What To Do In Santa Barbara On A Rainy Day: A Full-Day Guide To Indoor Fun

A rainy day in Santa Barbara may not be the beach day you envisioned, but it opens the door to an entirely different side of this enchanting California coastal city. From world-class museums to cozy bookstores, spa escapes, family-friendly attractions, and exceptional food and drink, Santa Barbara offers countless ways to stay entertained while staying dry. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or you’re a local looking for a new way to enjoy the rain, this Santa Barbara guide will walk you through the perfect rainy-day itinerary—morning, afternoon, and evening.

 

Morning: Museums, Bookstores, And Cozy Coffee Stops

Explore Santa Barbara’s Top Museums

Kick off your morning with culture and creativity at one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved museums. Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to slow down and immerse yourself in the arts.

Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Located in the heart of downtown, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features a dynamic collection of European, Asian, and American works, along with rotating exhibitions that appeal to all ages. This is one of the city’s top indoor attractions and an ideal quiet start to a rainy morning.

MOXI – The Wolf Museum Of Exploration + Innovation
Although designed with kids in mind, MOXI is an engaging, hands-on science and technology museum that adults love too. With interactive exhibits and creative learning spaces, it’s both fun and educational—perfect if you’re traveling with family or simply love innovation.

 

Wander Through Local Bookstores

Few things pair better with rainy weather than a warm drink and a good book.

Chaucer’s Books
A Santa Barbara staple, Chaucer’s Books is packed with new releases, classics, and niche genres. The staff is famously knowledgeable, making it easy to find your next great read.

The Book Den
One of California’s oldest used bookstores, The Book Den offers endless charm. Wander through aisles of literary treasures and escape the storm outside.

Grab A Cozy Breakfast

Enjoy comfort food at a local spot.

Lilac Pâtisserie

Lilac Pâtisserie is a charming gluten-free bakery and café in downtown Santa Barbara, offering elegant pastries, quiches, cakes, and fresh coffee. Its bright, cozy interior makes it an ideal rainy-morning stop.

Jeannine’s Restaurant & Bakery
A beloved local café offering pastries, coffee, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Their lemon blueberry pancakes and baked goods are local favorites.

Renaud’s Patisserie
Treat yourself to French pastries, quiches, and artisan coffee at this elegant bakery.

Afternoon: Wineries, Spas, Indoor Entertainment & Family Fun

Warm Up With Wine Tasting

Santa Barbara’s urban wine trail offers exceptional indoor tasting rooms—perfect for avoiding the rain.

Santa Barbara Public Market

A vibrant indoor gathering place, the Santa Barbara Public Market brings together local food vendors, drinks, and casual seating—perfect for a flavorful escape from the rain.

Santa Barbara Winery
One of the oldest wineries in the Funk Zone, Santa Barbara Winery offers a great selection of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and local varietals in a relaxed setting.

Pali Wine Co.
A chic indoor tasting room ideal for Pinot lovers. Order a flight and savor bold reds while watching the rain fall outside.

Deep Sea Tasting Room
Located on Stearns Wharf, Deep Sea offers indoor seating with ocean views. On a rainy day, watching the storm roll in from the comfort of their tasting room feels magical.

 

Relax At A Santa Barbara Spa

Rainy weather naturally encourages relaxation—and Santa Barbara is home to some of the best spas on the California coast.

Salt Cave Santa Barbara
This unique wellness space features Himalayan salt caves designed for halotherapy. Book a salt cave session, massage, or facial for the ultimate rainy-day retreat.

Float Luxury Spa
Modern, peaceful, and centrally located, Float is popular for massages, facials, and luxurious spa packages.

 

Indoor Entertainment & Activities

If you’re looking for something fun, creative, or unique, Santa Barbara has plenty of indoor options.

Santa Barbara Bowl Museum Exhibit
Learn about the history of one of California’s most iconic music venues—great for concert enthusiasts.

The Riviera Theatre
Catch an independent or arthouse film at this beautifully restored historic cinema.

Santa Barbara Rock Gym
For those craving movement, the rock gym offers indoor climbing suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

 

Family Activities: Rainy-Day Fun For Kids And Parents

If you’re visiting Santa Barbara with kids, rainy days can actually become the most memorable part of your trip. Here are family-friendly activities that keep everyone smiling.

Explore MOXI (Again, Because Kids Love It)

With interactive exhibits like sound design labs, a speed track, and a rooftop Sky Garden (covered in areas), MOXI is one of the top family attractions in Santa Barbara.

 

Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Indoor Exhibits

While the zoo is mostly outdoors, rainy days tend to be quiet, and some indoor and covered areas allow you to explore without getting soaked.

 

Indoor Play Spaces

Zuzu’s Petals Kid Center
A fun and creative indoor play environment with activities, crafts, and dedicated toddler areas.

 

Take A Family Cooking Class Or Craft Workshop

Local community centers and workshops frequently offer rainy-day sessions like painting, pottery, or cooking classes perfect for all ages.

 

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Rainy days call for warm meals and cozy atmospheres. Some great options include:

Mesa Verde
A beautifully designed plant-based restaurant that is spacious, calm, and great for families.

Los Agaves
Consistently rated as one of Santa Barbara’s best Mexican restaurants with generous portions and a family-friendly environment.

 

Evening: Dining, Entertainment, And Relaxed Nightcaps

When night falls and the storm settles in, Santa Barbara transforms into a cozy haven with great food and atmospheric indoor spaces.

