Blending technology with wildlife conservation, California’s Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has teamed up with UK-based attraction experience innovators n-gage.io to enhance the visitor experience. They have launched a new app which aims to boost interactive visitor engagement and conservation education. With over 600,000 annual visitors, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the US's top wildlife attractions. The zoo has now adopted n-gage.io’s SaaS platform and mobile app, to improve the way visitors explore, learn and connect with the natural world. The zoo spans 1,200 acres. The mobile app introduces visitors to interactive trails, rich media content about animal habitats and navigation tools optimised for both online and offline use. It offers engaging content for both passionate animal lovers and plant enthusiasts. The app opens up new pathways to explore the zoo’s 150+ animal species and 1,200 plant species. It has many interactive features that bring the zoo’s conservation efforts to life. Visitors can learn about the zoo’s work with over 70 global partners. N-gage.io is led by entrepreneur Bryan Hoare and incubated by GCV Labs in North East England. “We are thrilled to partner with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to deliver an app that not only enhances the visitor experience but also plays a crucial role in conservation education,” Hoare said. The app serves as a digital mobile pocket guide with multimedia content and real-time navigation. “This app is a game-changer, offering our visitors an unparalleled experience while underscoring the importance of conservation,” said Allison Krupp, VP of Marketing & Communications at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The app can be download here 

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Visit California is showcasing the Golden State as the ‘Ultimate Playground in a new global campaign to inspire travelers. It rolled out the ‘Let's Play’ tourism campaign, with the Ultimate Playground platform representing the first brand evolution for the state in more than a decade. It features a quiz that helps visitors identify their personal play style and the California itinerary best suited to them. "California's playful lifestyle, paired with our abundance of experiences, create something no other destination can claim – California is the Ultimate Playground," said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. More than 85% of consumers across six global markets agree it is important to incorporate play into their lives. "Travel is a time and place that gives us permission to embrace play, and California offers every visitor an opportunity in a way that speaks to them," Beteta added. Wunderman Thompson Intelligence says consumers are creating a "joyconomy," based on a recent study of consumers across the US, UK and China The Age of Re-enchantment: Emerging Trends and Opportunities findings:  89% see fun as a necessity that keeps them going in tough times. 83% are seeking out experiences that bring them happiness. 72% want more joy, hope (71%) and inspiration (62%) in their lives. ‘Let's Play’ is a 30-second television spot, which captures the simple joys of playing in California. The three-month, $32.8 million integrated campaign will air across the UK, US, Canada, Mexico, Australia and China. A new section on VisitCalifornia.com features a quiz for travelers to identify their "play style" and connects visitors to regions of California and activities that align with each style. 

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California's Tuolumne County is the heart of Gold Country where thriving Gold Rush towns put the region on the map. Beside the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, expect epic landscapes but also the spirit of the Old West. There is no better place to climb in the saddle and live out your cowboy dreams.   Explore the Saloons Tuolumne County is home to several Gold Rush era towns that will take visitors back in time> The saloons in these towns have remained much the same as if frozen in time, but luckily, they have modern menu updates. Iron Door Saloon in Groveland is California's longest continually operating saloon, and a must see for visitors. It was founded in 1852. The bar's most unique feature is the dollar bills pinned to the ceiling. Hopeful gold rushers used to pin their cash to the ceiling before heading out in search of a fortune, so that they would always have enough money for one last drink if they returned.   Head out on a trail ride Visitors can experience the High Sierra and Emigrant wilderness the way the settlers first saw it on horseback. Pack stations offer visitors the chance to experience the cowboy lifestyle with weeklong pack trips into Tuolumne County's wilderness. Shorter trail ride options are also available. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station sits high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers visitors trips up to 14 days with stops at peaceful lakes and the chance to try out trout fishing.   Discover Gold Rush history Thanks to its perfectly preserved Gold Rush towns, Tuolumne County is a treasure trove of history. Jamestown is where gold was first discovered in the county and the first town visitors will encounter when coming into Tuolumne County from the west. Several of the buildings here date as far back as the 1870s. Stay in one of two historic inns, pan for gold on the high street or visit Railtown 1897 State Historic Park for a ride on one of the vintage steam trains.   Make your own stetson No cowboy is complete without his hat, and in Tuolumne County visitors can personalise their very own at Heart Valley Mercantile and Ranch Wear located the heart of historic Downtown Sonora. The boutique fits seamlessly into the historic area and was inspired by a dear friend of the owners; an old cowgirl with family roots in Tuolumne County dating back to the 1800's. Visitors can enjoy craft beer and cocktails as they try on their chosen headwear.  

