San Diego’s commitment to the environment and the protection of its most treasured resources – 70 miles of beautiful beaches and the best year round weather in the country – is far reaching.
Below are 20 Green Facts about San Diego. On your next visit to San Diego, be sure to check one of them out!
1. San Diego is California’s #1 solar city. There are more solar installations in San Diego than in any other city in California.
2. The San Diego International Airport’s has begun its largest building project ever – and it will have Silver LEED status!
3. The Port of San Diego is committed to protecting our beautiful bay.
4. With trolley, coaster and bus service, taking public transportation on your trip to San Diego has never been easier.
5. Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban park has never been greener.
6. Ever wanted to get to know the environment up close and personal. You can by going on a kayak ride with an environmental guide.
7. For water views and coastal eco-culture, you can’t beat Torrey Pines State Reserve with its rare pines, other worldly sandstone formations, canopied trails, lagoons and million dollar ocean views. Spanning over 2,000 acres, it preserves its namesake, the Torrey Pine tree, and other indigenous wildlife in its native environment.
8. Aptly named Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach is another local gem with 68 acres of bluffs and walking paths high above the Pacific Ocean. This large sandy beach also offering surfing, swimming, volleyball and other recreational activities, perfect for getting your heart pumping while surrounded by panoramic ocean views.
9. Sure we ride waves, but San Diegans are also very attached to their bikes. Whether on a mountain bike or a beach cruiser, a bike tour is a great way to experience this city – from La Jolla to Mission Bay to Coronado Island. San Diego Hike Bike Kayak Sports, Inc. featured “La Jolla Plunge Tour” starts with panoramic views of San Diego atop Mt. Soledad and zips you down a 3.5 mile descent to the ocean.
10. San Diego has dozens of farmer’s markets each week. Mix with the locals and taste the freshest produce.
11. Our restaurants and local chefs are committed to the Farm-to-Fork movement.
12. The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are committed to conservation. From working on elephant conservation in Africa to recycling at their parks, they have never been more of a partner on sustainability.
13. Traveling with children? Check out the San Diego Children’s museum – a environmentally sustainable building that utilizes San Diego’s year round weather with lots of natural light and windows.
14. For more than 40 years, the Worlds of Discovery – better known as SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove – have initiated and supported wildlife conservation, research and education at home and around the world. Upon visiting Worlds of Discovery, many guests are inspired to help protect the animals they encounter and get involved with wildlife conservation.
15. Hotel Indigo is San Diego’s first 100% LEED certified hotel.
16. Experience Birch Aquarium’s award-winning exhibit presenting the science of global climate change, backed by a half century of groundbreaking research from Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
17. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is currently in the process of obtaining LEED certification. Check out their other green initiatives.
18. Hornblower Cruises and Events works toward sustainability by purchasing green products, implementing recycling programs and building the innovative Hornblower Hybrid boat.
19. The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is 100% powered by the sun.
20. Whale Watching with the Natural History Museum. Enjoy narration from Captains and Naturalists trained by the San Diego Natural History Museum.
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