San Diego

10+ Things to Do in San Diego When it Rains (Popular Indoor Activities)

By Katie Sagal

While San Diego is typically sunny and temperate year-round, it does get its share of rain on occasion. If any of those rainy or gloomy days happen to pop up on your vacation, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun indoor activities and things to do in San Diego when it rains, from museums to aquariums and more.

Looking for some fun things to do indoors? Try out some of these:

  • Balboa Park Museums
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Birch Aquarium
  • The New Children’s Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • And more!

San Diego Air & Space Museum

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Fans of science, particularly the history of flight, will want to make sure not to miss out on a chance to visit this Balboa Park mainstay. The San Diego Air & Space Museum is one of the country's best, reflecting San Diego’s naval heritage and the important role it plays in the development of flight across the 20th and 21st centuries.

Of course, the history of space flight spans much further back than the 1900s – which you’ll learn after a visit to this exciting museum. See the actual balloon flown by the Montgolfier Brothers in 1783, Wright-era aircraft, navy bombers, and even the Apollo XI Space Pen. There’s so much to explore inside this attraction that you’ll forget all about the weather outdoors.

San Diego Natural History Museum

Natural History museum

Another Balboa Park favorite, the Natural History Museum is filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts. There are five floors filled with dozens of interactive exhibits that house everything from gigantic dinosaur bones to tiny gemstones.

You’ll also get the chance to watch a selected film at the museum’s theatre, with films offered on topics such as “Ocean Oasis” and “Wild Africa.” Don’t miss out on the chance to take the whole family here.

USS Midway Museum

USS midway

The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and it’s a great rainy day option because you’ll probably beat many crowds by visiting on a less-than-sunny day.

The inside of this amazing retired aircraft carrier is fascinating for military buffs of all ages, with areas like crew sleeping quarters and the flight control deck available for touring. Visitors will learn all about the history of this iconic craft and her 50-year service, which spanned several wars and multiple campaigns. Keep in mind that parts of this attraction are outdoors.

Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium

If the animal lovers in your life are down about missing the San Diego Zoo on their rainy day, then be sure to take them to the delightful Birch Aquarium for a chance to encounter some fascinating wildlife. Explore an extensive variety of marine habitats and informative exhibits, including topics like “Boundless Energy,” “Wonders of Water,” and “Live Tide Pools.”

There are also exhibits organized around specific types of marine life, such as “There’s Something About Seahorses” and the popular “Hall of Fishes and Shark Reef.” Plus, you’ll get an amazing view of the water from inside the aquarium – a great chance for stunning coastline photos without worrying about getting wet.

Fans of the Birch Aquarium may also find the Living Coast Discovery Center of interest, which is located south of San Diego.

Fleet Science Center

Fleet Science Center

This amazing scientific complex is not to be missed by those with an interest in the natural world or technology. The Fleet Science Center is filled with interactive exhibits, displays, and programs that allow visitors to make the most of their learning experience.

Try out the Tinkering Studio for a chance to make your very own great invention, or check out Dream! Design! Build! This exhibition features hands-on building activities to help you dream like a visionary, design like an architect, and build like an engineer. It’s also home to the first IMAX dome theater, so be sure to use that complimentary IMAX ticket that comes with Go City® admission!

More Balboa Park Museums

Museum of Man
Photo credit: Stacy Keck

Of course, there are plenty more museums in Balboa Park to choose from. Whether you’re interested in the history of human civilization, or just love to look at old cars, there’s something for you to explore. One of our favorites is the San Diego Museum of Us, which provides an excellent study of human history through art, anthropology, archaeology, and much more.

Others will get a kick out of the Automotive Museum and the Model Railroad Museum, which are just perfect for collectors and excited kids. The best part is, that a few of them are relatively close together so you aren’t getting soaking in transit. If you’re looking to explore museums that are further apart, take advantage of the free Balboa Park tram to get around.

Art Museums

Art museums

If you prefer artwork to automobiles, there are many opportunities for you to enjoy as well. Indulge your creative side with a visit to one of the region’s many art museums. For example, the San Diego Museum of Art is the most traditional, featuring all paintings, sculptures, and craftwork.

