I didn’t go to Good Day Sauna planning to cold plunge. In fact, I declared to anyone who would listen (the ferry, the clouds, my poor Adidas wedge flip-flops) that I absolutely would not be plunging.
Cut to me borrowing Libby’s Crocs, squealing my way into Puget Sound, and popping back out with a whoop that startled a seagull. Spoiler: I survived—and I slept like a dream afterwards.
A Sober Spa Day, Seattle-Style
On a gray Saturday afternoon in Seattle, I met up with two of my favorite co-conspirators, Libby and Nina, longtime ride or dies from my magazine days, to check out Good Day Sauna, the mobile sauna-and-cold-plunge experience popping up in West Seattle’s Lincoln Park. Libby and I had to make a beeline to Bellevue right after to set up a Microsoft event, so our time was tight. But we still wanted to see what all the heat-then-freeze hype was about.
The sauna itself is a stunner: modern lines, warm cedar, and huge windows framing ferries gliding by. I genuinely think the windows matter. If you’ve ever felt a little boxed-in by the usual windowless hut, this open, light-filled design changes the whole vibe. You get warmth without claustrophobia, and you get views. Seattle doesn’t need a filter when the Sound is performing on cue.
I’m a heat lightweight, so I expected to tap out after five minutes. Instead, cycling between the dry, delicious heat and the bracing plunge kept me in the flow far longer than I predicted. That first dunk? Brutal, yes—but here’s where footwear becomes destiny. My slippery Adidas slides were a menace. Once I borrowed Libby’s hot-pink Crocs, getting in, dunking, and getting back out became a quick, safe ritual. Consider this your official PSA: if you’ve got sensitive feet like me, bring Crocs or grippy, waterproof sandals. (Libby, you’re a hero—and Nina, your play-by-play encouragement from the shore deserves an Emmy.)
Post-plunge, Libby and I talked on our mobile phones en route to Bellevue, each in our own vehicle. Like, why do we feel this good? Invigorated, clear-headed, slightly salty, almost buoyant. Later that night, we both slept like champs. Placebo? Maybe. But my body filed a five-star Yelp review, and I’m not arguing with her.
Meet Julia: From Risk Management to Risk Reduction
Good Day Sauna is run by Julia Winter, who left nearly a decade in corporate risk management at Starbucks (and earlier at Whole Foods) to build something…lighter. After years shepherding people through injuries, claims, and lawsuits—the heavy side of work—she wanted to help people feel good before they burned out. Her reset button was Lincoln Park, where she used to walk her dog for hours after hard days and feel the forest unwind her.
The origin story is deliciously serendipitous. During a trip to Massachusetts, Julia visited a historic Finnish temperance society sauna on a pond—blistering 220°F inside, icy water outside—and fell in love with the hot-cold cycling. Back in Seattle, a friend spotted a mobile sauna at Golden Gardens, and a lightbulb went off: what if she could work with Seattle Parks to bring that outdoor onsen energy to the places she loves?
Cue months of navigating permits (pro tip: government websites are their own kind of endurance sport), learning to tow a beautiful modern sauna by truck, and building an experience that makes winter in Seattle feel like something to savor. Good Day Sauna soft-launched in late September and began regular pop-ups in the parks in October. Right now, you’ll most often find Julia at Lincoln Park on weekends, with additional parks coming online as permits allow.
“It’s wellness, community, and nature—without needing to leave the city,” she told me. “We see seals. We’ve even had orcas cruise by during a Saturday morning session. People sit there in the heat and watch whales.” (She’s now on an orca-tracker WhatsApp thread so she can tip off guests when pods are near. Only in Seattle.)
Sauna as a Sober Social Space
Julia and I share a belief that sober spaces don’t have to be hushed or precious—they can be playful and welcoming. The sauna + plunge rhythm, with breathwork and sunset views, is tailor-made for Dry January goals, year-round mindfulness, and anyone curious about what their body can do sober. You can bring your friends, exchange a few “you got this!” nods on the shore, and then emerge buzzing without a drop of booze in sight.
We also swapped ideas for sober-friendly sips—think crisp “sauna water” and ready-to-drink NA mocktails. As a longtime sober person (since 2006), I keep it simple with water or the occasional Diet Coke, and I know the newly sober and sober-curious crowd loves today’s NA options.
What to Know Before You Go
- Footwear matters. Bring Crocs or sturdy, water-friendly sandals. The shoreline can be pebbly and slick; your feet will thank you.
- Dress like it’s the gym, not date night. You’ll be in a park; pack light and choose layers that are easy to take on and off.
- Rain is a feature, not a bug. The sauna feels even cozier when the weather does its moody Pacific Northwest thing. Wind is the only real challenge, and Julia plans for that with tie-downs and tents.
- Wildlife is a bonus level. Seals are regulars; herons swoop by like they own the place. If you’re lucky, you might even get an orca parade.
