For decades the Surfrider Foundation has worked to protect beaches and coastal areas through advocacy and a vast, global coalition with chapters everywhere from California to Senegal. In addition to lobbying for legal protections they have a number of different programs for the public and private sector.
Of particular interest is their Ocean Friendly Programs for businesses like restaurants and hotels that gives clear and actionable criteria like eliminating single-use plastic. Given that the holiday season is a powerful time to reflect and be grateful, we here at SURFER want to offer an explainer and highlight the benefits and businesses of the Ocean Friendly program.
If you’ve ever participated in a beach cleanup, or simply taken a walk on the beach after a big rain (or taken a trip to Bali), you would know that single-use plastics like bottles, straws, and food containers are some of the most commonly found items polluting our shores and surf spots. When you go at it alone, the amount can be staggering and the scale of the problem feels overwhelming–even with regular group cleanup efforts, the plastic always finds its way back.
What are the Ocean Friendly Programs?
The Ocean Friendly programs helps address the issue at its source by working with businesses who share the value of a clean ocean environment. By giving businesses a clear framework–like having water refill stations in lieu of plastic bottles, and compostable food containers instead of styrofoam–it makes it easy for hotels and restaurants to act and for consumers to support.
Started in 2013, the The Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR) list runs deep, with over 646 in over 30 states (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and estimate that these businesses have served 42 million meals free from single-use plastic. Last year they expanded to program to include hotels and have since been joined by 38 Ocean Friendly Hotels (OFH) in just one year, with an estimated impact of over 1.6 million plastic water bottles and 2.5 million mini plastic toiletry bottles eliminated.
Ocean Friendly Communites
According to Surfrider, the program has appealed to communities like Laguna Beach, CA, and Orleans, MA, who are making progress towards becoming Ocean Friendly Communities. “The Cape and Islands Chapter has been working alongside the town and Care for the Cape and Islands to propose a policy that would require a certain number of businesses to participate in OFR/OFH, as well as reduce plastic in events, retail, and more. The South OC Chapter, Visit Laguna Beach, and The Ranch at Laguna Beach have been working to sign-up every Laguna Beach hotel and restaurant as an OFR/OFH to become the nation’s most “Ocean Friendly Destination.” So far, 7 hotels and 64 restaurants have already joined. Visit Laguna Beach and The Ranch at Laguna hosted an amazing event at the Rivian Theater to celebrate!”
Having stayed at an OFH myself, the wonderful Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach, I can attest to how great it is to see an establishment make the thoughtful effort to reduce their footprint. Every morning coffee was delivered outside my door in a thermos, ready for me to enjoy in the room or to take with me down to the beach.
Related: Hog Island Oyster Co: Jobs, Food, & Reversing Climate Change
15 Ocean Friendly Businesses
Here’s a list of some Ocean Friendly spots you can check out in your communities–or to keep in mind when planning a vacation or a night out to eat.
Related: Do You Know A Legend? Nominate Them For The Aloha Award
This story was originally published by Surfer on Dec 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.