San Luis Obispo is a refreshing city on the Central Coast of California. It's part of San Luis Obispo County and is a college town with students attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While there, you'll probably walk around downtown SLO and its tree-lined streets. But what else can you do there? 

There are a few things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo before you leave the area!

Bubblegum Alley 

This novel stop is a must-see while roaming around downtown San Luis Obispo. You can stay briefly at Bubblegum Alley. In fact, it's a swift stop. If you have kids or teens, it's a fun activity to chew your gum and carefully place it on the wall. It's lined with old black, dusty gum, and newer colorful pieces.

Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurants 

You'll find many restaurants in the area based on your preference. Mistura Restaurant brings contemporary Peruvian cuisine to the table with a range of interesting flavors. Mistura has both indoor and outdoor seating and prioritizes locally sourced meat, poultry, and fish.

Thursday Night Farmers Market

Locals often recommend attending the Thursday Downtown SLO Thursday Farmers' Market Higuera Street while visiting the area. Obviously, this is only possible if you're there during that time. You can find it on Higuera Street starting Thursday at 6 PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo, California. Over 100 vendors gather to sell food, produce, art, and more. It's a fun family activity and a great way to people-watch.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Walk around Mission Plaza or visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

View art at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, or SLOMA. The art museum is located on the west end of Mission Plaza at 1010 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, California 93401. SLOMA has various exhibitions and events.

Jack House & Gardens

This historic building is a two-story Victorian home where you can get a guided tour of the inside and the garden. Check ahead to confirm the tour date and time. Located at 536 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Boutiques and Shopping

There are many small businesses and boutiques that you should explore while in the downtown area. You'll find a record shop (Boo Boo Records Inc 978 Monterey St), an eco-friendly kids shop, a book store, gift shops with lots of knick-knacks, and more.

Parking

Most of the nearby parking in downtown SLO is paid parking. If you're okay to walk, you'll find some spots further away. I recommend driving around the area to get the lay of the land before committing to a parking spot. There isn't a lot of traffic on the average day, so you'll find a paid spot quickly. 

Depending on what you like to do, there's a lot to appreciate in downtown SLO. You can dine on delicious cuisines, explore the area, walk around the streets and mission, and enjoy a good view. If you're not sure what to do, head over to the San Luis Obispo Visitor Center to get some insights.

Beaches

Although not in downtown San Luis Obispo itself, there are beaches and bays in the surrounding areas of Avila Beach, Morro Beach, and Pismo Beach.

Hotels and Where to Stay

There are a couple options in the downtown portion of SLO, but more choices if you can be a mile or more away. Hotel San Luis Obispo and Granada Hotel & Bistro are right in the heart of downtown. Apple Farm is further down the road but it's quiet and has quaint amenities like fresh cookies each day or a small wine tasting. Of course, there are options further away as well. But you're still close to town.

Is San Luis Obispo a walkable city?

Yes and no. The downtown centre area is pretty concentrated so you can walk a lot of it, but you'll definitely want access to a car or transportation to get any further than that.

While there are several things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo, the best one is to just stroll about and enjoy your experience.

There are many fun things to do in the summer, whether you stay home or venture somewhere fresh. The important thing is to write down a summer bucket list so you can make sure you're making the most of your time. This way, you can look at the list to see what you still need to do and can plan around it. This is a great idea for families that want to keep the kids entertained. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Not everything has to be expensive, like a trip to Disneyland. You can do free and affordable things like having picnics at local parks or regular outdoor activities like playing kickball or soccer with family. Or you can buy exciting experiences like science kits.

There are plenty of summer activities and fun ideas to keep you busy all season long. Summer break doesn't have to be dull or filled solely with scrolling TikTok or watching movies all day long. Family members of all ages can enjoy fun activities together.