The Museum of Photographic Arts features some truly compelling examples in this genre. If modern art is more your thing, then a trip to La Jolla is in order to scope out their fantastic contemporary collections.

San Diego is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the San Diego Art Institute.

New Children’s Museum

Children drawing

Families know that sometimes the hardest part of traveling in bad weather with kids is the lack of opportunities for them to get out and burn off some energy. That’s where the New Children's Museum comes in. This exciting and interactive museum offers dozens of exhibits and themed areas for children to explore, climb, play, and create.

With a particular focus on the inspiring potential of art, this museum offers plenty of chances for kids to express themselves through creativity, whether that’s by crafting their own sculptures or by participating in guided art-making activities.

Whaley House

Whaley House

Many visitors forget that San Diego is a city with a ton of history. With American roots stretching back to the mid-nineteenth century, you shouldn’t be surprised to come across historical homes that date back to California’s debut as a state. 

That’s why a visit to the lovely Whaley House is in order. Built by San Diego pioneer Thomas Whaley, this house first served as his family home before later being used as a general store, a theater, and even the San Diego County Courthouse. 

Mingei International Museum

Mingei International Museum

The Mingei International Museum is a globally focused institution that tells the history of humanity’s relationship with art and how artistic works impact culture. You’ll see art and artifacts from around the globe and throughout history, although the collections have particular strengths in African and Japanese art, contemporary American craftwork, and pre-Columbian artifacts. 

Of course, with 26,000 objects in their collections, it’s clear that they represent a little bit of just about everything.

Quick Rainy Day Recap 

So if you’re in search of some ways to spend some time indoors and things to do in San Diego when it rains, we hope we’ve given you plenty of attractions and activities to choose from. There are, of course, plenty of other options too, such as shopping in fun downtown areas like Seaport Village, taking in a theatrical performance, or exploring the local cuisine. 

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.

☀️Compare San Diego passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

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The Casa del Prado and lily pond in Balboa Park, San Diego
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Things to do in Balboa Park San Diego

