What to Do in California When It’s Raining

Here’s how to enjoy these 10 classic California beach cities even while the weather is wet.

No sun ? No strain ! Storms wo n’t dampen the spirits of these central and southern coastal California cities . Even when it might be too rough to breaker , there are still plenty of chance to appreciate the history , polish , and culinary offerings by indulge in showery day activities across these 10 towns in California . From San Luis Obispo County to southern San Diego , here are the best slipway to still have a satisfying time exploring while the weather condition is lactating .

Pismo Beach

The Central Coast’sPismo Beachis just as wizardly in a downpour . With inviting coffee shops likeKraken Coffeenear the pier , or numerouswine - taste room , if anadult beverage is more to a visitant ’s desire , it ’s soft to ascertain somewhere to steady down in and sip . Or , during certain time of year , tour theChapman Estate . This local but hidden cultural and historical site suffice as a private event locus , shoot a line breathtaking sea view , beautiful gardens , and gorgeous interior architecture and aim . Get competitive and feel some nostalgic vibes atPismo Bowl , a Greco-Roman eight - lane bowling alley that has stood the test of time for 80 - plus year . In fact , it ’s say to be one of the one-time continually running bowling alleys in California ! in business district Pismo Beach . chitchat thePismo Candle Barand trade a handmade , one - of - a - kind candle by unify , matching , and choosing from various scented oils and fixings . And atVespera Resort on Pismo Beachon - site restaurant , Pequín Coastal Cocina , it does n’t count if it ’s rain outside because baby in one of this coastal restaurant ’s “ fiesta hr ” cocktails feel like a sunny summertime day .

Santa Barbara

InSanta Barbara , just because it ’s raining does n’t intend there ’s a want of authoritative central seashore California spirit to bask . Explore the legendaryState Streetand its abundance of shopping , dining , and drink offerings . Step into a welcoming smudge on the end of State Street calledDawn Cafe at the new Drift hotel , which serves thoughtfully craft coffee and Camellia sinensis drinks inhale by SoCal ’s iconic breakers culture . Craving the Torrid Zone even when it ’s a torrential downpour ? VisitTest Pilot , turn up two pulley from Stearns Wharf and the beach . This nautical - themed cocktail prevention service authoritative , exotic cocktail in a bright , upbeat environment . Nearby , history and computer architecture buff will loveThe Santa Barbara County Courthouse , which is open for free to the public , rain or shine , and showcases a well - preserved example of sensational Spanish - flair invention component . There are also a plethora of historic theaters and locus business district to mark in for a show , such as theArlington Theater , theGranada Theatre , or theLobero Theatre . Those who would prefer to reconnect internally can dive into a more upscale treatment at one of the metropolis ’s luxury hospitality dimension , like the Spa at theRitz Carlton Bacara , Santa Barbara , or theHotel Californian .

Ventura

Some sloshed weather does n’t dampenVentura’seclectic surf city spirit . In fact , those pesky storm often usher in some great waves once the clouds percipient . During the rough atmospheric condition , however , you could take vantage of Ventura ’s plentiful indoor body process . Get lost in the array ofthrift stores on Main Street . search the city ’s productive history by confab theSan Buenaventura Missionand theMuseum of Ventura County . plunk into some art and ethnical body process with a show at theRubicon Theateror theVentura Music Hall . nestle up at one of Ventura ’s coffee brewage spots , such asLovewell Tea & Coffee , which is all about bringing together biotic community rain or radiancy , orProspect Coffee Roasters , a bright , family - owned bit with a bustling and friendly atmosphere spring to lift moods no matter the state of the sky . Those who favour a beer brew can cease into the legendaryTopa Topa Brewing Company , which has been a part of the community for nigh a ten , orMadeWest Brewery , which has craft beer offerings . And spirits fans ca n’t missStrange Beast , a freshly opened downtown cocktail bar inspired by the izakayas of Tokyo but with an American rock - n - roster sharpness , vivacious potable , and decor that will surely distract from the drab away weather while sipping on an excellent drunkenness .

Santa Monica

Rain inSanta Monicamight just mean enjoy an equally uplifting alternative activity indoors . cookery buff should visitThe Gourmandise School , which pop the question budding chefs hands - on pastry , baking , and cooking classes for all accomplishment levels . Or take hold of a affectionate loving cup of burnt umber ! From the famedThird Street Promenadeto the boutique - trace Montana Avenue , there are lots of burnt umber shops to explore , including the vibrantLa La Land Kind Café , cognise for its colourful lattes . And since it ’s never too drear for a good beer , craft brew lovers can grab a cold one atSanta Monica Brew Works , which serves a accumulation of California - inspired beers like the PCH Golden Chocolate Porter or the 310 Blonde Ale . Finally , the wet weather can also be a perfect excuse to relax in a ardent spa . TryAlchemie Spa , which offers massages and cleanses . And even though it ’s not LA ’s famous outside hike weather , physical fitness lover can check out outExhale Santa Monica physical fitness spa & gym , which is insert into within the upscaleFairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows propertyand host an array of fitness classes and lenient spa opportunity .

Laguna Beach

When it rains in the Orange County artist ’s enclave ofLaguna Beach , it just mean the opportunity to revel the townsfolk ’s free - spirited indoor offerings . Galleriesare always open , pelting or radiance , and theLaguna Playhouseis a bully spot to string up out if there ’s a show happening . Those interested in plunk deeply into the art world can step into theLaguna Art Museum , one of California ’s onetime museum center explicitly on featuring California artists . Holistic healers should chit-chat theChakra Shack , a adult female - owned business organization focusing on wellness and spirituality that sells vitreous silica , jewelry , incense , essential oils , tarot card , and more . Next , warm up with coffee or afternoon tea at a spot likeTea and Turmeric . It ’s one of the only loose - folio tea memory board leave in southerly California and sources leaves and spices from all over the human beings to create in - store blends . And whether it ’s raining or not , the second - story barRum Social — nicknamed “ The Treehouse”—feels like a summer holiday abroad and swash some of the best cocktails in Orange County .

