19 Unique Indoor Activities In San Diego To Try When It Rains (2024)

Although San Diego is a world-class city with an overwhelming amount of options to choose from when it comes to entertainment and activities, there’s no question that it’s best known for its proximity to natural beauty (its 70 miles of beaches are just the beginning!) and its array of outdoor activities. 

So when it’s a rainy day, you might feel dismayed at the prospect of finding appealing indoor activities in San Diego to keep you occupied, wishing that you could instead get out and go sailing, surfing, hiking, or simply spend the day lounging on the beach.

Not to worry! Although we totally feel your pain, there are so many indoor activities in San Diego to try that by the time you reach the end of our list of 19 suggestions, we’re willing to bet you’ll be feeling a little less perturbed by the unfortunate weather situation. 

Read on for our suggestions of 19 unique indoor activities in San Diego to try when it rains! There’s sure to be something that’ll pique your interest or, at the very least, inspire a different choice of activity that’s ultimately an enjoyable one.

1. Go indoor rock climbing at the Mesa Rim Climbing Center

Rainy weather doesn’t mean you have to give up on getting an amazing workout, and that doesn’t just mean going to the gym and doing the often boring routine of exercise machines, weightlifting, etc. Instead, consider working on your fitness by going rock climbing at an indoor climbing gym like the Mesa Rim Climbing Center, which is one of San Diego’s top-rated climbing gyms. Mesa Rim also offers yoga, so after you go climbing, you can unwind with a relaxing yoga session taught by talented instructors.

2. See a play at the Old Globe

Did you know that San Diego residents have access to one of the best theatres not only in the state but in the country? It’s called the Old Globe Theatre, and every year, they have a total of 15 productions—a combination of classic, contemporary, and new works, so there’s something for every theater lover. Check out their list of current and upcoming shows and see if there are any that spark your interest!

3. Throw a party with friends and loved ones at a Peerspace venue

Peerspace is the best marketplace for discovering hundreds of spaces in San Diego, not to mention thousands more short-term rental spaces all around the world! Take advantage of the platform’s extensive selection and find a Peerspace venue where you can throw a party with your friends and loved ones. 

This can be a party celebrating something special, celebrating a random holiday that happens to fall on the rainy day when you’re looking for entertainment (here’s a list of weird and funny national holidays if you’re looking for inspo), or it can just be a party for no particular reason at all!

Check out a few examples of the kinds of indoor Peerspace venue you’ll find when searching San Diego for party spaces:

• This vibey modern farmhouse with a pool and a view in Lakeside, which is a one-story, fully renovated home with three bedrooms and two baths. There’s also a full kitchen, a backyard with a hand-painted mural of San Diego, and a splash pool that can become a hot tub with jets, Not to mention fabulous views of the mountains. In terms of entertainment, they offer an array of games for you and your guests to enjoy during your event. Play corn hole, giant Jenga, shuffleboard, and more.
• This multi-use venue in the heart of the North Park neighborhood has a professionally designed layout. It’s also flexible and ideal for all kinds of events. There’s a small kitchenette on site as well as a single bathroom, not to mention amenities like Bluetooth speakers and a large TV. 
• This amazing spacious lounge in Pacific Beach has space for up to 50 people and seating for up to 25. Its convenient location is just minutes from downtown with quick access by freeway to the 5 and 8. In terms of entertainment, there’s a pool table, a ping pong table, and several arcade games, and amenity-wise they have a private balcony, a kitchenette, and more. 

Planning a spontaneous party on a rainy day?

Then you’ll want to hear back from the host of your chosen space as quickly as possible with a confirmation of your venue reservation. When you conduct your own Peerspace search, we recommend clicking the “More filters” button at the top of your search results page and checking off “Instant Book” in the window that pops up. This will ensure that the only spaces you see in your search results are those that can be booked instantly, rather than requiring you to wait for a response from the host to confirm the reservation.

4. Try your hand at axe throwing at Axe Thro Co

Axe throwing is a new craze, and that’s because it’s fun and satisfying, plus a challenge to your strength and hand-eye coordination. When you go to Axe Thro Co, keep in mind that they offer walk-ins on a first come first serve basis, so depending on when you go there might be a wait.