San Diego’s Balboa Park is a huge tract of parkland located just north of Downtown. Sprawling across some 1,200 acres, it’s criss-crossed by several freeways and boasts dozens of attractive gardens, museums, galleries, theaters and other attractions as well as wild walking trails, stunning architecture and an assortment of cafés, bars and restaurants. This massive urban playground could easily fill several days of sightseeing. Here are our top 10 picks for things to do in Balboa Park San Diego. Go to the Zoo Covering around a twelfth of the entire Park, San Diego Zoo contains hundreds of species and thousands of animals and is one of the most visited zoos in the United States. Wander through the Lost Forest to spot the resident hippos, plus tigers, gorillas and more, and visit the Komodo Kingdom for your giant lizard fix. There are huge tropical aviaries, Arctic landscapes and – as the zoo is also a botanical garden – over 700,000 exotic plants to explore. Take the guided bus tour to get your bearings or hop on the Skyfari cable car for an amazing aerial view of the critters and vegetation below. Admire the Architecture Many of Balboa Park’s buildings were designed for major Expos in the early 20th Century, which makes for a pretty diverse range of architectural styles. Stroll the broad El Prado boulevard to spot the Casa del Prado, a stunning Spanish-Colonial masterpiece with garlanded columns, shaded cloisters and tiled domes. And listen for the bell chiming every quarter hour from the lavish three-story tower of the California Building, with its colorful tiled dome and heady mix of Baroque, Churrigueresque, Rococo and Gothic styles. See Some Fine Art The ornate Spanish Renaissance-style facade of San Diego Museum of Art is a masterpiece in itself and features within it three life-sized sculptures of Spanish Old Master painters Velázquez, Murillo and Zurbarán. Step inside to discover some of their finest pieces exhibited alongside other Spanish, European and American greats including Goya, El Greco, Klimt, Canaletto, Monet, Matisse and many more. The smaller Timken Museum nearby offers more of the same, while the Museum of Photographic Arts boasts a collection of thousands of fascinating images spanning the history of photography. Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden Created to mark the harmonious relationship between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama, the Japanese Friendship Garden is 12 acres of pure zen, featuring tranquil koi ponds and waterfalls, a huge collection of bonsai trees and an extensive azalea and camellia garden filled with stunning white and pink blooms. Stroll the pathways to discover burbling water features and impressive statues cast in bronze, and visit in early March to see the cherry-blossom grove in all its spring finery. Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum Take a spin through the history of flight and space travel in this fantastic museum. Kids and aircraft enthusiasts will love to explore the many exhibits here, including Gumdrop, one of only 13 Apollo command modules on display anywhere in the world, and a faithful replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, the tiny plane flown solo from Long Island to Paris by Charles Lindbergh back in 1927. Other highlights include an amazing 4D cinema for fun, immersive flying experiences, and a model of the Montgolfier Brothers’s 18th-century hot-air balloon, the first ever to complete a successful manned flight. Have a Picnic One of the best things you can do in Balboa Park is also one of the simplest: have a picnic! There are so many great spots to choose from in a green space this size but the east and west lawns of the Botanical Building are particularly picturesque, with views of the tranquil lily pond and lashings of sunshine. Note that, while alcohol is permitted here (and in a few other designated areas), glass is not, so remember to bring your Californian cabernet in a box and your San Diego craft beer in a can! Take in a Show The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is a an elaborate confection in the Italian Renaissance style, with fine detailing that includes intricate leaves and seashells. It also happens to be home to the largest outdoor organ on the planet, so you just know you’re going to have to go along for a listen. Free organ recitals blast out from the pavilion every Sunday at 2PM, and there are evening concerts in the summer months. The nearby Old Globe is modelled on Shakespear’s London theater and puts on a busy program of plays and musicals throughout its summer and winter seasons. Hike the Trails Balboa Park has a number of excellent trails designed for hiking, biking and even skating. These vary in length from a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it half mile to a strenuous seven, with designated routes signposted at five main gateway points. Hit the three-mile Park Boulevard trail for a laidback stroll around some of the park’s top attractions, or tackle a more challenging ramble on the 4.4-mile Golden Hill trail. This route takes intrepid explorers over slightly more rugged terrain and deep into the native habitat of the Florida and Switzer canyons, as well as including a pleasant stretch of oak and eucalyptus-shaded pathway along the park’s eastern edge. Meet Prehistoric Monsters The San Diego Natural History Museum is a fab family attraction with four floors of exhibits including a giant replica mastodon, dinosaur fossils and an exhibition of over 200 skulls that run the gamut from tiny reptiles and amphibians up to giant pachyderms. There’s a big-screen theater showing natural history films and plenty of interactive fun for inquisitive kids, who can examine fossils using archaeological tools and visit scientists at work in the Demonstration Lab. The Backyard provides a fun zone for toddlers to explore the natural world through play. Ride the Balboa Park Carousel A firm favorite among visitors to Balboa Park for over a century now, this charming merry-go-round provides good old-fashioned entertainment in spades. Still running like a well-oiled machine on its original engine, it features a menagerie of beautifully crafted beasts including horses, giraffes, cats, pigs, a lion and... a dragon. Saddle up and enjoy this delightful throwback to a more innocent era. Save on things to do in Balboa Park San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Skyline Header
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10+ Romantic Things to Do in San Diego