Newport Beach

Newport Beachis a hot spot for SoCal spirit even when the sky are gray . This Orange County city hosts several indoor attractions , such as theOrange County Museum of Art . boast a card of telling work concentrate on artistic creation bring about during the twentieth and 21st one C , the museum was founded by women more than 60 yr ago in 1962 . Dine on some local culinary art atA&O Restaurant & Bar , where the Instagram - worthy solid food and drinks are as telling as the survey of the docked racing yacht outdoors . Go shopping at one of the Ithiel Town ’s several shopping centers , such asFashion Island , which pop the question howling , upscale retail outlets and also anenormous movie theaterfor indoor film lenience . Newport Beach also shoot a line an impressive collection ofspas and wellness centersto kick back , relax , and unwind in , such as the lavish , highly awardedSpa at Pelican Hillor the 14,000 - square - ft SPA VEA at the brand newVEA Newport Beach . Or , for those who require to reconnect with their inner nipper , you could check out the BalboaFun Zone Arcade & Game Room , which dates back decades of history and has always invited a competitive smell hype up with old - school plot like Skee - Ball .

Dana Point

Rain or shine , Dana Pointis America ’s only Whale Heritage Site and the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World , and because the whales do n’t seem to mind if there ’s water falling from the sky , businesses likeDana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale WatchingandCapt . Dave ’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safarirun tour year - round despite the wet weather ( with the master make the decision based on the safety of the voyage and its invitee ) . Indoors , have a mindful yoga sessioniHeart Yoga Studiowhich hosts class for all skill levels , from yin and vinyasa menstruum to cardio sculpt . Those who require to instruct about surf cultivation can record theSurfing Heritage and Culture Center , home to some of the world ’s most valuable archives of surfboard artifacts , surfboards , memorabilia , and educational materials from across the Earth . Beer devotee can stop intoStation Craft Brewery , which swash about 20 of their own beers on tap alongside a selection of ciders , wines , and cocktails . Grab a bite atOuter Reef , and get some fresh West Coast seafood while having the unparalleled experience of dining next to a 1,000 - Imperial gallon shark tank .

Oceanside

It ’s almost always 70 and sunny inOceanside , a north county San Diego metropolis known for its laid - back surfboarder vibraphone and fabled tacos , beer , and pier . But when the weather is too rough for catching a wave , active local and visitant need n’t be deterred from breaking a sweat with a visit toVital Climbing Gym Oceanside , which is a fun fashion to push seaworthiness to “ new height . ” Or , anyone can connect a more primal version of themselves atAxeVentures , the local indoor axe - bewilder experience . Oceanside is also a mecca for heroic sip . From brewery to wine - taste rooms , to coffee stops to tea shop and distillery , it ’s a great way to keep up with it all is the freeO’side Sips recommendation programwhich wo n’t limit your explorations to just one post . Go toCommunal , which serves a complete guile coffee and drunkenness menu in a clean , creatively design space featuring a style waiting room with comfy leather couch and a welcoming communal table . And those seeking a sheltered spa experience should visitSunny ’s Spa and Beauty Loungeat the Seabird Resort , which offer legion revitalizing treatment in a hopeful , immersive space with wall painted in vivacious yellowish and light-colored white , bringing the fair weather indoors .

Carlsbad

In the North County San Diego metropolis ofCarlsbad , dismal days just mean it ’s time to get cozy indoors . Visit theMuseum of get Music . It ’s easily one of the underrated museums in California , host an raiment of exhibits and interactive displays made to larn about the account of melodious instruments in America . Next , expend time exploring the charming shops and job ofCarlsbad Village . guile lovers will loveCandle BarorHandled Pottery , where visitors can unleash their aesthetic get-up-and-go and make a institution to bring home as souvenirs . Wind down by barricade intoPure Project , a brewery design to feel like a neighbor ’s conversant front porch function craft beers in an equally welcoming setting . Wine wo n’t be left behind , either . Carlsbad ’s location ofThe Carruth Carlsbad , a try out room with a mellow environment and excellent wines , is one of the business ’ five tasting way sprinkled across San Diego . Eat dinner party atCampfire . Famed for its broccoli , of all dishes , the eating house use the fresh local ingredient to put up node a homey dining experience .

San Diego

In the urban haven ofSan Diego , there ’s always plenty to do , no matter the weather . This southernmost California city ’s bustling food for thought and beverage conniption makes way for an alluring way to spend fourth dimension indoors : eating and drinking . It ’s easy to spend hour on time of day atNeighborhood . The comfortable bar is sans windows , so you wo n’t even have to see the raindrops outside as you dine from a fare of a constantly changing card of dishes spun off worldly saloon classics and pledge from curated taps that focus on feature rarefied beers from small producer . Or , finish byWNDR Museum , which features more than 20 multi - sensational display that offer visitors an immersive way to interact with various inspiring digital art installations . Those wanting to care for themselves can indulge in a spa experience atSpa Pendryat the Pendry San Diego , which is situate in arguably the trendiest neighborhood in the urban center , the Gaslamp Quarter , giving spa - leaver a chance to wave up in a cozy discourse way and ignore the outdoor weather for a while .

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