San Diego is known for its sunny beaches and perfect weather, but what happens when rain clouds start rolling in? While outside of an occasional rainstorm San Diego sees very little rainfall from April to October, the period from November to March is considered the city’s rainy season. Luckily, besides sand, waves, and Sun, the city called Birthplace of California is a diverse, multicultural, urban hub that offers numerous fun activities to do in the rain.

From world-class museums and memorable landmarks to family-friendly attractions and a diverse cultural landscape that reflects the city’s rich cosmopolitan mix, America’s Finest City isn’t short on entertaining and healthy indoor adventures. Whether you’re a local looking to shake off your blues and escape the stubborn drizzle or an animated visitor determined to make the most of your stay, this guide highlights the best ways to enjoy rain activities in San Diego.

Where can I go on a rainy day in San Diego?

If you’ve wanted to explore the city’s beaches and parks but the rain has dampened your outdoor plans, don’t get too under the weather. San Diego has plenty of indoor attractions that can step up to the plate and ensure that you enjoy an unforgettable day. In fact, the list of fun things to do is so long you may start wishing for the rain to last a day or two longer. Here are some of the best places to explore:

1. Balboa Park’s museums

Balboa Park is the city’s 1,200-acre historic cultural hub that houses 18 museums, many of which are perfect for a rainy day. The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) offers fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and paleontology, while the Fleet Science Center features interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater to thrill kids and adults alike.

Art lovers will appreciate the San Diego Museum of Art or the Timken Museum of Art, where stunning collections span centuries and continents. With so many options to explore and plenty of hands-on activities for the little ones, you could easily spend an entire day in Balboa Park hopping from one museum to the next.

2. The USS Midway Museum

Staying on the museum circuit, we move on to one of the most popular exhibition spaces in the city. Rain or shine, the USS Midway Museum is truly an iconic San Diego experience. With a large collection of aircraft and a virtual reality flight simulator, this massive carrier-turned-museum offers a unique peek into naval history. 

Wander through the ship’s decks, primary flight control, and pilots’ ready rooms while listening to captivating audio tours narrated by former crew members. The indoor exhibits, offering both education and adventure, make it a fantastic choice for fun activities in the rain in San Diego. If it looks like the bad weather may persist for a few more days, you can even sign up your kid for their overnight program.

3. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Perched above La Jolla, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps combines stunning views (even on a cloudy day) with engaging exhibits about marine life and oceanography. With more than 660,000 liters of seawater in more than 60 display tanks inhabited by a dazzling array of Pacific fishes and invertebrates, the aquarium is home to more than 3,000 animals. 

Explore vibrant coral reefs, learn about cutting-edge research in marine conservation, or marvel at the interactive tide pool displays. Its cozy indoor spaces make it a peaceful retreat during rainy weather.

4. The Plunge San Diego

Housed inside a Spanish Renaissance-style building built in 1925, the historic Plunge Pool was the largest saltwater pool in the world. When it converted to fresh water in 1940, The Plunge stayed true to its illustrious pedigree as the largest heated pool in Southern California. Recently renovated, it stands today as the favorite all-in-one fitness club and swimming pool in the wider San Diego area. Located right next to the ocean, it features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning panoramic views while you’re working out. 

With affordable meals and drinks options, ADA lifts, swimming equipment including lifejackets, exercise belts, kickboards, noodles, and water weights, a dry sauna, a top-notch fitness area, and an inflatable obstacle course for the little ones, The Plunge offers everything you need to spend an enjoyable day while it’s raining outside. Relax or work out to the max at the Plunge, the choice is yours.

5. Liberty Public Market

If you’re running a bit low on energy or lunchtime has arrived, Liberty Public Market in Point Loma offers a delightful culinary escape from the rain. While the market features a beautiful outdoor garden area, the real cornucopia of flavors is to be found inside. 

For foodies who like to mingle with local vendors and artisans while tasting their culinary offerings, the market is a one-of-a-kind place offering one of the best rain activities in San Diego in a relaxed atmosphere and a real explosion of taste for your palate. With everything from fresh seafood and artisan tacos to gourmet desserts and craft beer, there is plenty to enjoy in this vibrant indoor space.

6. Bustling theaters & performing arts venues

A rainy day provides the perfect excuse to indulge in live entertainment. If you don’t feel like walking or you want to get away from the gloomy skies, step into the dark and immerse yourself in the magical world of acting, storytelling, and staged arts. Depending on where you’re located in the city, you can try The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park for high-class performances ranging from Shakespearean classics to modern theater and contemporary plays. 

If it’s the evening and you feel like having a few laughs with your friends, check out a comedy show at the American Comedy Co. Or how about some music? Head to the San Diego Symphony and try to find a ticket for a virtuoso performance of classical music repertoire.

Looking for fun activities to do in the rain in San Diego?

If you’re looking for some cheer on a rainy day, want to escape the wet weather with your family, or would like to surprise your partner with a sporty date while it’s drizzling, The Plunge is a perfect place to hide from the raindrops. Whether it’s an inflatable obstacle course for the little ones, a fully-stacked fitness area perfect for an intense workout, or a cedar wood dry sauna ideal for sore muscles, hypertension, and stress, The Plunge won’t let precipitation spoil your day!