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Sober Summer Adventures: How to Have Fun in the Sun Without Alcohol


By Shannon Sparks

Published on July 18, 2023

Summer is a season synonymous with sun-kissed days, balmy nights, and the clink of glasses filled with cool, refreshing drinks. Still, who says the drinks need to be alcoholic to make the summer memorable? Trust us, you don’t need alcohol to savor the summer days and make them count. A whole world of sober fun is waiting for you to dive right in! And the best part? You’ll remember all the great times you’ve had — no blurry memories here!

The aim is to redefine our summer fun by swapping out alcohol for healthier, equally enjoyable alternatives. Buckle up because we’re about to take you on a journey of discovery that will leave you wondering why you didn’t hop onto the sober summer bandwagon sooner.

Look for Feel-Good Alternatives To Drinking

Part of the allure of drinking is how good it can make you feel, especially when you’re spending quality time with good friends or family under the warm summer sun. To successfully stay off of the booze this summer, finding alternative activities or treats that also make you feel good and enhance your summer experience is important.

To help you get over that initial “no thanks, I’ll stick to water” hump, let’s explore some refreshing alternatives to drinking that you can indulge in this summer.

1. Explore Good Vibes From Blue Forest Farms CBD

Sober Summer Adventures: How to Have Fun in the Sun Without Alcohol

© Blue Forest Farms

When it comes to feeling good, Blue Forest Farms CBD products hit the sweet spot. They offer a natural, non-intoxicating way to enhance your mood and help you relax on those lazy summer days.

If you’re looking forward to afternoons spent lounging by the pool or hanging out in your backyard, the sun warming your skin, and the gentle buzz of wellness running through your veins, all you need is a soothing CBD product. No alcohol required — just a newfound sense of tranquility and relaxation.

2. Get Your Buzz From Turning Heads With Lashify

One of the best ways to get a natural high? Looking good and knowing it! There’s something undeniably exhilarating about stepping out dressed to the nines knowing that you look amazing. It makes you feel amazing, too.

While you may associate getting dressed up and going out with drinking, there’s something equally empowering about going for a night on the town and staying sober while still having tons of fun.

When it comes to adding the perfect finishing touch to your look, Lashify’s eyelash extension kit is a simple and stunning way to ensure that all eyes are on your, well, eyes.

These extensions will give your eyes that extra pop, making you feel glamorous and confident. And when you’re feeling fabulous, who needs a drink to have fun? You’ll enjoy the compliments coming your way and the fluttering lashes batting them off when heading out with your friends. Confidence is the most intoxicating drink, and you’ll be sipping on it all summer with these lash extensions!

3. Explore a New Way To Express Yourself With Mad Rabbit

Sober Summer Adventures: How to Have Fun in the Sun Without Alcohol

© Mad Rabbit

Whether you’ve stopped drinking recently or have never been interested, navigating the adult world when you’re sober can be difficult. So many activities are oriented around drinking, and you might struggle to find new ways to express yourself if your social life is looking a little different this summer.

If you’re into body art, tattoos can be a great way to express yourself, affirm your identity, and get that adrenaline-fueled buzz that the experience of getting a new tattoo offers. Just make sure that you’re taking care of your tattoo — and yourself! — after the fact with top-notch products and expert advice on tattoo aftercare from Mad Rabbit.

Find Some Non-Alcoholic Beverages To Savor Instead

You may wonder what someone drinks when typical summer cocktails are out of the picture. Well, get ready to embark on a flavor journey like no other.

Whether you’re poolside, partying, or just looking for a non-alcoholic replacement for your end-of-a-hard-day wind-down, so many booze-free beverages can keep your taste buds dancing all summer long.

4. Bubble Over With Joy Thanks To Olipop’s Healthy Sodas

Let’s kick things off with healthy soda from Olipop. You may think of soda as being filled with sugar, calories, and flavors that you couldn’t really name, but think again. Olipop is a new kind of soda that’s light in sugar but heavy when it comes to flavor, and it’s the perfect replacement for your go-to cocktail or beer at a summer barbecue.

With a perfect blend of fizzy fun and flavorful delight, these sodas redefine what it means to quench your thirst in style. Sipping on a chilled, refreshing soda while basking in the summer sun sounds like paradise, right? The best part is that it’s a healthier choice that leaves you feeling great and guilt-free.

5. Spirits Without the Side Effects From Aplós

Do you find yourself missing the familiar burn of a spirit or the complexity of a well-mixed cocktail? Aplós has you covered with a range of delicious non-alcoholic spirits that will leave you wondering why you ever bothered with alcohol to begin with. With Aplós, you can indulge on a night out until your heart’s content, from summer sun up to late-night sundown … and you’ll still be able to wake up the next morning feeling right as rain!

These beverages have all the flavor and sophistication of your favorite spirits, including helping to leave you feeling relaxed and uplifted — minus the alcohol. Go ahead, pour yourself a glass, and savor the depth of flavors these spirits have to offer. Whether you’re at a summer barbecue or a beach bonfire, these spirits ensure you’re a part of the toast.

