Recovery doesn’t mean your social life has to end — it can actually change for the better. When you’re living sober in Los Angeles, weekends can be filled with connection, laughter, and experiences that actually make you feel alive instead of hungover. At The Nook Sober Living, we believe that sobriety opens the door to fun, freedom, and friendship. Whether you’re brand new in recovery or just looking for new ways to spend your weekends, here are some of the best sober-friendly activities Los Angeles has to offer.
Rediscovering Fun in Sobriety
One of the biggest fears people have when they get sober is that life will get boring. But ask anyone thriving in recovery, and they’ll tell you the opposite is true. Without substances, you can finally be present — laughing deeply, building friendships, and remembering every moment.
At The Nook, we encourage residents to fill their weekends with activities that bring joy, build community, and strengthen recovery. From beach volleyball and morning hikes to coffee meetups and speaker meetings, sober fun isn’t just possible — it’s essential.
Hit the Beach
Few places in the world compare to a sunny Los Angeles weekend by the ocean. The beaches in Santa Monica and Venice are perfect for volleyball, workouts, or just relaxing with friends. Many sober living houses (including The Nook!) organize weekly volleyball games that bring residents, alumni, and friends together.
You don’t need a cooler full of beer to have a good time — just bring sunscreen, a towel, and your people. It’s the kind of fun that reminds you how good life can feel when you’re clear-headed and connected.
Explore Local Hikes and Nature Spots
Los Angeles has some of the best hiking trails in California, and many of them are just minutes from West LA. Weekend hikes like Runyon Canyon, Temescal Canyon, and Los Leones offer sweeping ocean views and a great way to reset your mind.
Hiking in recovery isn’t just about exercise — it’s about perspective. Climbing a trail can feel symbolic of the journey you’re on: challenging, rewarding, and worth every step. Plus, spending time outdoors helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost mood naturally.
Dive Into the West LA Recovery Community
West Los Angeles is known for having one of the strongest and most welcoming recovery communities in the country. On any given weekend, you can find meetings, fellowship dinners, speaker panels, and sober events happening all over the city.
If you’re new, start by attending a local AA or recovery-based meeting with housemates. Then, grab food or coffee afterward. These small moments of connection — sharing stories, laughing, being real — are what keep sobriety strong.
At The Nook, we encourage residents to not just attend meetings but to become part of the community. That’s where the real transformation happens.
Coffee Culture and Connection
If Los Angeles runs on caffeine, the recovery community definitely runs on coffee. From Alfred Coffee to Philz and Blue Bottle, there’s no shortage of cozy spots to hang out and talk about life. Coffee meetups are a staple in sober culture because they’re simple, social, and full of good conversation.
Invite a new friend from your meeting or your sober living house and start building genuine friendships. Sobriety isn’t about avoiding people — it’s about finding the right ones.
Check Out Local Events and Activities
The city is constantly buzzing with creative, alcohol-free events. Here are a few worth checking out:
- Outdoor movie nights at the Santa Monica Pier or Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- Art walks in Venice or Downtown LA
- Farmers markets like Mar Vista or Brentwood, great for cooking healthy meals at home
- Live comedy or improv shows (many venues serve alcohol but aren’t centered around drinking)
Explore Fitness and Wellness
Physical health plays a huge role in recovery. Joining a gym, yoga studio, or sports league can help channel energy into something positive. Whether it’s a CrossFit class, a surf lesson, or a recovery-friendly yoga meetup, the endorphin rush can replace old habits with something far better.
At The Nook, we often see residents discover passions they never knew they had — from weightlifting to running 5Ks. Sobriety gives you the clarity and energy to actually show up for yourself.
Give Back Through Service
Helping others is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time. Whether it’s volunteering at a meeting, helping at a local shelter, or mentoring newcomers in recovery, service builds purpose and gratitude.
Sobriety isn’t just about not using — it’s about building a life that feels meaningful. Weekends are the perfect opportunity to give back and stay connected to the principles that keep you sober.
Living Sober, Living Fully
Sobriety isn’t the end of fun; it’s the start of freedom. When you remove substances, you make space for genuine laughter, connection, and growth. The weekends that used to disappear in a blur become opportunities to create real memories — the kind that last.
At The Nook Sober Living, we believe in living life to the fullest. Our residents stay active, connected, and supported — not just through structure and accountability, but through genuine fellowship and shared experiences.
If you’re ready to experience what a sober life in Los Angeles can feel like, reach out to The Nook today. The next chapter of your life can be the best one yet.