Resort to Sustainable Meetings in Carlsbad
Meeting in Carlsbad not only comes with a breathtaking setting of 7 miles of golden coast and the famous Flower Fields but also a dedication to protecting this natural beauty. Our quaint beach town is emerging as a notable green destination dedicated to environmental stewardship and preserving our world for the future. Discover how Carlsbad’s commitment to sustainability transforms meetings, conferences and events into eco-conscious experiences that attendees won’t forget.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.49.48-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=1cb1580a5b978c447ea19e8ecb56c323 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.49.48-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=6324b7f5e7a22446e84bc0ef7e103507 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.49.48-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=e94fecb54795db3afca719a011a65fa4 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.49.48-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=5655fa484dfcc7271660ed0ce3b2859e 904w)
Destination Management
Recently Green Certified, Visit Carlsbad is helping planners craft sustainable meetings to reduce their carbon footprint and enhance groups’ visits here. The Visit Carlsbad team has compiled a list of Best Practices for Green Meetings & Events to assist planners in ensuring their gatherings incorporate sustainability initiatives. This way, you can go green by using wildlife-safe decorations at your venue or taking an eco-conscious transportation service — like CarlsbadGood Ride, which provides free rides for overnight hotel guests to key points of interest in our Southern California destination.
Our team of destination experts also uses this list to organize our own environmentally conscious events. In December 2023, Visit Carlsbad held a Green Week and completed Green Deeds, encouraging each other to make small but impactful changes to protect the environment — like starting a compost bin. We volunteered at a food bank to give back to the community while working together as a team. We also use the list for our Green Mixer events, which we started hosting in February 2024[1] to inspire our community’s hotels, restaurants and business owners to continue following suit with sustainability practices.
We want to encourage our partners and incoming groups to take on these practices as well. It’s not only sending digital invitations but also showcasing caterers and other vendors that are Green Certified in the community. We provided stainless steel, stackable cups for our Green Mixer so they can be reused and enjoyed again at the next.Megan McGearyBusiness Development Associate/Visit Carlsbad
Visit Carlsbad’s Best Practices for Green Meetings & Events
• Send digital invitations
• Order from a Green Certified caterer or restaurant
• Use reusable tableware
• Request that the caterer not provide any additional single use items
• Offer vegetarian and/or vegan options
• Serve food items that do not require utensils (sandwiches, bite-sized foods, cupcakes)
• Avoid individually packaged items (chips, cookies); purchase these products in bulk and serve in reusable containers
• Avoid serving boxed lunches
• Serve food on platters that can be reused
• Use bulk pumps and shakers instead of individual condiment packets
• Use reusable water dispenser (no single-use water bottles)
• Take excess food home or donate it after the event (contact Food Finders for donations for prepared food)
• Use linens instead of paper napkins
• Encourage guests to bring their own mugs and water bottles
• Use reusable name tags/lanyards
• Encourage guests/employees to take green transportation or carpool
• Purchase reusable wildlife-safe decorations for outdoors (no balloons, avoid decorations with loops or closed circles or small, dangling, edible-looking parts)
[Download & Save][1]
Environmental Preservation
Multiple organizations in Carlsbad are focused on protecting the environment and its native wildlife. Groups like the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation work tirelessly to preserve two of our destination’s lagoons — Agua Hedionda and Batiquitos — that feature trails, nature preserves and water recreation areas for visitors to explore. Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation provides educational programs and promotes responsible recreation, while the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation’s Nature Center is now powered by the sun, reducing its energy consumption to near zero
If you’re interested in partnering with either of these foundations or any of our nonprofits, volunteer opportunities are available. Check out Visit Carlsbad’s page on Community Engagement
to learn how your group can lend a hand in helping local environmental preservation efforts.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.37.07-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f3a17dbf82eafd68094df42c541f2b53 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.37.07-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6cea0e312918985ad3cc57d8b811cc02 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.37.07-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=fb36e4ea7c9d32371bd5f70883eda595 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.37.07-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=bc8e0ac992ce357c9a2edc10496d5dce 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.37.07-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=9794786c6eaee39196dc5e14007a7571 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.37.07-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=1989ce1cb144e0f5edf4f14fda5ec5c2 1342w)
Outdoor Recreation
With 263 sunny days per year and a temperate climate, Carlsbad is the perfect place for your group to enjoy outdoor activities and connect with nature without leaving a mark on the environment. Whether it’s catching rays and waves at our sandy beaches, wildlife watching at Buena Vista Lagoon or exploring our hiking and biking trails, there is something for everyone to do in our West Coast destination.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Outdoor-Recreation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2ecb61ce712e67ff17ed0dbd63ef2796 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Outdoor-Recreation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6898bde7b30da5e072561dfe1f82ef34 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Outdoor-Recreation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=fe64e2b1659974014319762e2566cc1a 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Outdoor-Recreation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=fd40d03b896c1481fff49715fbb9ac27 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Outdoor-Recreation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=3f32aa95937b6230623319805d6cfdf4 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Outdoor-Recreation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=fd0fc8a757e2042272038427c7255392 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Outdoor-Recreation.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=cd959cfb2c79925bd615841548b28387 1688w)
Sustainable Golf Courses
Another great outdoor activity in Carlsbad: hitting the links. Our world-class resort town is home to some of the best golf courses
in the country, and environmental stewardship takes center stage at several fairways to minimize their impact on the world around us. The Crossings at Carlsbadsits among the natural habitat and wildlife on more than 400 acres of Carlsbad's coastal terrain and is named for the five bridges — or crossings — that were sculpted into the layout to meet environmental and topographic conditions.