6. Indulge in Home-Brewed Bliss From Sips by

Sober Summer Adventures: How to Have Fun in the Sun Without Alcohol

© Sips by

Last but not least, let’s step into the wide, wonderful world of tea. These are not your run-of-the-mill brews, they’re personal to your individual tastes. Whether you prefer a tangy iced tea on a hot day or a comforting hot brew for a summer night under the stars, there’s a tea for every occasion and mood.

These teas’ diverse flavors and soothing effects make them a perfect companion for your sober summer journey. If you’re new to the tea-drinking lifestyle, tea gift sets from Sips by are the best way to jumpstart your newest obsession. So sit back, raise your cup, and let the fragrant aromas of Sips by’s teas transport you to a summer of serenity and sobriety.

Find Ways To Have Fun That Don’t Revolve Around Drinking

Who says sober fun has to be boring? Absolutely not us! Whether you’re focusing on your health, challenging yourself to stay sober for a period of time, or just trying to become the best possible version of yourself, deciding to stop drinking doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to have fun anymore. However, it can mean you should consider different ways to have fun.

For instance, many adult social events tend to revolve around alcohol. Whether meeting a friend or colleague for an after-work drink, attending a boozy brunch, or checking out the big game with beers in hand, it can sometimes feel hard to have a social life that doesn’t involve alcohol.

Let’s talk about some great activities you can participate in or events you can plan to have fun without feeling pressure to imbibe.

7. Host a Musical Bonfire With Rocksmith+

Sober Summer Adventures: How to Have Fun in the Sun Without Alcohol

© Rocksmith+

Picture this: a cool summer evening, a crackling fire, the soothing strum of a guitar, and the company of your favorite people. Now, wouldn’t you say that sounds like an unforgettable night? And there’s no alcohol needed to make it any better.

Bonfires are more than just a gathering. They’re about storytelling, laughter, singing, and making memories that last a lifetime. Invite some friends over, ideally with their singing voices and instruments at the ready, and set the stage for a magical summer night. With your Rocksmith+ guitar tuner, you can easily keep the whole band on the same page and launch into a night of great jams and even greater friends.

Believe us, the warmth of a bonfire and good company outshines any buzz an alcoholic beverage could ever provide.

8. Do a Cultural Deep Dive With the American Alliance of Museums

Unveiling the world’s wonders requires curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. And what better place to quench that thirst than at a museum? With the American Alliance of Museums offering a National Museum Membership, you can access a world of art, history, science, and more for a total steal. It’s the perfect activity to stay busy, learn something, and cool off from the summer heat.

Exploring museums is an adventure of its own. Every exhibit is a story waiting to be discovered, every artifact a piece of history begging to be understood. It’s a journey that enlightens, entertains, and inspires, making it a perfect sober summer activity. So don your thinking caps, folks! It’s time to embark on a cultural exploration that’ll keep you entertained sans the booze!

9. Catch Some Rays in a Bikini From Solid & Striped

If anything screams summer, it’s spending a day at the beach or pool. Why not up the ante by doing it in style with an ultra-chic Solid & Striped bikini? As we touched on above, feeling good in your skin boosts confidence, and that’s an incredibly liberating feeling.

There’s no reason a beach or pool day needs to include drinking. There are so many other activities you can participate in while soaking up some rays that you’ll never even remember you used to associate this sort of activity with a cold beer. From boogie boarding to surfing, flag football, and building a sandcastle, everything will feel a little more fun in one of your best bikinis.

It’s not about the drinks in your hand. It’s about feeling the sand between your toes, the sun on your skin, and the rush of the waves. Put on one of your best bikinis, embrace the heat, and let the beach be your summer paradise.

10. Explore To Your Heart’s Content with a National Parks Pass

Unleashing your inner explorer doesn’t require a pint of beer, but you might want a pair of hiking boots and a National Parks Pass — both of which you can pick up at REI. A National Parks Pass is your all-access ticket to the road trip of your dreams, not to mention some pretty incredible scenery. Imagine standing atop a mountain peak, gazing upon nature’s raw beauty, or breathing in a forest trail’s fresh, crisp air. It’s intoxicating in its own right, wouldn’t you say?

The National Parks Pass offers access to stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views that will leave you awestruck. It’s not just about the sights, though; it’s about the sense of accomplishment, the thrill of adventure, and the sweet serenity that nature provides. So gear up and get ready to embrace the great outdoors — all alcohol-free!

Summing Up a Spectacular Sober Summer

There you have it: a blueprint for a sober summer filled with joy, adventure, and countless memories waiting to be made. Who needs a bottle of beer when you have the sun in the sky, a world of fascinating flavors to savor, and endless adventures to embark on?

This summer, let’s redefine fun. It’s not about the alcohol-infused parties or boozy beach days. It’s about feeling good in your skin, learning something new, challenging yourself, and soaking up every moment — sober and clear-headed.

Whether you’re riding the waves of wellness with CBD, stepping out in style with fabulous lash extensions, or savoring the rich flavors of non-alcoholic beverages, there’s something for everyone. The summer heat might be temporary, but the memories you make are forever.

So, are you ready to make this summer your best one yet? Grab your sunblock, put on your favorite bikini, and let’s dive headfirst into a world of sober summer fun. Trust us, there’s a lot of joy to be found when you venture beyond the cocktail glass. Here’s to a sober summer of sun, fun, and unforgettable adventures!

By Shannon Sparks
Newsdesk Editor