5. Give indoor go-kart racing a shot at K1 Speed

K1 Speed Chula Vista has a fleet of state-of-the-art electric go-karts that let you go fast while strictly adhering to standards of safety. (This also means they’re eco-friendly, as a bonus!) Grab a friend or a group of friends and head to K1 Speed to have a blast.

Have an anniversary coming up? Then you need to see our most fun anniversary ideas in San Diego to celebrate in style!

6. Visit one of the city’s best museums

One of our favorite indoor activities in San Diego (or anywhere, frankly) is spending the day at a museum! In San Diego, you have quite a few options available to you for educational indoor entertainment. Check out the San Diego Museum of Art, the Air & Space Museum, the Natural History Museum (or “Nat”), and lots more.

7. Go bowling at Aztec Lanes

Unfortunately, San Diego doesn’t have many bowling alleys to choose from. But fortunately, Aztec Lanes exists—and it’s a great place to spend a rainy day! Yelp reviews also attest that the staff are kind and helpful, the bowling alley is perfectly clean, and the cost to play a few games is reasonable. 

8. Practice your swing at a high-tech indoor golf simulator

There are a number of indoor golf simulators to be found throughout San Diego. They can be a big help if you were hoping to practice your swing but the weather just isn’t cooperating. Here’s a list of five options to choose from, all of which will deliver an enjoyable indoor golfing experience.

9. Sing your heart out at karaoke

For those who love to sing, karaoke is one of the best ways to spend an evening. To get you started, here are 12 suggestions for karaoke spots in San Diego courtesy of Eater.

10. Go ice skating at the San Diego Ice Arena

San Diego Ice Arena offers public skating sessions, with admission priced at $20 each (or $17 each for a group of ten or more people). 

11. Give indoor skydiving a try at iFly San Diego

You may not be able to go skydiving for real on a rainy day, but simulated indoor skydiving is a pretty thrilling alternative that also happens to be significantly less frightening!

12. Learn about ocean life at the Birch Aquarium

With an array of indoor aquarium exhibits to explore, Birch Aquarium is probably your best bet for a rainy day aquarium trip in San Diego.

13. Hop around on the trampolines at Rockin’ Jump San Diego

Another way to get your workout in on a rainy day—with absolutely no risk of boredom—is with a trip to an indoor trampoline park like Rockin’ Jump San Diego.

14. Give one of San Diego’s many awesome arcades a try

If you’re an avid gamer, of course you could just stay at home and play games on your own, but you’ll miss out on the retro fun and social aspects of going to an arcade. SD Entertainer’s list of the city’s coolest arcades is a great place to start.

Looking for a unique local venue that’s high in style? Then check out these sick Instagram location ideas in San Diego next!

15. Hang out at the San Diego Central Library

This architectural marvel is worth a visit just to admire its soaring ceilings, nevermind its extensive book collection! This free activity is an affordable suggestion that’ll keep you occupied on a rainy day.

16. Test your wits with an escape room at Escapology San Diego

With a number of cool thematic options, it’s no wonder Escapology San Diego is one of the city’s top-rated escape rooms. What better way to deal with the boredom of being stuck inside?

17. Make your own pottery at the Mudd House Ceramics Studio

The Mudd House bills itself as equally suitable for seasoned potters and beginners just learning how to work with clay. You can take private lessons, group lessons, or even a multiweek course where you’ll learn about throwing, trimming, and glazing—all part of the pottery creation process.

18. Learn to bake your own loaves at San Diego Artisan Bread School

Have you been hoping to get in on the latest sourdough craze, or maybe you’d like to improve your existing bread-baking skills? Take a class at San Diego Artisan Bread School. Whatever your reason, it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a rainy day than this indoor activity in San Diego!

19. Or learn to cook Thai food at True Taste of Thai

Thai food lovers (who doesn’t love Thai food?!) will appreciate the chance to learn how to cook some of their favorite dishes. True Taste of Thai has earned more than 80 glowing Yelp reviews because the experience is fun, educational, and delicious!

Find unique event venues in San Diego on Peerspace