San Francisco needs no introduction. It is famous for iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, not forgetting the streetcars, and is on many people’s ‘must-see’ lists. But even with the best will in the world, there’s no guarantee that the weather will behave when you do eventually pay a visit. Luckily, a city this size boasts all manner of great activities to keep you occupied on rainy days, from underwater aquatic marvels to 'out-of-this-world’ planetarium experiences, and from delectable dining options at the famous Ferry Building to impressive museums packed full of art. So, while you have put up your feet in one of the beach house rentals or in one of the homier and cosy Airbnb tiny houses, you can plan an itinerary for when it’s pouring outside. Read on for the best things to do on a rainy day in San Francisco, California.
1. Explore Alcatraz Island (from USD 47.0)
Exploring Alcatraz Island is one of the fun things to do in San Francisco that offers a glimpse into the infamous history of this iconic landmark. Once a maximum-security federal prison, Alcatraz housed some of America’s most notorious criminals.
Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the preserved prison complex, including the cellblocks and the famous solitary confinement cells. Guided tours and audio narratives provide insight into the daily lives of inmates and the daring escape attempts that have become part of Alcatraz’s legend. Beyond its prison history, Alcatraz Island also boasts stunning views of San Francisco’s skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. The island’s natural beauty, with its rocky cliffs and diverse wildlife, adds to the allure of this historic site.
Escape from the Rock Cruise around Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Philippines
2. Visit Walt Disney Family Museum
His creations have entertained countless people and one of the best things to do for young adults in San Francisco is to visit Walt Disney Family Museum. There is no better way to while away a rainy day than to visit a museum dedicated to Walt Disney’s life and animated legacy.
The museum extends to 40,000 square feet (3716 square meters) and features a huge array of exhibits - including the nearly 250 awards that he won during his lifetime. As well as permanent galleries showcasing the various periods of his life, the museum also runs special exhibitions, the newest of which will celebrate Disney’s most famous creation, Mickey Mouse. There’s even a special digital theatre that screens Disney films every day - perfect for a rainy day with family.
Walt Disney Family Museum
Address: 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94129
Website: Visit Walt Disney Family Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD (Adults); 20 USD (seniors and students); 15 USD (6 - 17 yrs); Free for under 5 yrs
3. Admire the underwater world at Aquarium of the Bay
This vast aquarium welcomes 600,000 people every year, and it’s easy to see why. Its two signature underwater acrylic tunnels are the very definition of an immersive experience, letting you marvel at the underwater wonders around you while you stroll through two massive aquarium tanks. And that’s just scratching the surface of things to see at the wider site. The aquarium boasts 273 different species and tens of thousands of fish - so you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of things to see.
Aquarium of the Bay
Address: Pier 39 Embarcadero & Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Website: Aquarium of the Bay
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 27.95 USD (13 yrs and over); 22.95 USD (over 65 yrs); 17.95 USD (4 - 12 yrs); Free for under 3 yrs
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4. Check out some contemporary art at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Checking out contemporary art at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is counted as one of the best rainy-day activities in San Francisco, This huge museum boasts a massive collection of more than 33,000 modern art pieces and it is so successful that it underwent a major expansion as recently as 2016. Today, it welcomes more than 1.1 million visitors every year, who come to marvel at some of the biggest names in modern art - from Andy Warhol to Frida Kahlo, and Gerhard Richter to Julie Mehretu. Other attractions include a 30ft ‘living wall’ and an outdoor sculpture garden - the latter of which will give you an excuse to go back when the wet weather clears.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Address: 151 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Opening hours: Fri - Tue: 10am - 5pm; Thur: 10am - 9pm (closed Wed)
Price: 25 USD (adults); 22 USD (above 65 yrs); 19 USD (19 to 24 yrs); Free for under 18 yrs
5. Catch entertaining shows at California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park celebrates life on earth - and does it in some style. Under its roof, you’ll find a natural history museum, planetarium, and aquarium, which will appeal to everyone from space to wildlife fans. There’s even a four-story ‘living rainforest’ contained within the site, while the aquarium is home to 40,000 live animals. And it plays host to all manner of thrilling shows. The Academy’s newest planetarium show, for instance, whisks viewers off on a journey across the universe - all to the narration of famous actor Tom Hanks.
California Academy of Sciences
Address: Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
Website: California Academy of Sciences
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9.30am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: 36.95 USD (adults); 26.95 USD (ages 4 - 17 yrs); 31.95 USD (over 65 yrs)
6. Discover the exhibits at Exploratorium
This interactive science and art experience features no fewer than 600 ‘on display’ exhibits at any one time; covering a wide array of subjects, from magnetism, electricity and light, to the wonders of human perception. Elemental science, human behavior and the area’s plant and animal life are also touched upon. Its ethos of exhibits you can participate in was ground-breaking when the facility was set up in the 1960s and it has gone on to influence museums across the world. And it’s proven equally popular too, attracting 1.1 million people a year.
