Things To Do Inside In La – An Adventurer’S Guide To Rainy Days & Rest
So, you’re in Los Angeles, ready for an epic outdoor adventure in the San Gabriel Mountains or along the Malibu coast, but the weather has other plans. A sudden downpour, a wildfire smoke advisory, or a blistering heatwave has you stuck indoors, staring out the window. It’s a frustrating feeling we’ve all had.
Don’t let an unexpected indoor day derail your spirit of exploration. We promise you can turn this downtime into a productive, inspiring, and skill-building experience that will fuel your next adventure. A day inside doesn’t mean a day wasted—it’s an opportunity to prepare, learn, and recover.
This guide is built for you, the adventurer. We’ll show you the best things to do inside in LA that go beyond typical tourist traps. Get ready to discover how to sharpen your skills, geek out on gear, plan your next expedition, and connect with the natural world, all from the great indoors.
Why Every Adventurer Needs an Indoor Plan for Los Angeles
Los Angeles might be famous for its sunshine, but its weather can be surprisingly unpredictable. Extreme heat can make hiking unsafe, and the rare but intense winter rains can turn trails into mudslides. Having a solid backup plan is just smart travel.
Thinking about indoor time isn’t about giving up; it’s about active recovery and strategic preparation. One of the key benefits of Things to do inside in LA is using the time to let your body rest after a strenuous trip while still keeping your mind engaged in the world of adventure.
This is your chance to pore over maps for your next journey, deep clean your gear, or learn a new skill that will make you more confident and capable when you get back outside. These are some of the best practices for any seasoned traveler.
Sharpen Your Skills: Indoor Activities to Build Outdoor Confidence
An indoor day is the perfect classroom. Instead of passively waiting for the weather to clear, you can actively build the physical and mental skills you need for your next big trip. Here are a few ideas.
Conquer New Heights at an Indoor Climbing Gym
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just curious, LA’s indoor climbing gyms are world-class. They offer a fantastic full-body workout and are the perfect place to practice your technique, from footwork to grip strength, in a safe and controlled environment.
Check out spots like Stronghold Climbing Gym near downtown or Sender One with multiple locations. You can work on bouldering (climbing shorter walls without ropes) or top-roping to build endurance for that multi-pitch climb you’ve been dreaming about.
Master a New Craft with an Outdoor Workshop
Knowledge is the most important piece of gear you can carry. Many outdoor retailers, especially REI, host regular in-store workshops and classes. Use your indoor day to find a course on essential skills.
Look for classes covering topics like:
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) basics
- Map and compass navigation
- Backpacking stove maintenance
- Knot tying for various applications
Dive Deep with a Scuba or Freediving Pool Session
If your adventures lean more towards the aquatic, an indoor pool session can be incredibly valuable. Many local dive shops in the LA area offer “discover scuba” sessions or freediving clinics in a heated, indoor pool.
This is a great, low-pressure way to work on your breath-hold, equalize your ears, or simply get comfortable with your gear before heading out into the open ocean.
Gear Up & Get Inspired: Your Guide to LA’s Best Outdoor Outfitters
For many of us, browsing an outdoor store is an adventure in itself. An indoor day is the perfect excuse to check out the latest gear, replace a worn-out piece of equipment, or just get inspired by the possibilities.
The REI Experience: More Than Just a Store
REI is a haven for outdoor lovers. You can easily spend a few hours testing out different sleeping pads, trying on hiking boots to find the perfect fit (a common problem for many hikers), or comparing the packability of new ultralight tents. The staff are usually experienced adventurers themselves and can offer fantastic Things to do inside in LA tips for local trails once the weather clears.
Your Indoor Day Gear Care Guide
Use this time for a proper gear shakedown. Lay everything out in your hotel room or van. Does your rain jacket need a new DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment? Does your sleeping bag need to be re-lofted? This is also a perfect time to patch that pinhole leak in your air mattress using a simple Tenacious Tape patch.
Discover Local & Boutique Gear Shops
Beyond the big names, LA has smaller, specialized shops that cater to specific niches. Seek out local running stores for trail running shoe advice or surf shops in the South Bay for wetsuit and board knowledge. These local experts often have the best intel on secret spots and current conditions.
Connect with Nature (from the Inside): Museums and Exhibits
You can still immerse yourself in the natural world without getting wet or overheated. LA’s museums offer incredible exhibits that will deepen your appreciation for the ecosystems you love to explore.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
This is a must-visit for any nature lover. Go beyond the famous Dinosaur Hall and explore the Gem and Mineral Hall to learn about the geology you see on the trail. The exhibits on California’s diverse ecosystems, from the desert to the coast, will give you a whole new perspective on your local adventures.
California Science Center
Home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the Science Center is an inspiring place to learn about engineering and exploration. Don’t miss the “Ecosystems” wing, a massive exhibit featuring a living kelp forest, a desert flash flood simulation, and an indoor rainforest. It’s a fantastic, eco-friendly Things to do inside in LA option that supports science education.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Located just a short drive away in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a world-class facility focused on the inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a powerful and sustainable Things to do inside in LA choice, as much of their work is dedicated to conservation and public education about marine health. Understanding the underwater world here will enrich your next coastal hike or kayaking trip.
Plan Your Next Epic Adventure: A Trip-Prep Guide
A forced day indoors is the ultimate opportunity for trip planning. This is where you can turn a setback into a head start. Here is a simple Things to do inside in LA guide for effective planning.
Find a “Basecamp” Coffee Shop or Library
Find a comfortable spot with good Wi-Fi and spread out. This is your command center. Use this time to dive deep into planning your next leg of the journey. Research trail conditions on sites like AllTrails or local hiking forums.
Download offline maps to your phone using an app like Gaia GPS or onX Backcountry. This single step is one of the most important things you can do for your safety. Charge all your electronics—your power bank, satellite messenger like a Garmin inReach, and headlamp.
Restock Your Prepper Pantry or Van Supplies
For overlanders, van lifers, and self-sufficient travelers, a city day is a resupply day. Use this time to do a full inventory of your food stores and supplies. Restock your pantry with non-perishables, refill your water tanks, and take care of any vehicle maintenance you’ve been putting off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do inside in LA
What are the best free indoor activities in LA for adventurers?
Many great options won’t cost you a dime. You can spend hours browsing gear and books at a large REI or local outfitter. Public libraries are fantastic resources for free Wi-Fi, quiet planning space, and even local history or geology books. Finally, some museums offer free admission on specific days of the month—it’s worth a quick search online!
Are there any eco-friendly or sustainable things to do inside in LA?
Absolutely. Visiting institutions that focus on conservation and education, like the California Science Center or the Aquarium of the Pacific, is a great way to support their missions. You can also spend time researching and supporting sustainable outdoor gear brands or planning a trip that incorporates Leave No Trace principles.
How can I stay active indoors in LA if I’m used to hiking all day?
An indoor climbing or bouldering gym is your best bet for a challenging, full-body workout that directly translates to outdoor skills. Many gyms offer day passes. Alternatively, you can look for a local recreation center with a lap pool or find a yoga studio to work on flexibility and core strength, which is crucial for preventing injuries on the trail.
An unexpected indoor day in Los Angeles doesn’t have to be a disappointment. By reframing it as a chance to learn, prepare, and get inspired, you can make it a valuable part of your overall adventure.
Use the time to hone a skill, fine-tune your gear, plan your next route, or deepen your knowledge of the natural world. When the sun comes out and the trails call again, you’ll be more prepared, more confident, and more excited than ever to get back out there.
Stay prepared, stay inspired, and we’ll see you on the trail.
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