Home to bustling communities, quirky towns, and some of the most fertile farmland in the United States, Central Valley, California is full of unique sights, sounds and tastes. Visitors will find food, wine, music and art that’s uniquely made only in Central Valley, created and grown by the locals.   Made in Yolo Sitting at the most northern part of the Central Valley, visitors to Yolo County will find peaceful farmland and an abundance of locally grown produce. This ranges from fruit and vegetables, to honey and lavender. The Capay Valley Lavender Farm spans 27 acres and grows herbs, figs, pomegranates, citrus and olives. Founded by 64-year-old farmer Sherri Wood in 2017, Capay Valley Lavender grows five acres of lavender and produces many lavender-made products, including lavender lip balm, hand cream, essential oil, candles as well as tea and syrups. Visitors can experience tours of the farm, enjoy a picnic in stunning scenery, and take part in hands-on workshops.   Made in Lodi Home to 32% of California’s Zinfandel, Lodi’s 100,000 acres of vineyards produce over 100 award winning wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tours, tastings and dinner pairings whilst sitting down with the people who have grown grapes and made wine for generations. McKenzie Winery is a family run business and has been for six generations, located by the Mokelumne River. Each varietal fruit is hand-picked, then fermented and aged in carefully selected barrels.   Made in Fresno As one of the top agricultural counties in the US farming is a key element in Fresno’s economy and culture. With nearly 200 million acres of farmland producing more than 300 premium crops, Fresno County's farms make for scenic landscapes. Visitors can buy produce directly from the farms and learn about the stories behind generational farmers. Basilwood Farm is a family owned and operated goat farm that produces skin nourishing goat milk soap as well as skincare, deodorant and even laundry soap. The farm has been in their family for 20 years and visitors don’t just walk away with a bar of soap, they are welcomed to help milk the goats, name new kids, and help on farm projects and workshops.   Made in Visalia Like much of the Central Valley, Visalia has an abundance of farm fresh produce that is never grown far from where it’s bought. Visalia’s farmers market is one of the biggest in the region and runs year-round. Visitors will find an abundance of seasonal, fresh fruits that are grown in the California sunshine on farms that surround the city. As well as being able to buy the farm produce, master gardeners also attend and offer advice to help visitors grow their own fruit, vegetables and plants There is music every first Saturday of the month and every last Saturday kids can take part in a free activity.   Made in Modesto Modesto is a growing city that sits at the very heart of Central Valley. The city’s downtown area is a colourful collection of over 100 unique street murals painted by international artists. Wander the streets that serve as an open-air art exhibition, taking in the artwork or follow the Modesto Mural Walk Audio Tour. The first of its kind, this guided street art audio tour takes users from Rodin Ranch farm market past restaurants, coffee shops, museums, and galleries. Taking just under an hour, the audio tour introduces the artists who created the murals and the stories behind them.   Made in Bakersfield A buzzing city in the south of Central Valley, Bakersfield has a style of its own and even a music genre named after it. The gritty style of country music, Bakersfield Sound, was born in the Southern California town during the mid-50s and pioneered by country music legends Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Bakersfield, known as ‘Nashville West’, has since become a hub for all kinds of music. The town has many ‘sounds’ for visitors to explore and enjoy in the many music venues, including Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, a celebrated venue among country music fans.   For more information visit www.visitcentralvalley.com

