101 Things to Do in LA on a Rainy Day (Or Any Day, For That Matter)

Rainbow Clouds Rain Telescope Griffith Observatory
A rainy day at Griffith Observatory | Photo courtesy of John, Flickr

Los Angeles is world-famous for its sunny weather. But even lifelong Angelenos will admit that every now and then, we’ll get some rain. In fact, these days the entire state of California really needs it! For visitors and locals alike, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board has compiled a guide to 101 things to do in L.A. on a rainy day.

Rick Bartow Creation of Crow Autry
Rick Bartow, Creation of Crow (detail), 2014, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 48 in. Courtesy of the artist and Froelick Gallery, Portland, OR © Rick Bartow. Photo: The Autry

Culture (1-14)

Rain or shine, there's nothing better than spending the day indoors exploring L.A.'s cultural treasures. From world-class museums to historic libraries, here are some of the best cultural attractions in Los Angeles for a rainy day.

Gallery Bar and Cognac Room at the Millennium Biltmore
Gallery Bar and Cognac Room | Photo: Millennium Biltmore, Facebook

Nightlife (15-23)

"Why don't you slip out of those wet clothes and into a dry Martini?" For night owls, Los Angeles is the place to be. Read on and discover L.A.'s best bars, dance clubs and many more hot spots to escape the rain.

Beverly Center
Beverly Center  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Shopping (24-33)

Step out of the rain and start shopping! From popular shopping malls to eclectic local shops, here are the best shopping destinations in L.A. for a rainy day.

Ramen Hood OG Ramen
OG Ramen at Ramen Hood  |  Photo: Joshua Lurie

Dining (34-43)

If you’re looking for authentic restaurants that serve cuisines from around the world, Los Angeles has no equal. And if it’s raining, there are endless dining options to warm up and satisfy your hunger. Read on for the best L.A. restaurants for a rainy day.

STAPLES Center Night
STAPLES Center  |  Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

Sport & Fitness (44-57)

Los Angeles is renowned as the City of Champions and a mecca for fitness enthusiasts. On a rainy day you can cheer on your favorite team at an NBA, NHL or college basketball game, or you can work up a sweat with one of L.A.’s many unique workout programs.

Spa & Wellness (58-71)

Rain? What rain? Spas across Los Angeles are ready to make the stress go away and help you forget all about the gray weather.

Nine Inch Nails Troubadour
Nine Inch Nails at the Troubadour, 2013 | Photo: Rob Sheridan/The Troubadour

Concerts (72-77)

From legendary music acts to rising stars, venues across L.A. are always presenting unforgettable concerts.

TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood
Photo: TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX

Entertainment (78-87)

Get away from the rain at one of LA's top entertainment venues and enjoy movies, theatre, musicals and more.

Sketching The Getty
Learn to Sketch at The Getty | Photo: The Getty, YouTube

Activities (88-101)

Learn something new or have some fun on a rainy day! From laser tag and ballroom dancing for the grown ups, to hands-on crafts and robot-building workshops for the kids, here are the best activities in L.A. for a rainy day.