- Time slots vary. Julia typically runs hourly sessions on Saturdays and Sundays (mornings into late afternoon), with additional hours pending permits and events. Check her site or Instagram @GoodDaySauna for the latest schedule.
What to Know Before You Go
Burnout is many things—quiet, isolating, sneaky. Heat, cold, breath, and a view can interrupt that cycle fast. Julia’s career shift from risk management to risk reduction is poetic: instead of tending to injuries after the fact, she’s creating rituals that might help prevent them—mental, emotional, and physical.
She also loves the community that forms on the benches: birthdays, friend dates, first plunges, gentle peer pressure that sounds like “you’ve got this,” and strangers turning into teammates for sixty minutes. For anyone in recovery—or just ready to rethink their relationship with alcohol—shared novelty is a powerful bonding agent. You don’t need a drink to lower your guard when you’re cheering as someone counts down to two minutes in 45°F water.
My Crew’s Take: Libby & Nina
Because you know I never adventure alone: Libby (BEATS WORKING EVENTS podcast co-host and work wife for life) and Nina (Seattle Met fam forever) were all-in. While these two do not identify as sober, they have always been incredibly supportive of my sobriety journey. Sober allies are EVERYTHING! Libby was a cold-plunge pro by round two—she’s also the MVP who saved my soles with her Crocs. Nina worked the vibe, clocked the ferry schedule, snapped content, and made fast friends with the nice gentleman cycling in and out with us, showing real concern when he didn’t return after a chunk of time passed. “You guys, do you think we need to go look for him? No, but really.” The three of us left energized, drove to Bellevue to prep an event, and kept saying, “I still feel amazing.” We also slept great that night. Consider us converted. Sign us up for the multi-pack deal pronto.
Programming Notes & Pop-Ups
Good Day Sauna offers single sessions and rotating multi-pack deals (Julia’s rewarding early adopters with friendly package pricing while she grows). She’s also experimenting with guided experiences—think breathwork-forward, meditation-in-the-heat sessions timed to sunset—plus partnerships for community events.
As permits expand, you may see Good Day Sauna beyond Lincoln Park (Alki, Burien’s Seahurst Park, and Seward Park are all on the radar). Julia tows the sauna in and out daily, so every setup is intentional, tidy, and temporary—less “permanent structure,” more “pop-up wellness living its best life.”
Save the Date: Dry January Kickoff with The Sober Curator
Here’s the part where I squeal again: The Sober Curator and Good Day Sauna are teaming up for a special Dry January event.
Save the Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026 • 3:00–5:00 PM • West Seattle (permit pending)
Sunset-timed sauna + cold plunge sessions, NA happy-hour sips, light bites, and community vibes. We’ll release tickets via a private link first, with a capacity of 15 guests. Pricing will be friendly (Julia’s words; we love her for it). Keep an eye on our channels for the ticket drop and full details. A tiny detail I adore: I’m angling to partner with a company that makes tiny hoodies for cans (yes, really) so we can send people home with a cozy souvenir. Cute, practical, and very Instagram worthy.
Details to follow in December—watch The Sober Curator newsletter and Instagram for the link. Want to ensure you get on the list? Email use directly at thesobecurator@gmail.com.
If You Go: Good Day Sauna (Seattle)
Booking & Schedule
- Weekend pop-ups (currently focused on Lincoln Park, expanding as permits allow).
- Hourly sessions; sunset slots are extra gorgeous—watch for ferry cameos and the occasional orca alert.
- Schedule and ticketing: check Good Day Sauna’s site and Instagram for the latest times and private links.
Bring / Pack List
- Water-friendly footwear (Crocs or grippy waterproof sandals are ideal).
- Swimsuit + quick-dry towels (we recommend bringing two to three towels, one specifically designated to sit on in the sauna).
- Cozy layers for after (sweats/hoodie, beanie).
- Reusable water bottle (hydrate before and after).
- Small waterproof bag for phone/keys; hair tie or cap if you want to keep hair dry.
- Optional: robe, flip mitts, or ear plugs if you’re heat-sensitive.
On-Site Tips
- Arrive 10 minutes early to settle in and review the flow.
- Cycle heat ➝ cool ➝ rest at your pace; there’s no heroism badge for long plunges.
- Rain enhances the vibe; wind is the only finicky factor—Julia monitors and adapts.
- New to cold plunge? Start with short dunks and steady nose-breathing; gradually add seconds.
Accessibility & Vibe
- Pop-up footprint is tidy and low-impact; staff guides you through each round.
- Great for small groups, birthday meetups, and sober/social wellness days.
If you’re sober, sober-curious, or just ready for a ritual that resets the nervous system, Good Day Sauna is an easy yes. It’s everything I love about this city in winter: neighbors gamely trying something new, fog breathing over the water, ferries humming past, cheeks pink from heat and cold, hearts a little softer after being brave together.
Bring a friend, bring your Crocs, bring your curiosity. I’ll see you on the bench.
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