Summer Bucket List Ideas - 100 things to do in the summer

1. Keep a list of the best things you did during the summer
2. Host an outdoor movie night using a laptop or projector 
3. Take a bike ride around the neighborhood 
4. Go to an outdoor concert 
5. Go get ice cream
6. Take a cooking class to learn how to make something new 
7. Go for a swim
8. Take the whole family to a local park 
9. Go bird watching 
10. Spend all day outside (100+ Things to Do Outside)
11. Play a new podcast
12. Organize a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt with your friends 
13. Sign up for a yoga class 
14. Go rock climbing 
15. See if you can spot lightning bugs outside
16. Spend the day at a water park as a way to cool off 
17. Walk around the mall and window shop
18. Visit a local playground 
19. Draw with sidewalk chalk 
20. Play hide and seek 
21. Drive to a different street to go on a walk 
22. Have the kids create puppets
23. Have a puppet show 
24. Take a walk or stroll around the neighborhood
25. Go to a drive in movie 
26. Listen to an audiobook
27. Invite a couple friends or family members over for a potluck or BBQ
28. Play kickball
29. Play tennis
30. Play volleyball or beach volleyball
31. Host a sleepover (100+ Things to Do at a Sleepover)
32. Go on a fishing trip 
33. Try to learn a new language, whether you learn on an app, books, or videos
34. Eat hot dogs
35. Go on a hot air balloon ride 
36. Take one photo a day to create an album of your summer
37. Schedule a helicopter tour
38. Try doing a science experiment- there are science kits online for kids of different ages
39. Have a bonfire
40. Looking into tutoring to learn a subject or be a tutor and teach something you're good at
41. Make paper airplanes and see which one goes that furthest 
42. Fly a kite - you can find different kites online for different ages
43. Make a lemonade stand in your front yard 
44. Go to a flea market
45. Watch videos and try to learn a new skill
46. Build a sandcastle
47. Run through the sprinklers on a hot day
48. Spend the day at a nearby city
49. Play frisbee
50. Write in a journal (100+ Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery)
51. Visit your local botanical garden or nature preserve 
52. Complete a puzzle - like a wildflower puzzle or something with a design you like
53. Make a snow cone 
54. Spend time at your local library and check out a couple of books to read for the summer
55. Go to the beach, lake, or body of water close to you
56. Find somewhere dark to star gaze
57. Have a movie marathon - especially if they are movies about summer
58. Start planting a garden 
59. Go for a scenic drive
60. Take a pottery class 
61. Start a DIY project like making body scrub
62. Build a sandcastle
63. Create a summer bucket list of everything you want to do, see, make, read, or accomplish - have the entire family create their own bucket list
64. Go to an art museum or gallery
65. Visit a landmark near you
66. Make homemade popsicles with fruit or fruit juice 
67. Make cotton candy 
68. Roast marshmallows for s'mores - make the process even easier with a s'mores kit
69. Sign up for a class and try to make new friends
70. Attend a summer camp
71. Go camping
72. Visit a petting zoo or animal sanctuary
73. Invite friends over (100+ Fun Things to Do at Home with Friends)
74. Sit in a hammock
75. Write and send someone a physical letter in the mail
76. Host a game night with family or friends
77. Go ice skating
78. Go to a rollerskating rink
79. Cook a new recipe - look online or through cookbooks for inspiration on what to make
80. Go on a hike
81. Volunteer someplace like your local library or animal rescue
82. Pick strawberries at a local you-pick farm 
83. Make a time capsule of your summer - get a time capsule kit or make it yourself
84. Make ice cream from scratch and include your favorite add-ins 
85. Take a dance class 
86. Create an obstacle course in your yard 
87. Watch a sunset
88. Watch a sunrise
89. Ride a Ferris wheel 
90. Build your own bird feeder
91. Go to a miniature golf course 
92. Visit an amusement park or a theme park
93. Bake homemade pizza (just be sure to buy the ingredients ahead of time and plan out your toppings)
94. Stay cool by tossing water balloons - try reusable water balloons
95. Check online to find a cafe or someplace that has live music
96. Head to your local farmers market for fresh summer produce 
97. Take a road trip (can be just a day trip or longer) 
98. Sit outside at one of the nearby parks and cloud watch
99. Go to a garage sale
100. Spend quality time with your besties or family

Summer bucket list ideas

Fun Ideas to Create Your Own Summer Bucket List

These summer bucket list ideas should keep you entertained. Write down your own list based on things you want to do the most. Aim for a list of 20 things to do, which gives you time to complete without feeling overwhelmed. After all, it is summer and sometimes you just want to sleep in and watch 5 seasons of your favorite show. There's nothing wrong with taking it slow during the summer months. But if you're feeling adventurous you can make your fun summer list as long as you want. Many creative ways exist to have a fun summer and cross things off each person's bucket list.

