When It Rains in LA: A Rare (and Punny) Guide to Making a Splash Indoors
Los Angeles may be famous for its endless sunshine, but every now and then, the sky gets dramatic, and we actually see—gasp—rain! While most Angelenos might be tempted to bunker down like it’s the next Ice Age, don’t let a little drizzle rain on your parade. Instead, take this rare weather as an opportunity to explore some of LA’s best indoor spots!
Art You Glad It’s Raining?
Swap the usual sunshine selfies for a little culture!
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art): With over 142,000 objects, it’s a masterpiece of a museum. Bonus: Kids under 17 get in free, while adults are $23. Just don’t go on a Wednesday—it’s closed!
The Broad: Want to be immersed in contemporary art? This downtown gem is always free (just like parking karma on a rainy day). Closed Mondays.
Hammer Museum: See the classics from Monet, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt without spending a dime! Free admission, but avoid Mondays unless you want to stare at a locked door.
STEM the Boredom
Put your thinking cap on and explore LA’s science and history museums.
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum: When was the last time you saw ancient fossils bubbling up in a prehistoric asphalt puddle? Exactly. Tickets: $18 for adults, $7 for kids. Just skip the first Tuesday of the month!
California Science Center: Where else can you see the Space Shuttle Endeavour for free? (Though the IMAX experience is worth the splurge.)
Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, gems, and taxidermy, oh my! A perfect rainy-day adventure for $18 (adults) or $7 (kids). First Tuesday closures apply here too!
More Must-See Museums
Looking for something outside the usual art and science scene? Check out these unique options:
Madame Tussauds Hollywood: Rainy days are perfect for celeb-spotting—even if they’re made of wax! Tickets start at $29.99.
GRAMMY Museum: Music lovers, rejoice! Get up close and personal with music history and Grammy winners. Open daily except Tuesdays. Tickets: $22.50 for adults, free for kids.
Museum of Tolerance: A thought-provoking experience exploring history, prejudice, and human rights. Admission is $18 for adults.
Rainy Day, Play Day!
Who says a little rain means you have to stay home?
Holey Moley Mini Golf (Santa Monica): It’s a putt above the rest! Enjoy 9 holes for $14, 18 for $22, or go all out with 27 for $26.
Lucky Strike Bowling: Gutter water outside, but don’t let that strike you down—lace up those bowling shoes and hit the lanes!
Moonlight Rollerway: Swap the boardwalk for the rink and get your roll on inside!
Dave & Buster’s: Rain or shine, releasing your inner child is always a win.
Fun Play World Kids Indoor Playground: Parents, this one’s for you! Let the little ones burn off energy while you stay dry in Santa Monica.
Cheers to a Brew-tiful Rainy Day
For those who prefer their rainy-day adventures with a pint in hand:
Brewery hopping in the Arts District: Start at Arts District Brewery, take a five-minute umbrella walk to Angel City Brewery, then cap off the night with arcade games at Eighty Two.
Get Fit While You Stay Dry
Sign up for an indoor workout class and feel the burn while the rain pours outside.
Cliffs of Id (Culver City): Take your rainy day to new heights with some indoor rock climbing!
Cozy Vibes at Home
If you prefer the sound of raindrops from the comfort of your home:
Work on a puzzle, bake a new recipe, or start an arts and crafts project.
Cozy up for a movie marathon—because nothing pairs better with rain than a blanket and popcorn!
Hit up your local library and get lost in a good book.
$5 Movie Tuesdays at AMC!
Why stream when you can watch on the big screen for just five bucks? (Bonus points if it’s a stormy thriller for extra ambiance.)
So there you have it! The next time Los Angeles gets a rare case of precipitation, don’t just sit at home refreshing your weather app in disbelief. Grab your umbrella and make the most of the rainy day—because who knows when you’ll see another one?
