10 Indoor Activities You Must Try on the West Coast

A collage of images showcasing theater performances, architecture, outdoor activities, museum exhibits, science experiments, and educational experiences.

Love to dive into new experiences but not a fan of outdoor adventures? Don't worry because there are lots of indoor experiences you can try. The West Coast is home to fantastic attractions and destinations that offer a more laid-back and intimate experience. Whether you're up for a chill day at a museum or into some mind-boggling adventure, you can find the spot that is perfect for you.

This list will feature seven indoor activities that you must try on the West Coast. Before the year ends, you can still treat yourself and your loved ones to these attractions. You may also want to start 2026 fresh with new experiences and discoveries in these amazing places. But first, let's find out what the West Coast has in store for you.

What’s wonderful about the West Coast?

The West Coast boasts stunning natural beauty, from California's sequoias and Oregon's rainforests to Washington's cliffs. It has a positive, tech-driven culture and a passion for outdoor activities, including iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also home to awe-inspiring museums, world-class dining spots, aquariums, and other attractions perfect for indoor experiences.

If you are looking for a place to explore, cities of the West Coast will give you the sweet spot between outdoor and indoor adventures. You won't regret visiting one or all of these top indoor attractions on this majestic coast.

Must-try indoor activities on the West Coast

1. Pirate's Dinner Adventure

📍7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Group of actors performing on stage in pirate costumes in a theatrical production

Prepare for an ahoy-zing and interactive dining experience!

Fancy the life of a pirate? If you're captivated by their vibrant personalities and thrilling lifestyles, the Pirate's Dinner Adventure is for you. Taste good food and even better theatrical extravaganza.

Set sail with the crew at Pirates Dinner Adventure and dive into a thrilling adventure that's going to blow your mind! Watch as the wicked Captain Sebastian the Black and his unruly crew face off against the brave heroes, Benjamin Blue and Princess Anita.

The story unfolds on an impressive 18th-century Spanish galleon with towering 40-foot masts. It's filled with action, romance, music, and thrilling aerial stunts. The ship is docked in a realistic 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon, featuring striking night lighting. Watch closely; you might spot a mermaid or the Leviathan lurking beneath the water!

2. Aquarium of the Pacific

📍100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Close-up of a penguin's head showing black and white feathers and a dark eye against a green background

Exploring the stunning marine life of the West Coast.

For everyone who loves the sound of the sea and everything in it, a beach escapade might be the answer. But if you want a more up close and intimate dive into the marine life, visit the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Known for its diverse species and sustainable practices, the aquarium focuses on marine life from the Pacific Ocean. It includes large exhibits, interactive touch tanks with sharks, rays, and jellyfish, educational activities for all ages, conservation efforts for sunflower sea stars, and a unique design featuring a giant blue whale model (this is so cool, so please check it out!)

When visiting this aquarium, you may also want to consider donating to support the conservation effort for sea otters. Make this indoor experience extra meaningful by extending help to these adorable creatures!

3. The Mob Museum

📍300 Stewart Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Facade of the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement featuring vertical banners and classical architectural details

Take a closer look at the dangerously fascinating mob life in the US.

Are you a fan of mob movies? If you're interested in organized crime and sinful vignettes of history, The Mob Museum is the perfect destination.

If you're ever wandering through downtown Las Vegas, don't miss The Mob Museum. It offers a cool glimpse into the ongoing clash between organized crime and the police, showing how the Mob has evolved from its early days right up to now. Through amazing stories, you'll learn about what's real, what's made up, and everything that falls somewhere in between. It highlights some pretty iconic people and events that were part of the US history, good or bad.

Looking for a darker twist to your Vegas adventure? Step into The Mob Museum for an epic glance at the past and present mob culture in the US.

4. Flyover Las Vegas

📍3771 Las Vegas Blvd. South Suite 150, Las Vegas, NV 89109

People sitting on a ledge overlooking a city skyline at dusk with buildings illuminated and the sky transitioning from sunset to night.

Experience the best indoor adventure to delight all your senses.

Do you love to treat your senses to thrilling and stimulating experiences? Take your imagination to the next level and swing by Flyover Las Vegas!

This immersive experience lets you explore iconic spots and amazing destinations in one day. You don't even have to leave the strip, but you get to enjoy a mindblowing visual feast! FlyOver Las Vegas offers an exciting flight simulation experience, allowing you to "fly" over stunning locations such as the American West, Iceland, and the Canadian Rockies.

With comfy motion seats and effects like wind, mist, and scents, it feels super real without having to leave the ground. There's also a big curved screen to make it all come together. Make sure to catch the pre-show and enjoy the bar! Experience an exhilarating 4D ride that engages your senses while showcasing authentic stories about culture and the wonders of nature. And hey, you can try out several "flights"!

5. Space Needle

📍400 Broad St., Seattle, WA 98109

A woman and girl holding hands and smiling indoors with large windows overlooking a body of water and distant islands during sunset.

Immerse yourself in stunning views and a uniquely elevated experience.

Seattle is a home to all things iconic. Apart from its captivating coffee scene and natural beauty, it also boasts the distinctive sound of the Seattle Grunge Movement. But did you know that the city also houses one of the most unique and remarkable attractions in the US?