San Diego County has no shortage of things to do and places to see. San Diego’s Little Italy has been around since the 1920s. At the time, it provided residential living space as well as business space to Italian immigrants and families. This lively neighborhood with a rich history of Italian culture has evolved into a bustling area, preserving its cultural heritage while embracing the diverse nature of San Diego. 

Now Little Italy San Diego creates a community of both Italian and non-Italian businesses and business owners. Saturday mornings are particularly busy thanks to the Little Italy Mercato and weekend festivities.

Things to Do in Little Italy San Diego

• Check out the Little Italy landmark sign. The Little Italy sign address is 1731 India St, San Diego, CA 92101.
• Explore the Neighborhood by walking around.
• Walk along India Street.
• Relax by the fountain at Piazza Della Famiglia.
• Attend Events in Little Italy San Diego. There are plenty of events throughout the year.
• Go to mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church.
• You can also browse the Little Italy Association of San Diego website to learn more about the neighborhood.

Grab a Bite to Eat in San Diego Little Italy

The streets are lined with traditional trattorias, cozy cafes, gelato shops, and other small businesses, enticing visitors with tantalizing aromas and authentic flavors. 

The Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego is a fantastic hub filled with Italian cuisine, cultural events, and plenty of things to do. There are several restaurants where you can find farm fresh produce, delicious food and Italian food, pizza, sandwiches, and more. 

• Check Out happy hours at Little Italy San Diego's Italian restaurants.
• Book Little Italy Walking Tour with Wine Tasting.

Stop by the San Diego Little Italy Food Hall

Get gelato or take a gander at the different options. Little Italy Food Hall has different stations so you can find a little something for each person in your party. 

• Ambrigio15
• Bobboi Natural Gelato
• Coocoo's Nest
• Graze by Sam
• Little Italy Food Hall Bar
• Mein St. Asian Kitchen
• Not Not Tacos
• Olala Crepes
• Samburgers
• The Mini Donut Company

Shop the Little Italy Mercato

You can find the Little Italy Mercato Farmer's Market every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM as well as every Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, year-round, rain or shine. There are loads of vendors selling produce, flowers, eggs, meat, fish, baked goods, groceries, crafts, products, and local food that you can support. The Mercato farmers market is 3 blocks, located from Kettner Blvd to State Street.

Explore Little Italy's Waterfront Park 

Located at 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101 Waterfront Park is a public park that has spray fountains, grassy areas, and lots of space. This large space is often home to different events and festivals.

• Take your pup to Little Italy Dog Park.
• Head to Amici Park at 1660 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
• Art Galleries in Little Italy San Diego
• Visit San Diego Firehouse Museum 
• Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tours 

Is Little Italy Considered Downtown San Diego?

Yes, Little Italy is in the downtown San Diego area, close to the Embarcadero. India Street runs through the heart of Little Italy. Downtown is a thriving area with a few neighborhoods. According to the San Diego tourism website, downtown SD consists of the Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero, Little Italy, East Village, and Barrio Logan. Little Italy is bordered by West Laurel Street, West Ash Street, the I-5, Front Street, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Highway.

Is Little Italy San Diego Safe at Night?

Just like most places, keep your wits about you.

What are the best hotels to stay in Little Italy San Diego? 

Hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown 
• Hotel Republic San Diego Autograph Collection 
• Best Western Plus Inn Bayside 
• La Pensione Hotel 

San Diego Art Walk

If you're in the area you can also visit Seaport Village, Downtown San Diego, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and other fun spots nearby.