Moreover, Aviara Golf at Park Hyatt Resort underwent a sustainability renovation as part of its $50 million transformation to reduce its environmental footprint. All 18 holes were re-grassed with Tiff Tuff — a warm-season Bermuda grass that doesn’t require overseeding and reduces chemicals and water usage for outstanding playing conditions.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.40.23-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c415e7f998292cdb08aaecfd9d38b37e 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.40.23-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d42d4bb24f56b81faa851b9eaef4cb8c 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.40.23-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8393db05ab6ecf622a59025581d233b4 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.40.23-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=51942bd9d3f69666a2915e2c1318af39 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.40.23-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=f96a77a4bd81cf52271e8efdcff84c39 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.40.23-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=14030259cb2867ac0aa20ee0941405ca 1323w)
Hotel Environmental Practices
When it comes to accommodations in Carlsbad, your attendees will be treated to sustainable hospitality that can’t be found elsewhere. Here, we offer premium hotels and resorts that provide comfortable stays with a green touch — such as the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, which prioritizes eco-conscious initiatives, like guest room recycling and electric car charging, to contribute to our town’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa strengthened its sustainability practices in 2022 with the property-wide initiative Aviara Cares, reducing energy, water risks, emissions and waste. Some of these practices include selecting native drought-resistant plants for landscaping, having Energy Star-labeled TVs and other electronics and appliances, using energy-efficient lighting, placing Guest Occupancy Sensing Thermostats that are only active when guests are present and installing low-flow showerheads and faucets in rooms.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=471f663d91382a507987a096d98ec8d5 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ba24ec0540e300a461bb61ad44aee5f5 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=0a6b3386d5bbea3ea5c2710ef752cb51 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=0aeb27199fc67f1cd92b654766c47e5a 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=912162d8672954a5d765a06825002fc0 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=9b536ea301c287589700cecdc09ad52c 1440w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=e3a241d58ec56adf3f90e690a8074fde 1920w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=b99b3828cd7bc4c5f75539ba0294ae02 2560w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/car-Hotel-Environmental-Practices.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=53752fd69b2c724d2f3ea09bfbf5f432 3000w)
Clean Eating
Carlsbad’s dining scene also caters to the eco-consciousness of your group without skimping on flavor — or unique experiences. Shoots Fish & Beer, located in The Cottages area of Carlsbad Village, prepares fish tacos and other dishes in a very sustainable way, using every piece of the shrimp or fish so no seafood is wasted.
Park Hyatt Aviara’s dining options — Ponto Lago, Ember & Rye, Pacific Point and Waters’ Edge — recycle all food waste (averaging six tons per month) through a local food waste management company and donate leftover banquet food when possible. In addition, 80 percent of food products are sourced within a 250-mile radius, minimizing travel and further reducing carbon emissions.
![](https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.43.09-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=82a9fa7f6d5ca3735f2157644e5718e4 320w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.43.09-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a43ae54a6fa9a89116418f57074e5d95 540w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.43.09-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f971a455a1d7c98eb1ba09b4860c6dba 768w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.43.09-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=bdc18bf56230f83931729b013d9c4366 1024w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.43.09-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=02d9e424e48e770b7021134202489dac 1200w, https://carlsbad.imgix.net/images/Screen-Shot-2024-02-27-at-1.43.09-PM.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=7a99ac34548881f28ac27d2da1494be7 1341w)
The City of Carlsbad put in place a single-use plastics ban, which has been a big initiative to minimize plastic waste, promote recycling and encourage the use of more sustainable alternatives.Megan McGearyBusiness Development Associate/Visit Carlsbad
And we can’t forget to mention the weekly Carlsbad Village Farmers Market, carrying over 20 years of local vendors offering products from the area landscape that visitors can take pride in purchasing. This is a perfect opportunity for attendees to have an only-in-Carlsbad experience, meet the people who live and work in the destination where they’re meeting and participate in the work that goes into yielding healthy crops unique to the ecosystem.
Meet Green in Carlsbad
Reach out to Jed Arrogante, Business Development, or submit your RFP to plan your sustainable meeting, conference, corporate event or executive retreat in Carlsbad.