Raindrops on the windshield on a rainy day, traffic light background, San Francisco, California

Things to do in San Francisco when it rains (Popular indoor activities)

Fortunately for you and your family, there are plenty of rainy day attractions that offer indoor fun and excitement.
By Katie Sagal

So you've planned a vacation to lovely San Francisco by the Bay and the weather forecast informs you that it's going to rain (not a big surprise in San Fran, to be honest). Now what do you do? If you're searching for some ideas, check out our list of included indoor activities, full of cultural and artistic museums, kid-friendly attractions, and much more.

A few of our favorites include...

  • SFMOMA
  • Exploratorium
  • The California Academy of Sciences
  • Aquarium of the Bay
  • and many more

Looking for some fun things to do indoors?

Admission to many of these recommended attractions are available on Go City® San Francisco passes. Choose as you go from dozens of fun attractions and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate.

Ripley's Believe it or Not! San Francisco

A great family attraction in Fisherman's Wharf, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is perfect for those kids and adults who get a kick out of the weirder side of life. This collection of 400+ oddities features everything from natural and man-made artifacts to exciting local exhibits to see and marvel at, a Candy and Toy Factory, and 18 themed galleries that'll have you awe-inspired (or scared!)

Getting In: Ripley's Believe it or Not! San Francisco tickets are included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

Madame Tussauds San Francisco

Pop culture lovers will enjoy visiting one of the country's most popular attraction chains: Madame Tussauds. This delightful institution holds realistic wax replicas of dozens of famous people from around the world and throughout history. Several areas are designed around themes, including "Music Zone" and "Leaders and Entrepreneurs." You'll "meet" everyone from Mark Zuckerberg to Lady Gaga. Plus, a visit to Madame Tussauds is the easiest way to snag a selfie with your favorite celeb.

Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

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While the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has always been a must-see spot. Originally constructed as the first-ever museum of modern and contemporary art on the West Coast, SFMOMA is now the largest modern art museum in the world and houses a wide array of all art styles, types, and mediums.

The halls and exhibits of SFMOMA are full of works by well-known artists like Paul Klee and Alexander Calder. You'll find everything from sculptures to paintings and multimedia displays projected across the walls. With its ever-changing, cutting-edge exhibits, SFMOMA makes for the perfect rainy-day place. 

Getting in: SFMOMA tickets are included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

The California Academy of Sciences

Located right in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is the only attraction that combines a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum to make one mega-museum. From the lively penguins in African Hall to the wildlife on the Living Roof, the building is full of life. There's even a four-story living rainforest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem to entertain visitors of all ages.

Enjoy daily talks and educational experiences, watch a 4D movie at the Morrison Planetarium, and explore the evolution of the plants and animals that call Earth home to this day. A visit here is a unique opportunity to explore all that the natural world has to offer, presented by some of the best scientific minds in the world. 

Getting In: California Academy of Sciences tickets are included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

Exploratorium

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An art, science, and anthropological museum all in one, the Exploratorium is full of amazing hands-on experiences. It's the only place where you can play and tinker with all the exhibits. With more than 600 interactive exhibits to choose from, your kids will find plenty of opportunities to explore and learn.

Each exhibit inspires creative and scientific thinking and indulges your child's curiosity about the world around them. From large-scale outdoor art installations to learning labs for visitors of all ages, it's a great way to combine learning with fun on a rainy vacation day. 

Getting In: Exploratorium tickets are included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

de Young Museum

de-young-museum

Another great museum to visit on a rainy day is the de Young Museum located right in Golden Gate Park. It's one of the most visited art museums in the country. The museum is full of over 1,000 paintings, sculptures, and fine art pieces. The collections span from the 17th to the 21st centuries, with art hailing from Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and beyond. You'll see textiles, costumes, contemporary paintings, and everything in between. 

Getting In: de Young Museum tickets are included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

Aquarium of the Bay

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While you may not be able to enjoy searching for marine life out of doors during a rainy San Francisco afternoon, you can still discover the fascinating sea life native to the San Francisco Bay at this fun and educational institution. There are tons of interactive exhibits, exciting demonstrations like animal feedings and naturalist presentations, and even touch pools filled with sharks, rays, and sea stars.

The Aquarium of the Bay has a clear crystal tunnel system that allows you to actually walk through aquatic exhibits. You'll get to see various sea life, such as sevengill sharks, jellyfish, giant octopi, and more from all angles.

Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

The Walt Disney Family Museum

Naturally, the Walt Disney Family Museum is the perfect place to take the kids for a day full of fun and characters. Each exhibit works to tell the story of Walt Disney and how Disney's magic came to be. With over 200 screens, 40,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, and an intricate model of Disneyland, you'll learn all there is to know about the world of Disney.

