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

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.

By Katie Sagal
Last updated: August 4, 2026
Raindrops on the windshield on a rainy day, traffic light background, San Francisco, California

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!)

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

skyscrapers-san-francisco-night

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

san-francisco-exploratorium-palace-fine-arts

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. 

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

silhouette-people-great-aquarium

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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Visiting the California Academy of Sciences - Admission, Tips & More

The California Academy of Sciences (CAS) is "an aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and natural history museum--all under one living roof." The building itself is a modern marvel with its 2.5 acre 'living roof' comprised entirely of native plants, grasses, and shrubs. As a bonus, its LEED-certified design makes it the world's greenest museum. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the California Academy of Sciences, packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for California Academy of Sciences Tickets? We’ve got you covered – California Academy of Sciences admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Visiting the California Academy of Sciences Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Get to the Academy early to get a timed ticket to the Planetarium Show and beat the largest crowds. Download the free Academy Insider App for iPhone to enhance your visit. This app contains exhibit info, self-guided tours, a live daily programs feed, museum maps, and more. Outside food and beverages are welcome in the Academy and can be consumed at designated areas in the museum in the indoor Piazza and outdoor eating area. Water fountains are located on level 1 next to the elevators. Dress in layers. The rainforest exhibit is hot and humid so you'll appreciate being able to lighten up a bit when you're exploring. Tips for visiting with a family: Strollers are not available for rent at the Academy, but they are allowed in the museum (with the exception of the Shake House exhibit). Elevators are located next to the Academy Café and the Swamp. Changing tables are available in all restrooms on the museum floor and a family restroom next to the swamp Check the calendar of events online to see if you can coordinate your visit with any fun upcoming events. They often have special events around the holidays, for example, so keep an eye out if you're visiting in the fall or winter. Planning a class field trip? Check out the Academy's grade-specific Free Educator Guides. What to Do There The Academy is home to lots of fun, fascinating, and informative exhibits. In fact, it's the only place in the world where you can explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof. A few exhibit highlights include: NEW! Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs Image credit: California Academy of Sciences This exciting new exhibit is one for the dinosaur lovers of all ages. It has a specific focus on the Mesozoic era and the fascinating pterosaurs that roamed the skies. Featuring a sample of the 150 different different species of flying dinosaur, it's also an amazing collection of newly-discovered fossils and realistic dioramas. The fossils are a particular highlight of this exhibit. Because pterosaurs were much lighter than other dinosaurs, their bodies have been less successfully preserved over the millennia. Fortunately, this exhibit features fossils from a still-unknown species of giant pterosaur and the first known fossilized pterosaur egg! Tusher African Hall Play the livestream above for a sneak peek at the African Hall's most popular exhibit--a colony of African penguins. In addition to the playful penguins, the African Hall explores other African wildlife and the evolution of the human species with immersive dioramas portraying scenes from 7 million years ago to today. Insider tip: Visit this exhibit around 10:30 am or 3:00 pm to catch the penguins' daily feeding and an informative presentation and feel free to ask the knowledgeable trainers questions. Color of Life Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of Sciences Learn about the different roles that color plays among different species of the live animals and environments in this exhibit. You'll be able to explore how color affects animal behavior, how it's used for communication, attraction, choosing a mate, camouflaging, and more to help species survive and thrive. Whales: Giants of the Deep Image © Brandon Cole Check out the massive collection of whale skeletons in the immersive and informative whale exhibit. You'll find out the functions they serve in the ocean food chain, what threatens difference species' well being, and the work that Academy scientists are doing to help protect these large animals. Morrison Planetarium Image credit: Tim Griffith The Academy's 75-foot dome is a way to experience the cosmos like never before on one of the most accurate and immersive digital universes. Shows at the Planetarium explore a range of topics, including traditional star shows and special films, live broadcasts from Academy scientists in the field, or films that explore the fragile ecosystems of the planet Earth. Insider tip: As soon as you arrive at the Academy, be sure to stop by the Planetarium kiosk when you arrive to receive your timed ticket for a show. What to expect: the dome itself mimics the tilt of planet Earth and the frame of the dome supports a NanoSeam projection screen which portrays a seamless picture for a true-to-life view. Visitors have described a sensation of flying when watching a presentation in the