As the sober-curious movement gains momentum, more travelers are seeking destinations that cater to alcohol-free lifestyles. But which US cities truly shine when it comes to embracing this trend? We set out to answer this question by analyzing factors across the 200 most populated cities in America. By examining data from Google Search Trends and Yelp, we’ve created a meta-ranking that reveals the top destinations for those looking to explore or maintain a sober-friendly lifestyle while traveling.
Key Takeaways
- New York, NY; Newark, NJ; and Jersey City, NJ, are the top US destinations for the sober-curious.
- Pomona, CA, has the highest sobriety-related search interest, followed by Atlanta, GA, and Miami, FL.
- Glendale, CA, has the most outdoor and indoor sober activities, followed by New York and Yonkers, NY.
- Laredo, TX, and Salinas, CA, have the least bars; Visalia and Lancaster, CA, are the next two cities in the ranking.
- New York City has the most mocktail mentions on Yelp, followed by Newark and Jersey City.
Top Destinations for the Sober-Curious in America
To determine which cities were the most accommodating for people interested in an alcohol-free lifestyle, we examined the following key factors:
- Sobriety-related search interest
- Availability of nonalcoholic activities
- Bar density
- Mocktail offerings
Find out which urban centers across the US offer the best environments for the sober and sober-curious.
The New York City metropolitan area dominated the top rankings for sober-curious destinations. New York City itself claimed the top spot, ranking first for the most mocktails and second for the most sober activities. Following closely were Newark and Jersey City in New Jersey. This tri-city region demonstrated support for alcohol-free lifestyles, including a wide array of nonalcoholic activities, mocktail options, and a culture increasingly attuned to sober living.
California was a stronghold for the sober-curious movement as well, with six of its cities securing positions in the Top 10. The state’s emphasis on outdoor activities, coupled with a growing number of establishments catering to nonalcoholic preferences, contributed to its strong showing in the rankings. The Golden State has also been ranked among the healthiest in the nation for other reasons, including its low obesity rate and percentage of adults with high cholesterol.
These findings suggest that both the East Coast urban centers and the West Coast’s health-conscious cities are at the forefront of accommodating and nurturing the sober-curious lifestyle.
Breaking Down Sober-Curious Hotspots
Next, we looked deeper into the most accommodating environments for those exploring or living an alcohol-free lifestyle. We’ve organized the top and bottom US cities for the sober-curious by category below.
Pomona, California, was the frontrunner with the most sobriety-related search interest, indicating a heightened curiosity and engagement with sober living concepts among its residents. This city is also known for its vibrant arts scene and mild winters, making it a great place to escape the cold. Atlanta, Georgia, and Miami, Florida, followed closely, suggesting a growing interest in alcohol-free lifestyles in these southeastern metropolitan areas.
When it came to outdoor and indoor sober activities, Glendale, California, took the lead, offering a plethora of options for those seeking alcohol-free entertainment and recreation. New York City and Yonkers, both in New York, secured the second and third positions, respectively, highlighting the abundance of sober-friendly activities available in the greater New York metro area. These cities demonstrated diverse, engaging experiences that didn’t revolve around alcohol consumption.
We also examined cities with the lowest density of bars, in which Laredo, Texas, claimed the top spot. Salinas and Visalia, both in California, rounded out the top three. Due to their less prominent drinking cultures, these cities may lend themselves to sober-curious lifestyles.
Lastly, New York City led the rankings for mocktail mentions on Yelp, indicating a flourishing nonalcoholic beverage scene. Newark and Jersey City, both in New Jersey, followed closely behind. The NYC metro area appeared to be at the forefront of catering to alcohol-free preferences, offering a wide array of sophisticated, nonalcoholic drink options for residents and visitors.
America’s Sober-Curious Havens
Our study may show a promising shift in many American cities, where the sober-curious movement is gaining traction and reshaping urban experiences. From the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-soaked coast of California, destinations across the country are adapting to meet the needs of travelers seeking alcohol-free adventures. These findings highlight the best cities for sober-curious individuals and hopefully suggest a broader societal shift toward healthier, more mindful lifestyle choices.
As the sober-curious movement continues to grow, we expect to see more cities enhancing their offerings for alcohol-free travelers. This transformation promises a future where everyone, regardless of their relationship with alcohol, can find vibrant, engaging experiences in America’s urban centers. Whether you’re committed to sobriety or simply curious about exploring life beyond the bar scene, these top destinations could be the most inclusive options for you to explore.
Methodology
For this study, we leveraged Google Trends and Yelp to generate a meta-ranking of the top US destinations for the sober-curious. Specifically, we analyzed the following categories (at equal values) for the 200 most populated cities in the US:
- Sober interest: Search volume per capita (100,000 residents) for sober-related search terms, including sober, sober living, and sober curious, among others.
- Indoor and outdoor sober activities: Total number of indoor and outdoor sober activities pulled from Yelp, including hiking, mountain biking, rafting, landmarks, yoga, beaches, movie theaters, golf, museums, and ax throwing, among others.
- Least bars: Total number of bars pulled from Yelp.
- Most mocktail mentions: Total number of mocktail mentions among bars and restaurants pulled from Yelp.
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