Great Ideas for Summer Fun in Recovery

Many of us associate summer with a sense of freedom—the kind that comes from sunshine, long days, and adventures. Whether you’re new to recovery or decades into your journey, here’s a small sample of fun, fulfilling, and substance-free date ideas, family trips, and other opportunities that honor your healthy lifestyle while reminding you just how good life can get.

Hit the Beach

California is home to over 800 miles of coastline, which makes it easy to enjoy the waves. Try paddleboarding in Santa Barbara or Monterey Bay, where calm waters and marine life make for a peaceful adventure. Sign up for a beginner surf lesson in Huntington Beach, Santa Cruz, or Pismo Beach—each known for their laid-back, surf-friendly vibes. Prefer something more relaxed? Catch an unforgettable sunset in Big Sur, Trinidad, or Point Reyes. For a mindful start to your day, join a beach yoga class in spots like La Jolla, Malibu, or Half Moon Bay—many are donation-based and hosted by wellness-minded local communities.

Family-friendly tip: Pack a beach picnic with fresh fruit, sparkling water, and games like frisbee, paddleball, or sandcastle contests with your kids or sober friends.

Try Sober Travel Retreats

Recovery doesn’t mean staying stuck in your comfort zone—sober travel has exploded in popularity. Consider joining a recovery travel group for a weekend camping trip in Yosemite or Lake Tahoe. Many of these trips include daily recovery meetings, meditation, hiking, and communal meals—perfect for forming deep connections while exploring the wild beauty of the state.

Organizations like Sober Outdoors and Sober Vacations International host curated travel experiences just for people in recovery. Not only do you get to see the world, but you also build your sober network in the process.

Festivals, Farmers’ Markets, and Family Fun

Summer in California means outdoor festivals and local events are in full swing. All along the coast and inland, you’ll find plenty of substance-free or recovery-friendly events perfect for individuals, families, and sober friend groups.

In Southern California, head down to Ocean Beach in San Diego, where live bands, art booths, car shows, and family zones make it easy to have fun without the party scene.

Further north, Sacramento hosts a variety of alcohol-free and family-friendly options throughout the summer, including concerts and other events downtown, as well as the Cal Expo and State Fair, featuring 17 days of events.

In Northern California, the Fillmore Jazz Festival in San Francisco and Shakespeare in the Park events across the Bay Area offer vibrant cultural experiences. Smaller towns such as Sebastopol, Santa Cruz, and Arcata also host weekly farmers’ markets and craft fairs where wellness and community are the focus.

Pro tip: Make it a weekly ritual to visit a new farmers’ market or local event. Grab a cold-pressed juice or a locally brewed kombucha, browse the stalls, and soak in the community vibe.

Get Wild With Wellness

Let’s not forget that recovery is more than abstinence—it’s about exploring your healthy self with growth and joy. Embrace summer as a time to level up your mental health, too. Try a silent meditation retreat in Northern California, spend a weekend at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, or dive into creative workshops in Ojai and Topanga Canyon.

Journaling under the stars, swimming in natural hot springs, and watching the sunrise with a clear mind? That’s the kind of wild summer you want to remember.

Create New Sober Summer Traditions

Maybe you’re not ready to travel or attend a big group event—and that’s okay. Some of the best sober fun happens when you create new rituals that align with your values.

Here are a few simple ideas:

Host a mocktail-making night with friends or family. Try herbal infusions, fresh fruit, and exotic flavors like tamarind or lychee.
Start a summer book or film club focused on themes of resilience, adventure, or mental wellness. Watch films outdoors if you can!
Plan regular “Sober Sundays” with activities such as hiking, volunteering, or a self-care spa day.

Parents in recovery: Organize family camping trips with recovery-oriented friends who have kids. Sharing your journey and joy with your children can be a powerful motivator—and tons of fun.

Turn to Fair Oaks for Your Best Recovery

Recovery doesn’t put life on pause—it presses play in a whole new way. California’s stunning landscapes, thriving sober communities, and endless opportunities for healthy fun make it the perfect place to live your best life this summer. Whether you’re laughing with friends around a campfire, dancing at a dry concert, or just savoring a peaceful moment by the ocean, you’re not missing out—you’re showing up.

Fair Oaks Recovery Center in Sacramento, California, is a licensed Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital—a status issued by the California Department of Public Health to addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis/mood disorder treatment facilities. Our board-certified professionals help people stay connected, curious, and most importantly, true to themselves. Our aftercare program features alumni group events and other ideas to help you make the most of every season. Talk to our admissions team to learn more.

For more information about programs offered at Fair Oaks Recovery Center, including our intensive outpatient program in Sacramento, please call us today at (888) 576-0222.