Explore La Purisima Mission State Historic Park: Step back in time at La Purisima Mission. This preserved mission allows visitors to explore the grounds, interact with farm animals, and take part in engaging interactive activities. Kids will love the living history demonstrations and hiking along the park's scenic trails.   Take a Sweet Tooth Tour of Lompoc: Check out an epic list of places for the sweet tooth in Lompoc. Sample cookies, cupcakes, specialty donuts, Nutella toast, milkshakes, or melt-in-your-mouth soft-serve cones. Lompoc never has any shortage of sweet treats.   Catch a Rocket Launch: Plan your trip around a rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base for an unforgettable family experience. Lompoc has several perfect viewing spots, set up your chairs, and gaze up at the sky. Watching a rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base is not the marvel of technology; it's a celebration of human achievement.   Visit the Lompoc Museum: Delve into Lompoc's fascinating past, where exhibits showcase the area's cultural heritage and history. The museum offers interactive displays, artifacts, and captivating stories that will fascinate young minds and spark curiosity.   Dive into the Cabrillo High School Aquarium:  The aquarium showcases a variety of marine life, providing a captivating glimpse into the diverse ecosystems found in the surrounding waters. Children and adults alike can marvel at colorful tropical fish, coral reefs, and learn about the importance of marine conservation. From interactive exhibits to hands-on learning opportunities, the Cabrillo High School Aquarium offers a memorable marine adventure.   Lompoc Mural Tour: Lompoc is a vast canvas of art, thanks to its iconic murals that grace the downtown area. Take a self-guided mural tour to view the vibrant artwork that tells the story of Lompoc's culture and heritage. Pick up a map from the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce or download online to navigate through the town's colorful streets.   A Day in the sand at Jalama Beach: Just 30 minutes from Lompoc, Jalama Beach offers an idyllic setting for a memorable day trip. Splash in the waves, or simply soak up the sunshine. Enjoy a picnic on the beach, savoring delicious treats like the famous Jalama Burger.   Located on scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, just 155 miles northwest from LA, Lompoc is a California hidden delight. A valley setting, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and vineyards, unlocks top class golf, wine tasting, cycling, hiking, skydiving, and surfing at nearby Jalama Beach. www.explorelompoc.com

  As increasing numbers of leisure and business travelers strive to travel more responsibly and consciously, Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) has doubled down on its commitment to ensure that the values of sustainability, community, collaboration, and inclusion are not only embedded within the organization itself but also in the region's travel industry. New partnerships, content, and web guides are making it even easier for sustainably-minded travelers, meeting planners, and event producers to find the information and resources they need to curate thoughtful, carbon neutral, and regenerative itineraries throughout the nine desert cities and surrounding protected wildlands. Here are 10 ways travelers can tread lightly when visiting Greater Palm Springs:  

1. Be a Kind Traveler

  Visit Greater Palm Springs is a proud partner of Visit California's Kind Traveler regenerative travel initiative. Four participating hotels that prioritize sustainability and community impact are now sharing exclusive offers on KindTraveler.com's Give + Get hotel booking and media platform. Travelers who book Azure Sky Hotel, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, Miramonte Resort & Spa, or The Good House unlock exclusive offers with a $10 or more donation to Friends of the Desert Mountains or LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, or to another charity of choice on the platform. The site also details experiential offerings and educational guides offering more ways to travel regeneratively.  

2. Go Car-Free

  Whether arriving by bus, plane, or automobile, book a stay in one of the vibrant pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, or La Quinta, where an abundance of shops, restaurants, and attractions are easily accessible on foot and by bike. Many hotels offer complimentary guest bikes; plus, BIKE Palm Springs has half-day, full-day and weekend-long rental options and Pedego Electric Bikes offers e-bike rentals out of their La Quinta shop.  

