What To Do on a Rainy Day in Monterey, CA

While Central California's weather is usually picture-perfect, every once in a while, you'll see a rainy day. But, don't despair --Monterey offers plenty of fun indoor activities that you can enjoy even in the rain.

What to do on a Rainy Day in Monterey

Monterey is a great place to be "stuck" in. Even if the weather is inclement, you can enjoy the area's fabulous museums. Spend a day at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore Salvador Dali's art, or let the kids have fun in the hands-on MY Museum.

Enjoy a relaxing wine tasting while overlooking the bay, or team up for a fun maze adventure. You won't run out of ways to enjoy a rainy day!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a beautiful way to beat rainy day blues. The 28-foot tall Kelp Forest is one of the most impressive in the world. Visitors can see leopard sharks, wolf eels, sardines, and anchovies as they cruise through this fascinating habitat.

Watch the Giant Pacific Octopus at work and play. This fantastic creature's arms often grow to 14 feet long. It can glide across the water in plain sight and then disappear in a moment.

Watch sardines in schools, tuna darting, and turtles meandering in the Open Sea exhibit.

The Sea Otters are always a favorite as families love to watch their fun antics. The Splash Zone & Penguins exhibit features highly entertaining African penguins. Watch as the penguin’s potter onshore or gracefully zoom through the water.

Visitors can spend the whole day avoiding the rain while exploring an intriguing watery world.

Mirror Maze

The Mirror Maze is fun for the whole family. Kids and adults can track through a maze with mirrors, fun colors, crazy lighting, and exciting music.

Along the way, guests will encounter dead ends, confusing corners, and never-ending circles.

Guests can also try the Lazer Challenge and run through a maze while dodging lasers and competing against your team.

Dali Expo

Salvador Dali is a celebrated artist who created intriguing and diverse artwork. Dali was born in Spain but moved to Monterey and created a significant treasure trove of art during his time here.

The Dali Expo features over 550 pieces of Salvador Dali's artwork. The artworks include etchings, photographs, lithographs, tapestries, and sculptures.

National Steinbeck Center

The National Steinbeck Center features exhibits about Steinbeck's writing and life. John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California, and became an influential writer who focused on the plight of American workers.

The John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall takes visitors through Steinbeck's "Valley of the World." Guests can explore the different places Steinbeck lived while viewing displays focused on his writing.

MY Museum

The MY Museum, or Monterey County Youth Museum, is dedicated to kids of all ages. Kids can explore the Day at the Beach, even in the rain. This fun place encourages young kids to climb into a boat or build a sandcastle using blocks.

The Go-Fore Golf lets kids have a swing at golf. Other fun exhibits encourage creative play, such as MY ImagiTree, MY Hospital, MY Theater, and MY Town Hall.

Monterey Wine Tasting

Take an indoor wine tasting tour and stay warm and cozy. Enjoy a tasting at A Taste of Monterey and enjoy a panoramic view of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean while enjoying local wine. This iconic location also served Clam Chowder and Wine Country cuisine, so you can settle in and enjoy the tastes of Monterey.

Enjoy all Monterey has to Offer

Monterey offers a diverse array of art and culture. It's a great place to visit, even on a rainy day. To explore more behind the scenes, check out our blog about shows filmed in Monterey, CA. You won't run out of fun and intriguing things to do in Monterey!