10+ things to do in LA when it rains
If you choose Los Angeles as your family vacation destination, chances are you're picturing yourself basking in the abundant California sunshine. And chances are you will be — but for those few days per year that contribute to Los Angeles' 15-inch average rainfall, here's a list of fun and exciting indoor activities and things to do in LA when it rains.
If you're in the advanced planning stages of a trip to LA, take a look at some of these top-rated indoor attractions. Then, as the time of your trip gets closer, check the weather forecast — if you see a chance of bad weather, you'll already know what to do in LA when it rains:
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- California Science Center & IMAX Movie
- K1 Speed Indoor Karting
- Natural History Museum
- Hollywood Museum
- and many more!
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Madame Tussauds Hollywood
One of the top things to do on a rainy day is to get up close to Hollywood's top stars at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. The life-like wax figures you'll find at the museum are so real-looking that you can easily fool your friends back home with pictures of you and your favorite celebrity standing side by side. The 100+ wax figures span a variety of interests and time periods, so adults and kids alike will be entertained. So whether it's Harry Styles, James Dean, or Beyoncé you swoon over, make sure to bring your camera!
👉Don't miss: the newest figures immortalized in wax, and the non-waxwork experiences.
🎟️ Getting in: Admission to Madame Tussauds Hollywood is available on all Los Angeles Passes.
California Science Center & IMAX Movie
The California Science Center is a great idea for things to do indoors on a rainy day. The Science Center features exciting science exhibits that will engage visitors of all ages. Experience a simulated earthquake or volcano, climb a rock wall, or play a game of virtual volleyball. At the Science Center, adventure takes place right indoors.
To make the most of your trip, catch an IMAX movie at the Center's state-of-the-art theater featuring a 7-story tall screen. With a variety of films to choose from, you'll find something entertaining for the whole family.
🎟️Getting in: Admission to California Science Center & IMAX Movie is available on all Los Angeles Passes.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Head down to Long Beach and explore the majestic wildlife of the seas from indoors at the Aquarium of the Pacific. You'll have access to 19 different habitats, with over 100 exhibits, where you can view 12,000 aquatic creatures! There's something for everyone here.
You'll delight in seeing the playful sea otters and learning about conservation efforts to keep their natural habitats alive. You’ll also come face-to-face with, and even touch, the ocean’s ultimate predators in Shark Lagoon; you can hand-feed colorful lorikeet birds, and watch the Magellanic Penguins play.
👉Don't miss: the immersive Honda Pacific Visions Theater experience, where you'll enjoy two films with multi-sensory effects played on a 180-degree curved screen.
🎟️Getting in: Admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific is available on all Los Angeles Passes - but you'll need to book in advance.
Natural History Museum
Visit the first museum in Los Angeles, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. It's the authority on exploring the 'big picture' of the planet of the natural and cultural world. This museum has amassed one of the world's most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural relics that date back 4.5 billion years. You'll see dinosaur skeletons and mammal fossils, rare gems and minerals, intricate habitat dioramas, and ancient Latin American archaeological treasures.
🎟️Getting in: Admission to the Natural History Museum is available on all Los Angeles Passes.
GRAMMY Museum®
Love music? Leave LA on a high note and visit the GRAMMY Museum®'s impressive collection of artifacts, exhibits, films, and more, in the museum's interactive permanent and traveling exhibits. Pay tribute to legendary artists such as John Lennon, Barbra Streisand, Roy Orbison, Bob Marley, and more. The special exhibits will inspire a new-found appreciation for the music-making process, and for the talent and precision it takes to produce award-winning music.
👉Don't miss: the special exhibits which change from year to year
🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Los Angeles Passes.
Hollywood Museum
See a hundred years of Hollywood history from your favorite films and TV shows at the Hollywood Museum. You'll explore the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world, boasting over 10,000 authentic show business artifacts. See Rocky's boxing gloves, Marilyn Monroe's iconic dresses, Indiana Jones' whip, Cary Grant's Rolls-Royce, and much more! It's the perfect indoor activity for a film lover, and it's a must-see when you come to Hollywood.
🎟️Getting in: Admission to the Hollywood Museum is available on all Los Angeles Passes.
Studio Tours
One of the best things to do in Hollywood is to visit to a real working studio!
Places like Universal and Warner Bros. offer exciting, behind-the-scenes looks at the way Hollywood works. You'll enjoy tours through back lots, across sound stages, around prop rooms, and through wardrobing. Get a real chance to see where (and how!) movie magic is made with a tour through the amazing studios.
If the rainy day clears up, take advantage of the theme park of Universal Studios Hollywood, which offers some delightful outdoor fun, too. Keep in mind that some portions of these studio tours will involve being outdoors, so be sure to plan accordingly with your gear.
🎟️ Getting in: One-time admission to Universal Studios is only available on the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass. Admission to Warner Bros. is available on all Los Angeles Passes.
Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour
Get VIP access to the home of the Academy Awards® Ceremony with a guided tour of the Dolby Theatre®. You'll see areas of the theater not seen on TV, and get a behind-the-scenes look at where events such as the American Idol finals, the AFI Awards, the Daytime Emmys, and Victoria's Secret Fashion Show take place.
👉Don't miss: seeing an Oscar® statuette, visiting the Dolby Lounge, and viewing the images from previous Academy Awards ceremonies.
🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Los Angeles Passes - book in advance.
Autry Museum of the American West
Regarded as one of Los Angeles’s premier cultural institutions, the Autry Museum of the American West features art, artifacts, and special exhibitions that focus on the history of American West. The Autry is known for its dedication to educating visitors. Enjoy a selection of informative tours, special events, and family activities. There are film screenings, lectures, workshops, and more.
🎟️ Getting in: Admission is available on all Los Angeles Passes.
Get in some retail therapy
We’re firm believers that you don’t need an excuse to shop. Even so, a rainy day is the perfect reason to dip into your souvenir funds. Los Angeles is one of the best shopping destinations and home to a variety of stores that cater to every price point. Stroll around the shops (and be ready to splurge) on the famous and iconic Rodeo Drive, and find a variety of luxury boutique shopping along Melrose Avenue.
Catch a movie at a luxury theater
Take shelter from the rain with oversized popcorn, a blockbuster hit, and a luxury experience. Lots of movie theaters in the Los Angeles area now focus on offering a luxury movie viewing experience. It's a fun and relaxing way to wait out the weather.
Check out the newer iPic movie theaters for the ultimate luxury experience, or book a lounge experience at Landmark Theatres. You could also head to AMC DINE-IN Marina 6 for a classic dinner and a movie combination, right from the comfort of your oversized seat.
🎟️ Getting in: Admission isn't included with the Los Angeles Pass, so check with each theater for show times and prices.
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