You'll see original Disney character drawings, sit at listening stations to hear your favorite Disney songs, and watch short films that explain the process of making the movies and characters come to life. 

Getting in: The Walt Disney Family Museum tickets are included on all Go City® San Francisco passes.

Shop at the Ferry Building Marketplace

 

Embarcadero

Located right on the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building Marketplace serves as both a transit hub and a bustling marketplace. You'll find everything from classic, San Francisco fare (like the sourdough from Acme Bread Company!) and pantry provisions to coffee shops, homewares, and even bookshops.

If you haven't already, this is a great place to pick up souvenirs to take home. Want some more fun shopping destination ideas? Check out of post on where to find some of the best 'discounted' shopping in San Francisco.

Musée Mécanique at Fisherman's Wharf

Musée Mécanique

Visit one of the world's largest privately owned collections of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and unique arcade machines. Entry to Musée Mécanique is free but the games and instruments cost money to play. Don't worry, though, these games are cheap and change machines are plentiful. They have something that everyone can enjoy at Musée Mécanique!

Rainy day recap

See? You can stay dry all while having plenty of great options for things to do in San Francisco when it's raining out. We hope these ideas helped inspire you to create a fun-filled indoorsy itinerary.

Save up to 50% on San Francisco attractions  

Planning your San Francisco trip? With Go City®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. Pick a San Francisco attraction pass that suits you, and save while you sightsee! 

☀️See all San Francisco attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a San Francisco pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019 - Things to Do in November & More

Looking for some things to do on Thanksgiving in San Francisco? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few suggestions for local attractions that will keep you and keep the family busy all weekend. Check out these suggestions for local activities and more seasonal things to do in November. There’s something to appeal to everyone on this list, from musical performances to shopping, and beyond. Here are our suggestions for Thanksgiving in San Francisco activities, including... Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour SFMOMA California Academy of Sciences Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony and more! Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these San Francisco attractions is included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special November events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony Alcatraz Island Date TBA Image credit: Native News Online. Previously known as the Unthanksgiving Day Cruise, the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering, at Alcatraz is a significant event to attend this holiday season. It’s an event designed to commemorate the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the “Indians of All Tribes” and to honor the tradition of indigenous peoples in the area. It’s a good opportunity for the kids to learn about the nuanced history of this famous holiday and a chance for everyone to give thanks for the things that really matter. If you're thinking about budget, it's also nice that kids under 5 ride for free! This is the only cruise running to Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day. Getting In: Cruise tickets to the Indigenous People's Sunrise Gathering are not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website. San Francisco Tree Lighting Union Square November 29, 2019 After Thanksgiving, it’s officially time to start getting excited about the holiday season. Why not all enjoy a few festive attractions that are sure to get the whole family into the holiday spirit? Check out the annual tree lighting in Union Square, scheduled this year for 6:00 pm on the Friday after Thanksgiving. While you’re in the neighborhood, consider a spin on the Union Square ice-skating rink, or at the one in the Embarcadero Center. Getting In: Admission to the Union Square tree-lighting is free. Black Friday Shopping Union Square & Westfield Shopping Center November 29, 2019 Many of us probably eschew holiday shopping on Thanksgiving itself. But it’s hard to resist the bargains of Black Friday events. The best places in San Francisco to get shopping done before the winter holidays are Union Square and the nearby Westfield Shopping Center. Union Square has a number of department stores (featuring Macy’s) and smaller independent shops as well. Westfield is a conventional mall, featuring dozens of stores with great deals. Getting In: Admission to Black Friday shopping is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission We listed just a few fun suggestions for things to do in November and Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019. Of course, there are plenty of other activities to help fill your plans. Remember, many of these great options are included on the Go San Francisco® pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the November and Thanksgiving events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your November weekend itineraries.
Katie Sagal
Best Beaches in San Francisco
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Best Beaches in San Francisco