The Space Needle, created for the 1962 World's Fair, is an iconic Seattle landmark reflecting a futuristic "Space Age" design. It gained attention as the tallest building west of the Mississippi River when it was finished. Now, it's still a must-see spot, with an observation deck and a restaurant that spins around.

Take in 360-degree views from the observation deck, walk across the glass floor at The Loupe Lounge, and dine at Atmos Café.. Use interactive displays, try a virtual reality bungee jump, or sip wine on the glass floor. If you get lucky, you can also catch your favorite musicians playing at Space Needle. Grunge legends Mudhoney performed at the Space Needle in 2013, followed by Alice in Chains in 2018.

6. Dinner Detective

📍4728 Constitution Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Silhouettes of people in trench coats and hats standing on a city street with police cones and crime scene tape in a dark, noir setting.

For everyone who loves comedy and mystery, this is the real deal.

If you think that murder mystery and a good dinner don't go well together, hop into the Dinner Detective. You will enter with curiosity and most definitely exit with so much fun and laughter!

Check out The Dinner Detective for a great time with their interactive murder mystery dinner show. The actors mingle with the crowd, allowing you to enjoy a delicious multi-course meal and solve clues while questioning suspects, including your wrongly accused friend in the "Suspect Package."

You can win prizes while using fun prop guns and enjoy unexpected blackouts in a friendly business setting. It's an option for couples or groups wanting a unique night out in LA!

7. The Flyer San Francisco

📍Pier 39, 2 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

A man interacts with a large, realistic dinosaur prop in a lush, forested setting with trees and waterfalls in the background.

Experience the best of San Francisco from the comfort of your seat.

Another purely indoor experience, The Flyer San Francisco doesn't miss a beat when it comes to all-out adventures. If you want to discover multiple attractions in one day, you don't even have to move so much.

Make your way to the Flyer Thrill Zone on PIER 39 and get ready for a thrill of a lifetime. You'll be taken on a sky-high adventure that's simply amazing. Just chill out, hold on tight, and let The Flyer elevate your excitement. Fly to the beautiful city of San Francisco through a two-level flying theater and ride the newest T-Rex Safari! Enjoy the best attractions and indulge your senses!

It's an ideal spot for families and friends to explore the wonders of San Francisco without expensive tickets and passes. It's totally an experience you should not miss!

8. California Academy of Sciences

📍55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118

Group of orange jellyfish swimming in blue water with long tentacles and translucent bodies

Soak in an immersive, all-in-one experience with history, nature, and more.

Getting closer to nature requires a certain level of outdoorsy zest and enthusiasm. But if you don't feel like going out and wild, the California Academy of Sciences is waiting for you.

The California Academy of Sciences is a must-visit attraction featuring a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest, all under a stunning living roof. If you're in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, be sure to visit the wildlife displays and planetarium shows. They're super fun and you'll learn a lot about different ecosystems too. It's a great place for everyone to hang out and soak up some knowledge!

A day at this wonderful attraction will open a room for new discoveries and learning, so don't miss out! Treat your family and friends to the California Academy of Sciences!

9. Escape the Rock Escape Room

📍Pier 39, 2 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Two men are exchanging items inside a wooden cabinet under a desk in a room with wooden flooring.

Try to unlock the room and escape from this thrilling indoor fun.

Are you craving endless excitement indoors? If problem solving is your thing, enjoy it with a more thrilling twist at Escape the Rock Escape Room.

You're done with being locked up in this bay prison and need to get out! Imagine you're a wrongly accused person and gear up for an awesome adventure to find freedom. Each clue, puzzle, and thrilling moment helps you get closer to escaping Alcatraz. Don't let the prison's reputation scare you; with determination and teamwork, you can conquer this challenge.

Tap your family and friends to join you in this unforgettable and mind-boggling adventure. It's super worth it!

10. Treasure Hunt

📍700 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

People on a pirate ship ride battling skeletons with glowing tentacles and treasure chests in a fantasy adventure setting

Dig into the hidden treasures with your family and friends.

Curious about what's inside a pirate's treasure chest? Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience that involves a good lot of searching!

Treasure Hunt: The Ride offers a thrilling dark ride adventure for families! With fun gameplay, immersive settings, and impressive animatronics, it's a must-see in Monterey Bay. Visitors will tour caverns under Cannery Row, where pirate Captain Hippolyte Bouchard hid treasure. Guests can explore and collect treasures while using "Treasure Collector" devices to protect themselves from Bouchard's ghost and his crew!

Catch this amazing and heart-pounding experience in California! Get ready to hunt for hidden treasures and have a whole lotta fun!

Go all-out with these attractions, wherever you are.

Group of children and adults enjoying arcade games and interactive activities at a fun center

Can't decide which coast you want to explore soon? Here are six must-visit indoor attractions you can enjoy on the West and East Coasts.

Sloomoo Institute

📍New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta

You really have to hit up the Sloomoo Institute if you love slime and sensory fun. It's packed with different textures and you can even create your own slime! The visuals are super satisfying - think ASMR vibes - and there's this awesome "Slime Waterfall" to enjoy. It's such a colorful spot that's perfect for Instagram, and it's great for both kids and adults who want to get messy and have fun. It's not just about playing; you can learn some cool science stuff along the way in this creative atmosphere.