Living in Los Angeles has plenty of benefits, not the least of which are fantastic places to enjoy a day date or date night with your partner. If you or your partner are sober, or both of you live a dry lifestyle, you may be looking for new venues or more creative date night ideas in the area. Thankfully, just as LA is known for its amazing food, culture, shopping, and views, it’s also just as well known for great date locations. Keep reading for the best sober date ideas in Los Angeles, whether you live here or are planning to visit.
Rooftop Movies
One of the most cliche first dates around is inviting someone to go to the movies with you, but have you and your significant other watching a movie from a rooftop? Not only does the Melrose Rooftop Theater make a ridiculously romantic venue for a date in West Hollywood, but their rooftop movies are also a snuggly environment on oversized bean bag chairs. Reserve two, but cuddle up in one.
Admire the Art in LA
Art is all over this beautiful city, from institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to the gorgeous murals sprinkled throughout the town. You can pick one of the various museums in LA for a day date, or you can enjoy taking in street art as you walk hand in hand. There is so much beauty that we often pass by in Los Angeles, so taking time to be present during your sobriety journey is important, and what better way to appreciate beauty than through a tour of art?
Groundlings Theater
Perhaps you or your partner are just now getting started on your road to sobriety or have recognized that there is a problem. While it’s important to find resources to help you online at websites like samhsa.gov, journeyhillside.com, or alcoholhelp.com, before you go for inpatient treatment, detox, or just in-person meetings, getting some good times in is important. They say that laughter is the best medicine, so where better to do it than at the iconic Groundlings Theater? Some of the world’s most famous comedians started performing improv here, so it’s fitting to get your fresh start at The Groundlings too.
Da Poetry Lounge
Are you or your partner a fan of the spoken word? Sometimes, when sticking with sobriety, hearing others speak of hardships can be relatable and empowering. At Da Poetry Lounge, you can enjoy hearing local poets, and if you’re feeling bold and want to recite your own poetry in front of your partner, you can do that on Tuesday nights at this lounge.
Wildlife Learning Center
Most people identify as animal lovers; that’s a well-known fact, but spending time in nature or with animals has been shown in countless studies to improve our mental health. When staying sober, sometimes it can feel like your mental health needs all the help it can get, and the Wildlife Learning Center makes the perfect date to get a dose of animals your soul craves. Entry is only $15, and that money goes toward animal conservation efforts, so you’re helping yourself and the wildlife.
Venice Canals
It wouldn’t be an LA day date if you didn’t take a stroll through the famous Venice Canals. Easily one of the most instagrammable spots in the entire Los Angeles county, you can spend an entire day people-watching at the canals. Does sobriety leave you needing more peace in your life? You can tour the canals from the tranquil water via the ramp off Venice Boulevard. Of course, this three-block walk is also perfect for admiring the beautiful bridges and abundant wildlife as well.
When you first start walking in sobriety in a place like Los Angeles, where there are ample opportunities to party, it can feel overwhelming, but rest assured, you and your partner have countless sober date options beyond the ones listed above. You can head to the Broad Museum, one of the countless beaches in the area, or visit local flea markets for one-of-a-kind finds. Remember, life is a journey, and if sobriety is part of your journey or your loved ones, the most important thing you can do is take it one day at a time together – include dates along the way!
