If you’re exploring a new city on your healing journey, we know that recovery doesn’t pause when you leave home. If you’re transitioning out of inpatient treatment and prioritizing wellness, travel can be an exciting opportunity as well as a test of resilience. As recovery communities expand across the country, more U.S. cities are offering residents and travelers alike options for sober-friendly experiences.
We’ve ranked the 50 best U.S. cities for sober travel based on a variety of factors, such as the number of AA locations, hiking trails, fitness studios, museums, and more per 10k residents to find out which U.S. cities offer the best resources and activities that make it easier to maintain sobriety while traveling.
Top 10 Best U.S. Cities for Sober Travel
While many people indulge in a drink or two and let loose to experience the local nightlife while on vacation, the reality of traveling looks different for those in recovery. For sober travelers, the ideal destination isn’t about the bar scene, it’s about exploring different activities that support a substance-free lifestyle.
- St. Louis, MO
- Oakland, CA
- Portland, OR
- Minneapolis, MN
- Seattle, WA
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Tucson, AZ
- Miami, FL
- Tampa, FL
- San Francisco, CA
St. Louis ranks as the #1 best U.S. city for sober travel
St. Louis takes the top spot for best U.S. city for sober travel, thanks to its well-rounded mix of wellness-focused activities and enriching cultural experiences. With 120 fitness studios and 123 hiking trails, the city offers plenty of opportunities to stay active, whether you’re breaking a sweat or reconnecting with nature. Forest Park, home to scenic trails and serene green spaces, is a favorite among locals and visitors. Standout museums like the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum provide thoughtful ways to spend your day as well. Add 10 mocktail bars and a quality of life score of 194.56, and it’s easy to see why St. Louis is an ideal destination for travelers embracing a sober lifestyle.
Oakland is the #2 best U.S. city for sober travel
Ranking as the second-best U.S. city for sober travel is Oakland, blending natural beauty with a strong wellness culture. The city boasts 307 hiking trails, offering escapes like Redwood Regional Park and Lake Merritt for those seeking clarity and connection with nature. There are also 120 fitness studios and 33 museums throughout the city, so there’s no shortage of ways to stay engaged and immersed in the local culture. The city’s five mocktail bars are contributing to its growing sober-friendly scene, and with a quality of life score of 181.25, Oakland provides an enriching experience for sober travelers.
Portland ranks as the #3 best U.S. city for sober travel
Portland offers a vibrant, supportive environment for sober travelers, earning its place as the third-best U.S. city for sober travel. There are 270 hiking trails scattered across the city, including the popular Forest Park, which covers 5,200 acres of land in the city. The city also features 122 fitness studios and 34 museums, providing plenty of spots to stay active and inspired – like the Portland Art Museum and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The city’s 11 mocktail bars reflect its health-conscious environment, while a quality of life score of 194.61 and a strong recovery community with four AA locations round out Portland’s appeal.
From cities with thriving recovery communities to those offering nature trails, museums, fitness studios, and mocktail bars, the best sober travel destinations make it easier to stay grounded while exploring somewhere new. If you’re navigating early recovery or seeking continued support while reintegrating into daily life, we offer a variety of programs, including inpatient rehab and outpatient treatment, to help support you at any point in your recovery journey.
Methodology
We ranked 50 of the best U.S. cities for sober travel by determining the 50 most populous U.S. cities and then analyzing the number of AA locations, sober-friendly activities such as hiking trails, fitness studios, museums, and mocktail bars, search interest in sober activities, and each city’s quality of life score. We then analyzed each factor per 10k residents to determine our final ranking. Data accurate as of June 2, 2025.
