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Best Activities for a Rainy Day in San Francisco

THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in San Francisco on a Rainy Day

Best Activities for a Rainy Day in San Francisco

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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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276 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Showing results 1-30 of 276

What travellers are saying

  • jeesau
    Oakland, CA3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What? You have never been to the Exploratorium? Or "Explo" as the cool kids call it? It's budget-friendly and has something to offer, even those folks who think "what's that? Is it 'science' or some such?" Yeah, even you! Make your way there on public transit or your two feet. Right there on the bay with the bridge in the background? Come on! Do it. No, really. Do it!
    Written November 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, CT2,245 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is jam-packed with interesting information, memorabilia, and other assorted items associated with Walt Disney and his family - sketches, pictures, miniature trains, and video reels. It's amazing how much they were able to squeeze into this museum without making it overwhelming. Two floors of exhibits took us two hours to view, and even then we missed a few things. This museum really highlighted how much Walt Disney was able to accomplish in his 65 years!
    Written October 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, CT2,245 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I've been to San Francisco several times, and am disappointed that this was my first time visiting this stupendous living museum, as it was a glorious experience. The entrance fee is a bit steep ($43/person for adults), but it's absolutely well worth the price. This place is truly a living museum - it has a fascinating rainforest exhibit with living birds and butterflies, an aquarium with live animals, and a super-cool natural history museum (we loved the African Hall). The planetarium was also fantastic, although please note that you need to make a reservation for one of the shows. We enjoyed just wandering through the museum to take in the exhibits at our own pace.
    Written October 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • adriadri_10
    Durham, UK106 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great building with amazing food options. Really recommend a visit if you are in SF.
    Loved all the history behind it and the Xmas decorations
    Written December 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HarrisB
    Seoul, South Korea296 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    San Francisco’s Cable Car Museum is more than a pit stop; it’s an evocative journey into the heartbeat of the city’s identity. Tucked into the hills of Nob Hill, this compact yet mesmerizing space manages to captivate the imagination of both the seasoned urbanite and the youngest explorers.

    I visited with my two young boys—bundles of uncontainable energy—and watched their wide-eyed wonder unfold as we stood before the massive winding wheels that keep the city’s cable cars in motion. The hum of machinery, the history-laden displays, and the sheer magic of seeing how these iconic cars function sparked endless curiosity.

    The museum is brilliantly designed—unpretentious yet packed with charm. Vintage photographs, scale models, and well-curated exhibits offer a tactile sense of history, yet it’s the live demonstration of the machinery that steals the show. My boys were entranced, peppering me with questions about the engineering marvels behind the scenes.

    For parents: the museum is compact and accessible, making it perfect for little legs. And best of all? It’s free—proof that not all family adventures need to come with a hefty price tag.

    Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Cable Car Museum is a love letter to ingenuity, resilience, and San Francisco’s enduring spirit. For us, it wasn’t just a museum—it was a springboard for conversations about history, engineering, and the simple thrill of discovery. An absolute must-visit.
    Written December 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Xoel
    Dallas, TX175 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Chocolate lover’s dream! The famous sundaes are a must-try, with rich chocolate and creamy ice cream that’s truly indulgent. The cozy, nostalgic vibe and quick, friendly service make it perfect for a sweet treat. Don’t forget to grab some chocolate to take home!
    Written October 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MILOUW
    New York City, NY1,419 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very well designed and displayed exhibition of the works of Tamara de Lempicka.
    Many of the works come from private collectors and they allow for a full range of artworks from the artist both chronologically and by topics.
    Not to be missed.
    Written January 17, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mogatronprime
    Blyth, UK204 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Popped in here not knowing what to expect but it turned out to be a brilliant visit. Lots of very interesting things. All you need to do is change your money for coins and off you go. Its not expensive and for people of a certain age its a trip down memory lane.
    Jut walk in, no admission fee at all.
    Written December 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ashley D
    Cupertino, CA1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a cool space. Can't wait for their new location and all the awesome things to come. Love this for the community. Murphy is the best.
    Written August 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TedT
    San Francisco, CA66 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must-see destination for a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. Seven stories of iconic art ranging from Henri Matisse to Frida Kahlo to Anselm Kiefer.
    Written November 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MILOUW
    New York City, NY1,419 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mary Cassat is a talented impressionist painter whose artworks are easy to like as they focus on women and children
    Unfortunately the Legion of honor temporary exhibition venue is too small and the crowds of visitors too large .
    As a result the visit is spoiled by people in groups led by guides, slow moving guests listening to audio guides and so forth.
    Wearing face masks is advisable given the tight space and the mobs
    Written January 17, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • thenoodleguy
    Clovis, CA75 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The leads were Absolutely Amazing...Voices were from Heaven. Every person on stage brought Brilliance to the play. The Best of the Best.

    I would happily attend again and again.

    Love Everything about SF Playhouse, Staff, Actors, Venue and Bar.

    Get up and get yourself a Special Evening at this place, you won't regret it!

    Teddy
    Written January 5, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The_Concierge_8
    Trinidad and Tobago3,784 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went a few hours ahead of my event workshop to take in the museum galleries beforehand. Loved the vibe!
    I loved the museum's events posted on their website and was delighted by the Korean Bojagi art workshop which was totally enjoyable and well-hosted!
    They've got great exhibitions spanning thousands of years from every corner and Asian empire.
    The gift shop was quite extensive too and so many Korean books. I was in heaven!
    Lovely little cafeteria too called Asian Box where you can relax.
    It was easy to get to on the streetcar plus a 2-block walk.
    If I lived in the city, I'd attend all the museum's events! Cool stuff!
    Written September 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laurence P
    Newhaven, UK439 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    This aquarium was a lot small than we anticipated. The walk through tunnel was excellent, as was everything on display. It was small compared to others we had been to. I would have been disappointed if we paid full price; however, we had entrance on a pass. Don't expect to spend too long here.
    Written August 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Noneless
    Newcastle, Australia29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I didn’t actually go inside City Hall due to time constraints. The outside was very imposing and grand. A great example of early 20th Century Beaux-Arts architecture.
    Written November 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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