2026’s Top Sustainable U.S. Escapes - corallifeandtravel.com

Vision Board Destinations 2026:

Sustainable Escapes Across the U.S.

For those wanting to elevate their travels to a more sustainable approach.

Lets Travel embracing a new kind of wanderlust—one rooted in purpose, preservation, and personal growth. This year’s most inspiring destinations aren’t just beautiful—they’re beacons of sustainability, offering immersive, low-impact experiences that honor both the planet and its people.

The Rise of Regenerative Travel

According to Expedia’s 2026 travel forecast, travelers are shifting from passive sightseeing to story-driven, sustainable exploration. The focus is on connection, culture, and conscious choices—from solar-powered stays to community-led adventures.

2026’s Top Sustainable U.S. Escapes

1. Burlington, Vermont – A Small City with a Big Green Heart

First U.S. city powered entirely by renewable energy

• Local farms, zero-waste cafés, and eco-conscious lodging

• A hub for slow travel and community connection

Best time to visit: June through August ideal for outdoor activities like biking and hiking, while late September and October are popular for fall foliage.

Most affordable time to visit: November through April is considered low season. Burlington boasts less crowds and accommodation pricing goes down. Keep in consideration winter sports that happen December-March as well as around the holidays like new years and during Feb Ice festivals, tend to be higher priced times as well. April tends to be the best slow season month to visit but the weather is more un predictable as the snow melts and temperatures are in the 40’s and 50’s.

Beautiful summer landscape of scenic road in Red Rocks Park, Denver, Colorado.

Things to do
Eco Friendly Stays

1.Take a sustainability Tour- Learn about Burlington’s renewable energy and green infrstructre.

2.Visit the world’s Tallest filing cabinet- a quirky art installation made from used materials.

3.Tour the Burlington’s Farmers market- Held on Saturdays with local produce, crafts & sustainable goods. Great location neat the waterfront.

4. Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Champlain- Enjoy low impact recreation with stunning views.

5. Gastronomy- Eat Farm to table at Pingala Cafe- Vegan Cafe know for it’s plant based comfort food & zero waste ethos.

6.Bike on The Burlington Green Way- a Scenic 8-Mile path along Lake Champlain.

7. Visit the Intervale Center- a 360-acre urban farm and conservation hub. Offers Agriculture, trails & seasonal events.

8. Shop Local at Church St, Marketplace- pedestrian only shopping district with local artisans and eco conscious brands and many shop’s offer sustainable goods.

9. Explore ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – A science and nature museum focused on lake ecology and climate education.

10. Explore the South End Arts District- Murals, galleries and studios repurposed industrial spaces.

11. Bonus- Thrift & Vintage delight- Visit Eco friendly shops like Old Gold and Battery Street Jeans.

There are many eco friendly locations to stay.

1.Stay at Hotel Vermont- Cozy Rooms and sustainable focused. Modern Rustic charm. Offers Bikes for guests and sources foods from local farm.

2. Shelburne Farms Inn- Located on a 1,400 acre working farm and non profit focused on sustainability education.

3.Made INN Vermont- Boutique B&B with a focus on local sourcing and low impact hospitality. Very eclectic, artsy and intimate. Offers locally made snacks, vintage decor and rooftop hot tub.

4.The Lodge at Spruce Peak- A bit further away. LEED certified, green building practices and sustainability focused spa. Luxury mountain lodge with SKI in/out access. Great for winter eco retreats in summer hiking get aways.

5.For these and other recommendations please use the link attached https://www.expedia.com/shop/delagneau-media-group/vermont-burlington https://shelburnefarms.org/ not sponsored- nonprofit

2. Sedona, Arizona – Red Rocks & Regeneration

• Spiritual retreats and eco-lodges nestled in red rock canyons

• Emphasis on mindful hiking, stargazing, and indigenous-led tours

• A top pick for transformative, wellness-centered travel

Best Time to Travel: offering crisp, comfortable weather and beautiful fall foliage. Festivals, such as the Sedona Arts Festival, are popular during this time. visit with mild, sunny days ideal for hiking. It is also a peak time for events like the Sedona Yoga Festival and the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival. For fall season (September-November) offering crisp, comfortable weather and beautiful fall foliage. Festivals, such as the Sedona Arts Festival, are popular during this time.