• Stroll through the neighborhood to admire colorful murals, public art installations, and unique boutique shops.

San Diego Little Italy

From the Little Italy landmark sign to lobster rolls, Little Italy is the perfect place to explore during your trip to San Diego County. For generations, Italian families and businesses have made this area their home.

Have you heard of Vista, CA? San Diego County, located in Southern California, is well-known for its sprawling coastline, ocean views, and diverse communities. San Diego County has a number of cities within it, including Vista, California.

Where is Vista, CA? What County is Vista CA in?

The quick answer is that Vista, California is located in San Diego County, specifically Northern San Diego County. It is in Southern California.

Buena Vista Park

The city of Vista has natural beauty, a thriving arts scene, and a rich history. Vista offers visitors and residents alike a unique and charming experience. 

Vista is situated in San Diego County, approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego.

Is Vista a town or City?

Vista is a city.

Vista, CA County

Where is Vista, CA exactly? Vista is bordered by the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Marcos, providing a central position for exploring the northern part of the San Diego County region. If you're hungry near Carlsbad, check out Windmill Food Hall. The city is conveniently located near major highways and the Coaster commuter rail system, so it's accessible for both locals and tourists. Explore the Downtown area and Vista Village lined with boutiques, cafes, and other shops.  

Is Vista CA a Nice Place to Live?

Ultimately this is up to you, what you value, and what you consider "nice." Plenty of people do live here and plenty of them love it.

Vista Zip Codes

• 92081 
• 92083 
• 92084
• 92085

Weather

Like the rest of San Diego County, Vista has some pretty great weather and temperatures. Vista is a bit closer to the coast and the Pacific Ocean than if you go inland to places like Escondido. In Escondido and Temecula, you'll notice it can get much hotter. 

Parks and Gardens

Vista, California has plenty of nature views and parks to explore. Situated in the northern part of San Diego County, Vista has a prime location that offers both tranquility and easy access to nearby attractions. The city is home to an abundance of parks, open spaces, and outdoor activities. Vista is blessed with picturesque landscapes and a pleasant climate that attracts nature enthusiasts from far and wide. 

Some popular parks and gardens include:

• Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive - Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is located within Brengle Terrace Park.
• Buena Vista Park, 1601 Shadowridge Drive  - Great for hiking trails and diverse wildlife.
• Shadowridge Park, 2101 Lupine Hills Drive

Arts and Culture

Downtown Vista has a bunch of shops, eateries, and art in a concentrated area. There are theatres, art, murals, and sculptures. The Moonlight Amphitheatre (located in Brengle Terrace Park at the address: 1250 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista, California 92084) hosts quality productions under the stars, providing an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Check the Moonlight Amphitheatre website for the latest productions and shows. There's also AVO Playhouse.

Historical Significance and Museums

Steeped in history, Vista offers glimpses into the past through its historical landmarks and museums. The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, a National Historic Landmark, is a must-visit site. Learn more about the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. (Address: 640 Alta Vista Drive, Vista, California). This beautifully preserved adobe structure provides insight into the city's early Californian history and offers guided tours for visitors. 

The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum showcases vintage machinery and artifacts, offering a unique perspective on the region's agricultural and industrial history. Visit the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum website for more details on exhibits.

Community Events and Festivals

Vista has a strong sense of community, which you can find in its lively calendar of events and festivals throughout the year. The annual Vista Strawberry Festival celebrates the city's agricultural roots and offers a fun-filled day of live entertainment, food, and activities for the whole family.

The Vista food scene offers a range of options! The Vista Farmer's Market has grown exponentially over the years and provides a buzzing spot for food, vendors, and live music. 

Check out the Vegan Food Popup which alternates between Vista and Encinitas. For beer lovers, you might want to grab a craft beer at one of the many Vista Breweries: Craft Beer in North County San Diego. Learn more here.

The Wave Waterpark used to be a must-visit with kids and during summer but the Wave Waterpark has since closed.

There is also the Vista Unified School District, Vista Fire Department, Vista Irrigation District,  Vista Rod Run, public schools, breathtaking views, and more.

