Rainy Day Indoor Plan
☔ Rain won't stop the fun in Santa Cruz!
From cozy cafes to world-class museums, discover the best indoor activities Santa Cruz has to offer
Perfect Rainy Day Schedule
☕ Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
9:00 AM - Cozy Breakfast Spot
Start your rainy day right with a warm breakfast at a cozy indoor cafe.
Verve Coffee Roasters
Downtown location with plenty of seating
- • Artisan coffee
- • Pastries & breakfast
- • WiFi available
- • Great for working
Zachary's
Hearty breakfast classics
- • Huge portions
- • Comfort food
- • Family-friendly
- • Indoor seating
The Picnic Basket
Healthy options & smoothies
- • Fresh ingredients
- • Açai bowls
- • Cozy atmosphere
- • Great coffee
10:30 AM - Museum or Aquarium
🐋 Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts. See the massive blue whale skeleton!
- • Interactive exhibits
- • Touch tanks
- • Educational programs
- • $10-15 admission
🏄 Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Learn about Santa Cruz's rich surfing history in this small but fascinating museum.
- • Surf history
- • Vintage boards
- • Ocean views
- • Free (donations welcome)
🎨 Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
12:00 PM - Lunch
Akira
Fresh sushi & Japanese cuisine
Laili Restaurant
Afghan cuisine, cozy atmosphere
Bantam
Pizza & craft cocktails
2:00 PM - Indoor Activities
🎳 Bowling & Arcade
- • Boardwalk Arcade: Classic games, indoor fun
- • Zodo's Bowling: Bowling lanes, food & drinks
- • Round 1: Japanese arcade games
🎬 Movies & Entertainment
- • Del Mar Theatre: Historic movie palace
- • Nickelodeon Theatre: Art house films
- • Regal Cinemas: Latest releases
🛍️ Shopping
- • Pacific Avenue: Downtown shops & boutiques
- • Bookshop Santa Cruz: Independent bookstore
- • Capitola Mall: Indoor shopping center
🧘 Wellness & Relaxation
- • Yoga Studios: Drop-in classes available
- • Spas: Massage & treatments
- • Tea Houses: Relax with hot tea
4:00 PM - Afternoon Coffee & Treats
Cat & Cloud Coffee
Specialty coffee, cozy vibes
The Penny Ice Creamery
Artisan ice cream
Buttercup Cakes
Cupcakes & desserts
Kelly's French Bakery
Pastries & coffee
🌆 Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
6:00 PM - Dinner
Vino Cruz
Wine & small plates
$$$ • RomanticHula's Island Grill
Hawaiian-inspired
$$ • CasualOswald
Farm-to-table
$$$ • Upscale8:00 PM - Evening Entertainment
🎵 Live Music & Bars
- • Kuumbwa Jazz Center: Live jazz performances
- • The Catalyst: Live music venue
- • Moe's Alley: Blues & live bands
- • Various Bars: Check for open mic nights
🎭 Theater & Arts
- • Rio Theatre: Movies & live events
- • Tannery Arts Center: Art galleries
- • UCSC Performing Arts: Theater shows
- • Local Galleries: First Friday art walks
Budget Options
💚 Budget ($30-50)
- • Coffee shop breakfast: $10
- • Free museum/beach walk: $0
- • Casual lunch: $15
- • Movie matinee: $12
- • Coffee & treat: $8
- • Pizza dinner: $15
💙 Moderate ($80-120)
- • Nice breakfast: $20
- • Museum admission: $15
- • Good lunch: $25
- • Activity (bowling/arcade): $25
- • Afternoon treats: $15
- • Dinner & drinks: $50
💜 Splurge ($150+)
- • Fancy brunch: $40
- • Multiple museums: $30
- • Upscale lunch: $40
- • Spa treatment: $100
- • Shopping: $50+
- • Fine dining & show: $100+
Rainy Day Pro Tips
☔ What to Bring
- • Waterproof jacket or umbrella
- • Comfortable walking shoes (waterproof if possible)
- • Extra layers (it gets chilly)
- • Reusable water bottle
- • Phone charger/portable battery
💡 Insider Tips
- • Many places get busier on rainy days - arrive early
- • Check museum hours before going
- • Downtown parking is easier to find when it rains
- • Book spa appointments in advance
- • Some outdoor attractions offer rain checks
Backup Plans & Alternatives
If Everything is Crowded:
- • Drive to nearby Capitola for less crowds
- • Visit smaller neighborhood cafes
- • Check out UCSC campus (beautiful even in rain)
- • Browse local bookstores
If Rain Clears Up:
- • Quick walk on West Cliff (dramatic post-storm views)
- • Visit Natural Bridges (fewer people after rain)
- • Check out tide pools (best after storms)
- • Grab coffee and walk downtown