Most Affordable time to visit: Winter (December–February): This time of year is less crowded and most affordable time to visit, with average average weather in the 50s and chilly nights. Light non stick snow is possible.

Things To Do
Eco Friendly Stays

Hike in Red Rock Country- responsibly stick to the designated trails like cathedral Rock and Bell Rock minimize erosion. Visit during off peak seasons to reduce environmental strain.
Shop local & Indigenous Businesses- Shop at handmade goods at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Attend culturl events that honoir Native American Heritage.
Dine Sustainably- Choose farm to table restaurants like CholaTree Organic Eatery. Many Organic, vegan and locally sourced menus.
Take A guided Eco tour- Join an E-bike or jeep tour that emphasizes geology and conservation.
Visit the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park- It is a sacred space open to all, surrounded by native plants and quiet trails.
Explore Oak Creek Canyon- Swim, picnic or hike in this pristine area while following leave no Trace Principles. Slide Rock State park offers natural water slides and scenic views.
Stargaze Under Dark Skies- Sedona is a designated Dark Sky Community. Join astronomy tours or simply enjoy the stars from your eco-lodge.
Visit Chuck wagon Supper & Western stage show @ Blazin M ranch. It’s agreat experience you don’t want to miss.
You can also find ghost tours and lean about the spooky history under the moonlight.
Sedona Outlaw- It’s a 4×4 experience considered one of the best Attractions of Sedona;

Lantern Light Inn – Romantic Getaway
Sedona
“Very Instagram location, it has really romantic fairytale vibes, a clean beautiful spot to retire to. Overall a great selection to go to.”

L’Auberge de Sedona
Sedona
“This is a great eco friendly option, they have Creekfront cottages that emphasize local sourcing and low impact guest experience. Perfect choice for a romantic escape and people who value local culture and slow hospitality.”

Arroyo Pinion Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Sedona
“this is where Spanish meets modern together totally Arizona style here. You will also see the jacuzzi tub and fireplace in the room that have been recently renovated and some out door areas to relax and enjoy.”

Cedars Resort
Sedona
“A relaxed, mid‑range riverfront resort offering gardened grounds, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and easy access to Sedona’s arts and trail areas; it’s popular with guests looking for scenic value without a luxury price tag. Creekside setting and views; good location for arts and trails overall a great pick for budget and fun.”

A Sunset Chateau
Sedona
“Great views in this charming, family‑run boutique bed & breakfast set on a hillside with views of Sedona’s red rocks; ideal for couples seeking a romantic, Creekside‑adjacent stay with personalized service.”

Enchantment
Sedona
“Luxury wellness & Outdoors it’s on the pricier side but well worth it for an unforgettable experience with conservation hikes and programs that connects guests to the ecosystem. Access to responsible trail, pnative landscape preservation.”

The Wilde Resort and Spa
Sedona
“A modern, wellness‑forward resort in Sedona that blends airy, whitewashed design with full‑service spa offerings, curated outdoor activities, and river‑adjacent views—positioned for guests who want both relaxation and adventure Great for active guests who want a base for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or guided local adventures ”

Dreamcatcher Inn of Sedona
Sedona
“If you are looking for affordability, this is a reliable location to choose close to downtown.”

Oak Creek Terrace
Sedona
“This is a cozy favorite affordable and near the Indians Garden Park and a wonderful view of the close Wilson Mountain. The Hot tubs and fireplace in the room is cool continues the vibe of the outside in. The oudoor space with the tv is such a vibe.”

Arabella Hotel Sedona
Sedona
“A comfortable, well‑located midrange hotel that blends modern rooms with landscaped grounds, pools, and desert views—often praised for strong service and go
If you want to check out any of these locations https://www.expedia.com/shop/delagneau-media-group/stay-wild-rest-well-exp-sedona