Census Data About Vista

According to data from the United States Census Bureau, the Vista population lies around 97,766, as of July 1, 2022.

People and Diversity

• White alone, percent 65.4% 
• Hispanic or Latino 50.2%
• White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 7.3%
• Asian alone 4.9%
• Black or African American alone 3.1% 
• American Indian and Alaska Native alone 1.0% 
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.9% 
• Two or More Races 17.2% 

Income and Poverty Median 

Where is Vista? What County is Vista in? Vista in Northern San Diego County, is a destination worth exploring for its natural beauty, thriving arts scene, rich history, and vibrant community. Nearby cities include Escondido, Encinitas, Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Valley Center, Fallbrook, and Rancho Santa Fe. People often visit for shopping, business opportunities, work, schools, and family life. San Marcos has a downtown hub at North City San Marcos, CA with restaurants, Block C Apartments, parking, farmers market, and more. Learn more about it here.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or a history buff, Vista offers something for everyone. So, the next time you plan a trip to San Diego County, be sure to venture north and experience the charm and allure of Vista. It's a place that will captivate your senses and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Feel as though you've been transported to Denmark when you visit the city of Solvang, California. There are a handful of places in the United States that look like you've traveled across the globe and Solvang is certainly one of those places. It has its charm and quaintness that makes you feel like you're either in a romance film or about to be in one. Make the trip! Whether you venture to a couple wine tasting rooms or want to learn about Danish culture, there are plenty of things to do in Solvang, California.

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Solvang is a small Danish city in Santa Barbara County, California. It's nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley and often referred to as "The Danish Capital of America" or Little Denmark. Drive or stroll down Copenhagen Drive to get a feel of the Danish village. Solvang has bakeries, wineries, and just about anything you need to feel like you've teleported out of the United States for a few hours. 

When you visit Solvang, CA you might see notable Danish icons such as Little Mermaid Statue Fountain, five windmills, the big red clog, as well as the Round Tower.

Did you know that the word "solvang" in Danish translates to "sunny field" in English?

Food 

Food lovers will thoroughly enjoy tasting their way through Solvang, California. Find foods and Danish bakeries in abundance. It feels like you're getting a taste of Denmark with options like Danish pancakes and pastries.

There's a lot of food and Danish delights to munch on. Make sure to try Æbleskiver (Aebleskiver) which are round sphere-shaped pancake balls. The name literally translates into "apple slices." 

Cafe Dolce Belgian Café Big Bopper Drive-In if you're in the mood for a 50s-style drive-in with both indoor and patio seating. Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, Cecco Ristorante for rustic Italian cuisine, Copenhagen Sausage Garden, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery, Pho 805 for Vietnamese food, and much more. Learn more about food, restaurants, and eateries on the Solvang website! 

Full List of Restaurants and Eateries in Solvang, CA

Cafe Dolce, Belgian Café, Big Bopper Drive-In, Birkholm’s Bakery & Cafe, Bit O’ Denmark Restaurant, Brekkies, Cailloux, the Solvang Cheese Shop, Cecco Ristorante, Chomp Burgers, Fries and Shakes, Copenhagen Sausage Garden, Danish Mill Bakery, Domino’s Pizza, First & Oak Restaurant at the Mirabelle Inn, Fitzpatrick’s Tavern, Good Seed Coffee Boutique, Mad and Vin at the Landsby, Mortensen’s Bakery, Old Danish Food Farm/Fudge Kitchen, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, Osteria Grappolo, Panino for sandwiches, Paula’s Pancake House, peasants FEAST, Pho 805, Ramen Kotori, Red Viking Restaurant, Silk Roads Kitchen - Mediterranean Flavors, The Solvang Bakery, Solvang Brewing Company, Solvang Restaurant, Subway, Succulent Cafe, The Coffee House by Chomp, Toscana Pizzeria, Tower Pizza, Viking Garden Restaurant, California Tacos, Leonardo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, New Frontier’s Natural Foods & Deli, River Grill Restaurant & Bar, Taco Roco, A J Spurs, Ballard Inn Restaurant, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Hitching Post II, Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe.

