Things to do on a Rainy Day in San Francisco
We're going to point out the elephant in the room: San Francisco is not like the rest of California in many ways, including its weather. In fact, San Francisco is notorious for its unpredictable weather (you can blame the fog for that). The day can start out beautiful with the sun shining and quickly turn to fog and rain. But a little rain doesn’t mean you won't enjoy your visit to San Francisco. Here are fun things to do on rainy days in the City by the Bay.
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Local Tastes of the City Tours
Eat your way through San Francisco. With knowledgeable tour guides who know the ins and outs of San Francisco, you’ll visit the best food spots and learn about the rich history of different foods. This activity is a favorite of locals and tourists alike! Rain or shine, the food remains delicious!
The Walt Disney Family Museum
Are you a Disney fanatic? A trip to The Walt Disney Family Museum will be sure to keep you and your kids entertained despite the gloomy weather. Here you’ll learn about the very beginnings of Walt Disney and see how his vision came to life.
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Aquarium of the Bay
Walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels filled with sharks, rays, and more than 20,000 other marine animals from the San Francisco Bay and nearby waters. Experience hands-on animal encounters, feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, and more. Wander the world of jellyfish and explore the grotto-like exhibits featuring Dungeness crabs and deep sea isopods.
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Oracle Park Tour
Home to the San Francisco Giants, this is the only ballpark in America where home runs can be "splash hits." Baseball fans visiting San Francisco should take a behind-the-scenes ballpark tour of Oracle Park. With breathtaking bay views that rival action on the field, you'll have the chance to explore places only the players and staff go.
Wine Down
Join the folks at this fun bar in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood to really “wine down” your day. With a focus on local wine, beer and food all at a good price, you can count on this spot to lift your spirits on a rainy day.
Have a Spa Day
Who says you can’t pamper yourself on a rainy day? From massages to facials, yoga classes and much more, you’ll feel refreshed after your visit a spa.
Shopping at Union Square
Spend hours on end shopping at the Westfield San Francisco Centre, a nine-story shopping destination that offers more than 200 shops and restaurants for every shopaholic and foodie. From neighborhood nooks to large department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, Union Square has it all. Just be sure to wear your most comfortable walking shoes!
SPiN SF
For ping pong lovers who are looking for a little friendly competition and an urban atmosphere, this is the spot for you. You’ll find a collection of street art, a house DJ, two full bars, and a private lounge area and patio. It’s time to get your pong on!
Watch a Warriors game
Cheer on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors while they’re in the hunt for another title. Warriors fans are known to be some of the loudest fans in the NBA, so you’ll definitely have a night full of high-level energy at one of these sports bars!
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
SFMOMA’s seven floors of modern and contemporary art will make you forget about the dreary weather outdoors. With more than 33,000 works featured in its gallery space, you’ll find awe-inspiring pieces from renowned artists like Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, and many more.
California Academy of Sciences
Explore earth, ocean and space all in one place by visiting the "Greenest Museum" in the world. The California Academy of Sciences is Platinum LEED certified and the only place on the planet to combine an aquarium, natural history museum, digital planetarium, and four story rainforest under a 2.5-acre living roof. Meet Claude the Albino Alligator and hang out with Pierre, Howard, Ocio and the rest of the South African Penguin colony. The Academy will inspire lifelong curiosity for the natural world as you experience the depths of a Philippine coral reef, climb into the canopy of a Costa Rican rainforest, and fly to the outer reaches of the universe.
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Exploratorium
The totally reimagined Exploratorium at Pier 15, is nothing short of spectacular. The museum encourages guests of all ages to touch, explore, and play with more than 600 exhibits. Investigate the living world, experiment with thoughts, feelings and behavior, explore the local environment, and much more. All this science making you hungry? The Exploratorium houses a cafe and a waterfront restaurant, both serving seasonal and sustainable cuisine prepared by local chefs.
de Young Museum and Legion of Honor
The de Young Museum, located in Golden Gate Park, is the nation’s fifth most visited art museum. It showcases American art from the seventeenth through the twenty-first centuries, international textile arts and costumes, and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. Tickets include same-day general admission to the Legion of Honor. Once you've explored the impressive collections at the de Young, hop on over to the Legion of Honor to explore 4,000 years of ancient and European Art in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
Mini-golf at Urban Putt
Have you ever played mini-golf in a high-tech indoor facility? Well, today’s the day to check that off your list. Urban Putt's 14 handmade holes were inspired by San Francisco landmarks and architecture, making for a fun and quirky San Francisco experience. Don’t miss out on their mouthwatering fried chicken and waffle skewers. Not to worry; munchies on the mini-golf course are encouraged!
Boudin Bakery Tour
Learn some history behind Boudin’s sourdough French bread and why it just can’t be baked anywhere else on Earth other than right here in San Francisco. During this special tour, you’re even able to participate and roll bread with one of the actual bakers. Keep yourself warm with Boudin’s classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl to complete the experience!
Madame Tussauds San Francisco
Meet the legends who have shaped the Bay Area. Shoot hoops with Steph Curry or jam on stage with Jimi Hendrix to experience the full "Spirit of San Francisco." Brainstorm with tech leaders Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates and feel the glitz and glamour with Beyonce and Adele. Go behind the camera with Steven Spielberg and cozy up to George Clooney on the sofa. Taking the perfect selfie with your heroes and idols has never been more fun.
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The Flyer
Even when it's raining, you can still explore all that San Francisco has to offer with The Flyer. New to PIER 39, The Flyer combines motion seats, live-action, and in-theater special effects to simulate flight, creating a sweeping experience for all of your senses. Launch over the Golden Gate Bridge, barrel down Coit Tower, zoom through Lombard St. and Chinatown, and soar through the Redwood National Forest.
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