There are countless reasons to love Los Angeles; beyond the beautiful vistas, historic sites, and perfect weather, there are so many fun activities to be had. There are also countless reasons why people choose sober living beyond alcohol addiction. Some people don’t like the taste of alcohol, some have seen friends or relatives struggle with addiction and don’t want to roll the dice, others are underage, have health issues that make drinking not an option, and even some people are allergic to alcohol. Thankfully, so many fun things in the area don’t involve alcohol. Whether you’re an LA native with a sober friend visiting or are planning a trip to Los Angeles and want to know the best things to do that don’t involve alcohol, keep reading to discover the most fun activities in LA that are best enjoyed dry.
Kayak the LA River
While most people associate Los Angeles with beach days, one must-do in LA for nature lovers that don’t involve alcohol is kayaking the LA River. There are rentals where you can go your own way or take advantage of a guided tour if you’re inexperienced or your first time on the river. LARKS (LA River Kayak Safari) is a great option that provides all the gear and instruction you need, and they also take you to the spots where you’ll see the most wildlife.
Second-Hand Shopping
Los Angeles is known for some amazing flea markets, so whether your motivation is sustainable shopping or you love finding unique gems, visiting Melrose Trading Post, Rose Bowl Flea Market, or Silverlake Flea is a great way to spend the day finding one of a kind treasure. You’ll have so much fun looking for vintage treasures, and if you work up a sweat or appetite, there are plenty of great restaurants and coffee shops nearby each location to take a breather and refuel.
Stroll the Canals
The Venice Canals are some of the most beautiful walks you can take during a day in Los Angeles with their spectacularly curated sidewalks and bridges. You can take in the vistas that this area is best known for along these scenic canals, and they make the perfect spot for a vacation selfie if you’re visiting. The canals are located along Carroll Avenue and are known for being one of the most picturesque urban areas in the US.
Two Bit Circus
Located on Mateo Street, Two Bit Circus is a great way to spend the day, especially if you’re new to sober living and trying to distract yourself. This tech-inspired circus is full of interactive entertainment full of arcade games, fully immersive rooms, and even robots. If you find yourself in LA to take advantage of a women owned rehab in California or to follow up with a therapist, this is a must-stop before heading down your road toward sobriety. While reservations are recommended, it’s a great place to enjoy time with your friends and family (all ages are welcome) before you come out on the other side of your struggles – which, by the way, you got this!
Top Off Rides LA
If you have struggled with dependence, as mentioned above, a great way to get that adrenaline rush and feel good serotonin as you adjust to dry living, Top Off Rides LA is the perfect fit for you. Located on West Broad in Glendale, you can get behind the wheel of a Polaris Slingshot and go for a serious joyride! This activity is limited to those 21 years old, so keep that in mind when reserving a spot.
Griffith Park Observatory
Sometimes sober living can feel out of this world, and if you want to truly see how small we are in the scheme of life’s struggles, visiting the Griffith Park Observatory is a delightful activity. You can not only see the cosmos through their telescopes but there are exhibits to explore and live shows in their Planetarium. If you’re a tourist, you can get the best views of the Hollywood sign and Los Angeles from the top of the observatory.
Whatever your reason for enjoying Los Angeles sober, there are plenty of options for you here, including other noteworthy sites like the Broad Museum, Disney Concert Hall, and Catalina Island. Additionally, suppose you’re coming to LA to get sober. In that case, plenty of reputable rehabilitation facilities can help you get back to your healthiest version, and what a beautiful place to start that journey.