Wine Tasting

Downtown Solvang, California hosts around 20 wine tasting rooms for you to choose from. Santa Ynez Valley offers delicious wines, wine tastings, wine bars, as well as craft beer from Solvang, Buellton, Ballard, Los Alamos, Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. There are more than 120 wineries in the vicinity. Check the events for wine tasting events in the Santa Ynez wine country. You can do a wine tasting tour by walking to a couple places! 

The Oscar-winning film "Sideways," starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sandra Oh, was filmed almost entirely on-location throughout Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley. Get a sample of the local Santa Ynez Valley wineries while you're in the area and head to a wine tasting room.

Solvang CA California Danish Village Novelty Souvenir T-Shirt. Shop it on Amazon.

Boutique Shopping

Exit through the gift shop! Whether you're on the hunt for a good antique at A Piece of the Past Antique and Vintage Mall or want to check out t-shirts at Copenhagen T’s & Gifts, there are plenty of shops and boutiques in Solvang Village. 

Solvang has a bustling range of businesses ready for you to patronize. Shops include Book Loft, Edelweiss (collectible dolls, jewelry, and other gifts), Mole Hole, Old Danish Food Farm/Fudge Kitchen, Pavlov Art Gallery, Solvang Shoe Store, Inc. and much more. You can find a gift for everyone. Learn more on the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau website.

Museums

As you explore Solvang, CA take some time to dive into a museum or two. Whether you're into rare and vintage motorcycles or want to visit exhibits to understand more about the Danish-American spirit, you'll want to check out these museums and historical spots. You'll find that the Solvang attractions keep you interested with every turn. 

Museums and things to see in Solvang:

• Bethania Lutheran Church
• Elverhoj Museum of History & Art (Elverhøj Museum of History Art)
• Hans Christian Andersen Museum
• Old Mission Santa Ines
• Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
• Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
• Mendenhall Museum
• Solvang Amber Museum - The Copenhagen House (Temporarily closed)
• Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society Museum & Parks Janeway Carriage House

Events

Depending on when you visit, there might be some fun events and things to do in Solvang, CA. There are events like Solvang Julefest, Solvang Grape Stomp, and Solvang Danish Days depending on the time of year you visit. 

Dowdle Jigsaw Puzzle - Solvang Danish Village - 1000 Piece. Find it on Amazon.

Solvang Festival Theater

Support local arts at the Solvang Festival Theater, where you can see all kinds of shows, plays, musicals, and more. From June to September, Solvang Festival Theater is home to the professional theater company, PCPA. The rest of the year, it's a venue for a range of events and concerts such as the haunted house in October and the Julefest Nativity Pageant in December. 

Outdoor Activities

As you traipse your way through Solvang, CA, soak in the wonderful California temperature with some outdoor activities. 

Hans Christian Andersen Park

Drive through the castle arch as you enter Hans Christian Andersen Park. It feels a bit majestic filled with oak trees. Find a rock climbing wall, a little skate park, slides, a playground, and more.

When you come to Solvang, California, the immediate thought is that it's a cute little Danish town, and that it is. But it also has so much history and intrigue to discover, whether it's at the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Solvang Festival Theater, or as you sip your way through delicious wine or pastries.

Stop by for a Danish from one of the local bakeries and walk about the town. You'll feel like you took a journey into Europe. Learn about Danish art and history at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, or as you visit Old Mission Santa Ines. There are so many things to do in Solvang to stay full and entertained as you take in the Danish architecture. What's your favorite thing to do in Solvang?

There are so many things to do on a rainy day. When we see rainy days in film, we often watch characters cuddling under a cozy blanket and giggling romantically with a partner; you can do that and so much more! 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

These rainy day activities include some low-key options as well as some fun things to do outside of the house. These great ideas will keep you entertained through all seasons where you find a bit of rain. If you have kids, there are a lot of things on this list you can do with kids too.

Whether you opt to stay inside or outside, these 100+ things will keep you busy in the pouring rain. No need to stay bored!