3. Charge Up

  Electric car owners and renters can plug into more than 63 EV charging stations located in convenient locations spread throughout Greater Palm Springs. Several hotels also now offer charging stations.  

4. Learn About Sustainable Energy

  Discover the desert region's iconic renewable energy corridor by touring a wind farm with Palm Springs Windmill Tours. Choose from a self-driving tour guided by an app or a more in-depth guided golf cart tour. Get up close to an operating turbine that is as tall as the Statue of Liberty and learn how the windmills contribute to the energy grid.  

5. Take a Bike Tour

  BIKE Palm Springs leads guided bike tours in partnership with the Palm Springs Historical Society pedaling along on their fleet of RAD Power e-bikes. Sunny Cycle Palm Springs is a pedal-powered electric “limousine” tour company offering a variety of two-hour tours in downtown Palm Springs for individuals and groups, complete with a driver/guide. Big Wheel Tours is another local outfitter offering guided tours and can also take you out to Indian Canyon for an epic cruise along the San Andreas Fault zone.  

6. Tee Off Mindfully

  The Coachella Valley is home to 13 Audubon International Certified Cooperative Sanctuary Courses that earned the endorsement for practices that maintain the golf experience while preserving nature and native wildlife. PGA West and La Quinta Resort & Club are home to nine courses with the honor; among their unique initiatives is a glass recycling practice, turning bottles into sand for the golf courses' top fill. Other courses known for exceptionally high green standards include JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa's two courses, Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club, and the Arnold Palmer designed Classic Club in Palm Desert.  

7. Embrace Mother Nature

  Visit attractions that actively work to preserve habitats and restore plant and animal populations, such as the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Connect with the area's history and culture during a ranger-led hike in the Indian Canyons. Or hit the region's more than 100 trails on your own to experience pristine wilderness areas, such as Joshua Tree National Park, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, or Thousands Palms Oasis Preserve.  

8. Shop Antique, Vintage & Consignment

  Greater Palm Springs is a legendary destination for antique hunters, vintage connoisseurs, and bargain seekers thanks to the incredible browse-worthy inventory on display in the region's shops that specialized in gently used goods. From high-end midcentury modern furnishings, eclectic fashions spanning several decades, and racks of contemporary designer wares, shoppers can feel good about scoring one-of-a-kind finds for home and wardrobe that won't add to landfill and underscore the “reuse and recycle” ethos.  

9. Savor Farm-to-Table Dining

  The Coachella Valley is one of the largest crop-growing regions in California with more than 65,000 acres of farmlands. Diverse fruits and veggies like tomatoes, greens, citrus, and dates—nature's candy—are grown right in our backyard, giving local chefs an abundance of locally sourced ingredients to craft delectable dishes at farm-to-table establishments. You can meet the growers and stock up on freshly harvested goodness at weekly and seasonal farmers markets in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage.  

10. Support the Local Indigenous Tribes

  Greater Palm Springs has been the sacred home to the Cahuilla people since time immemorial.  Nurturing stewards of their ancestral lands, the nine federally recognized tribes of today play a prominent role locally and continue to have a positive effect on the community. Visitors to the area can tap into many recreational and cultural opportunities offered through the various tribal enterprises and reservation lands that are open to the public—from the newly opened Spa at Séc-he in downtown Palm Springs and the innovative sustainable Temalpakh Farms project to cultural centers and tribal events.

