California
What to do on a rainy day in Los Angeles
Rain in LA shuts the city down — which means museums, stages, and tasting rooms are pleasantly quiet.
Los Angeles, California is one of the most-visited destinations in the United States, and a wet forecast doesn't have to ruin a trip. This guide collects 20 hand-picked, fully indoor things to do in Los Angeles when it rains — everything from world-class museums to neighborhood food halls, working theaters, and quiet bookstores where you can wait out the weather over a cup of coffee.
Every recommendation below is something you can do entirely under a roof — no walking tours, no open-air piers, no rooftops. We've grouped them by 9 museums and cultural institutions, 3 theaters and performance venues, and 2 indoor food and drink spots, with direct links to each venue's official website so you can check hours, ticket prices, and current exhibitions before you head out.
20 indoor things to do in Los Angeles when it rains
Grouped by what kind of afternoon you're after.
Museums & galleries
Big, ticketed collections you can lose half a day in — perfect when the forecast says all-day showers.
- Tour LACMA and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Explore The Broad contemporary art museum
- Visit the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park
- Visit the Hammer Museum in Westwood
- Tour the Petersen Automotive Museum
- Visit the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena
- Spend the afternoon at the Huntington Library galleries
- Tour the La Brea Tar Pits museum building
- Visit the Japanese American National Museum
Theaters, music & film
Matinees, jazz sets, and indie cinemas — the most reliable rainy-day plans in any city.
- See a movie at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre
- Catch a concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Catch a comedy set at the Comedy Store or Largo
Food halls, markets & tasting rooms
Indoor markets, distilleries, tea rooms and dim sum — eat slowly while the storm passes.
- Eat through Grand Central Market downtown
- Sip wine at an Arts District tasting room
Shops, bookstores & workshops
Independent bookstores, indoor boutiques, and hands-on classes that turn a wet afternoon into a souvenir.
More indoor ideas
Workshops, classes, and one-of-a-kind interiors that don't fit a tidy category.
- Visit The Getty Center
- Explore Universal CityWalk
- Browse the indoor Beverly Center mall
- Try Korean barbecue in Koreatown
Frequently asked questions about rainy days in Los Angeles
- What can you do in Los Angeles when it rains?
- Plenty. Los Angeles's strongest rainy-day options are its museums, theaters, and indoor markets — this guide lists 20 curated spots, all fully indoor. A reliable starting point is to the getty center.
- Are these activities good for families with kids?
- Most are. Aquariums, science museums, food halls, and bookstores work well for all ages. For families, prioritize ticketed museums with hands-on exhibits and indoor markets where kids can move around freely between bites.
- What's the best rainy-day plan in Los Angeles if I only have a few hours?
- Pick one anchor — usually a museum or a covered market near your hotel — and pair it with a nearby café or bookstore. Most venues on this list are clustered in walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods, so you can string two or three together without spending much time outside.
- Do I need tickets in advance?
- For major museums, popular Broadway-style shows, and ticketed tours, yes — rainy days are when locals and tourists alike crowd indoor attractions, and walk-up availability can disappear by lunchtime. Use the official links in each listing to book before you go.
More rainy-day guides
Heading somewhere else next? These city guides pair well with Los Angeles.
