San Francisco's 5 Best Winter Activities, According To Travelers

Dreaming of California getaways conjures up images of the state's endless coastlines, beaches bathed in sunshine, and the balmy Mediterranean vibes that draw millions of visitors to the Golden State each year. Yet, the reality is, not every corner of California fits this bill of post-card perfect. While southern hotspots like LA and San Diego bask in perpetual sunlight, San Francisco is perched more northernly, and its proximity to the ocean, in conjunction with the San Francisco Bay, create notoriously fickle microclimates that are moody and variable, especially come winter.

From December through February, visitors can expect cooler days with lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s. Rain can be a frequent visitor, and an umbrella might not be a bad idea. There's also the fog, the iconic shroud that locals affectionately call "Karl," which can roll in quick and linger.

As of mid-December 2025, SF is in the grip of an unseasonably chilly spell, with temps sticking to the low 50s during the day and dropping even further at night. The most challenging part is the persistent fog. But don't let the cool weather and threat of downpour derail your winter travel plans to this bustling city. San Francisco shines just as brightly indoors as it does outdoors. We compiled a list of cozy adventures indoors to get you through your trip. After delving into traveler feedback from travel sites and blogs and best-of lists, five standout winter activities stood out that travelers rave about in SF: the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Exploratorium, the California Academy of Sciences, SFMOMA, and the iconic Ferry Building Market Place. 

Found in the historic Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum isn't your typical Disney theme park spinoff, it's a heartfelt tribute to the man behind the mouse, Walt Disney. The museum is housed in a renovated army barrack building in the Presidio within the gorgeous Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It spans 40,000 square feet filled with artifacts, animations, and stories from Disney's life. The space is open Thursday through Sunday from 10AM to 5PM, with last entries at 4:30PM. Admission runs about $25 for adults and $15 for kids, and it's closed on major holidays. As an added bonus, if the clouds do part, the scenic grounds nearby offer spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, just don't break this unspoken rule!

It's all about diving into the world of imagination here. The galleries trace Disney's journey from humble beginnings to entertainment pioneer, featuring drawings, films, models of Disneyland, and exhibits of patriotic efforts and a love for nature. Currently on display is a special exhibition celebrating the 70th anniversary of Disneyland with behind the scenes insights that can spark the imagination. Travelers praise the unique collection of art and elements that keep them engaged for hours, a great cozy haven during stormy afternoons.

Reviewers on TripAdvisor give it 4.6 stars out of five from almost 3,000 reviews, while Google Reviews offer the same praise. Travelers highlight its appeal for Disney fans and casual visitors alike, and advise visitors to give themselves time to soak everything in, perhaps while you wait for rain to disappear. Others note the unique collection of artifacts revealing Disney's personal story, a story we don't often get to hear.

The Exploratorium is basically a massive playground where science meets art, both for children and adults. It's a hub of curiosity on Pier 15 along the Embarcadero, sandwiched between the fun-filled touristy Pier 39 and the Ferry Building. This award-winning spot boasts over 700 interactive exhibits both indoors and out, dedicated to experimentation, discovery, curiosity, and play. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5PM, tickets cost around $30-40 for youth and adults, and an onsite cafe helps to fuel learning and exploration with snacks and bowls. 

When the skies open up, this place is a rain-free haven and a portal to the natural phenomena around us, reigniting a sense of wonder all while staying dry inside. Exhibits let visitors blow giant bubbles, navigate a fog bridge, or explore human perception like at the iconic All Eyes on Me mirror array, or a wander through the Spectral Meadow full of colored light rays. Currently on display is Glow, offering a unique light and art display for this winter's holiday season. 

Visitors swear by the rain-day magic that can be found here. With 4.7 stars on Google from over 8,000 reviewers and similar praise on TripAdvisor, travelers note this isn't your typical museum experience. Families love how fun it is for all ages, and how it sparks curiosity. Some visitors have even been coming here for over a decade, a true testament to the pull of this venue. 

In the heart of Golden Gate Park sits this all-in-one wonder: the California Academy of Sciences, a place combining a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest all under one living roof! It's open daily from 9:30AM to 5PM (Sundays from 11AM), with Thursday NightLife events from 6 to 10PM for those 21 and older. Reservations are recommended, and ticket pricing starts around $40. 

The California Academy of Sciences is rainy day gold, as it transports visitors to many diverse worlds without having to brave any of the elements outside. With nearly 60,000 animals from penguins to ancient fish found in exhibits like the biodiverse Steinhart Aquarium, or the four story Osher Rainforest Dome, its offerings are vast. Catch a show in the massive dome that is the planetarium, or sign up to feed the penguins. For those 21 and older, the NightLife events offer unique entertainment and cocktails for after-hours enjoyment. 

Boasting 4.6 stars on Google and 4.5 stars from TripAdvisor from thousands of visitors, travelers highlight its familial appeal, the world-class aquarium experience, and its ability to house all these wonderful experiences under one roof. Travelers love that it's great for all ages, and a playground for scientific curiosity, especially on gloomy days. 

Just steps from the Yerba Buena Gardens at 151 Third Street, and within walking distance of Union Square sits the SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art), spanning seven floors full of contemporary and modern masterpieces, plus one of the largest living walls in the country (a definitive photo opportunity). It's open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday through Sunday from 10AM to 5PM and Thursdays from noon to 8PM. Entry is $30 for adults and free for those 18 and below. 

This rain-day sanctuary is known for its rotating exhibits and permanent installations, like one of the largest postwar contemporary art collections with installations from world-famous artists like Andy Warhol and Agnes Martin. It encourages a deep dive in modern creativity. Currently on show is KAWS: Family which features larger-than-life bronze sculptures of characters from this artistic universe. Don't miss the living wall, a 4,399 square-foot wall made entirely of plants (37 different species to be exact!).

Earning 4.6 stars on Google from over 16,000 reviews and 4.4 on TripAdvisor, the results are in: it's a worthy stop while in the city on a wet day. Travelers praises its diversity in contemporary works, also loving how welcoming it is for children. One visitor noted they were able to store their luggage for free, great for pit-stopping on the way to Grandma's house or the airport. 

At the foot of Market Street on the Embarcadero sits this 1898 iconic landmark that now serves as a gourmet establishment and farmers market. It's open daily from 7AM to 8PM, and it's free to enter and peruse the 50+ artisanal shops and eateries. The trolly, a fun and iconic mode of transportation in SF, will take you right up to the entrance.

The Ferry Building Marketplace is ideal for weather woes, as it serves as a warm gathering spot for sampling local dishes, drinks, and fantastic views of the bay. It's a wonderful spot to grab a bite to eat or pick up some last minute holiday shopping gifts or souvenirs. Most shops and restaurants are primarily locally-owned. It's also close to the Exploratorium, and Fisherman's Warf, an attraction and departure point for ferries to Alcatraz.

With 4.6 stars on Google from more than 36,000 reviews and 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, travelers love this place. They praise its jubilant energy, offering it up as a foodie's dream, a lively and walkable area in a beautiful and historic building that San Francisco locals think is worth visiting.

To curate this list, we examined "best-of" lists for San Francisco during rainy days and winter weather, combined with insights from travelers on platforms like TripAdvisor, Google, Reddit, and other popular travel blogs. Highly rated places to go and things to do that kept you dry were prioritized and cross-referenced with the above information.