Hello! I’m Nami, currently living in Los Angeles!
Today, I want to share a perfect 1-day itinerary for rainy days in San Francisco —for those who find themselves unsure what to do when the weather turns wet during their trip.
San Francisco, located in Northern California, is known for its clear skies most of the year. However, from November through March, it’s the rainy season, and showers are more frequent.
In fact, this past winter brought unusually heavy rainfall. Only recently has the weather started returning to the sunny skies California is known for sun.
That said, rainy days can limit outdoor activities—but they also create the perfect opportunity to explore spots you might not otherwise visit. This itinerary is based on a route I actually took on a rainy day. If any place catches your eye, definitely check it out!
☀️ Morning
09:00 AM– Leave the hotel
Start your day with a cozy breakfast at a nearby café 🍽
Most places offer free coffee refills—perfect for a slow morning.
10:30 AM– Explore the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA)
Get lost in contemporary art at SFMoMA, which is said to be even larger than New York’s MoMA!
🍽️ Lunch
12:00 PM– Lunch inside SFMoMA
Grab a bite at the museum café.
Since it takes 3–4 hours to explore the entire museum, I recommend having a light lunch on-site so you can keep going without breaking your flow.
After lunch, continue enjoying the exhibits. There are even some outdoor installations—including the famous LOVE statue, just like the one in Shinjuku!
🔬 Afternoon
2:00 PM – Leave SFMoMA
Head to your next destination!
2:30 PM – Arrive at the Exploratorium
This interactive science and technology museum is a must-visit!
It closes at 5:00 PM, so be sure to arrive on time.
I didn’t take many photos because I was too engaged—it’s much larger than I expected! I spent nearly two hours there. There are lots of hands-on exhibits and fun science experiments to explore.
One quirky highlight: I found a set of small, medium, and oversized chairs—and of course, I had to snap a picture in the largest one.
Bonus Tip: I lost my phone right before leaving—but to my surprise, someone turned it in to the information desk!
In the U.S., especially outside secure locations, it’s rare to get your phone back—so be extra careful. I was lucky this happened in a museum!
5:00 PM – Leave the Exploratorium
Head to your final stop: the Ferry Building on the waterfront.
☕ Evening
5:20 PM – Arrive at the Ferry Building
Grab a warm drink from the iconic Blue Bottle Coffee ☕️
You’ll also find delicious sweets like chocolate and ice cream 🍫
I found the perfect chocolate to bring home as a souvenir!
6:00 PM – Dinner at the Ferry Building’s oyster bar
Enjoy a variety of oysters at one of the best spots in town!
The menu can be a little overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their recommendations—I did!
8:00 PM – Return to the hotel and unwind for the next day
Rainy nights in San Francisco can feel especially chilly, so it’s a good idea to head back early and get cozy.
Staying in a hotel overseas can be fun in itself—why not enjoy some local TV, grab snacks and drinks from a nearby store, and wind down in your room? Of course, if you’re craving a night out, save that for a dry evening!
📝 Tips for Enjoying the Day & Planning Ahead
If you’re driving:
- Parking can be a challenge. Check in advance for nearby parking options and rates.
- SFMoMA has parking in the building.
- The Ferry Building has nearby public parking lots.
- Parking fees are higher than in Japan, so be prepared.
If using public transportation:
- Download the MuniMobile or Clipper Card app.
- You can buy tickets or load money and add the card to Apple Pay.
Rideshare:
- Uber(Referral Code: yhfehd2e8z14) and Lyft are more commonly used than taxis—make sure to download the app ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up my rainy day 1-day model course in San Francisco!
I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your trip—even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Let me know if you try it out!
See you next time!