100+ Fun Rainy Day Activities

1. Host an indoor picnic
2. Pick up beers from a local brewery and have an at-home taste test 
3. Go to a winery for a glass of wine
4. Do an at home beer tasting with a few different beers.
5. Have a video game tournament
6. Eat hot dogs or hamburgers
7. Sip on hot chocolate 
8. Have tea or coffee at a coffee shop
9. Eat a meal at a fancy restaurant
10. Make the first recipe you see on TikTok, Instagram Reels, etc.
11. Make a fancy mocktail with whatever you have at home (sparkling water, soda, juice, fruits, syrups, cinnamon, etc.)
12. Bake dessert (chocolate chip cookies, cake, bread, loaf, muffins, etc)
13. Make kombucha. Here are 85+ flavor ideas if you need inspiration.
14. Make yourself a solo meal and then do 3 things on this list
15. Go grocery shopping
16. Meal plan and come up with meal ideas for the next few days. 
17. Head to the local pub, sometimes they have karaoke, dancing, line dancing, etc
18. Take cooking classes or do an online cooking lesson. A cooking class not only gives you additional life skills but it's fun and tastes good too.
19. Invite a friend or sibling or bestie over for a sleepover. 100+ Things to Do at a Sleepover.
20. Buy a book from a local bookstore and spend the day reading
21. Read a short story
22. Go roller skating at an indoor rink
23. Golf at an indoor driving range
24. Create a super fun indoor obstacle course 
25. Go window shopping at your local mall
26. Go people-watching somewhere popular (the mall, downtown, etc)  
27. Spend the day binge watching tv. Some streaming services have access to live tv or local channels if you don't have cable. 
28. Invite friends over for a movie marathon. Take turns watching movies that each person recommends or you can pick one series and watch each film.
29. Spend the afternoon learning magic tricks 
30. Take turns recommending a YouTube video to watch with your friends, family, partner, roommate, etc.
31. Start embroidering. You can get an embroidery kit from Amazon and jazz up old tote bags, jeans, etc.
32. Do an art project. Whether you use items you already have at home or you have to make a Michael's run, there are so many crafts, projects, and fun things to create.
33. Go to an art gallery 
34. Go to a museum
35. Go bowling
36. Go to an aquarium 
37. Play laser tag. They also have laser tag kits on Amazon if you want them delivered to you.
38. Go ax throwing
39. Watch a movie in the movie theatre
40. Watch a play or live performance
41. Sign up for a library card
42. Go to the library and check out a book or two
43. Host a trivia night. You can pick a theme and make it up yourself. or play something like Ultimate Trivia, Volume 1: 800 + Fun and Challenging Trivia Questions. View it on Amazon here.
44. Try to make your way out of an escape room
45. Plan out your dream vacation 
46. Plan a scavenger hunt indoors
47. Jump the day away at an indoor trampoline park
48. Let your creative juices flow and make a vision board 
49. Do an indoor treasure hunt. This is perfect for adults and anyone who needs entertainment.
50. Sign up at your local gym
51. Take a workout glass or exercise class
52. Spend a few hours learning a new language. You can communicate with more people and challenge your brain too.
53. Buy a sudoku book and do as many sudoku puzzles as you can.
54. Buy a newspaper and read the whole thing
55. Do a crossword puzzle
56. Play charades 
57. Play card games. You could go for Go Fish, Solitaire, Old Maid, etc. You can play a few rounds. Play cards!
58. Play board games. Play a board game or two with friends, family, or roommates (Monopoly, Clue, Catan, Candy Land, Sorry!, etc.)
59. Can't pick just one game? How about a game night where you play card games, board games, and play video games like Mario Kart. Play games all day.
60. Write a letter to your future self
61. Write a letter to your past self
62. Write a letter and sent it in the mail
63. Spend the entire day doing, trying, eating things you've never tried before. Doesn't have to be fancy. If you've never tried sushi or eaten a fig or had a martini, today's a good day. If you've never worn overalls, go to a store and try one on in the dressing room. How does it look? You get the picture.
64. Go to an ice skating rink
65. Write a list of productive things you can accomplish this week
