Rainy Day Activities: Indoor Fun in San Francisco
When San Francisco's famous fog turns to drizzle, don't let the weather dampen your spirits. The City by the Bay shines just as bright indoors, offering cozy corners, fascinating museums, and warm havens perfect for rainy-day exploring. Read on for local favorites that will keep you entertained, inspired, and dry.
Explore the California Academy of Sciences
Located in Golden Gate State Park, just a short ride from Hotel Caza, the California Academy of Sciences is a world-class natural history museum, planetarium, and aquarium all under one (living) roof. Step inside and leave the gray skies behind as you wander through a four-story tropical rainforest. Watch penguins play in the Steinhart Aquarium and explore the cosmos in the Morrison Planetarium. It's educational, immersive, and endlessly fascinating for visitors of all ages.
Insider Tip: Book a Discovery Package, which includes tickets, accommodations, and Muni Visitor Passports.
Visit the Exploratorium
If you're traveling with kids (or just a curious mind), the Exploratorium on Pier 15 is a must. This interactive museum is a hands-on celebration of science, art, and human perception. With hundreds of exhibits to touch, twist, and tinker with, you can easily spend hours exploring. Watch light bend, experiment with sound, or walk through fog sculptures while staying warm and dry indoors.
The Exploratorium's Bayfront location gives you dramatic views of the water through the rain. It's the perfect spot for moody photos and a cozy afternoon adventure.
Get Lost in Art at SFMOMA
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is one of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the country. Inside its sleek, light-filled space, you'll find an impressive collection that includes works by Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and more. The museum's architecture itself is a masterpiece, and the on-site Caffe Museo is an ideal spot for a midday espresso or glass of wine between exhibits.
Don't miss the Living Wall on the third-floor terrace. The lush vertical garden is a breath of fresh air, even on rainy days.
Experience a Historic Theater
There is nothing like escaping the rain into a grand, old theater. San Francisco's performing arts scene is world-class, and the city's venues make for an unforgettable evening.
- The Orpheum Theatre hosts big-name Broadway shows in a stunning Beaux-Arts building.
- The Castro Theatre, with its iconic neon sign and sing-along movie nights, is pure nostalgia.
- SFJAZZ Center in Hayes Valley offers intimate live performances in a modern, acoustically perfect setting.
Check schedules ahead of time, and book a show that turns a gray night into something truly special.
Art in Golden Gate Park
The deYoung Museum, located in Golden Gate Park, is a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day. If you happen to be visiting on the first Tuesday of the month, admission to the museum's permanent collection of American, Oceanic, and African art is free!
The Hamon Observation Tower offers excellent views of Golden Gate Park, which is free to enter, providing a bird's-eye perspective of the park's beauty even when it's too wet to explore on foot.
The museum's diverse collection spans centuries and continents, offering something for every artistic taste. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, with its copper facade that will eventually develop a beautiful patina reflecting the surrounding landscape.
Alcatraz in the Mist
While the journey out to Alcatraz in the rain will be a little wet on the boat (though it does have indoor seating), the prison is indoors. Delve into the fascinating history with a self-paced audio tour and take the ferry back when you're ready.
Going during the cooler, rainy season has the advantage of smaller crowds, making it easier to explore this iconic attraction at your own pace. The atmospheric weather actually enhances the experience, adding an extra layer of mystery to your visit.
Enjoy Classic Fun at Pier 39
Even when the rain clouds roll in, Pier 39 remains one of San Francisco's most beloved destinations. Wander through the lively two-level waterfront complex, where you'll find an array of shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions under covered walkways and cozy interiors.
Warm up with clam chowder, browse quirky souvenirs, or explore the Aquarium of the Bay, home to mesmerizing tunnels filled with local marine life from San Francisco Bay. On drier moments, step outside to see the iconic sea lions lounging on the docks before heading back in for some arcade fun or a glass of California wine with a view of Alcatraz.
Many Pier 39 restaurants have panoramic bay windows, making it a perfect place to watch the rain fall over the water while staying perfectly warm and dry.
Indoor Entertainment at Hotel Caza
After a day of exploring San Francisco's treasures, there's no better place to return to than Hotel Caza! Our family-friendly hotel offers plenty of on-site entertainment options for those moments when you want to stay cozy and dry.
The Game Zone features classic arcade games, Jenga, foosball, a pool table, corn hole, and more. If the occasion calls for a beverage, enjoy craft beer, California wine, and clever cocktails at Cazbar.
The hotel also has a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, high-speed wifi, and a year-round outdoor heated pool. There's nothing quite like taking a warm dip while light raindrops patter overhead.
View the latest offers at Hotel Caza and book your San Francisco stay today.
