Things to Do on a Rainy Day in San Diego

A rainy day is the only time you won't look silly wearing a pair of galoshes in San Diego. Dress comfy, and if you have some rain gear, you also have more options.

Try these ways to outfox the raindrops.

Good Places to Go on a Rainy Day

• You might think of Las Vegas rather than San Diego when someone mentions gambling, but California has its share of casinos, too — all of them on Native American land. You'll find plenty of casinos within driving distance of San Diego. 
• In La Jolla, the Birch Aquarium is a good place to spend some time indoors out of the rain. Their seahorse exhibits are particularly beautiful and fascinating.

• A haunted house may be just the thing to see on a gloomy, brooding day. You won't find one much more full of spirits and spooks than the Whaley House near Old Town.

How 'Bout a Cuppa?

San Diego has several places to enjoy an afternoon tea, an especially nice thing to do on a rainy day. Tea Upon Chatsworth is a well-rated, relaxing and elegant place to enjoy it.

Go Play Inside

If you can't play outdoors, go to a place that brings outdoor activities inside:

• Miramar Speed Circuit takes go-kart racing indoors but doesn't slow them down. Those little karts can go up to 40 miles per hour.
• San Diego may have more of a reputation for being hot than cold, but you can go ice skating any time at Ice Town in La Jolla, San Diego Ice Arenain Mira Mesa.
• Go skydiving indoors at iFLY San Diego.
• Instead of climbing the walls in your hotel out of boredom, try a climbing rock wall at SolidRock Gym or Vertical Hold.

The Old Standbys

A spa visit is good anytime and an excellent way to spend a rainy day. You can find the best-rated San Diego spas at Yelp or try the Spa at the Hotel Del Coronado.

More About San Diego on a Rainy Day

In San Diego, it's more likely to rain pygmy shrews and teacup Chihuahuas than cats and dogs. Even though it's raining, you're unlikely to need a thick slicker and knee-high galoshes. In fact, all you may need is a hat or an umbrella, but the local short-range forecast is the best way to keep from letting the occasional Pacific storm take you by surprise.

San Diegans may enjoy rain because it's something different than their usual weather, but if the local driver's license test included how to drive in it, not a single person would ever pass.

Watch out for them because they may not watch out for you.

In general terms, the rainy season runs from November through March. For average highs, lows sunshine and rain, check the San Diego weather guide.

More Things You Can Do in San Diego

There's a lot more to do in San Diego whether it's raining or not. You may want to start by finding out why you should skip some places you've heard about. If you're a contrarian traveler who seeks out the undiscovered spots, then don't miss these ?things you didn't know you wanted to do in San Diego.

If you're traveling with kids, you'll definitely want to check out the best places to take kids in San Diego.

If you want to find out what the most popular San Diego tourist attractions are, you can find them (with their pros and cons) in the top things to do in San Diego.

If your budget is limited (which applies to most of us), you can have a lot of fun without spending a penny. Just use the guide to things to do for free in San Diego.