Hello everyone, I hope that you are doing well despite the very unpredictable and rainy weather we had during these past weeks. Indeed, I quickly get bored when it is raining intensively like this, as it strongly limits the possibilities to go out and enjoy the city. However, the oceanic and Mediterranean climate is not going to change, so I decided to take the bull by the horns and spend quality time, despite the rain, during my exchange. As we are only here for a couple of months, it is too bad to stay at home, waiting for the sun, right? So, in this article, I will give you 10 great activities and things to do when it is raining in San Francisco!
1. Visit the SFMoMA
The SFMoMA is absolutely a place you need to visit if you are in San Francisco. Indeed, as of 2016, it is the largest museum devoted to modern art in the United States. Can you believe that? It boasts incredible collections that will appeal to art lovers and insiders alike! From Matisse, to Kahlo, without forgetting Magritte, Lange and Jacobsen’s famous chairs, there is something to suit all tastes in this museum! A little tip for planning your visit: the museum is free every first Thursday of the month! It is absolutely worth it!
2. Walk along the Ferry Building Marketplace
A lesser-known San Francisco attraction, the Ferry Building Marketplace is well worth a visit! Serving as both a ferry terminal and a shopping mall, this building was once the largest ferry terminal in the world! It is definitely a must-see for food lovers! Its restaurants offer delicious food all day long. You can even sample locally produced chocolates if you're lucky. You will also find souvenir stores. Moreover, three times a week, a local farmers' market gathers to sell top-quality produce on beautifully colored stalls.
3. Discover the Walt Disney Family Museum
Enter the magical, enchanted world of Walt Disney, with this musical history of the family and the building of the company. Here you can admire drawings, photographs, letters, documents and objects telling the story of Walt and his work. It offers fun for all and can be a great alternative to blend culture and entertainment, for those who don’t like museums!
4. Go to eat in a traditional American dinner
How many of us spent our childhoods watching American Disney Chanel series, all the while hoping to one day live the authentic American experience? I'm one of those people! If there is one thing I really want to try out before leaving, it's dining in a real American dinner. High red stools at the bar, huge milkshakes topped with a pretty red cherry, long menus and waiters on rollerblades will make you feel like you're in a movie. I have several suggestions for restaurants that meet these criteria: Lori's Diner, a 50s-style restaurant with a very American decor and mood; Eddie's Cafe, which serves huge pancakes and bacon slices for breakfast; or Mel's Drive In, famous for appearing in an old American film, American Graffiti, in 1973.
5. Visit the Legion of Honor Museum
This museum on the west side of town offers a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It boasts an exceptional collection of paintings: no fewer than 80 works by Rodin, as well as Rembrandt, El Greco, Monet, Picasso, Gauguin, Pissarro, Cézanne, Matisse and Dali. Too numerous to mention, the great painters are lined up in this great museum of magnificent and unique architecture, built in 1924. P.S.: another useful tip for those wishing to visit: the museum is free every first Tuesday of the month! 6. Attend a play at the San Francisco Playhouse The San Francisco Playhouse is a non-profit theater company dedicated to promoting the arts in the Bay Area. You are sure to enjoy the variety of plays on offer: suspense, laughter and surprises! Prices vary to ensure access to culture for all. In March, a play adapted from Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps movie will be performed, and I urge you to get your tickets. I already have, and I can't wait to see it!
7. Visit the Madam Tussaud museum
In this museum, you can pose alongside your favorite personalities, while admiring the exceptional waxwork done by the museum's craftsmen. It is possible to meet Zendaya, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Rihanna all on the same day!
8. Attend a Gospel Messa in Glide Memorial Church
You don't necessarily have to be a believer to attend a Gospel mass, as the spectacle is so beautiful and worth the detour. This church holds Gospel masses every Sunday, at 9:30 and 11 a.m., and welcomes tourists to come and admire the sublime religious songs. It is an experience that will send shivers down your spine and teach you a lesson in humanity. The orchestra, choir, lights and sounds will lull you to sleep. Beware, however: the church is a sacred place, and as tourists, it is essential to remain respectful.
9. Go do some shopping in San Francisco Westfield Centre
Enough of all these museums! Let's do something fun with a bit of shopping to empty our wallets. Believe me, this big mall will make your rainy afternoons pass quickly. There is something here for everyone: affordable brands, luxury, men's, women's, children's, restaurants and even patisseries, there's something to keep you busy.
10. Book a game at Chase Center
Last but not least, be sure to catch an NBA basketball game at the Chase Center. This amphitheater is most famous for being home to the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco's home team. The atmosphere is guaranteed! You will experience a true American-style game, immersed in the action and entertainment on offer. That's all for today, and I hope this article will help you occupy your rainy days. In the end, rain doesn't have to be such a problem, as San Francisco offers plenty of covered activities and entertainment to enjoy while discovering the city! Thank you for reading this article and see you next month!