Morrison Planetarium. Kimball Natural History Museum Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Experience what it feels like to be caught San Francisco's two biggest earthquakes, a 6.9 and 7.9-magnitude, from inside The Shake House, a Victorian-era "Painted Lady" house. Next, explore what's under the Earth's surface in the walk-through replica that illustrates the forces and phenomena that drive the movement of tectonic plates. Osher Rainforest Image credit: Chris Picon Housed within an impressive, 90-foot diameter glass dome, this four-story neotropical rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world. With temperatures of 82-85 degrees and humidity at 75% and above, you'll feel like you've been transported to an actual rainforest. The dome contains three levels of rainforest from three distinct ecosystems: a Bornean forest floor, a Madagascan mid-story, and the canopy of a Costa Rican forest. In addition to diverse plant life, the rainforest is home to over 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies and almost 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians. Steinhart Aquarium Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Get an amazing underwater view of aquatic life. The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums in the world with nearly 40,000 animals and 900 unique species. Be sure to check out the Philippine Coral Reef, a 25-foot deep tank featuring a large, live coral ecosystem. You'll see colorful fish native of the coral reefs and mangroves of the Philippines, one of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world. Insider tip: Head to the lower level of this exhibit at 11:30 am or 2:30 pm to catch the daily Coral Reef Dive. A diver will plunge in the tank and answer any reef-related questions. Living Roof Image credit: Tim Griffith Learn about the power of green on the iconic "Living Roof" of the California Academy of Sciences. The roof consists entirely of California native grasses, shrubs, and plants that make an inviting home for many local wildlife, including birds, insects, butterflies, people, and more. The Swamp Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of Sciences Meet an albino alligator known as Claude, colorful freshwater fish, reptiles, arachnids, and alligator snapping turtles that live in the Swamp. Go to the lower level of this exhibit for an underwater eye-to-eye view of Claude and more of the Swamp's other wildlife. You'll learn all about Claude's albinism and life in American swamps for alligators, how the alligator snapping turtles have strategically evolved to entice prey, and more. Insider tip: Gather beneath the moss-draped bald cypress to catch a presentation about the life of the American alligator, 3:30 pm daily. Things to Do Nearby The California Academy of Sciences is located in Golden Gate Park, the largest park in the country. Make a day of exploring the park and all the attractions inside by checking off all of the top things to do in Golden Gate Park: Picnic in the park. Find a comfortable spot to park yourself for a mid-afternoon break and take in your surroundings. Explore all things art at the world-class de Young Museum, located right across the way from the CAS and stop by the Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden nearby, too. Take a stroll through the Conservatory of Flowers for an up close look at the seasonal blossoms. Rent a bike for the day and use it to make the most of your time at the park by biking around to each attraction and getting to know the trails (the CAS even has a camera security area to lock bikes). Check out the Dutch wind mills near Ocean Beach on the westernmost side of the park. Let the kids run around and get out any extra energy at the Koret Children's Quarter Playground on the easternmost side of the park. Check out our San Francisco neighborhoods guide and plan to visit attractions by area to get the most out of your trip. We also have a guide for getting around San Francisco to help plan, too. Places to Eat Nearby If you're planning to spend the day at the California Academy of Sciences and Golden Gate Park, there are a couple of dining options nearby, including: Academy Café - Head to the Academy Café for an indoor-outdoor setting and family-friendly fare with a menu that highlights local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients year-round. Their menu is a great way to experience the food cultures of California regions and San Francisco. The Terrace - Admission to the Academy gets you access to The Terrace, a farm-to-table dining experience with easy, fast-casual service. Located in the Academy's West Garden, you can dine amidst sculptures by artist Maya Lin and enjoy the weather and beautiful views. Insider tip: Happy Hour is daily from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, buy a glass of wine or beer and get a second free. de Young Café - Located in the de Young Museum, the de Young Café features a variety of American and European classic dining options for morning, mid-day, and afternoon. Pack a picnic - One of the best ways to experience the Golden Gate Park like a local is to pack a picnic lunch and dine al fresco. There are lots of grassy areas, benches, and inviting places to pull up a blade of grass and enjoy a picnic lunch. Save on Admission No trip to San Francisco is complete without experiencing the California Academy of Sciences. Save up to 55% with the Go San Francisco® Card All-Inclusive Pass or San Francisco Explorer Pass®, depending on the pass you choose, on combined admission to the Academy and other top museums, tours, cruises, and activities. Pay nothing at the gate. Or, Build Your Own Pass and save 20% guaranteed when you buy two or more attractions together.
Katie Sagal
Golden Gate Bridge
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Should I buy Go City’s San Francisco pass or get individual tickets?

