Going Green in Los Angeles

Text: Dana Radic
CATEGORIES: International, North America, Places, Travel, USA

Eco-friendly Lodging

Los Angeles and its surrounding areas have many places designed with eco-tourists in mind. East of Hollywood, near Silver Lake, the Los Feliz Lodge is a picturesque hotel with Spanish-style villas built in 1920 and just a short drive from attractions like the downtown area, the beach and Universal Studios. Rather stay by the ocean? Check in to the Seacliff Laguna Inn, in the resort town of Laguna Beach, between Los Angeles and San Diego. The hotel avoids using chemicals and toxic products and diligently recycles.

Eating Healthy

The growing concern with health-conscious nutrition has firmly taken hold in the City of Angels. The most popular spots include the traditional Real Food Daily, where innovative, 100% vegetarian dishes are prepared with organic ingredients. Leaf Organics specializes in raw food, catering to even stricter vegetarian standards. Another essential stop is M Café de Chaya, serving macrobiotic food for vegetarians and folks on restricted diets. Another favorite, Akasha uses organic ingredients and sustainable products to create a delicious omnivorous menu.

Springs in the Desert

A two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Desert Hot Springs is southern California’s spa city. The thermal waters of Miracle Hill were discovered in 1913, and this small city was founded atop two aquifers in the foothills near Joshua Tree National Park. Thanks to the San Andreas Fault, one of the aquifers provides drinking water, while the other produces hot mineral waters to 21 resorts and tourist centers. When you have had your fill of soaking, enjoy an invigorating hike, visit Hot Spring Park or try out a bike, balloon or horseback excursion.

Fantasy Island

Southwest off the California coast, just 22 miles from Los Angeles, Catalina Island is a popular site for camping, and the 37-mile-long Trans-Catalina Trail is perfect for hiking and biking. One of the island’s main attractions is the Jeep Eco-Tour, a ride through back roads, broad valleys, 6,560-foot peaks and pristine beaches. There are also guided visits to the majestic Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens, with nearly 38 acres filled with native flora and animal species in danger of extinction.