Exploratorium
Address: Pier 15. Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Website: Exploratorium
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Thur: 6pm - 10pm (for 18yrs and above only); (closed Mondays)
Price: 29.95 USD (adults); 24.95 (seniors); 19.95 USD (12 yrs and under); Free for under 3 yrs
7. Explore the restaurants at The Ferry Building
This iconic waterfront location will make for a great option for whiling away a few hours on a wet day. It boasts more than 50 shops - which are sure to appeal to shopaholics among you - and, of course, there are a number of popular eateries in which to tempt those taste buds. From the American Eatery at Prather Ranch, with its mix of Americana dishes, to the seafood delights of the Hog Island Oyster Company. Indeed, there are no fewer than 18 different food destinations from which to choose, offering everything from sit-down meals to take-out treats. There’s even a farmer’s market.
The Ferry Building
Address: Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, California 94111
Website: The Ferry Building
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 8am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: Free to enter (meal prices vary)
8. Experience nature at its biggest in Muir Woods
Okay, it may be wet outside, but the natural marvels of Muir Woods may be enough to tempt you to don your waterproofs. Muir Woods National Monument is home to towering coast redwood trees. These relatives of the famous giant sequoia make their home amid the frequent coastal mists of this corner of California and rise as high as 79 meters (258ft). The oldest even dates back as far as 1200 years. Special trail boardwalks loop around the trees. And, if you’d rather stay dry, the site is home to a visitor center and a cafe and gift shop.
Muir Woods
Address: Muir Woods National Monument, 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Website: Muir Woods
Opening hours: Varies depending on time of year (check website)
Price: Free
9. Visit the Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers has been entertaining nature fans for more than 140 years and it features a host of beautiful rare and endangered species. And, unlike Muir Woods, its greenhouses mean you don’t have to risk getting wet to enjoy it. Located in the north-eastern corner of Golden Gate Park, it features plants from all manner of environments, from highland and lowland tropics to aquatic varieties and even potted plants. And, with such rich variety, there’s plenty of floral marvels to enjoy.
Conservatory of Flowers
Address: Golden Gate Park, 100 John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
Website: Conservatory of Flowers
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6.30pm (closed Mondays)
Price: 9 USD (adults); 6 USD (12 - 17 yrs); 6 USD (seniors and students); 3 USD (5 - 11 yrs); Free for under 5 yrs
10. Meditate at Grace Cathedral’s indoor labyrinth
This cathedral has much to admire; from its famous mosaics to its impressive stained-glass windows and the large doors - replicas of Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise - through which you enter. It is also home to two labyrinths - one outside which you may wish to save for drier weather, and another inside on the cathedral floor. The latter is a replica of a famous 800-year-old medieval labyrinth in Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres in France. It is said that following the labyrinthine route can help one achieve a meditative state - and, even if not, it offers a chance to enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection.
Grace Cathedral
Address: 1100 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Website: Grace Cathedral
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD for tours
11. Be impressed with an impressive collection of artifacts at Asian Art Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
“Wonderful and immersive experience.” — @annacampofiorito This is the LAST WEEKEND of “Beyond Bollywood: 2000 Years...
Posted by Asian Art Museum on Thursday, July 6, 2023
In San Francisco, California, the Asian Art Museum offers a captivating and enriching activity that impresses visitors with its remarkable collection of artifacts. As one of the most extensive collections of Asian art in the world, the museum showcases a diverse range of artistic masterpieces spanning various cultures and periods.
Upon entering the museum, you’ll be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Asia, encountering stunning sculptures, intricate ceramics, exquisite textiles, and mesmerizing paintings. The artifacts provide a unique insight into the art, history, and traditions of countries such as China, Japan, India, and more. Guided tours and informative exhibits enhance the experience, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and symbolism behind each piece.
Asian Art Museum
Address: 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Website: Asian Art Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 1pm - 8pm (Closed on Tue & Wed)
12. Get a thrilling tour at San Francisco Dungeon (from USD 20.0)
Experience the spooky side of San Francisco. This one-hour tour features a number of live-action ‘vignettes’ focusing on a host of fascinating and sometimes dark chapters in San Francisco’s history. Everything, from the gold rush to the lawlessness of the Barbary Coast, is explored as you are immersed in these interactive experiences. More recent history, such as the notorious prison at Alcatraz, is also touched upon in a pulse-racing 'drop ride’.
San Francisco Dungeon Admission
Duration: 1 hour
Don't let wet weather ruin your trip
From natural marvels to spiritual experiences, and from stunning art to delectable food - there are plenty of unique things to do in San Francisco, even on the wettest of rainy days. Indeed, they’re so enticing, you’ll likely be tempted to pay them a visit even if the weather isn’t behaving itself. Where will you visit?
Frequently asked questions about things to do on a rainy day in San Francisco
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