Though San Francisco presents a gorgeous landscape with unlimited outdoor beauty and activities, sometimes weather conditions (such as record-breaking rainstorms) inevitably prompt you to stay indoors. However, this is not a damper to all the excitement you can still have, as the city offers equally endless and engaging options for rainy-day fun!
Whether it be exploring an esoteric museum you've never visited before, grabbing a drink by an open fire, or hunkering down among the community for a riveting trivia night, here are all of the best ideas for the next time you're wondering what to do during drizzly days.
See also: An Inside Look At The Bay Area's Recent And Historic Record-Breaking Snowfalls
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San Francisco boasts a splendidly enormous amount of museums, with each one replete in their own wealth of knowledge, stimulating galleries, and exclusive pieces. While the SFMOMA, Legion of Honor, and DeYoung Museums are always fantastic choices, there are a myriad of other lesser-known museums that are smaller and focus in on uniquely unconventional subjects.
From an institute of illegal images, to an eccentric 1800s penny arcade and an intriguing tour of the Tenderloin, wait out the rain in these pleasantly intriguing niche exhibits that can only truly be found in SF.
See our full guide here.
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Nothing is more aesthetic than enjoying a frothy pick-me-up in a cozy cafe while reading and looking out at the rain-speckled window. Every coffee shop in San Francisco is adorably ewlcoming and warmly snug for even the most drizzly days, and we've provided a list of which ones you can truly nestle in for your main character movie moment.
See our full guide here.
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While curling up with Netflix at home is always a safe choice, nothing truly beats the cinematic magic of seeing a film on the big screen. Wait out the weather by making a date to see a movie, but not just at any old theater. Try one of our many smaller and independently-run theaters, as they are often cute, intimate, affordable, and offer showings of classic and low-budget films that typically don't get featured elsewhere.
This is a great way to be entertained while also supporting our grand local businesses.
See our full guide here.
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See our full guide here.
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Nothing says "comfort" like hot and nourishing soup, particularly the herbal remedy of Vietnamese pho, or the rich broths of Japanese ramen. The city is proud to be a beacon of cultural authenticity, and the next time you crave a revitalizing bowl of broth, definitely opt for these global favorites piled high with fresh and high-quality ingredients found at an arm's length anywhere you are.
Find your next favorite pho here, and ramen here.
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Let the rain pass while doing a little luxury shopping for some brain food at one of our many charming bookstores. Historic, charming, and brimming with books of all genres, all of our bookstores are truly magical and will draw you in to take your time finding your next favorite binge-read. No matter what novel you're desiring, all of their helpful and personalized service will lead you something catered just for you that is affordable and perfect for bringing into a nearby cafe.
See our full guide here.
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Become immersed while doing some browsing with a creative cocktail at our many trendy record and vintage-themed bars! Listening lounges are all the rage and are a swanky escape for a enjoying a drink with some groovy music, and the ones we have in SF definitely go all out in carefully curating the decor, concoctions, and record selections. Some of these bars even have records on sale, providing a one-stop-shop that will make you forget about the outside storm in chic and elegantly symphonic style.
See our full guide here.
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Rain for remote workers doesn't mean being sequestered at home all day! If you're itching to change up your office scenery and stimulate productivity in a different environment, especially with kids, come to these coffee shops precisely tailored to providing a stimulating, calm, and child-friendly ambience for all ages to enjoy. Many even sport proper seating arrangements and work stations with activities and toys for children, as well as their nourishing fresh-made pastries for a full day of efficient work.
See our full guide here.
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The partygoers in SF know that nightlife shouldn't have to cease just for wetness, and a playful arcade bar is the ideal spot to celebrate and socialize away from the rain. Invite friends, a date, or even just yourself to our many neon-illuminated venues packed with diverse games and delicious drinks and let your inner kid out judgment-free and for low prices.
See our full guide here.
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Stay dry without sacrifing sophistication and sunniness with a lavish meal at one of our premier dining destinations intentionally set to be bright, cozy, and a radient escape from the outdoors. Whether it be escaping into a whimsical tropical oasis, a stunning minimalist artscape, or a tucked-away wooden lodge, no matter the chic ambience, a dinner at these immersive atmospheres will make you instantly forget about the cold and wet weather with simply a bite of their deluxe cuisine.
See our full guide here.
No matter how torrential it may become in San Francisco, nothing can dampen our city's spirit for adventure, great food, and creating delightful memories!
See also: Brave SF's Record Rain In Chic & Durable Style At These Best Outerwear Shops
Photography by: Courtesy of AntonioGuillem/Getty Images