Spending time in sunny San Diego around Valentine’s Day and looking for some ideas on how to spend this special day? If you’re looking for romantic things to do in San Diego, whether that's for Valentine's Day or for a romantic date night any time of year, check out our a few of our suggested activities. Wander Balboa Park San Diego is one of the most temperate cities in the country, and is likely to be pleasant even in mid-February. So there’s no reason why you can’t spend an afternoon or an evening walking with your loved one through the nation’s largest urban cultural park. In addition to its beautifully cultivated gardens and striking architecture, Balboa Park also features some of the region’s premier museums. So whether your love’s deepest desire is to visit the pandas at the San Diego Zoo, or gaze upon the stars at the Fleet Science Center, you will find plenty to do indoors and out. Stroll the Japanese Friendship Garden Part of the pleasure in Valentine’s Day is the personal time spent with the one you love. For a uniquely romantic setting for your personal time this year, take a stroll through this one-of-a-kind garden. Nearly 100 years old, the Japanese Friendship Garden, San-Kei-En is designed to offer Zen serenity and peace. It was originally created as a gesture of friendship between the U.S. and Japan, and now attracts visitors from all over the world with its simple design and classic features. A visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden will cultivate the perfect state of peace and harmony for you and your partner. Explore the Art World Since the dawn of time, man has turned to art to express his love. In fact, some of the most famous pieces in history were inspired by this universal emotion. To soak up some of that passion yourself, stroll through the galleries of San Diego’s nationally renowned fine arts museum – the San Diego Museum of Art. Collections feature everything from the European old masters, 19th and 20th-century paintings, and new works of modernism to sculpture, artifacts, and multi-media artwork. Over Valentine's 2020, you could stop by the Art After Hours for only $5 after 5:00 p.m. on Fridays, experience exhibitions and the Museum’s 20 galleries while live music plays at Panama 66 in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court. Alternatively, on the 15th from 9AM - 1PM, drop in to their Valentine's Workshop where you will join Museum Educator Sheena Dowling for an interactive workshop that takes its inspiration from the many forms and expressions of love depicted in the Museum’s works of art. Learn about traditional printmaking techniques and use them to create your own embellished prints or card sets. Other artsy options in the San Diego area include the San Diego Art Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Hit Up a Ball Game For the sporty couples out there, there are plenty of San Diego sports activities to enjoy. One of our favorite sporty date ideas is an afternoon or evening at the San Diego Padres Stadium, PETCO Park. You can take a tour of the park most days, or take in a home game when they're in town. There are few things as fun and date-like than a good, old-fashioned baseball game, complete with beer and hotdogs! Of course, this won't be available as Valentine's date idea -- you'd need to wait until March 26 for the 2020 MLB season to begin. If you're still interested in exploring PETCO Park, take a course of this beautiful establishment to see its unique architecture and the perfect situation. These tours are available in the off-season, so you could make it part of a larger Valentine's day plan. Reflect on Your History Valentine’s Day is not only a time for romance but also one of a reflection when we think about our personal histories and how we came to be with the people we love today. San Diego’s unique Museum of Man is on a mission to help answer questions about that quintessentially human quality. It’s the only institution in the region devoted to the celebration of diversity, and one of the only in the world that’s all about the human experience. Nestled in the heart of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, the Museum of Man brings together beauty, history, anthropology, art, and artifacts from ancient and contemporary cultures. It’s a great way to learn something about our past as you plan for the future. After all, what is more essential to mankind than the idea of love? Adventure Through La Jolla Views don't come much more striking than this. If you’re the outdoorsy sort of couple who would love nothing more than to enjoy the fresh and beautiful weather of a San Diego winter, then some time spent in La Jolla sounds like the perfect date idea. Whether you want to hike, bike, snorkel, or swim, there are plenty of options to keep everybody happy. Plus, it's easy to rent the necessary equipment and gear, so no need to bring your own. Even better? You don't need a lot of (or any!) experience to enjoy these activities, so why not take the opportunity this Valentine's Day to try something new? Take a tour of the area, or explore on your own – there’s no shortage of beautiful vistas and stunning ocean scenery to keep you happy. Hop Aboard a Romantic Cruise Another tried-and-true option is the romantic cruise. There are several options floating around for your enjoyment (pun intended), like the champagne brunch cruise or the weekend cruises offered by Hornblower Dinner Cruises. Or, if you’d prefer something a little less formal and overtly lovey-dovey, then a regular cruise might do the trick, like a scenic one-hour Harbor Tour. This thoughtful cruise is an excellent sight-seeing option, too, so it's good for those of you who have come to San Diego for a special getaway trip. Indulge in a Romantic Dinner Call me old-fashioned, but to my mind there are few things as enjoyable as a good romantic dinner. Fortunately, San Diego has some of the most amazing food in the region for you and your Valentine to sample, whether you’re interested in high-end seafood or street-side Mexican. If you’re looking for ideas for great romantic restaurants, explore areas like the Gaslamp Quarter/Banker’s Hill, Downtown, La Jolla, and Del Mar. We recommend using a service like OpenTable to book your free reservations - just do it early! Take in a Show If you want to really impress your culturally-inclined date, then a musical performance or theatrical show is a reliable option. This time of year, San Diego has plenty of great shows in town for you to choose from, although there isn't necessarily a lot on the holiday itself because it falls in the middle of the week this year. If you can be flexible in your dates, the Civic Theatre has a performance by the San Diego Opera, and the Balboa Theatre is hosting the California ballet. Sweetheart Sail at the Maritime Museum Hop on board the Californian or San Salvador and enjoy a three-hour scenic tour of San Diego Bay on a special 'Sweetheart Sail.' You'll get to see native wildlife, the stunning San Diego skyline, and landmarks along the way. Enjoy chocolates and champagne while onboard your romantic cruise. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission From the classical to the quirky, and everything in between, we’ve put together some of our favorite romantic things to do in San Diego and we just know you’ll find something to help you put together that perfect date. Remember, some of these great options are included on the Go San Diego pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Diego pass.
Katie Sagal
Thanksgiving in San Diego
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Thanksgiving in San Diego - Things to Do in November & More

