The Ranch at Laguna Beach is the first hotel in California to earn the Ocean Friendly Hotel designation from the Surfrider Foundation.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach has become California’s first Ocean Friendly Hotel, recognized by the Surfrider Foundation for its sustainable practices, including eliminating single-use plastics and conserving water. This recognition comes as the resort continues to push the boundaries of sustainable hospitality, showcasing how eco-conscious practices can coexist with luxury tourism.
The recognition of The Ranch as an Ocean Friendly Hotel is part of the Surfrider Foundation’s broader effort to expand its reach in the hospitality sector. Known for its longstanding work on the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program, Surfrider’s newly launched the Ocean Friendly Hotels initiative encourages hotels to reduce their environmental impact, particularly in curbing plastic use. The program builds on Surfrider’s efforts to promote plastic-free living, aiming to create a network of hotels that prioritize sustainable practices.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Located on 87 acres of coastal land in Orange County, The Ranch at Laguna Beach has long prioritized sustainability. Its latest accolade is a reflection of years of efforts to cut down on plastic waste, conserve water, and engage in community-focused environmental programs. Kurt Bjorkman, Chief Operating Officer of The Ranch, views the designation as a significant milestone. “This achievement reflects our deep commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Laguna Beach and promoting sustainable tourism on the California coast,” Bjorkman said in a statement.
Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Programs Manager, CJ O’Brien Weddle, praised The Ranch for its proactive environmental efforts. “The Surfrider Foundation is thrilled to welcome The Ranch into the brand new Ocean Friendly Hotels program! From their reusable, wooden room keys, reusable toiletry bottles, and robust composting program, to their three Ocean Friendly Restaurants and more, The Ranch is a stellar example of a hotel that goes above and beyond to reduce their plastic footprint, all while enhancing their guest experience.”
The Ranch at Laguna Beach has removed single-use plastics from its operations. Plastic straws, bottles, and bags have all been eliminated and replaced with reusable alternatives. Beyond plastic reduction, the resort has also made significant strides in water conservation, particularly through its use of reclaimed water for landscaping. The Ranch saves an estimated 20 million gallons of water each year by repurposing wastewater, which is used to maintain its grounds, including Laguna Beach’s only golf course.
The restaurant is the first in Laguna Beach to earn the Ocean Friendly certification, setting an example for other businesses in the area. It uses produce grown on The Ranch’s own half-acre biodynamic farm, bringing farm-to-table dining directly to guests. The resort’s on-site composting program ensures that food waste is minimized.
The Ranch’s efforts don’t end with its own operations. The resort is deeply involved in local environmental projects, working alongside organizations such as The Ecology Center on tree planting initiatives and supporting wildlife conservation efforts throughout the Laguna Beach area. These programs align with the resort’s commitment to fostering sustainability both within its property and in the broader community.
The resort is also a founding member of Beyond Green, a global network of hotels that emphasize sustainability leadership. By aligning its business practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, The Ranch continues to set an example for other hotels in the industry.
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