66. Have a dance party. You can go by artist, album, playlist, vibe, genre, etc. There are so many options because there is so much music out there.
67. Listen to records, CDs, Spotify, whatever music device you have
68. Have a spa day or self-care day
69. Hang up your laundry
70. Organize the pictures on your phone. Delete, put them in albums, see what's there.
71. Create a budget for the month
72. Stay home and invite your friends over. Do as many things from this list as you can! 100+ Fun Things to Do at Home with Friends.
73. Find a photo booth and take a photo! Perfect for a rainy day date!
74. Call a friend or relative. Catch up, ask how their day was, and say that you were thinking of them.
75. Turn off your phone, tablet, tv, and spend the day without social media or the internet.
76. Organize your closet, garage, cabinet, under the sink, etc.
77. Mend any clothes that need fixing. Sew on a fallen button, repair a hole, etc.
78. Dress up in your finest clothes and just feel fancy for the night
79. Pick out some items, books, clothes, dishes, etc. to donate.
80. Journal, write in a diary, process your thoughts. If you need inspiration, 100+ Morning Journal Prompts: 100 Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery. Read here.
81. Make a collage
82. Do a DIY project
83. Make your own candles with a DIY candle-making kit
84. Rearrange the furniture
85. Rotate your plants
86. Take a bubble bath
87. Buy some new plants
88. Build an indoor fort
89. Recycle your cans, glass, and aluminum. See if there's a recycling center near you where you can exchange the recyclables for a bit of cash.
90. Delete and organize photos if you have any printed out
91. Delete and organize your emails
92. Organize that drawer in your home that has all the junk you don't know what to do with
93. Practice learning an instrument
94. Play in a puddle
95. Dance in the rain
96. Go on a rain walk
97. Watch the rain from indoors
98. Camp in your backyard
99. Look up Halloween costume ideas such as Cher Horowitz or Laney Boggs from She's All That Prom Dress.
100. Have a fancy date night with your partner or by yourself
101. Have a personal favorite day where you do everything you love. Eat your favorite food, order your favorite drinks, go to your favorite spot in town.
102. Try new cocktail recipes
103. Play a drinking game
104. Play poker
105. Play Candy Crush
106. Play truth or dare
107. Start a scrapbook. Put photos, knickknacks, tickets, movie stubs, and other things you've collected into the scrapbook.
108. Make a time capsule
109. Relax, meditate, and let the rain act as a personal white noise machine.
110. Take a nap
111. Take photos of flowers
112. Plan your next trip. Look up flights, train tickets, transportation, hotel, Airbnb, etc.
113. Do 5 things on this list
114. Do 10 things on this list
115. Do as many things on this list as possible before midnight
116. If it's rainy for a few days, see if you can cross off everything on this list of things to do on a rainy day for adults!

A List of Rainy Day Activities

Hopefully, this list gives you endless inspiration on how to make it through the rain. You can do these fun rainy day activities alone, you can do them with friends, you can spend time with the entire family, there's a lot of variety. You can customize it as needed.

In films, a rainy day seems so romantic. You always see the movies of people dancing in the rain and hugging and kissing and having a good time. The rain gives a different ambiance, a completely different atmosphere. There's the wetness and dampness, the clouds, the grey skies. If you’re looking for a great rainy day date idea to do with your partner or some things to do with friends, this list is for you. This list will get you through the rainy season. You can have so much fun whether it's just you stuck inside or whether you invite a family member over. You can spend the rainy day playing your favorite games, watching YouTube videos, and learning a new skill.

Rainy Day Date Ideas

There are heaps of things to do on a rainy day for adults! A rainy day for adults has so much more possibility than it does when you were a kid. Now you can do whatever you want. Consider this list if you need rainy day date ideas. From going to a brewery to working out to dancing in the rain, there are plenty of fun rainy day activities. You can customize this list to do with your partner for an unforgettable experience. Rainy day dates just got better!