Sustainable and Inclusive Dining with Xanterra

At Xanterra Travel Collection®, we believe that every national park adventure should be complemented by exceptional cuisine. Guided by our mission to deliver “Legendary Hospitality With a Softer Footprint® ”, we are dedicated to providing outstanding meals with friendly service and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.

As proud operators of over 50 restaurants across U.S. National Parks, we work hand-in-hand with the National Park Service (NPS) to create dining experiences that are not only delicious and satisfying, but also healthy, sustainable, and inclusive.

Stephen Mather, the first director of the NPS, once said, “Scenery is a hollow enjoyment to the tourist who sets out in the morning after an indigestible breakfast and a fitful night’s sleep on an impossible bed.” We couldn’t agree more. At Xanterra, we are dedicated to creating meals that nourish the body, honor diverse dietary needs, and reflect a deep respect for the environment – because great food is an essential ingredient in creating unforgettable memories.

Every national park has its own unique character, and so do the dining experiences we provide at Xanterra. Our restaurants feature a wide selection of cuisines and dining styles ranging from quick, casual bites to full-service meals, all designed to accommodate various tastes and budgets. Whether you’re grabbing a snack before hitting the trail or sitting down for a hearty meal with a view, you’ll find options that suit both your preferences and your wallet.

As we welcome guests from across the country and around the globe, each of Xanterra’s restaurants offer thoughtfully crafted menu options to accommodate a wide range of diets, including gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegetarian, vegan, and more. We are committed to enhancing guest access to detailed ingredient and allergen information for every dish, empowering everyone to make choices that suit their dietary needs. Whether it’s a plant-based option or a simple substitution, we strive to ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Every guest deserves a satisfying meal tailored to their preferences and needs. For example, the squash enchiladas at The Oasis at Death Valley are a vegetarian and gluten-free menu option that is a big hit with guests!

In addition to supporting our guests’ health and preferences, we’re deeply committed to protecting the environment in some of the Most Beautiful Places on Earth™”. A key part of that commitment is our focus on sustainable sourcing. We remain committed to our longstanding goal of sourcing 70% of our food and beverage ingredients from local and/or sustainable sources.

One of the most impactful ways we can meet our commitment to inclusive menus, healthy cuisine, and environmental sustainability is by offering more plant-based menu items. These local and seasonal plant-based ingredients have a lower environmental impact and align with the growing demand for food that is both delicious and responsible. Xanterra offers vegetarian menu options at all food outlets and strives to increase plant-based food offerings to 50% by 2026.

This also expands on our innovative and popular plant-based vegan dishes on Windstar Cruises. As the Official Cruise Line of the National Health Association (NHA), Windstar has vegan menus available on all cruises and even offered its first fully plant-based sailing in 2025. Windstar and Xanterra’s other tour operators; VBT Bicycling Vacations, Country Walkers, and Holiday Vacations; also engage with local and seasonal cuisines by working with local markets, restaurants, and chefs.

Whether you’re watching wildlife, hiking a trail, admiring the historic lodges, or simply enjoying breathtaking landscapes, your national park experience is made unforgettable with incredible cuisine that fuels your body, respects your values, and helps preserve the natural beauty around you.
At Xanterra Travel Collection®, we are proud to serve meals that make a difference—for our guests, for our communities, and for our planet.

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.