Short answer: the pass wins out on several fronts. Read on to find out why.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Walkers on a hike to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
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Best Walks in San Francisco

San Francisco is a city to get lost in and the best way to achieve that is on foot. Sure, its many hills make for some steep climbs and descents, but you just know it's going to be worth it for those views: of the Downtown skyline, the glittering Bay, the soaring Twin Peaks, the majestic Golden Gate Bridge shrouded in summer fog. Former resident Jack Kerouac perhaps said it best in On The Road, when he waxed lyrical about ‘the city of San Francisco on her eleven mystic hills with the blue Pacific and its advancing wall of potato-patch fog beyond’. Step into your sensible shoes and take a stroll through the Golden City with us as we reveal our pick of the best walks in San Francisco. Haight Ashbury and Golden Gate Park Start your day with a (literally) breathtaking climb to the summit of Buena Vista Park. Enter from the south side and, as you crest this really rather steep hill, your efforts will be rewarded with the awe-inspiring views that gave the park its name. Pause here for a well-earned rest as you take in that buena vista of the Golden Gate Bridge and its namesake park. Afterwards, amble down into the Haight Ashbury district, where the bohemian spirit of the ‘69 summer of love can still be felt in the colorful wall murals and laidback coffee joints. Spend some time meandering around Haight and Central, where rows of Victorian houses in flamboyant hues – cornflower blue, flamingo pink, mellow yellow – make for perfect Instagram eye candy. Onwards to Golden Gate Park, where strolling in more or less any direction will reveal untold wonders. It’s here you’ll find some of the city’s best museums: the majestic de Young fine art museum with its eye-catching burnished copper skin and soaring tower, and the huge California Academy of the Sciences, which houses an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum beneath the rolling green hills of its living roof. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden where gently winding paths, tranquil ponds and a splendid five-tiered pagoda make for a lovely stroll. Dedicated walkers can skirt the shimmering Stow Lake and make for the far end of the park, where bison roam their paddock and the traditional Dutch Windmill is one of the park’s most photographed attractions. Lombard Street A short one, to be sure, but no list of the best places to walk in San Francisco would be complete without mentioning the most photographed street in the city. The steep, one-block section of Lombard that lies between Hyde and Leavenworth on Russian Hill is a rollercoaster ride of eight hairpin bends that’s said to resemble a playground slide. Stairs along both sides allow you to take your sweet time, admiring the street’s vibrant floral borders and quirky architecture and flooding your Instagram with as many snaps as you can. Chinatown and North Beach Start your Chinatown meander at Portsmouth Square, the heart of the neighborhood, where locals indulge in traditional pursuits including t’ai chi and Chinese chess, then head north into atmospheric lanes and alleyways that are alive with bustling markets, mah jong parlors and Chinese bakeries. Grab an egg-custard tart or three for sustenance as you wander to Waverly Place with its colorful flag-covered temple balconies, and Ross Alley, where workers in the tiny Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory assemble thousands of the crunchy future-predicting treats by hand every day. Head east along Jack Kerouac Alley to Columbus. This is Beat Generation territory, where Kerouac and fellow beatniks including Ginsberg and Cassady hung out in the 1950s, primarily at the Vesuvio bar and legendary City Lights bookstore. Hungry again already? Cannoli from the bakeries that line leafy Washington Square and its ornate, twin-spired church are some of the best in San Francisco. Suitably fortified, your steep climb up Greenwich Street to North Beach's iconic Coit Tower should just about be manageable. Finish with a walk down the Filbert Street Steps, where unusual wildflowers, chattering Telegraph Hill parrots and sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay Bridge and Treasure Island are all the reward you need. Mission Murals There are over 1,000 murals adorning San Francisco’s streets, with the highest concentration found in the trendy Mission district south of Downtown. You’ll find some of the best examples on narrow Clarion Alley, where local artists have covered seemingly every available surface with portraits, political art and tributes to the likes of George Floyd and Prince. Nearby Balmy Alley is no less colorful, with a large homage to great female artists including Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe among its 40 or so pieces. While you’re in the neighborhood, take a stroll down quirky Valencia Street with its eclectic mix of fab coffee roasteries and interesting shops (Pirate Supply Store, anyone?). Then grab a gut-busting ‘Mission Burrito’ from one of the long-established local taquerias and head up to Dolores Park for sunny skies and great views of the Bay and Downtown. The San Francisco Bay Shoreline Pick up some of the sweet stuff at historic Ghirardelli Square, where the legendary Ghirardelli Company’s chocolate and ice-cream emporium has all the supplies you need to fortify you for your shoreline walk. Join the paved path that weaves westwards along the coast towards the Golden Gate Bridge and watch boats bob along in the Bay, carrying eager tourists to Alcatraz and the Angel Island State Park beyond. Both should be visible from here, fog permitting. Follow the trail as it passes through the Maritime National Historical Park, passing the picturesque Fort Mason wharves, and continue to the Palace of Fine Arts as you enter the Presidio. Built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this faux palace is a monumental beaux-arts beauty that’s surrounded by swan-filled lagoons and lush green foliage. It’s a great spot to pause and cram in some more of that delicious chocolate before rejoining the path up to Fort Point, a Civil War-era fort beneath the Golden Gate Bridge which is where your hike ends, unless... The Golden Gate Bridge Now you’re here, it would really be foolish – nay, rude – not to. For here’s where you’ll find some of the best views in all of San Francisco, not least the Downtown skyline and out shimmering azure blues of the Pacific. The best thing about walking the iconic red bridge is that you can go as long or short a distance across it as you like. But we recommend going the whole way to really make the best of its many vantage points. Head down into downtown Sausalito for a restorative beer and save your legs by taking the ferry back across to San Francisco. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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