What to Do on a Rainy Day in Seattle

Seattle is known for a couple different things; coffee, the Space Needle, and rain. Lots of rain. But Seattle-ites don’t really seem to mind the dreary weather or rainy days because there is so much to do throughout the city. Follow our rainy day guide and you’ll have a perfect day no matter the weather.

Chihuly Garden & Glass:

As one of Seattle’s most popular attractions, a stop at the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum is an absolute must. This indoor museum features the glasswork of Dale Chihuly, a groundbreaking artist who uses glass to create magnificent works of art. Step inside to experience a colorful wonderland while the raindrops fall on the glass ceiling above. 

Grab a Bite to Eat:

Seattle is a foodie paradise. With fresh fish from Puget Sound, and incredible wines and farm to table produce from all over the state, every dish seems to be on a whole different level of finesse. There are a couple of spots in town that you absolutely cannot miss on your trip to Seattle. Read all about our Favorite Capitol Hill Restaurants and treat your taste buds at one of Seattle’s incredible restaurants. 

Visit the Museum of Pop Culture

Seattle’s MoPoP is an interactive museum experience unlike any other. This museum is dedicated to contemporary popular culture. Inside you’ll find a myriad of exhibits from the SoundLab that allows you to experiment with sound and music, to the Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic exhibit that takes audiences on a journey to the inspiration behind their favorite movies like The Wizard of Oz and Lord of the Rings. Spend the day exploring the different exhibits and learning about the world that has brought us to where we are today. 

Visit the Starbucks Roastery

While you can probably get a cup of Starbucks coffee in your hometown, you haven’t really tried Starbucks until you sip their fresh roasted coffee at the roastery on Capitol Hill. Watch the beans move through the roasting process and sit down for a coffee sampling. Pick at least 3 blends of coffee to sample side by side. You’ll be surprised how well the notes of caramel and cocoa blend together in one cup while another is bright and citrusy. If you want to take your new taste buds into the wild and grab a cup of coffee, check out Heaven in a Cup: A Coffee Lovers Guide to Seattle. 

Take a Mini Trip to Woodinville’s Wine Country

Just a quick 30 minute drive from Seattle and you’ll find yourself surrounded by tasting rooms and wineries dotted along the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Visit Chateau Ste. Michelle and stay cozy in their castle-like estate or hunker down in one of the local tasting rooms to taste all of Washington’s best wines in one convenient setting. 

Explore the Seattle Aquarium

You can’t miss the giant aquarium situated on the edge of Seattle’s infamous pier. Dip inside to be transported to an aquatic world filled with colorful fish, interactive shows, and an underwater viewing dome. Spend as much time in the aquarium as you like and then hop over to Pike’s Place Market and discover the hidden levels filled with interesting shops and quaint eateries. 

Play a Round of Golf

Mini golf that is, at the Flatstick Pub in downtown Seattle. This downstairs bar opens up into one of Seattle’s most unique spots. Enjoy a game of mini golf with an obstacle course made of the letters S-E-A-T-T-L-E or take part in their original game of Flatstick. Like a miniature game of mini golf, you use push sticks to direct your ball into different zones. You can easily lose track of time in this pub. 

Explore the Volunteer Park Conservatory

Located just down the street from our inn is the gorgeous Volunteer Park, a little slice of nature tucked into the urban center of the city. In between the old growth trees and charming walkways you’ll find the Conservatory, a victorian-style greenhouse with the most incredible collection of exotic plants. Explore the different species and watch the raindrops fall of the glass ceiling for a cozy afternoon activity. While you’re in the park, climb to the highest point on Capitol Hill. The Volunteer Park Water Tower offers some of the best views of the Space Needle, Bellevue, and Mt. Rainier.

Rainy days really don’t seem to bother Seattleites but when you have so many great things to do, it makes sense. Use a rainy day as the perfect excuse to slow down a little, enjoy some of the incredible museums, grab a bite to eat, and explore what makes Seattle so unique. 

Ready to explore Seattle, rain or shine? Book a stay at the Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed & Breakfast, a tudor style mansion in the heart of Capitol Hill.