Thanksgiving is a very special time of year in San Diego. It marks the beginning of the holiday season and for lots of people, it's their favorite family holiday. It’s a time to spend with loved ones, indulge in the best traditional foods, and perhaps watch some football with the family. Making plans for a fun-filled Thanksgiving celebration in San Diego? Check out these suggestions for local activities and more seasonal things to do in November. Exciting attractions and things to do for Thanksgiving in San Diego, include... San Diego Zoo Thanksgiving Day Camps at Living Coast Discovery Center San Diego Natural History Museum Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hotel del Coronado Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza Santa at Seaport Village 1. San Diego Zoo If you're looking for someplace to take your out-of-town relatives after Thanksgiving, then a visit to the San Diego Zoo will be perfect. As one of the city's top family attractions, you know kids and adults alike will love the chance to explore this massive zoo. Plus, with hundreds of animals scattered across engaging exhibit spaces, you'll be able to spend an entire day here. If you're considering visiting on Thanksgiving itself, you might be interested to know that they offer special Thanksgiving meals at a few of their restaurants. These meals are typically priced separately from zoo admission. A visit to the San Diego Zoo would make it a Thanksgiving to remember! 2. Thanksgiving Day camps at Living Coast Discovery Center What better way to entertain the kids during their Thanksgiving break than with an exciting natural venture at the Living Coast Discovery Center? It’s the perfect opportunity for your kids to uncover the wonders of nature as they learn to track wildlife, use a microscope, and interact with many fascinating creatures, from feeding sharks to petting sea turtles. 3. San Diego Natural History Museum This fall, take advantage of a new season of special exhibits at the San Diego Natural History Museum, one of San Diego's most popular museums. Known affectionately to the locals as the NAT, this educational institution offers permanent exhibits alongside rotating exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics. For one, their Fossil Mysteries exhibit showcases the rich paleontological history of the San Diego region. Visitors also get to interact with real archaeological tools. With a more modern focus, the Coast to Cactus in Southern California exhibit highlights the diversity of plant and animal life across the diverse ecosystems of the region. Families looking for Thanksgiving things to do in San Diego are bound to enjoy the exhibits. 4. Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hotel del Coronado We like to enjoy our Thanksgiving dinners at home, but sometimes it’s just marvelous to have someone else cook for a change. So why not luxuriate in a Thanksgiving meal prepared by the expert chefs at the Hotel del Coronado? You’ll have an oceanfront view for your magnificent meal, complete with live musical performances and seasonal decorations. 5. Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon Is there a more appropriate way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with a parade? Anyone in San Diego for Thanksgiving has to see the Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon. This vivacious parade is a wonderful spectacle of festive holiday fun, with over a hundred floats, performing groups, equestrians, clowns, balloons, and more. You’ll also see special guests like celebrities, musical artists, and the big man himself, Santa Claus. This is a wonderful alternative to big commercial parades like the one in NYC, and you’re much more likely to get a great spot along this parade route to enjoy all of the fun and excitement without worrying about crushing crowds or oppressive traffic. The annual Mother Goose Parade has free admission, and everyone is welcome. 6. Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza 7. Santa at Seaport Village Happy Thanksgiving from the folks at Go City! Whatever you choose to do to celebrate Thanksgiving in San Diego, remember to treasure the time with family and friends. Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®  With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.   ☀️ Compare San Diego passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈  Share your trip with us Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity and use #GoCityPass on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!
Katie Sagal

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