes. The "Call of the Sea Classic" program covers Marine Biology, Nautical Science, and Maritime History. Students can also dive into sustainability as an "Oceanographer for a Day" or explore Marine Engineering in the "Sailor for a Day" program. These hands-on experiences are perfect for fostering a deeper understanding of marine environments.

You can check out the other environmental organizations in Marin that provide eco-friendly education programs on our website here.

There are over 100 environmental organizations in Marin County that provide eco-friendly education programs and resources for residents and visitors, as well as activities in the natural world. One notable destination is the Marin Art and Garden Center, a 13-acre green oasis that combines art, nature, and sustainability. Visitors can explore organic gardens, attend environmental workshops, and enjoy eco-friendly events, all designed to foster a deeper connection with the environment.

 

Sustainable Food

McEvoy Ranch, a small family-owned farm in Petaluma, is celebrated for its Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, sustainably produced for over three decades. Their Northern California ranch has expanded its offerings to include small-lot wines, gourmet culinary products, and olive oil-based skincare. From the orchard to your table, McEvoy Ranch is committed to the highest quality standards in every step of growing, harvesting, milling, and bottling, ensuring exceptional products that reflect their dedication to sustainability and excellence.

 

Leave No Trace and Cleaner CA Coast

The Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau not only continues its proud partnership with the Leave No Trace organization but has also joined forces with the Cleaner California Coast initiative.

Leave No Trace pioneers scientific, research-based solutions for protecting the natural world, achieving its mission through innovative education, skills training, and scientific research. By collaborating with the public and land managers, Leave No Trace focuses on educating individuals on how to responsibly enjoy and care for the outdoors. Through these partnerships, we are committed to promoting sustainable practices and preserving the beauty of Marin County for future generations.

 

For the best places to stay when in Marin, visit the Marin CVB at visitmarin.org/hotels.