Well, it doesn’t happen very often here in San Diego, but from time to time we do have a Rainy Day! So, what is there to do here in San Diego when one of these rare days occurs? If you’re interested in more than just curling up with a good book or watching a movie on the couch, check out my list of the Top 5 Things to Do in San Diego When it Rains.

Top 5 Things to Do in San Diego When it Rains

1. East Village Tavern & Bowl located at 9th and Market in Downtown San Diego’s East Village neighborhood is a great place to go. This 14,000 sq. ft. “Sports Lounge” has 30 — 50 inch HD Flat Screen TVs, 12 bowling lanes, billiards, great food and drinks, and more! Minors are permitted before 9pm only. The best bowling rates are from 11:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m., when a lane will run you $2/game or $25/hour, making it a great rainy day activity! You can take in your favorite sporting event on TV, shoot some pool, bowl, eat, drink and be merry!
2. Balboa Park – A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to take in one of Balboa Park’s stupendous museums or see a play at the Old Globe Theater. Sports enthusiasts will love the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum,  aviation fanatics will enjoy the San Diego Air & Space Museum,  kids and kids-at-heart will get a big kick out the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center with it’s amazing IMAX theater.  There really are too many great ones to list, so check out the directory of museums and I’m sure you find several of interest. There are also plenty of places to grab a snack, coffee or enjoy a nice meal between museums.
3. Take in a movie! It may not be the most original idea, but I never want to go to a movie on a nice, sunny, beach-worthy day, so a rainy day is a great time to see a flick. San Diego has many movie theaters to choose from. Downtown there is the United Artists Horton Plaza 14  and the Reading Theatre – Gaslamp Stadium 15. Fashion Valley has the AMC Fashion Valley 18 located at Fashion Valley Mall and neighboring Mission Valley has the AMC Mission Valley 20 and the Ultra Star Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center.
4. Go rock climbing at Vertical Hold!  This place has over 24,000 sq ft of textured climbing surfacewith more than 325 beginner, intermediate and advanced routeswith full-time safety supervision. They offer lessons and the facilities include lockers (bring your own lock), showers and an observation deck. It’s an indoor playground for adults and a great form of exercise. Looking for an indoor playground for kids? Check out Kid Ventures Indoor Play Village and Parent Café.  Geared for kids walking-age up to 8-years-old, it is the “safest, cleanest, most creative indoor “edutainment” kids program in San Diego.” A great way to let your kids get some of that energy out and the Parents’ Café serves coffee, treats and a family menu.
5. Visit the amazing Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography!  Amazing exhibits feature sea horses, whales, coral, fish, tide pools and more. You will be able to get an up-close look at the fantastic sea life!  There are some outdoor exhibits, but the majority are indoors and it really is something to see!

While San Diego is known for it’s fantastic weather and climate and abundance of outdoor activities; it is nice to know that when Mother Nature sends wet-weather our way there are some pretty incredible indoor ways to stay entertained and dry until sunny days are here again!