  Visit California recently launched online platform, Visit Native California, a new statewide initiative in partnership with state officials and tribal leaders designed to showcase California’s vibrant Native communities and cultural tourism experiences to travellers around the world.   California is home to more than 100 federally recognised tribes, with Native culture woven into the fabric of its communities. The new site is a vital source of information on all of the cultural tourism experiences visitors can find across the state — including museums and cultural centres, outdoor experiences like hiking and boating, restaurants, tasting rooms and so much more.   “Visit California is honoured to create a platform that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Native Americans who have called this place home for thousands of years,” Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta said. “We’re committed to partnering with California’s tribes and creating spaces to uplift and honour their voices, communities and cultures.”   Visit Native California is funded by a federal grant awarded as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to help the communities hardest hit by the pandemic. The grant earmarks $1 million to increase awareness of and travel to the state’s cultural heritage tourism experiences.   The funding enables Visit California to create and share stories on the Visit Native California platform, which are housed online at VisitCalifornia.com. These stories celebrate the spirit and diversity of California’s people and promote visitation to tribes’ cultural heritage tourism experiences.   Native storytellers will help expand the California Responsible Travel Code’s emphasis on preserving the state’s cultural heritage and natural resources while bolstering the people who provide and promote Native experiences across the state.   Native California experiences across the state   Across California, destinations honour and celebrate the rich history of Native American tribes who first inhabited the state more than 15,000 years ago. From cultural heritage centres and museums to annual festivals and historic hotels, the state is a leader in preserving and uplifting Native American history. Learn more about California’s Native American history on your next trip with these unique and inspiring experiences.   Cultural Centres and Museums   

• New Cultural Centre Opening in Palm Springs: Palm Springs is home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the original inhabitants of the area. Explore their history and culture at historic sites like the sacred reservations at Tahquitz and Indian Canyons. Scheduled to open in April 2023, the Agua Caliente Cultural Plazaincludes a Cultural Museum, Gathering Plaza, gardens, Oasis Trail and The Spa at Séc-he, which will restore access to the underground ancient healing mineral waters, estimated to be over 12,000 years old. The Cultural Museum will act as a gateway to the tribe’s past, present and future with five different exhibit areas all dedicated to telling their history from the native flora and fauna of the Indian Canyons to ancient artefacts.

 

• Honouring the Chumash Tribe in Ventura County: Discover the local history of Ventura County, from the stories of the Chumash people to present-day facts at the Museum of Ventura County. The Chumash exhibit at the Channel Islands Maritime Museumdetails the Chumash as a seafaring civilisation. Tour the Old Mission Basilica San Buenaventura or take a trip to the Channel Islands National Park and discover where the Chumash hunted, fished and traded.

 

• Native Sites in San Diego: With over 32,000 archaeological sites in San Diego County, the San Diego Archaeology Centerin Escondido features a rich collection of artefacts and allows visitors to learn the story of how people have lived in San Diego County for the past 12,000 years. The Barona Cultural Center & Museum, located on a Native American reservation, offers a unique educational journey with listening alcoves, photographic displays, archives and more than 300 artefacts. Cupa Cultural Center is dedicated to the Pala Indians and enhancing traditional cultural practices.

  Majestic Parks, Gardens and Hiking Trails  

• People of the Earth’s Santa Monica Park: In honour of the Tongva, “people of the earth”, and Native habitants of Santa Monica, the city built Tongva Park, a six-acre urban oasis adjacent to the beach. Take a self-guided tour of the park, which is divided into four main sections: Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill and Gathering Hill. The park features a native and locally appropriate sustainable plant palette that changes subtly with the seasons. Visit the Santa Monica History Museumto view artefacts and learn more about the Tongva people.

 

• Walk the Me-Wuk Trail in Tuolumne County: Tuolumne, also known as “Stone Houses,” is home to two native tribes - the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians and the Chicken Ranch Band of Me-Wuk Indians. The annual Me-Wuk Lifewaysprogrammes offer authentic experiences to learn about and view ancient Native American dwellings and interpretive exhibits as part of a guided walk on the Shadow of the Me-Wuk Trail in Pinecrest Lake.

 

• Explore the Culture of the Yokuts in a Self-Guided Tour: Explore the amazing culture of the local Yokuts and Western Mono tribes in a self-guided tour that begins in Visalia. Start at Mooney Grove Museumto see one of the largest native American woven basket collections on display, before heading to the Kaweah Heritage Visitors Center at Kaweah Lake to witness bedrock mortar. Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park is home to some of the finest examples of native American pictographs and the largest Native American village within current park boundaries once thrived here.