Heading to San Fran this year, or call the city home? Why not hit the beach? Below, we'll answer all your most burning questions about San Fran's beaches, as well as our recommendations for the best beaches in the city! So break out the sunscreen and oversized sun hats; we're going to town! Including: Does San Francisco have good beaches? Can you swim at the beaches in San Francisco? How clean are San Francisco beaches? The best beaches in San Francisco Does San Francisco have good beaches? It would be a pretty short blog if this weren't the case, but yes, you can rest easy. Not only does San Francisco have good beaches, it has some of the best beaches in the country. They're not all pearly white beaches with lashings of sun, but they provide some of the best views around that almost demand a round of clicks from your camera. Can you swim at the beaches in San Francisco? Technically yes, but most authorities (and, by extension, us) recommend that you do not. San Francisco's beaches are often surrounded by water with dangerous rip currents, causing many people to drown throughout the year. While some extreme sports fanatics see this as the perfect time to hop on a board and ride some waves, for the casual swimmer, we'd recommend staying out of the water for the most part. How clean are San Francisco beaches? Every beach in America receives a grade based not only on the cleanliness of the beach itself, but also the water around it. Like school, these grades go from A+ all the way to F. The good news is that 88% of the beaches around the San Francisco and Bay Area received an A or B grade, and some, like the first beach on our list, received an A+. Ocean Beach An A+ beach, if ever there was one, Ocean Beach is the highest-rated beach on our list for cleanliness. Right by the Golden Gate Bridge, this 3-and-a-half-mile stretch of bright white sand gives loungers the perfect views for their sunbathing antics. Running from Cliff House south to Sloat Boulevard, Ocean Beach is also a great place for walks, and those willing to burn even more calories can continue up to Golden Gate Park - you could even hire some skates when you get there and explore the park on wheels. Ocean Beach is also a frequent evening haunt, with bonfires and parties occurring on the regular. During the day, extreme sports enjoyers do partake in windsurfing, but as we mentioned before, the rip currents should keep casual enthusiasts out of the water. If you want to hit the waves, why not do it on a cruise ship instead? Baker Beach This mile-long sandy shoreline is an area in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, stretching underneath sheer cliffs. Don't worry; they're safe. They're also beautiful, a beauty matched by views of the Golden Gate Bridge across the water. Just bear in mind that the north part of Baker Beach is also nudist-friendly, so if you're planning a beach break with the kids, maybe stay away. After all, with all the new...bits and bobs...they're likely to see, you'll only have to deal with a near-endless stream of awkward questions. Crissy Field East Beach Named after the famous Crissy Field, a world-renowned sand castle designer who won multiple awards for her creations, Crissy Field Beach is one of the best beaches in San Francisco. Okay, so one of those statements is utterly false, but you have to have a little fun with it, don't you? Crissy Field East Beach is actually one of the most popular beaches in the Bay Area, with tons of locals hitting the shore every summer to relax, exercise, picnic, and even birdwatch. It's also safe for casual swimmers looking to cool off from the summer sun - just don't head too far out. Pescadero State Beach If you're looking for more from your beach-going experience, how about a nice injection of natural beauty? The sandy coves, rocky cliffs, and tide pools that call Pescadero State Beach home make it a must-visit for nature lovers. Even relaxation seekers are in for a treat, as there's plenty of sandy beach to explore and set up a towel. However, when you get bored of ray-soaking, go exploring. Hikers love the trails that snake through the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, so why not join them and burn some cals? Aquatic Park Cove Aquatic Park Cove is a magical place, and easily one of the best beaches in San Francisco. Nestled in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park - try and say that name fast three times - it's a protected cove that also happens to be the safest place to swim in the city. The cove naturally protects the water from the surging currents beyond, leading to calm waters you won't find anywhere else. So, while it's also a magnet for swim enthusiasts, it's also a prime location for less extreme water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and rowing. Muir Beach Okay, we might be cheating a bit with our final entry, but Muir Beach is so good it earns its place on this list of the best beaches in San Francisco. Yes, it's a 10-mile drive from the city, but the US is a car-centric country, so you'll likely have a set of wheels able to close the gap in a matter of minutes. Muir Beach is basically a beach from your favorite movie - at least one that has a beach. Volleyball, sunbathing, swimming, and more beach-based activities are there to enjoy. You can also say hi to a whole host of little critters, including hermit crabs and starfish, and even see whales off the coast if you're lucky enough. Then there's Muir Woods right next door if you fancy hiking among great redwoods. It really is the beach that does it all. And those were our picks of the best beaches in San Francisco! If you're heading to the Golden Gate City and want some extra activities to fill your vacation itinerary, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of San Fran's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Things to do in San Francisco for a Birthday
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Things to do in San Francisco for a Birthday

