Made in SF with ❤️
Parents or friends visiting and you are like: Oh no! What to do in San Francisco in the rain? I had a beautiful outdoor-filled activity lined up for them that no longer applies? When the rain starts pouring in San Francisco, don’t let it dampen your spirits! There are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in the city. Here are some of the best things to do when it’s raining:
- Visit a Museum: San Francisco is home to several world-class museums, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the de Young Museum, the Exploratorium, and the California Academy of Sciences. Spend a rainy day exploring art, science, and culture indoors.
- Catch a Broadway / Theatre show: From Broadway musicals to local theater productions, San Francisco has a vibrant performing arts scene. Check out what’s playing at the Orpheum Theatre, the Curran Theatre, SF Playhouse, or the American Conservatory Theater (ACT).
- Go watch some improv or comedy or magic: Endgames and Leela are great spots to catch an improv show. Cobb’s Comedy Club, The Punchline, and Cheaper than Therapy are fun comedy options. I would also recommend seeing Jay Alexander or Magic Patio are some fun magic options.
- Play some games: Emporium Arcade, Thriller Social Club, or Free Gold Watch are some great arcade spots. Get your friends together and challenge each other to arcade games at any of these establishments. Holey Moley Golf Club just opened up and replaced Urban Putt in San Francisco for your mini-golf needs.
- Explore the Ferry Building: Take shelter from the rain by visiting the Ferry Building and enjoying a wealth of great food and drink options. My favorites here for food are Reem’s, El Porteno, and Hog Island. I have yet to try out Lunette (Cambodian) but have heard amazing things about it. For dessert, try the Secret Breakfast from Humphrey Sloocombe and a European drinking hot chocolate to warm up your insides.
- Get an Irish Coffee from The Buena Vista: How better to warm up your insides than getting an Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista? This cozy cafe and bar are great regardless of the weather. There are also plenty of cocktail and beer options you can hang out at on a rainy day.
- Get out of San Francisco and drive to Napa/Sonoma: Wine country is surprisingly pleasant when it’s rainy out. While there are plenty of wineries with lovely outdoor patios, many of the tasting rooms are actually quite cozy and you can look out onto the vineyards. Generally it’s less crowded and relaxing on rainy days.
- Relax at a Spa: Treat yourself to a day of pampering at one of San Francisco’s many spas. From massages to facials, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax and unwind indoors. I really enjoy Pearl Spa, though note that this is ladies only.
- Take a Class: Learn something new together at a cooking class, such as The Story of Ramen, where you can master the art of making this beloved dish. Here are some other class ideas:
- 18 Reasons: Master knife skills, croissants and pasta making, and much more at 18 Reasons.
- Workshop SF: Sketching, ceramics, calligraphy, you name it. Workshop SF has plenty of classes to pique your fancy.
- Preserved Goods (Oakland): Embrace your inner homesteader and learn how to make your own pickles, bagels, plums, and more.
- Enjoy a Sake tasting: Did you know there is sake brewed in San Francisco? Sequoia Sake offers public tastings on Saturdays from 2-7pm. They have fun seasonal flavors like plum and chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
So, don’t let a little rain stop you from enjoying all that San Francisco has to offer. Next time you’ll know exactly what to do in San Francisco in the rain. Embrace the wet weather and explore the city’s indoor attractions!