 

• Visit Native Historic Sites in Siskiyou: Lava Beds National Monumentin northern California has more than 700 caves with Native American rock art sites. The rocks are carved petroglyphs and painted pictographs located in the traditional territory of the Modoc people and their ancestors. Stewart Mineral Springs also offers a unique environment of sacred mineral waters and a variety of workshops where the Karuk Tribe has respected these springs for generations.

  Educational Festivals and Attractions  

• Los Angeles Native American Culture and Heritage: Explore the history and impact of Los Angeles’ Native American culture and heritage at the Autry Museum of the American Westthat’s filled with Native film memorabilia, historic firearms and paintings. The Becoming Los Angeles exhibit at the National History Museum has sections on the Gabrielino and Tongva homelands. Heritage Park has traditional Tongva dwellings built by Tongva volunteers and Wishtoyo Chumash Village authentically recreates a working Native American village.

 

• Festivals and Tours in Del Norte County: Del Norte County is rich with Native American culture. Experience the Yurok tribe’s annual Klamath Salmon Festivalon 19th August, or Tolowa Dee-ni’ Day on 22nd September. Hike the Grove of Titans to view the tallest coastal redwood trees on earth that are sacred to the Tolowa, tour the Yurok Country Visitor Center for local gems or book a Redwood Yurok Canoe Tour to paddle in an authentic hand-carved dugout canoe.

 

• Learn More About Native Cultures in Eureka: The Wiyot Heritage Centerjust 15 miles south of Eureka is dedicated to the understanding, revitalisation and celebration of Wiyot culture. It’s home to a permanent collection of Wiyot cultural materials and showcases temporary exhibits, educational programming and festivals throughout the year. In the city of Eureka, the American Indian Art and Gift Shop features work by more than 40 local indigenous artists and many out-of-area Native artists and crafters. Visitors can view extensive Native American basketry and regalia at the Clarke Historical Museum in Eureka.

  Historic Hotels  

• Experience a Kuyam at Ojai Valley Inn: Surrounded by sprawling hills and lush greens, Ojai Valley Inncontinues to honour its Native American history and the Chumash Indians who settled in Ojai more than 10,000 years ago. From the names of its buildings and spaces, to its signature experiences, guests are immersed in Chumash heritage. At Spa Ojai, experience a Kuyam (“a place to rest together”), which is a therapeutic detoxifying massage coupled with a meditative and traditional Chumash narrative.

 

• Temecula’s Native American-Owned and Operated Resort: Located in Temecula Valley, Pechanga Resort Casinois owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians who created the luxury resort to pay tribute to their heritage. Admire the cultural, historical and artist installations in the resort’s lobby and Summit Events Center. Spa Pechanga offers services derived from the healing botanicals used by Native people and is one of the only Native American-inspired spas in California.

