Things to Do in San Diego When It Rains: A Local’s Guide

#1 Cozy Up in a Coffee Shop

I swear I could spend all day at a coffee shop even if it’s not raining but there is something magical about sipping a cappuccino and listening to the rainfall. I’m a real sucker for a cozy vibe! I listed a couple of my favorite spots below for not only the coffee but the atmosphere. 

• Living Room Coffeehouse (La Jolla) – The Living Room is designed in a way that when you walk in you instantly feel at home. They have created an environment where you can really cozy up and stay for a while. Their coffee is top notch as well as their food. I have spent many hours here working on my computer drinking a latte and eating their wide variety of desserts. 

Communal Coffee (North Park) – This adorable cafe is so welcoming and designed beautifully. There are tons of spaces to post up with friends or on your own with a good book or laptop. They have high quality craft coffee along with some delicious bites. Don’t forget to check out their local artisan goods and grab a bouquet of flowers on your way out!

#2 Explore Balboa Park’s Museums

Balboa Park is a great place to visit when it rains as they have tons of great museums to explore. If it happens that the rain falls on a Tuesday local residents of San Diego can go to select museums for free! 

• San Diego Natural History Museum – If you are history and nature buff this museum can’t be beat. The NAT travels back millions of years so you can see the animals that were living in San Diego at that time like sea cows and camels. They even have live rattlesnakes, a working beehive and a wide variety of different animal bones from thousands of years ago. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the megladon shark! 
• Fleet Science Center – A fantastic choice if you have kids (or are a kid at heart). Their interactive exhibits make science fun! Learn about how the brain processes illusions, our solar system and the application of electricity to name a few. You could spend all day here playing and experimenting with their different exhibits.  
• Museum of Us – Looking for something a little more unusual? This museum dives into the anthropology of different cultures and even has an exhibit on cannibalism! Get a better understanding of what makes us, us. 

#3 Get Lost in a Bookstore

Where are my book nerds at!? I love wandering through a cozy bookstore when it rains. Luckily San Diego has some incredible options ready to explore or settle in for hours. 

• Verbatim Books (North Park) – This indie bookstore is a book lover’s dream, featuring rare finds, gently used books, and an inviting laid-back atmosphere. With this being the largest bookstore in San Diego they have plenty of space to enjoy their multiple reading nooks. Grab a coffee at Lovesong across the street and settle in for a perfect rainy afternoon!
• Warwick’s (La Jolla) – Warwick’s is the oldest family run bookstore in the country! Safe to say they have had time to perfect it. Not only do they have books of all genres but stationary and local artisan gifts as well.

#4 Catch a Live Show

Take advantage of a rainy evening by enjoying a live performance! It’s easy to feel cooped up in the house when it rains so catching a live show can be an instant fix to the rainy day blues. 

• The Old Globe Theatre – Nestled in Balboa Park, this historic theater hosts everything from Shakespearean plays to modern productions. They have an intimate setting which makes every seat a great one.
• The Laugh Factory (Gaslamp) – The Laugh Factory is known for its super funny and well known comedians, making it a fantastic spot for a fun night out. Nothing chases away the gloomy weather like a little laughter! 
• The Casbah – Into live music? The Casbah is a legendary venue where you can catch up-and-coming bands to big names all in an intimate, energetic setting.

#5 Indulge in a Spa Day

When it rains, why not treat yourself? There is nothing better than a relaxing spa day listening to the rain come down as you are getting a massage or enjoying the hot tub. 

• • The Catamaran Spa (Mission Bay) – This spa is located at The Catamaran Hotel overlooking Mission Bay. They offer services such as massages, facials, sauna, steam rooms, and hot tubs. They also have a great restaurant on site overlooking the bay to grab a bite in between services. 
  • The Fairmont Grand Del Mar – If you’re in the mood for luxury, this spa is the epitome of indulgence with an extensive menu of award-winning services. You have the ability to book treatments that regular spas might not offer including reflexology, reiki healing, LED light therapy and body wraps. Highly recommend if you want to splurge a little bit! 

#6 Go Beer Tasting!

San Diego is known for its craft beer scene and we have some really fun breweries located all over SD! Here’s a couple of my favorites spots to have some fun when its rains:

• Half Door Brewing Co (Gaslamp) – My favorite thing about this brewery is how cool the location is. They designed this brewery inside a renovated house so it feels so welcoming and cozy right when you walk in. They have a wide variety of different beers including hazy’s, lagers and pale ales so there is something for everyone on draft. They also serve really good food all day! 
• AleSmith Brewing Company (Miramar) – Being one of San Diego’s largest tasting rooms you could bring your whole crew and have a day of fun escaping the rain! Furry friends are welcome and they have board games and axe throwing on top of an extensive beer menu. Food trucks rotate throughout the week as well!