 

Enjoy A Memorable Dinner

Choose from top-rated restaurants offering warmth, ambiance, and exceptional cuisine.

The Lark
Located in the Funk Zone, The Lark offers upscale California cuisine in a stylish indoor dining space. The seasonal menu and artisan cocktails make it a perfect rainy-night treat.

Bouchon Santa Barbara
For an elegant evening, Bouchon offers a romantic atmosphere and farm-to-table dishes that highlight the region’s finest ingredients.

Finch & Fork
A contemporary American restaurant inside the Kimpton Canary Hotel, beloved for its creative menu and inviting dining room.

 

End The Night With A Nightcap Or Dessert

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
Even in the rain, McConnell’s is worth the stop. Their locally made ice cream is legendary.

The Good Lion
A small cocktail bar known for seasonally inspired drinks that pair well with a cold, rainy evening.

 

See A Show Or Catch A Movie

The Granada Theatre
Home to concerts, plays, and dance performances, this historic theater offers a classy indoor night out.

Metropolitan Camino Real Cinemas
Cozy up with popcorn and catch the latest blockbuster.

Nearby Hotels In Santa Barbara

El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel

Perched in the Riviera neighborhood overlooking the city, El Encanto is a luxury hillside retreat known for its sweeping views, bungalow-style accommodations, and serene spa. It’s a short drive from downtown museums, wineries, and entertainment—making it a dreamy, upscale, and kid-friendly home base for a rainy-day getaway.

 

Why Visitors Love It: Five-star service, tranquil atmosphere, luxurious spa, and breathtaking views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific.

Address: 800 Alvarado Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elencanto.sb/

Harbor View Inn

Set across from Stearns Wharf, Harbor View Inn offers comfortable, spacious rooms with coastal views and easy access to indoor tasting rooms, the Funk Zone, and oceanfront dining. It’s an ideal blend of convenience, comfort, and relaxed beach-town charm.

 

Why Visitors Love It: Excellent location, ocean views, warm atmosphere, and walkability to shops, cafés, and indoor attractions.

Address: 28 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harborviewinnsb

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065274469329

Inn By The Harbor

Located just a few blocks from Santa Barbara’s waterfront, Inn by the Harbor offers a charming coastal retreat with Spanish-style architecture, lush gardens, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, complimentary continental breakfast, and easy access to downtown’s museums, cafés, tasting rooms, and indoor attractions—making it a convenient home base for a rainy-day getaway.

 

Why Visitors Love It: Cozy, comfortable rooms, excellent value, friendly staff, and a quiet yet central location close to the harbor and Funk Zone.

Address: 433 W Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbhotelcollection/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innbytheharbor

Simpson House Inn

Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood near downtown Santa Barbara, Simpson House Inn is an elegant Victorian estate surrounded by lush gardens. This adults-focused boutique inn offers beautifully restored rooms, gourmet breakfast, and peaceful grounds just minutes from museums, cafés, and shops.

 

Why Visitors Love It: Romantic, tranquil setting, historic charm, exceptional hospitality, and walkable proximity to downtown attractions.

Address: 121 E Arrellaga St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simpsonhouseinn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpsonhouseinn

Rainy Days Reveal A Different Side Of Santa Barbara

While sunshine is Santa Barbara’s signature, rainy days create a rare opportunity to explore the city in a quieter, more intimate way. From museums and bookstores to wineries, spas, and family-friendly fun, there’s no shortage of indoor activities to fill your day from morning through night. Whether you’re visiting or living locally, let the rain guide you to new experiences that highlight the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Santa Barbara wineries open on rainy days?

Yes. Most wineries in the Funk Zone and downtown Santa Barbara have indoor tasting rooms, making them ideal rainy-day stops.

 

Is Santa Barbara family-friendly during rainy weather?

Absolutely. Families can enjoy MOXI, indoor play spaces, craft workshops, cooking classes, bookstores, and even some covered zoo exhibits.

 

Can I still explore Stearns Wharf in the rain?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed from indoors. Deep Sea Tasting Room offers covered seating with beautiful ocean views, even during a storm.

 

Are there free things to do in Santa Barbara on a rainy day?

Yes — several rainy-day activities are completely free or low-cost. Free options include exploring local bookstores like Chaucer’s Books or The Book Den, walking through the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse interior, browsing art galleries in the Funk Zone, relaxing in public indoor spaces such as the Santa Barbara Public Library, or window-shopping along State Street.

 

Which rainy-day activities in Santa Barbara require paid admission?

Many of the most popular indoor attractions have an admission fee. These include:
• Santa Barbara Museum of Art (paid admission)
• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (paid admission)
• Wine tasting at local tasting rooms such as Santa Barbara Winery, Pali Wine Co., and Deep Sea
• Spa experiences at Float Luxury Spa or Salt Cave Santa Barbara
• Movies at the Riviera Theatre or Camino Real Cinemas
• Indoor climbing at Santa Barbara Rock Gym
• Cooking classes, workshops, and kids’ activity studios (varies by vendor)

 

Are there affordable indoor activities for families?

Yes. While places like MOXI or Zuzu’s Petals Kid Center charge admission, families can also enjoy cost-effective options like visiting the Santa Barbara Public Library for storytime, crafting, or quiet reading time, exploring the Funk Zone’s indoor galleries, or enjoying covered areas of Stearns Wharf without a fee.