Things To Do In Los Angeles Inside – Your Adventurer’S Guide For Rainy

ByEric James Updated on

You know the feeling. The forecast calls for a downpour, or maybe you’re just taking a much-needed rest day between big trips. You’re in the heart of Los Angeles, surrounded by millions of people and endless concrete, but all you can think about is the trail, the rock face, or the quiet of a remote campsite. It’s a common problem for outdoor lovers: how do you stay connected to your passion when you’re stuck indoors?

Don’t worry, a day inside doesn’t have to mean a day disconnected from the wild. We promise this guide will show you how to use your time indoors not just to pass the time, but to become a smarter, stronger, and more prepared adventurer. This isn’t your typical tourist list; it’s a curated plan for the OutwardLab explorer.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in los angeles inside to build real skills, find inspiration for your next expedition, get your gear dialed in, and connect with the local outdoor community. Let’s turn that downtime into a strategic advantage for your next adventure.

Why Every Outdoor Adventurer Needs an Indoor LA Plan

At first glance, seeking out indoor activities might seem counterintuitive for someone who lives for the outdoors. But a strategic indoor day in a city like Los Angeles offers some incredible benefits. Seeing these activities through an adventurer’s lens is key.

Think of it as a basecamp day. It’s your chance to resupply, repair gear, study maps, and strengthen your body for the next leg of the journey. The benefits of things to do in los angeles inside go far beyond simply escaping the rain. It’s about active recovery and preparation.

An indoor day allows you to focus on controlled skill-building, like practicing climbing movements without worrying about weather conditions. It’s an opportunity to absorb knowledge from experts at a workshop or find deep inspiration at a museum that reminds you why you explore in the first place. This is your chance to sharpen the tools—both physical and mental—that you rely on in the wild.

Hone Your Skills: The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles Inside to Train for the Trail

Your body is your most important piece of gear. When you can’t be on the mountain, you can train for it. Los Angeles is packed with world-class facilities that let you build functional strength and technique that translate directly to your outdoor pursuits. Here’s a quick guide on how to things to do in los angeles inside to get stronger.

Build Strength and Technique at a Climbing Gym

Indoor climbing is one of the most effective ways to train for outdoor rock climbing, mountaineering, and even challenging scrambles on a hike. It builds grip strength, core stability, and problem-solving skills.

  • Top Rope & Lead Climbing: For building endurance and learning rope management skills. Gyms like Sender One or Stronghold Climbing Gym offer extensive walls. You’ll need a harness like the Black Diamond Momentum and a belay device (gyms usually rent them).
  • Bouldering: No ropes, just you and the wall. Bouldering is fantastic for developing powerful movements and finger strength. Check out LA Boulders or Hollywood Boulders. All you need are climbing shoes (like the La Sportiva Tarantulace) and chalk.
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Pro Tip: Most gyms offer introductory classes. Even if you’ve climbed before, taking one is a great way to learn gym-specific safety protocols and meet potential climbing partners.

Practice Navigation and Trip Planning

One of the most overlooked indoor skills is navigation. Don’t wait until you’re on a foggy ridgeline to realize you’re rusty with a map and compass. Use your indoor time to plan your next real-world adventure.

  1. Get Physical Maps: Visit a local gear shop or a dedicated map store. Lay out a topo map of a place you want to explore, like the San Gabriel Mountains.
  2. Plot a Route: Use your compass to take bearings between points. Calculate distances and elevation gain. Cross-reference your route with digital tools like CalTopo or Gaia GPS on a tablet.
  3. Study the Legend: Re-familiarize yourself with every symbol on the map. This is one of the most important things to do in los angeles inside best practices for backcountry safety.

Gear Up & Get Smart: A Guide to LA’s Top Adventure Hubs

An indoor day is the perfect time to audit, repair, and upgrade your gear. Los Angeles has some fantastic resources where you can not only buy equipment but also learn how to use and maintain it properly. This is your essential things to do in los angeles inside guide for gear management.

