Rainy days in San Francisco feel like the perfect excuse to explore the quieter, cozier sides of the city. There’s something about the way the rain softens everything—the sound of it tapping on windows, the mist rolling over the hills—that makes even the simplest moments feel special.
For me, a rainy day is an invitation to slow down. Whether it’s wrapping my hands around a hot chocolate, getting lost in a museum, or trying something creative, these gray days remind me to embrace the pause. Here’s my guide to turning rainy weather into an opportunity to recharge and reconnect.
Indulge in hot chocolate at Dandelion Chocolate
Whenever the rain hits, I find myself craving something warm and indulgent. Dandelion Chocolate in the Mission is my go-to spot for those moments. Their single-origin hot chocolates feel like a little escape, each one showcasing the unique flavors of cacao from around the world.
Last time I visited, I tried their hot chocolate flight and found myself savoring every sip. It was the perfect complement to the cozy, minimalist vibe of the café. Pair it with a gooey brownie or their chocolate shortbread, and you have everything you need to forget about the rain outside.
Make fortune cookies at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
This tiny shop in Chinatown is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem, especially on a rainy day. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has been making cookies by hand for decades, and stepping inside instantly transports you into its warm, nostalgic world.
I remember watching the workers fold the cookies with such precision—it was almost meditative. When I got to make my own cookie, I couldn’t resist sneaking in a funny custom fortune. It’s such a sweet way to spend a rainy afternoon, and I always leave with a bag of fresh cookies to snack on later.
Warm up with a bowl of ramen or pho
Rainy weather always sends me searching for comfort food, and PPQ Beef Noodle House never disappoints. Their pho is everything you want on a gray day: warming, aromatic, and filled with tender beef and herbs.
When I’m in the mood for ramen, Marufuku Ramen in Japantown is my spot. The creamy tonkotsu broth is rich and satisfying, and the noodles are always perfectly cooked. Sitting by the window with a bowl of steaming ramen feels like the ultimate rainy-day ritual.
Enjoy live music at a Pocket Opera performance
Rainy days feel like the perfect excuse to dive into something cultural, and Pocket Opera always delivers. Their intimate performances make opera feel so approachable, and the small venues create this wonderful connection between the audience and the music.
I’ll never forget a performance I attended while rain softly tapped on the windows—it made the whole experience feel even more special. It’s the kind of outing that makes you forget about the weather entirely.
Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Lovejoy’s Tea Room
On rainy afternoons, Lovejoy’s Tea Room in Noe Valley is one of my favorite places to escape. It’s so charming, with mismatched china, vintage decor, and tiered trays filled with treats.
I always start with a pot of Earl Grey and make my way through their warm scones with clotted cream. There’s something about the rain outside that makes the experience even cozier—it feels like stepping into another world.
Explore every floor of SF MOMA
Whenever I want to spend a rainy day indoors, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of my first stops. With seven floors of exhibits, it’s the kind of place where you can lose yourself for hours.
The last time I went, I spent almost the entire afternoon in the photography wing before realizing there were still so many other floors to explore. It’s not just about the art—the atmosphere itself feels inspiring, especially when the rain is pouring outside.
Relax with a eucalyptus steam at Banya SF
If there’s ever a time for self-care, it’s on a rainy day. Banya SF is my favorite place to unwind when I need to warm up and recharge. Their eucalyptus steam room feels like a reset button, and alternating between the hot and cold plunges leaves me feeling refreshed.
I love ending the session with a cup of tea in their lounge area, watching the rain from inside this warm, soothing space. It’s the kind of rainy-day activity that feels indulgent but so necessary.
Escape to the tropics at the Tonga Room
Some rainy days call for an adventure, and the Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel is exactly that. This tiki bar embraces the rain with its indoor lagoon, thunderstorm effects, and playful tropical cocktails.
I ordered a Mai Tai the last time I visited and found a cozy spot near the water. The sound of real rain mixing with the bar’s own tropical ambiance felt so surreal and fun—it was the perfect rainy-day escape.
Paint your own ceramics at Terra Mia
There’s something about painting ceramics that feels grounding on a rainy day. At Terra Mia in Noe Valley, you can choose from a variety of pieces—mugs, bowls, decorative plates—and spend the afternoon creating something entirely your own.
I spent a rainy morning here once, painting a mug that’s now one of my favorite pieces in my kitchen. The calm atmosphere and creative focus made it such a peaceful way to pass the time. Plus, it’s nice to leave with something tangible, especially when the rain makes the world outside feel a little hazy.
Discover the art of tea at Vital Tea Leaf
Rainy days call for moments of calm, and Vital Tea Leaf in Chinatown offers the perfect escape. Their complimentary tea tastings are a chance to slow down and explore the nuances of different blends, from delicate greens to rich oolongs.
The intimate setting and knowledgeable staff make every visit feel like a little journey. While the tastings are free, I recommend purchasing something you love to take home—I left with a beautifully floral jasmine tea that’s become my rainy-day ritual. It’s a thoughtful way to support the shop while treating yourself to something special.
Sip a hot toddy at the Redwood Room
When the rain starts falling, few things feel as comforting as a warm cocktail. The Redwood Room at the Clift Hotel is one of my favorite places to retreat on a dreary evening. The wood-paneled walls, low lighting, and plush seating make it feel timelessly elegant.
I like to order a hot toddy and sink into one of the lounge chairs near the bar. There’s something about the contrast of the cold rain outside and the warmth of the space that feels like a much-needed escape.
Get lost in the shelves at City Lights Booksellers
Rainy days and bookstores go hand in hand, and City Lights Booksellers in North Beach is one of the most iconic places to spend a gray afternoon. The three-story shop, filled with creaky wooden floors and books on every imaginable topic, feels like stepping into a literary haven.
I love browsing their poetry room upstairs, flipping through volumes while the rain patters outside. Once you’ve picked out something to read, take a short walk around the corner to Caffe Trieste for a cappuccino. Sitting with a book in one hand and a warm cup in the other, you’ll quickly forget about the weather.
TLDR
Rainy days in San Francisco have a way of slowing you down and making you see the city in a new light. Whether it’s warming up with a bowl of pho, losing yourself in art, or treating yourself to something creative, these moments turn gray skies into an opportunity for connection and comfort.
So the next time the rain starts to fall, don’t let it keep you inside. Embrace the slower pace, explore new corners of the city, and discover just how cozy San Francisco can be.