  From yoga retreats to living like a monk, rejuvenating the mind and body is one of the travel industry’s top trends for 2023. The need to unplug and reboot is largely due to fast-paced lifestyles, increased stress factors and post-pandemic lag. California has long been a mecca for travellers seeking a higher level of health, fitness and inner peace. Retreats can be found all across the Golden State, from the beachy yoga culture in Southern California to the breezily beautiful Central Coast and remote northern regions. Discover five of the best wellness experiences for 2023 in California.   Live like a monk in Shasta Abbey, Mount Shasta   Achieve a more profound sense of self through a stay at Shasta Abbey. This Buddhist monastery welcomes outsiders into its beautiful, sacred space, located on a 16-acre forest near the base of Mount Shasta. The three-day Introductory Retreat encourages visitors to try Soto Zen through guided meditation, Dharma talks, and mindfulness.   Soak in a desert oasis at Two Bunch Palms, Desert Hot Springs   Two Bunch Palms, a former favourite of Al Capone, the resort has more recently hosted Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Madonna, and more. Thanks to natural aquifers found in Desert Hot Springs (30 minutes outside of Palm Springs), guests can soak in healing mineral water under the shade of tamarisk trees. The spa menu encourages adventure through unique therapies, including water shiatsu, sound vibration healing and shaman-lead classes.   Find your centre, then ride waves with a Surf & Stay retreat, San Diego   Up your fitness, SoCal-style, with a Surf & Stay retreat in San Diego. Guests can choose from weekend or five-day packages, both of which include accommodations at Blue Sea Beach Hotel, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Guests will be fully kitted out in head-to-toe surfing gear while enjoying unlimited lessons and surf tours up and down the San Diego coast. Yoga classes, guided bike tours and stand-up paddleboarding lessons are offered too.   Relax with curated cannabis in Mendocino County   Incorporating cannabis into wellness has become more popular and for those who would like to combine the CBD trend with travelling, Mendocino is a place to be. Key takes on integrating CBD and cannabis products into a visit include a session at Fort Bragg’s The Bakery, featuring artisanal cannabis products presented in bakery-style display cases. In Ukiah, visitors can head to  Plantshop for a selection of local sun-grown herb or a medicated yoga session. Located in the most southern tip of Mendocino County, Gualala’s High Tides offers up full service of “compassionate cannabis care”.   Relax with yoga and wine in Westerbeke Ranch, Sonoma   It’s all about balance at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma where Body Flows hosts regular retreats. It includes daily yoga classes, meditation, hikes, healthy farm-to-table meals, and nightly tastings best enjoyed before a dip in the hot tub. Visitors can retire to the private or shared cabin, nestled in among trees and gardens.

 

If you are looking to support destinations that are doing their part for the planet, look no further than the Golden State. It should come as no surprise that California is a pioneer in green initiatives and sustainability programmes. Here we look at five destinations that are doing their part to help with game-changing policies and programmes. 

  Sonoma County   Sonoma County is one of the most eco-friendly destinations in California. Sonoma Winegrowers is the world’s most sustainable wine-growing region, with 99 percent of the county’s vineyards certified as sustainable. Benziger Winery was the first in Sonoma County to become certified biodynamic. In addition, Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport is 100 percent solar powered.   Monterey County   There are many reasons Monterey is one of the most sustainable destinations. Monterey County hosts 13 weekly farmers’ markets. Salinas Valley’s Scheid Family Wines uses wind turbines to power its operation and 120 surrounding homes. Ventana Wildlife Society works to protect the California condor, a bird that was nearly extinct but now can be seen soaring over Big Sur and Pinnacles National Park.   Irvine   The master-planned city of Irvine has 300-plus miles of on-road bike lanes, 50-plus miles of off-road trails, and 16,500 acres of parks and dedicated open space. It’s home to the historic Irvine Ranch, a National Natural Landmark featuring 50,000 acres of protected land laced with hiking and equestrian trails. Irvine also has one of the highest percentages of solar-powered homes among US cities. In 2021, it became the third California city to pledge carbon neutrality by 2035.   Big Bear   The Southern California Mountains Foundation Programme connects people to public lands through education, stewardship and environmental citizenship. The Care for Big Bear campaign inspires residents and visitors to care for the natural environment. Volunteers keep Big Bear Lake’s shoreline and beaches clean through the Adopt-a-Shoreline programme. The Adopt-a-Trail programme maintains clean trails in national forest lands.   Eureka   Eureka has 14 parks, including the 67-acre Sequoia Park Zoo and its Redwood SkyWalk, a series of bridges and platforms 100 feet above the forest floor. The Eureka Waterfront Trail offers six miles of wildlife education and recreation along Humboldt Bay. An active port, Eureka’s restaurants serve locally harvested seafood including oysters, salmon, and crab.