If you're looking for the best things to do in San Francisco for a birthday, you've come to the right place. From white-knuckle rides to spooky tours, we've picked the very best birthday entertainment for you and yours. So, without further ado, let's get into it. Including: Six Flags California's Great America GoCar San Francisco Escape from the Rock and more! If you, or the birthday person, are a thrill-seeker, these white-knuckle attractions will surely make it one to remember! Image courtesy of Cassiohabib/Shutterstock Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Six Flags is a national treasure, so it hardly needs an introduction. Arguably the second most popular set of theme parks behind the House of Mouse, Six Flags offers thrill-seekers plenty of bendy, windy, heart-pumping rides to test their mettle. And San Fran's Discovery Kingdom is no different. Visitors will find it full of exciting rides, animal attractions, and live entertainment that's suitable for little ones and us oldies too. But let's be honest; if you're heading to Six Flags, you're going for the rollercoasters. And Discovery Kingdom doesn't disappoint. The park's signature coaster is the Joker, a hybrid coaster with multiple inversions, twists, and turns, which is themed around Batman's arch nemesis - the dastardly maniac. Other popular coasters include the Medusa, a floorless coaster with a 150-foot drop, and the Superman Ultimate Flight, which takes riders on a flying experience through loops and twists alongside the Man of Steel himself. Delightful. Image courtesy of Sundry Photography/Shutterstock California's Great America For a unique theme park experience you won't find anywhere else, head to California's Great America. Sure, it's not in San Fran per se, but it's only an hour's drive away in Santa Clara. And, for a theme park this fantastic, it's worth the miles. Like any park worth its salt, you'll find plenty of thrilling rollercoasters to ride, including Gold Striker, a rollercoaster ranked in the top ten wooden coasters in the world! Not bad. Other popular coasters are Flight Deck, a suspended coaster that takes riders on a high-speed flurry of twists and turns, and Rail Blazer, which throws riders around a rocky course of rocks. It's like a minecart ride but without the fear of death. And for the little ones who won't make the height requirement, there's the Planet Snoopy Construction Zone, a park-within-a-park that's dedicated to everyone's favorite 2D beagle. With kid-friendly rides, interactive play areas, and opportunities to meet and take photos with Snoopy and his friends, it's ideal for little ones who don't need all that coaster stress. Now, for all you seekers of the strange and satisfying, we've collated some unconventional means of seeing San Francisco! Image courtesy of meunierd/Shutterstock GoCar San Francisco Why not see the city in style with GoCar San Francisco. But what is GoCar? Well, it's a compact, three-wheeled, two-seater, GPS-guided car. So, a mini-car, then. The benefits of traveling around in such a small vehicle are plenty. Firstly, it's easy to drive, which is a godsend for anyone unfamiliar with San Fran's peaks and troughs. Secondly, its compact size means it's easy enough to navigate through the city's many smaller streets. And, like Kit from Knightrider, the GoCar even talks to you as you drive. It will tell you where to go while also providing color commentary for each landmark and area you pass. But you aren't just sent off into the great unknown. In fact, you book specific tours before heading off. The most popular tour is the Golden Gate Bridge and Back Tour , which takes visitors on a scenic route across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Presidio, with stops at popular landmarks like Lombard Street, Fisherman's Wharf, and Coit Tower. If you're in a small group, GoCar could be one of the best things to do in San Francisco for a birthday! Escape from the Rock Ever watched The Rock? Ever wondered if you have the steel to escape from a floating prison? Well, wonder no more, because Escape from the Rock is here to give that very experience. And, if you want to do something entirely unique for a birthday, it's easily one of the best things to do in San Francisco. This tour/prison break starts with a ferry ride from Pier 39 to Alcatraz Island, where you'll be greeted by a park ranger. They'll fill you in on the island's history as America's once-most secure prison. Then, you'll head into the prison itself to take a tour of the facilities. You'll visit cell blocks, the exercise yard, and other areas of the prison that are off-limits to regular visitors. Because you're special; never forget that. You'll learn all about the many famous inmates that once called it home, including Al Capone, as well as Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, who escaped the prison a year before its closure in 1963. Looking for a birthday fright-fest? Check out these spooky birthday adventures! Ghost Hunt of Chinatown Why not try a spooky exploration of San Fran's Chinatown? There are plenty of paranormal legends to discover and haunted sites to visit, and you get a tour of the area to boot! Your spooky guide will fill you in on all the supposed ghostly goings-on. They'll take you through the oldest parts of the district built during the Gold Rush era, and share stories of every apparition and haunting that is said to remain today. Expect to see and learn about phenomena reported at the old Chinese Phone Exchange building, a former opium den, and the Hang Ah Tea Room, one of the oldest tea houses in the city. They also do some delicious dim sum if you need a bite. A haunted bite? Maybe. Winchester Mystery House The Winchester name is famous in the US for the lever-action repeating rifles popularized during the Wild West. You may also know the story of Sarah Winchester, the inventor's wife. Once widowed, she was overwhelmed with guilt. After all, her husband's rifles had taken untold lives. In response, she started remodeling her house in bizarre ways. Some say it's because she feared the ghosts of those who fell to her husband's weapons were after her. But the truth of the matter has never been revealed. That didn't stop Hollywood from completely embellishing the story a century after Sarah's death. However, you can now make up your own mind by visiting the house! On your tour, you'll find stairs that lead to ceilings, brick walls behind doors, and rooms hidden behind secret panels. Then, when you're done, visit the on-site museum, or sit in the garden and contemplate the bizarre structure you just explored. It's all in a hard birthday's work! And those were our picks of the best things to do in San Francisco for a birthday! If you're not keen on some of the above, or just want some more ideas to fill out your birthday weekend bonanza, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of San Fran's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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