Things to do in San Francisco on a Rainy Day : 10 Fun Ideas

If there is one thing San Francisco is known for, it is fog. When the sky opens up and pours rain, however, San Francisco does not go into hiding; the rainy weather brings out its own unique beauty and excitement. If you live in or are visiting the Bay Area and worry about unexpected rain, don’t be afraid, you may be surprised at all the great rainy day activities San Francisco has to offer, whether you are a local looking for something new, or a visitor just caught with unexpected rain.

This guide will walk you through the best things to do in San Francisco on a rainy day, so grab your umbrella!

1. Explore Art and History at San Francisco Museums

One of the best things to do in San Francisco when it rains is to go indoors at any of the city’s outstanding museums. 

• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): A great choice for art lovers, the SFMOMA consists of an impressive seven floors of rotating exhibits and installations as well as a rooftop sculpture garden.  

• California Academy of Sciences: Located in Golden Gate Park, this one-of-a-kind destination has it all, with an aquarium, a planetarium, a rainforest dome and a natural history museum – all under one living roof. 

• de Young Museum: Right across from the California Academy of Sciences, this museum has a fantastic collection of American art and textiles and international artifacts and objects.

All of these are terrific rainy day activities in San Francisco if you are interested in experiencing culture and creativity.

2. Take a Ride on a Historic Cable Car

You may think riding a cable car is only fun on sunny days, but there’s something special about traveling up and down the hills on a rainy day in San Francisco. Covered interiors make this one of the best experiences to enjoy when the heavens open up. It’s one of the more atmospheric things to do in San Francisco on a rainy day, and the mist-covered view of the city is picture postcard perfect from a cable car window. 

3. Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace

When the weather gets gloomy, that’s when you’ll see both locals and tourists head to the Ferry Building Marketplace. It’s not just a ferry terminal, it’s a food lover’s paradise. At the marketplace you can find everything from artisan cheeses to fresh oysters, handmade pastries and small batch coffee – it’s number one on the list for things to do when it rains in San Francisco. 

While there be sure to stop by local favorites Cowgirl Creamery, Hog Island Oyster Co., and Blue Bottle Coffee. It’s a great place to shop, eat, and people-watch while not getting wet.

4. Explore Alcatraz – Virtually or with a Raincoat

Alcatraz Island is commonly associated with being outdoors, but if you don’t mind getting a little wet (or have a good waterproof jacket), the fog and drizzle will only add to the eeriness of this infamous former prison. Also, you could experience Alcatraz through a virtual tour from your hotel/Airbnb.

Regardless, visiting Alcatraz—whether rain or shine—will be one of the more unique events to do while it’s raining in San Francisco.

5. Curl Up at a Historic Bookstore

Rainy day activities in San Francisco would not be complete without visiting City Lights Bookstore, a literary landmark in North Beach. Founded in 1953, City Lights is a retired bookstore/publishing house with an inviting, bohemian atmosphere that makes it a great place to browse while escaping the rain.

Other great bookstores to explore in San Francisco include:

• Green Apple Books in the Richmond District

• Book Passage in the Ferry Building

• Borderlands Books for sci-fi/fantasy fans

6. Enjoy a Warm Bowl of Ramen or Dim Sum

San Francisco is a great combination of cultures and when it is chilly and wet, there is nothing better than a hot, savory meal! You can slurp noodles in Japantown at Marufuku Ramen or enjoy dim sum in Chinatown at City View Restaurant or Good Mong Kok Bakery.

Food is a massive part of any city, and this is one of the most satisfying things to do in San Francisco when raining. 

7. Watch a Movie at a Classic Theater

Going to the movies is a great option, and San Francisco is fortunate to have a lot of vintage and indie movie theaters that stand out from the average theater seeing an average Hollywood blockbuster.

• The Castro Theatre: The Castro Theatre is known for singalongs, film festivals, and cult classics!

• Alamo Drafthouse: Watch a movie while having full meal service, craft cocktails, and comfy seating.

This is a favorite for many locals for one of the best things to do in San Francisco on a rainy day!

8. Explore the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39

No matter what the weather is like, Aquarium of the Bay is always a fun and educational stop. Located on the historic waterfront, the aquarium displays walk-through glass tunnels, where you can view sharks, rays, and colorful marine life swimming above and alongside you. It’s one of the best rainy day activities around San Francisco for any ocean lover or family.

9. Have Some Fun at a Retro Arcade or Museum

Does staying dry and having some fun sound great? Try these:

• Musée Mécanique: At Fisherman’s Wharf, this vintage arcade museum contains antique coin operated machines including many that still work!

• Emporium SF: A 21+ arcade located in a converted movie theater. Play pinball and pool tables alongside video games and drink craft beer.

These fun indoor options are great for anyone looking for things to do when it rains in San 

Francisco.

10. Take a break in a Coffee Roastery or Tea House.

When rain doesn’t seem to be letting up, a charming café, or a traditional tea house can be a great place to hide. On rainy days in San Francisco, if you would like somewhere warm to get out of the rain, I recommend:

• Samovar Tea Lounge by the Yerba Buena Gardens

• Red Blossom Tea Company in Chinatown

• Ritual Coffee Roasters in the Mission

There is something simple and therapeutic about sipping on something warm, and watching the rain out the window, and this is one of the best things to do in San Francisco when it rains.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re escaping a blustery storm or leaning into the city’s moody charm, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do in San Francisco when you get a rainy day. San Francisco will not disappoint when it comes to fun things to do whether inside world-class museums, iconic landmarks, cozy cafés or fun marketplaces, it can all be done in San Francisco, rain or shine.

The next time you find yourself wondering what to do in the rainy City by the Bay, use this list of things to do in San Francisco on a rainy day, and let the adventure continue, rain jacket and all!
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