In Los Angeles, the weather is typically sunny and precipitation-free every day. However, when it does start raining in the city, locals don’t know what to do with themselves. Traffic speed is reduced to a snail’s pace, outdoor hiking and beach plans sound more like a chore, and walking the dog becomes an utter nightmare (for anyone who’s smelled wet dog before).

But what about that date you had planned for later on? Rainy weather shouldn’t keep you from having a great time. Here’s a list of ideas for what to do in different neighborhoods around the city, regardless of the weather. 

Go Museum Hopping – Miracle Mile

Photo courtesy of La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Even though the rain might put a damper on many outdoor activities, visiting different museums is a great way to pass the time. Head towards Museum Row in Miracle Mile and you’ll have easy access to four major museums including LA County Museum of Art, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Craft and Folk Art Museum, and Petersen's Auto Museum. By the time 2020 comes around, the new Saban Museum should be up and running as well. Imagine being inside one of its glassy walkways or the Dolby Terrace while it’s raining.

Happy Hour and a Comedy Show – Hollywood

Photo courtesy of Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB)

While it’s not ideal to visit the popular Walk of Fame when it’s raining, there are many other activities to do in Hollywood. With a wide array of bars along Sunset Strip, from dive bars to upscale cocktail venues, you and your date can spend time enjoying one of the many happy hours available in the neighborhood. 

By the time happy hour ends, there may still be time to catch a show at one of Hollywood’s comedy clubs, such as the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), Laugh Factory, or The Comedy Store, all of which feature both up-and-coming and established comics. 

Go to a Barcade – Downtown

Photo courtesy of EightyTwo

There’s only one well-known barcade in Los Angeles, and it’s EightyTwo in DTLA. What’s great about this adult arcade is that the setting is quite intimate for a large bar; there are plenty of vintage games to choose, from pinball to the Simpsons, and there’s a full bar that serves craft cocktails.

Since Downtown was practically built for residents to live, work, and play, it’s fairly easy to find rainy day activities to do in the area, whether it’s shopping, going to a sporting event, bowling, or dining out. 

Rainy Day Photo Shoot – Santa Monica

You’d be surprised how many couples in LA love to take pictures, so why not incorporate a rainy day photo shoot as a date idea? There are always photo shoots going on throughout the city when the weather is beautiful out, but many people don’t think to have a photo shoot in the rain. Since Santa Monica has plenty of rooftop areas and scenic open spaces near the pier, you and your significant other might just end up having a very fun photo shoot. This activity can be accomplished anywhere in the city, as long as there’s good lighting.

Dine-in Movie Theater – Marina del Rey

Photo courtesy of AMC Dine-In Marina 6

When it’s raining out, traveling from your vehicle to a restaurant back to your vehicle and then to the theater can be a struggle. At the same time, watching a movie and eating a meal at home isn’t really comparable. If you’re near Marina del Rey, you can skip all those extra steps and simply head on over to AMC Dine-In Marina 6. Guests can enjoy those luxurious reclining chairs and experience swivel-table dining while watching the latest box office movie.

Wi-Spa – Koreatown

Photo courtesy of Wi-Spa

When it’s cold and wet outside, many people want to be warm and pampered inside. Going to the spa is a great date option when it’s raining in LA, especially if it’s a 24-hour spot. Wi Spa is one of the most versatile spas in the city, and it’s located in Koreatown. Wi Spa takes the concept of a typical day spa and turns it into an all-in-one facility — one that includes facials, massages, saunas, a full-service restaurant, and even a fitness room. For an affordable price, you can outlast the rain while relaxing all day at Wi Spa.

Enjoy a Hot Pot Meal – Monterey Park

Photo courtesy of Boiling Point USA

Having a hot sit-down meal is a must on rainy or cold nights in LA. For some reason, the weather makes many people crave hot pot or a bowl of soup. Avoid heading towards the usual suspects in the city, unless you want to wait in a line outside in the rain. Instead, head towards Monterey Park, which offers a wide selection of hot pot and ramen restaurants. Since there are so many quality spots in this neighborhood, the chances of waiting are much less likely. Popular places include Boiling Point, Hot Pot Hot Pot, and Cocary.