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Sustainable Travel Tips: Eco-Friendly Attractions in CityPASS® Cities

February 19, 2025 By CityPASS

Sustainable travel is more than a trend — it's a way to explore the world while caring for the planet. By choosing eco-friendly attractions and adopting green habits, you can reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable future. CityPASS® ticket destinations are home to many sustainable attractions, offering enriching experiences that align with environmentally conscious values.


Top Eco-Friendly Attractions Available With CityPASS® Tickets

Exploring truly sustainable attractions means visiting places that prioritize environmental stewardship while providing incredible experiences. These destinations integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations, from energy efficiency to waste reduction, and often serve as role models in sustainability.

Pacific Science Center (Seattle)

Located in a city known for its environmental leadership, the Pacific Science Center champions sustainability through its exhibits and practices. Solar panels, LED lighting, and energy-efficient systems minimize greenhouse gas emissions, making this center a model for reducing energy usage. You can explore hands-on exhibits that highlight science and environmental innovation, leaving you inspired to take action for a sustainable future. This iconic center also partners with community initiatives to promote environmental awareness in the region.

CN Tower's 360 Restaurant (Toronto)

At the CN Tower, the 360 Restaurant takes dining to new heights with a commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices. The restaurant features dishes crafted from ingredients sourced from local Ontario producers, which significantly lowers carbon emissions associated with transportation. The menu also highlights sustainable seafood options, reflecting the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems. It's a great way to enjoy a meal while minimizing your negative impact on the environment.


Educative Attractions With a Focus on Sustainability

Many CityPASS® attractions, like the California Academy of Sciences and Denver's Museum of Nature & Science, can educate you about the impact of climate change and actions taken to mitigate its effects. These attractions entertain and empower you to make informed choices that contribute to a sustainable future.

Experience Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta)

The Georgia Aquarium is a leader in marine conservation and education, focusing on protecting ocean ecosystems. Through initiatives to reduce plastic waste and energy usage, the aquarium ensures its programs contribute to a more sustainable future. These efforts support responsible tourism by educating you about the delicate balance of marine life and how they can help protect it. The aquarium also conducts significant research into marine health, helping to preserve vulnerable species.

Visit Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)

The Shedd Aquarium is dedicated to sustainable practices and conservation. With programs that address critical issues like greenhouse gas emissions and marine health, this iconic destination blends exploration with education. Efforts to reduce energy usage in the aquarium further demonstrate how attractions can minimize their environmental impact. The Shedd also participates in local, regional, and international conservation efforts to protect aquatic habitats and reduce the negative impact of human activities.

Seattle Aquarium (Seattle)

Nestled on the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium focuses on marine conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Its Ocean Pavilion immerses you in the brilliant ecosystems of the Indo-Pacific's Coral Triangle, highlighting the interconnectedness of global marine environments. The aquarium also addresses larger challenges, such as the effects of ocean acidification — a direct result of greenhouse gas emissions — on local marine life.

California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)

Home to a living roof, an aquarium, and a planetarium, the California Academy of Sciences leads by example with green architecture and sustainability-focused exhibits. This innovative institution reduces carbon emissions through eco-friendly building practices, all while showcasing the intersection of science, conservation, and cultural heritage. Witness groundbreaking research in climate science and biodiversity while learning actionable ways to support a sustainable future.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)

This museum combines innovation and education, presenting exhibits that encourage sustainable thinking. From renewable energy to climate science, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry inspires you to consider how individual actions can reduce their negative impact and lead to a greener, sustainable future. You can also explore interactive exhibits that demonstrate the global consequences of energy usage and how we can transition to cleaner sources.

Denver's Museum of Nature & Science

Denver's Museum of Nature & Science emphasizes sustainability through eco-friendly practices, including green building techniques and exhibits on climate change. By highlighting the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy-efficient practices, it educates you on how to support a sustainable future. The museum also explores the cultural heritage of indigenous communities, whose knowledge is invaluable in the fight against climate change.

Houston Zoo (Houston)

The Houston Zoo is not just a place to see amazing animals — it's also deeply involved in conservation efforts. From habitat restoration programs to efforts to lower energy usage and rainwater collection for irrigation, the zoo fosters a greater appreciation for wildlife and environmental stewardship. Special programs include partnerships with international organizations to tackle the global impact of climate change on animal habitats.


Traveling Sustainably With CityPASS® Tickets

Traveling sustainably means making choices that benefit the environment while enriching your experiences. CityPASS® tickets make eco-conscious tourism easier by providing access to several nearby attractions, reducing the need for multiple trips and excessive travel. By choosing CityPASS® tickets, you can visit sustainable tourist attractions while saving resources and supporting green initiatives.

Sustainable Travel Tips:

  • Use Public Transit: Most cities hosting CityPASS® attractions have excellent public transportation systems. Leave the car behind to cut emissions and enjoy the scenery, lowering your carbon emissions along the way.
  • Pack Smart: Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to avoid single-use plastics. Small steps like this can reduce your environmental impact.
  • Support Local: Dining at restaurants that prioritize locally sourced ingredients supports regional economies, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and highlights cultural heritage.
  • Respect Nature: Follow leave-no-trace principles, especially when exploring outdoor attractions, to avoid a negative impact on the environment.

Embarking on a sustainable journey is simple with CityPASS® tickets. Start planning your eco-friendly adventure today and discover how small steps can lead to big impacts.

Header image Gayle Laird ©California Academy of Sciences

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