Volunteer Activities

Picture yourself walking the half-mile stretch of the Huntington Beach Pier, the ocean stretching endlessly on both sides. The salty air fills your lungs as you watch surfers carve waves below. Solo, you can linger at the end,  sipping a coffee from Ruby’s Diner, feeling the freedom of sobriety in this classic coastal moment.

Address:                          315 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Estimated Cost:           Free (parking ~$1.50/hour)

Website:                          www.surfcityusa.com

Trigger-Mometer®:    Moderate

Step into history at this 18th-century mission, where you wander alone through ancient gardens and crumbling adobe walls. The quiet of the Serra Chapel lets your thoughts settle, and the sound of swallows overhead keeps you present—a perfect sober retreat.

Address:                         26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Estimated Cost:         $15/adult admission

Website:                         www.missionsjc.com

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible  

You drift through Laguna’s gallery district, popping into spots like the Dawson Cole Fine Art, letting the colors and creativity wash over you. Solo, you can take your time, reflecting on each piece—a sober way to feed your soul.

Address:                          300-500 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Estimated Cost:          Free (parking varies)

Website:                         www.visitlagunabeach.com

Trigger-Mometer®:   Moderate

Settle onto a bench at this bustling outdoor mall with a notebook or just your thoughts. The giant Ferris wheel spins, kids splash in the fountain, and you soak in the energy—alone but connected, savoring a sober slice of OC life.

Address:                         670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

Estimated Cost:          Free (parking free for first 2 hours)

Website:                         www.irvinespectrumcenter.com

Trigger-Mometer®:   Significant

You wander the Balboa Fun Zone, the harbor breeze in your hair, skipping the bars for arcade games or a stroll by the Ferris wheel. Solo, it’s a nostalgic escape—pure fun, no filter needed.

Address:                         600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661

Estimated Cost:          Free entry (games ~$1-$5)

Website:                         www.balboafunzone.com

Trigger-Mometer®:   Significant

You roll out your mat in a sunlit studio, flowing through warrior poses as the instructor’s calm voice guides you. Solo, it’s just you and your breath—stretching out stress and embracing sobriety’s clarity with every downward dog.

Address:                         23811 Aliso Creek Rd #100, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 

Estimated Cost:         $20/drop-in class, You and the Mat

Website:                         https://livemetta.com/ 

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible

Lace up and hit the paved trails of Irvine Regional Park, your playlist pumping as you jog past oaks and duck ponds. This solo run—maybe 3 miles round-trip—leaves you sweaty, proud, and fully in tune with your sober self.

Address:                          1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869 

Estimated Cost:          $5 parking fee, Irvine Regional Park

Website:                          Map Link (pdf)

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible

You clip into a bike at GritCycle, the room pulsing with music and neon lights. Solo, you pedal hard, sweat dripping, chasing that endorphin high—a sober rush that’s all your own.

Address:                           1731 Santa Ana Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 

Estimated Cost:           $25/single class, GritCycle

Website:                           https://gritcycle.com/studio/costa-mesa/ 

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible

You dive into the cool water, cutting through laps in this quiet pool. Alone, it’s meditative—each stroke a reminder of your strength, each breath a sober victory.

Address:                           2101 Eastbluff Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center)  

Estimated Cost:           $5/adult drop-in, Newport Beach Aquatics

Website:                           www.newportbeachca.gov

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible

Amid the arboretum’s gardens, you move through slow, flowing tai chi forms, the morning air crisp. Solo, it’s a gentle workout for body and mind—pure wellness, no distractions. 

Address:                           1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, CA 92831   

Estimated Cost:            Free (donations appreciated, Fullerton Arboretum) s

Website:                           www.arboretum.fullerton.edu

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible

You tuck a sketchbook under your arm and wander the Bowers’ galleries, pausing to draw ancient pottery or vibrant paintings. Solo, it’s just you and the art—sober inspiration flowing through every pencil stroke.

Address:                            2002 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92706    

Estimated Cost:            $15/adult admission, Bowers Museum 

Website:                            www.bowers.org

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible

At this cozy studio, you center clay on the wheel, hands shaping it into something uniquely yours. The hum of the wheel and the clay’s cool touch ground you—a sober, tactile escape.

Address:                             114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672  

Estimated Cost:             $35/drop-in session, Clayground 

Website:                             https://firedupsanclemente.com/

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible

With your camera or phone, you roam Laguna’s cliffs and coves, snapping waves and wildflowers. Solo, you chase the perfect shot—art through a sober lens.

Address:                              Starts at Main Beach, 107 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651   

Estimated Cost:               Free (parking varies, Laguna Beach Parking)  

Website:                              https://photowalkstv.com/laguna-beach-photowalk/

Trigger-Mometer®:   Moderate

You perch on a bench overlooking the ocean, brushes dipping into watercolor pans. The horizon bleeds into your paper—a solo, sober moment of pure creation.

Address:                             114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672  

Estimated Cost:             $35/drop-in session, Clayground 

Website:                             https://firedupsanclemente.com/

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible

Under the shadow of the giant orange balloon, you sit with a journal, pen scribbling thoughts and doodles. Alone, it’s a sober way to process and create amidst open space.

Address:                              8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618   

Estimated Cost:               Free, OC Great Park  

Website:                              https://www.cityofirvine.org/great-park

Trigger-Mometer®:   Negligible