Attend a Workshop at REI

REI is more than a store; it’s a knowledge hub. Their larger locations (like Santa Monica or Northridge) regularly host free or low-cost classes on everything from Backcountry Navigation to Bike Maintenance and Campfire Cooking.

Check their online schedule before you go. Attending a workshop is a fantastic way to get hands-on experience in a low-stakes environment. You can ask experts specific questions and handle gear you’re considering buying.

Embrace Repair and Sustainability at Patagonia

A core tenet of being a responsible outdoorsperson is making your gear last. Visiting a Patagonia store, especially one with a Worn Wear program, can be an educational experience. This is a perfect example of sustainable things to do in los angeles inside.

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Bring in a piece of gear that needs a patch or a zipper fix. Learning basic field repairs from their staff is an invaluable skill. Understanding the lifecycle of your gear is part of its care guide, ensuring it serves you well for years to come.

Find Your Next Big Adventure: Indoor Inspiration & Planning Sanctuaries

Sometimes the biggest challenge is deciding where to go next. Use your indoor day to fuel your wanderlust and gather the detailed information you need to turn a dream trip into a reality.

Explore the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Reconnect with the natural world on a grand scale. The NHM’s exhibits on North American and African mammals can inspire a wildlife-focused trip, while the Dinosaur Hall puts the immense timeline of our planet into perspective. The Gem and Mineral Hall is a must-see for anyone fascinated by geology.

Pay close attention to the dioramas. They are masterclasses in understanding ecosystems, showing how different species of flora and fauna interact. This knowledge makes you a more observant and appreciative hiker.

Dive into Marine Ecosystems at the Aquarium of the Pacific

If your adventures lean toward the coast—kayaking, surfing, or tide pooling—a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is essential. Understanding the delicate balance of marine ecosystems is a crucial part of being a responsible coastal explorer. This is one of the most powerful eco-friendly things to do in los angeles inside.

Common Problems for Adventurers Stuck Indoors (And How to Solve Them)

Even with a plan, a forced indoor day can be tough. Here are some common problems with things to do in los angeles inside and practical solutions to keep your spirits high.

  • The Problem: Feeling Restless and Cooped Up.
    • The Solution: Focus on high-intensity, short-duration activities. A bouldering session is perfect for this. You’ll physically exhaust yourself in a good way, which helps calm that restless energy.
  • The Problem: Information Overload During Trip Planning.
    • The Solution: Break it down. Dedicate one hour to maps, one hour to gear lists, and one hour to reading trip reports. Trying to do it all at once leads to burnout. Use a simple notebook, like a Rite in the Rain all-weather notebook, to jot down key takeaways for each category.
  • The Problem: Missing the Outdoor Community.
    • The Solution: Go where the community gathers indoors. Hang out at a climbing gym, browse a local gear shop, or attend a presentation at an REI. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who are just as eager to talk about trails and trips as you are.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Los Angeles Inside

What are the best indoor activities for a solo adventurer in LA?

Bouldering gyms are fantastic for solo explorers, as you don’t need a partner. Visiting museums like the Natural History Museum or the California Science Center is also a great solo activity. You can go at your own pace and dive deep into the exhibits that interest you most.

Are there any budget-friendly indoor options for outdoor lovers?

Absolutely. Many of the best things to do in los angeles inside tips involve little to no cost. Attending free workshops at REI, planning your next trip using resources at a public library, or simply visiting a gear shop to browse and learn are all great free options. Many museums also have free admission days—check their websites for details.

How can I make an indoor activity feel like a real adventure?

Set a goal. Instead of just “going to the climbing gym,” make your goal to complete three specific routes you’ve never tried before. Instead of just “going to the museum,” make your goal to identify three local plant species you could find on your next hike. Giving your indoor time a purpose makes it feel less like a placeholder and more like a mission.

An indoor day in Los Angeles doesn’t have to be a setback for your adventurous spirit. By choosing the right activities, you can use that time to become a more skilled, knowledgeable, and inspired explorer. Treat it as a vital part of your journey—a time to sharpen your tools before heading back out into the wild.

Stay prepared, stay curious, and make every day an adventure—even the rainy ones. Happy trails!

Eric James
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