Book Passage In The Ferry Building, Photo Credit: Nat & Cody Gantz
Since the weather in San Francisco can be chilly and rainy unexpectedly, it’s a good idea to have some interesting indoor spots where you can take shelter.
Here are six of the best indoor activities in San Francisco:
DeYoung Museum
Even if it weren’t for the stunning setting in Golden Gate Park or the amazing observation tower, this would be one of the best museums in the city. The de Young seems to snag the exhibits everyone is talking about, from Balenciaga to Rembrandt’s etchings to Rudolf Nureyev’s effects.
The gourmet café and free Wi-Fi make it a great place to hang out.
Ferry Building
This is the premier artisanal food market in the region lined with shops selling gourmet chocolate, cheese, coffee, pastries, wine and pork products, as well as restaurants like Mijita and The Slanted Door.
Pick up something to read at Book Passage and wait for the weather to brighten.
California Academy of the Sciences
Kids will be enthralled by the exploration of the natural world at this Golden Gate Park museum. If they want to hold a snake, draw rainforest gorillas, feed some penguins or talk to a real scientist about the new species they discovered, it can all happen here. This research facility also host popular family — and adult — sleepovers.
Live performances
San Francisco is a hub for culture of all kinds, whether you’re into theater, dance or live music ranging from classical to alternative rock.
If it fits into your schedule, why not take in an opera, see the San Francisco Symphony, catch a concert at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium or laugh at pop-culture musical revue Beach Blanket Babylon?
Shopping
Sure you can do this at home, but few cities have the breadth and depth of shopping options that San Francisco’s Union Square corridor offers. In a compact area, you’ll find department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, plus the San Francisco institution Gump’s, which is known for distinctive jewelry and high-end housewares.
Taking a culinary tour
All sorts of foods and beverages are made in the San Francisco region, and seeing how it’s done makes them taste a little bit better. Alameda’s St. George Spirits and San Francisco’s No. 209 Gin both provide tours, as does Anchor Brewing over in the Mission.
If you’re not interested in booze, learn about the bean-to-bar chocolate-making process at Tcho Chocolate on the Embarcadero.
