Indoor Things To Do in Northern California When It Rains

Rain in the forecast on vacation might sound like a bummer, but in Northern California, it doesn’t have to keep you from finding some fun. Whether you stick around Gold Country Casino Resort or brave the rain to explore Oroville, you can still have a fantastic time when the weather turns wet. For those who prefer to stay dry, the best indoor things to do in Northern California when it rains include playing slots at Gold Country Casino and seeing a show at Oroville’s Birdcage Theatre.

When you’re staying at Gold Country Casino Resort, you don’t have to look far for fun, even when it’s pouring rain outdoors. Some of the best rainy-day activities at the resort include:

Gold Country Casino Resort is a prolific venue for live events and shows, a clear winner among things to do in Northern California when it rains. There’s just something about seeing a live performance that can’t be beat! The Event Center has hosted greats including Al Green and Chicago, and it offers an ever-changing lineup of experiences for you to take advantage of, no matter what the weather looks like. Keep an eye on the Gold Country Casino Resort concert calendar to find the perfect performance to add to your itinerary, rain or shine.

With denominations ranging from $0.01 to $1, the slot machines at Gold Country Casino Resort are an ideal choice for a rainy-day activity in Northern California. Spend the day at your favorite machine, or bounce around and choose from themed games, classics, and some of the newest machines on the market. Popular slots options at Gold Country Casino Resort include:

Rainy days are anything but boring when every chance you take could land you a huge jackpot! Gold Country Casino Resort holds its own — even next to Reno and Vegas — with an extensive selection of table games, making it stand out as one of the best indoor things to do in Northern California when the rain starts falling outside. Top table game options here include:

Gold Country Casino Resort also offers the Players Club, a points-based program that unlocks discounts, VIP access to hotel amenities, dining vouchers, elite event invites, free slot play deals, and more. Points-based means it pays to play: More points equals more opportunities to win in the casino and throughout the property. 

The most seasoned of gaming enthusiasts know that good food and casino fun make for a perfect pairing. Gold Country Casino Resort keeps food-lovers satisfied with premier dining establishments, including: 

Gold Country Casino Resort’s restaurants serve everything from high-end prime cuts and Moët to chicken tenders and stuffed French toast, so it’s no surprise that pleasing your palate then heading to your suite for a nap is one of the leading things to do when it rains in California.

Gold Country Casino Resort is also a great place to grab a drink, no matter what your taste. On a rainy day, peruse the menus for a cocktail that matches each color of the rainbow or your group’s favorite hues and hit the jackpot every time. 

Start your rainbow journey with an Acorn VIP Bloody Mary at the Acorn Café, a spicy red mix that can be complemented by decadent toppings — think fried seasoned cheese curds, pickled green beans, or even a cheeseburger slider.

All rooms and suites at Gold Country Casino Resort come equipped with a large flat-screen television. When it looks like rain, cuddle up in your room and enjoy Direct TV with premium channels or pay-per-view movies. 

Some of the top places to go on a rainy day in Northern California include Oroville attractions the Birdcage Theater, the Chinese Temple, Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum, and the Pioneer History Museum. Here are our picks for the best indoor things to do in Northern California when the weather turns wet outside:

Located just 3.5 miles from Gold Country Casino Resort, the Birdcage Theatre is Oroville’s answer to Broadway. Live theater isn’t just something fun to do in Northern California when it rains — it also offers a chance to support Oroville artists and the local theater community. Performances on tap for the 2025–2026 season include:

Established in 1863, Oroville’s Chinese Temple is a beautifully restored testament to history. The temple is located in the heart of Oroville, less than 10 minutes from Gold Country Casino Resort, making it an easy choice for a rainy-day activity. Some of the fun and educational things to do here include:

The temple grounds are open for exploration, but be careful to do so respectfully. Though not as active as it once was, the Chinese Temple is still a place for reverence and reflection. 

This unique museum houses more than 12,000 hand tools, the impressive collection of Oroville’s own Carl Bolt. And no matter what the weather brings to Northern California, Bolt’s Antique Tool Museum can help you see the importance of the tools that built the world we live in today. This Oroville museum is less than 10 minutes from Gold Country Casino Resort. 

Union is a downtown Oroville hotspot with craft cocktails, impeccable food, and a covered patio to keep you nice and dry while you enjoy their menu. Less than 10 minutes from Gold Country Casino Resort, Union is just the pickup you need on a dreary day — and one of the top things to do when it rains in California. Share some Golden Mac Bites or dig into a Tuscan Ribeye. No matter what tasty dish you choose, it’s sure to brighten up your day and excite your taste buds. 

The Pioneer History Museum in Oroville is an easy and educational rainy-day opportunity. The museum houses more than 6,000 square feet of history, so visitors can take their time browsing artifacts including:

Nothing goes together quite like a good book and a rainy day. When the storm clouds come rolling in, check out The Bookworm. This bookstore is just a six-minute drive from Gold Country Casino Resort, and it’s a great place to pick up your next vacation read. The Bookworm is an Oroville staple and has been in the same location for more than 30 years!

Another one of the best indoor activities in Northern California, shopping in Oroville is a sure way to find a few treasures. Whether you’re on the hunt for boutique buys, kids’ clothes, or vintage collectibles, Oroville offers a range of shopping options just minutes from Gold Country Casino Resort. Highlights in town for those seeking a little retail therapy include:

If you’re looking to avoid the rain altogether, check out our guide to the best time to visit Northern California to help you plan an escape to Gold Country Casino when the rain is less likely to fail.

Don’t let a dreary forecast ruin your vacation. Whether you choose to stick around and enjoy our show-stopping amenities or put on your poncho and venture into town, Oroville and our Northern California casino resort will remind you that here, the fun doesn’t stop because of a little rain.