Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento

Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento
 

Often times when people think of California they imagine sunshine weather with beaches and palm trees. But the state capital city of Sacramento gets on average 60 days of rain a year during the winter and springtime. Which means your closet needs to be fully stocked with essential rain gear to still be able to enjoy adventuring on rainy days.

Sacramento is quickly becoming one of California’s favorite travel destinations, thanks to the thriving farm-to-fork foodie scene and modern stylish surroundings without the big city price tag.

Sacramento is also one of the few places in California where you can really experience all the seasons. In fall the foliage turns beautiful autumn colors, summer is very hot and ready for pool swimming, winter is cold and spring is full of April showers and sweet blossoms. During the cold days of winter you bundle up in your home, but once spring rolls around you’re ready to breath fresh air and enjoy some time outdoors… hence the raincoat and boots!

This guide is filled with fun and family-friendly indoor things to do in Sacramento during those winter and springtime rainy days.

 
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento

 

Our Favorite Spots in Sacramento to Explore on Rainy Days

 

Sacramento River Fox Train

Riding a nostalgic and historic train through the countryside is fun anytime of year, but there’s something whimsical about watching rain falling inside a vintage train car. We’ve ridden this train several times and there’s warm and cozy inside cars with booths where you can eat snacks and watch the scenery.

 
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - River Fox Train

River Fox Train

Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - River Fox Train

River Fox Train

 

Exploring the Almond Blossoms

All of those rainy days bring so many blossoms, but to catch the almond blossoms at their peak bloom is a combination of luck and being willing to brave a little rain (and possibly a touch of mud too!). Immediately after a rainstorm there’s a super bloom that happens in the almond orchards between late February to mid March. On the days when you visit, you may still have some light rain showers.

 

Crocker Art Museum

This beautiful art museum is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon. The art genres range from the classic disciplines to the contemporary modern pieces, there’s something for everyone. One of the main buildings was originally a mansion built in the mid 1800’s and is filled with old-world charm.

 
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Kids Adventure inside Arden Fair Mall

Kids Adventure inside Arden Fair Mall

Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Kids Adventure inside Arden Fair Mall

Kids Adventure inside Arden Fair Mall

 

Arden Fair Mall

One of our go-to places for rainy days (and super hot days) is heading to Arden Fair Mall. This state of the art indoor shopping center has a carousel, plenty of shopping and food options. There’s also a kids only zone with climbing structures and fun animals. While i't’s not super fancy, our kids always have fun.

 
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Arden Fair Mall

Arden Fair Mall

Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Carousel inside Arden Fair Mall

Carousel inside Arden Fair Mall

 

Drive-In Movie Theater

You know that feeling when the rain is coming and you don’t want to get out of your car? Well at the West Wind Drive-In Movie Theater you don’t have to! Enjoy a newly-released modern movie at this classic drive-in movie theater from the comfort of your own car. Pack a brown bag lunch or purchase popcorns and food at the snack bar, either way you’ll have fun.

 

Tower Theater

If indie, throwback and classic films are more your jam, may I suggest the famous Tower Theater for a rainy day activity. Located in the heart of the Sacramento Broadway District, this retro theater has been running continuously since the 1930’s. My personal favorite is the 90’s Rewind films like Clueless and Dazed and Confused.

 
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social

Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social

 

But First Brunch

As I mentioned earlier, Sacramento has become know for a great foodie destination. Rain or shine, we all gotta eat! If you’re on the hunt for that perfect spot where the food is fresh and inventive and the atmosphere hits all the high marks, Sacramento may just be perfect for you. See my complete guide to all the best Sacramento brunching locations. After all, brunch is the most important meal of the weekend!

 

Library Days

A classic rainy day activity is curling up with a good book, but first you’ve got to find that perfect page turner. I love going to the library and browsing the shelves for a new book I’ll obsess over. I always find some new inspiration.

The library is an especially great place to take your kids when they’ve got cabin fever at home. Sacramento libraries have great children sections with activities and many books.

 
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Camellia Coffee

Camellia Coffee

Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Camellia Coffee

Camellia Coffee

 

Coffee and Chai in Sacramento

Now that you have your rainy day book, it’s time to pick up a hot cup of caffeine. Sacramento has many trendy coffee houses for the aficionado to get their fix. Many popular spots like Temple serve exotic roasts made by master baristas. One of my favorite hot beverages in Sacramento is a Chico Chai, a fresh spiced chai made from scratch in small batches. Both Insight Coffee Roasters and Camellia Coffee Roasters serve Chico Chai.

 
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social

Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social

 

Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social is a very large adult arcade and billiards venue located in Downtown Sacramento. The building is connected to the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel and DOCO. The entire two-level facility is indoors and has bowling alleys, arcade games, jumbo table and board games, billiard tables and great food and drinks.

 

WAL Public Market

WAL Public Market is not your typical indoor mall or shopping center, it's way more trendy and "hipster." It's a perfect place for a rainy day because it's located on the ground floor of the historic Lawrence Warehouse on R Street. The shops inside have pretty much everything you didn't know you wanted, but all of a sudden can't live without. The boutiques are all curated and one of a kind, no chain brands allowed.

 

Sacramento Ice Cream Shops

Am I the only one who craves ice cream when it’s cold outside? Sacramento is famous for having some of the best family-owned original ice cream parlors serving up their own family recipes. Top contenders for best ice cream in the city are Gunthers Ice Cream, Leatherby's Family Creamery and Vic’s Ice Cream.

 
Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Leatherby's Ice Cream

Leatherby's Ice Cream

Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento - Gunther’s Ice Cream

Gunther’s Ice Cream

 

California State Railroad Museum

This is one of the proudest gems of Sacramento and you don’t have to be a train hobbyist to enjoy it. Located inside Old Sacramento, this museum has some very impressive locomotive engines. Surprisingly most of the massive steam engines are actually indoors, making it perfect for a rainy day.

My favorite part of this museum is the fancy car trains that have been restored to their original grandeur, you get a glimpse into what travel was like for the wealthy in the early 1900’s. If you have children, they have some great indoor play and interactive areas to keep them learning and entertained.

 

Asha Urban Baths

This luxurious and spa-inspired bath house toots their horn to be the best refuge from the hustle and bustle. This indoor center for healing and rejuvenation offers a bath soak, massage, sauna, lounging in luxury and the best opportunity to unplug. Take refuge from the cold rain outside and opt for some warm water inside.


 

 

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Best Springtime Rainy Day Activities in Sacramento