Fun & Sober Activities In Maryland That Don’t Include Drinking

One of the biggest misconceptions about recovery from addiction is that you can’t have fun the way you used to. While it’s important to understand your triggers when it comes to drugs and alcohol, there are plenty of exciting things to do that are completely clean and perfect for sober living. If you’re looking for fun experiences in Maryland, whether you enjoy nightlife, sightseeing, or the outdoors, here’s a list of the best local activities for clean and sober living in Maryland.

Explore Public Gardens

Maryland is known for its lush gardens with greenhouses, sculptures, and rare plants. Check out the Ladew Topiary Gardens, which boasts 22 acres of award-winning gardens and topiaries with a native butterfly house. You could also visit the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in southern Maryland or the Sherwood Gardens in Baltimore.

See the Antietam National Battlefield

Located in Sharpsburg, the Antietam National Battlefield is a must-see historic site. The Battle of Antietam was a pivotal battle in the American Civil War and ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s first invasion into the North.

Lounge on the Beach

When the weather’s warm, there’s no better place to be than Maryland’s Eastern Shore. There’s a lot to see and do, including having a picnic, taking a scenic coastal hike, or going fishing near the shore. Ocean City offers a variety of watersport rentals, boat excursions, and adventure tours.

See the Famous Wild Horses

Assateague Island is a major draw for its herd of wild horses that live on the island. You can visit and enjoy their beauty from a distance, but that’s not all the island has to offer. Hunting, camping, dune buggies, kayaking, and other excursions are great ways to explore the islands and get into nature.

Explore the Depths at the National Aquarium

Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium brings you face-to-face with vibrant sea life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks. Along with the aquarium exhibits, the facility has an animal rescue center with behind-the-scenes tours to learn about their conservation efforts.

Catch Some Maryland Crabs

The blue crab season in Maryland runs from April through June at the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Ocean. You have to register and follow regulations, but there are tours and equipment rentals for all levels of skill.

Take a Train Through the Countryside

The Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum offers scenic train rides that travel over the Pennsylvania Railroad – a historic track built in 1872. Take a ride in a vintage 1920s passenger car or an open flatcar to see the bucolic Maryland farm country and historic sites like a 100-year-old lime kiln. When the ride is finished, you can spend time in the turn-of-the-century railroad station and tool house.

Play a Few Rounds at One of Maryland’s Premier Courses

Golf is a popular sport among people in recovery because it gets you outside and focuses on your athletic skills rather than substances. Some courses do serve alcohol, however, so make sure to plan accordingly. Some of Maryland’s best courses include the Carroll Park Golf Course and the Elkridge Club.

Go Hiking to Decompress

Maryland has excellent walking trails for all skill levels. The Loch Raven Reservoir is one of the most scenic hikes that offers different trails near the waterfront. If you want incredible scenery, the James W. Rouse Memorial Deck and Round Falls have easy trails that wind around waterfalls. If you prefer more urban environments, the Inner Harbor in Baltimore has a long stretch for walking, running, or biking.

Get Natural Thrills at an Amusement Park

Maryland is home to some of the best amusement parks in the country. Six Flags America in Bowie has thrilling roller coasters, a water park, and all-day entertainment, while Adventure Park USA boasts one of the most heart-pounding roller coasters in the country – the 53-foot Wild West Express Roller Coaster. The park also has a giant arcade, laser tag, a bowling alley, and more.

Stroll Historic Annapolis

Maryland’s capital city, Annapolis, is one of the country’s prettiest cities and a fascinating historic attraction. There’s plenty to see and do, including the beaux arts US Naval Academy, a naval history museum, and the famous “Ego Alley,” a marina that’s home to massive yachts. Along with permanent attractions, Annapolis often hosts events throughout the year.

Find a New Favorite at the George Peabody Library

Founded by George Peabody, a famous philanthropist, the George Peabody Institute within the Peabody Institute in Baltimore is a must-see library. It’s part of Johns Hopkins University and often referred to as a “cathedral of books,” holding about 300,000 volumes across five floors. The library is free to the public and open during select hours.

Seek Help for Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder

A big part of recovery is understanding how to have clean and sober fun. While the experiences on this list are a great start, nothing is a substitute for a professional substance use treatment program. Sober events and activities aren’t enough to help you get healthy on your own. If you want to take the first step on a healthier path, addiction treatment and support groups are a must.