The logo for shafer baillie mansion has a picture of a house on it.

What to Do on a Rainy Day in Seattle

odysys_admin • March 16, 2020

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. 

An aerial view of a city with lots of buildings and trees.
February 26, 2025
Learn the history of Capitol Hill. From the early days to the cultural and political legacy. Make Shafer Baillie Mansion your home base for a perfect getaway!
January 8, 2025
Looking to explore Seattle without emptying your wallet or wasting precious vacation time standing in line? The Seattle City Pass is here to save the day (and your sanity)! With discounts and line-skipping magic at some of the city's most iconic attractions, this pass is like a backstage pass to the Emerald City. In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of the Seattle City Pass—how it works, what it gets you, and whether it's worth adding to your itinerary. We’ve also included some details on where to stay while you’re enjoying Seattle to complement your unforgettable trip. What is the Seattle City Pass? Who doesn’t love discounts? The Seattle City Pass is a ticket package that allows you to visit multiple popular attractions in Seattle at a discounted rate. The pass bundles admission to five major landmarks, providing significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each one. But, these aren’t just any landmarks—they’re top Seattle sights! The City Pass is perfect for first-time visitors or anyone looking to explore a lot of the city's must-see destinations in a short amount of time. How Does the Seattle City Pass Work? Once you purchase the Seattle City Pass, you’ll receive access to a set of tickets for 5 various attractions of your choosing. You can choose to receive your tickets either as physical vouchers or digital tickets to be used on your smartphone. The pass offers the flexibility of visiting the attractions at your own pace, with tickets valid for nine consecutive days from the time of your first use. Seattle City Pass Attractions There are five main attractions included in the pass, and you can choose from several options for three of them, as two are automatically included: Space Needle (included) : No trip to Seattle is complete without seeing the iconic Space Needle, which is why this stop is already included in the pass. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. Don’t forget your camera! Seattle Aquarium (included): This waterfront attraction is home to a variety of marine life like sea otters, seals, and an impressive collection of local fish. The aquarium is also included in the City Pass. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or Chihuly Garden and Glass: The MoPOP celebrates pop culture including music, movies, and science fiction. The Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases stunning glass art set against the backdrop of the Space Needle. Seattle Art Museum (SAM) : The SAM provides a rich cultural experience with diverse exhibitions for art lovers or those with an appreciation for the finer things. Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour: The Argosy Harbor Tour takes you on a scenic boat ride through Elliott Bay for a unique view of Seattle’s skyline and waterfront. Pacific Science Center: This interactive science museum is great for families and science enthusiasts, offering hands-on learning, an IMAX theater, and a variety of exhibits. The Museum of Flight: Calling all aviation enthusiasts! The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world, with over 175 aircraft and spacecraft. Woodland Park Zoo: Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and zoological garden worthy of a visit from tourists and locals. Sky View Observatory: An ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City, offering incredible Seattle views from above. What is the Seattle C3 Pass? For those looking for a smaller, customized experience, check out the Seattle C3 pass. This option creates a discounted pass to your top 3 attractions so you only pay for the places you really want to visit. This option is perfect for those visiting with limited time who want to make the most of their visit to Seattle. Benefits of the Seattle City Pass Cost Savings: Obviously one of the biggest advantages of purchasing the City Pass is the amazing savings. The pass provides around a 40% discount off the regular price of admission to the included attractions. Skip the Line: One of the biggest downsides to visiting popular attractions is the lines and crowds-but not with the Seattle City Pass! For some of Seattle's busiest attractions, the City Pass allows you to skip the regular ticket lines. This can save significant time, especially during peak tourist season. Flexibility: The City Pass in Seattle gives you flexibility in how you visit the attractions. You have nine days from the time you use your first ticket to visit the remaining attractions, which means you can explore at a relaxed pace without added stress. Convenience: Instead of carrying around multiple tickets or dealing with complicated booking systems, the City Pass consolidates your entry into one easy pass, reducing the hassle of planning your itinerary. Is the Seattle City Pass Worth It? For many visitors, the Seattle City Pass offers incredible value! If you plan to visit most of the major attractions included in the pass, it’s an economical choice that can save you both money and time. However, it’s important to consider your interests and itinerary. If you plan to visit only one or two of the included attractions or don’t have your itinerary quite figured out, purchasing individual tickets might be more cost-effective. The City Pass is best for those who are eager to experience a variety of Seattle’s top spots in a short period and want the convenience of bundled tickets. How to Buy the Seattle City Pass The Seattle City Pass can be purchased online or at select attractions around the city. When purchasing, you’ll select whether you want the physical or digital pass. You can also choose to start your visit right away or plan it for later. Tickets are valid for nine consecutive days, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the attractions at your leisure if something pops up. Insider’s Tip: The official City Pass website has options for other passes in popular cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Orlando-so you can enjoy some savings wherever you go! Stay at Shafer Baillie Mansion The Seattle City Pass is an excellent way to make the most of your visit and experience the top things to do in Seattle. For those looking to further immerse themselves in the enchanting spirit of Seattle, we encourage you to check out the Shafer Baillie Mansion. This historic gem on Capitol Hill offers a quiet and enchanting bed and breakfast experience in a Tudor-Revival home. The mansion offers eight guest rooms and suites on the second and third floors, each with a private bath, plus spacious day rooms on the main floor. Grab the Seattle City Pass during your visit and complement your trip with a relaxing stay at a place rich in history and charm—the Shafer Baillie Mansion. Book Now
By odysys_admin May 25, 2022
Designing your home can be one of the best ways to express your personality and flair. While there’s countless styles and places to buy furniture, there’s something special and one-of-a-kind about styling your home with antiques. Whether you own a classic Tudor style house on the east coast or rent a modern apartment in Seattle, WA , decorating with antiques can tie your space together.
By odysys_admin February 28, 2022
Are you looking for an interesting, beautiful, and COVID-safe Seattle experience? I’d like to suggest a delightful one-mile walk from the Shafer Baillie Mansion through Volunteer Park to the Lake View Cemetery.
By odysys_editor September 21, 2021
With almost 200 years of history, there’s sure to be more than a few creepy corners to explore (or avoid) in Seattle . The city explodes with fabulously spooky events each autumn as Halloween grows closer. Book your trip in October to experience the feeling of crisp fall air, chase thrills at ghostly events, and revel in the city’s joyous autumnal spirit.
By odysys_editor August 14, 2021
When a chilly breeze blows through the city each autumn, outdoors is the best place to be. There are plenty of awesome hikes to try near the Emerald City, but our favorites feature the stunning colors of the season. The best time to explore the trails and parks is October and November. Whether you stay close to the city center or venture out toward the mountains, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty of the colorful hues of fall against the moody skies of the Pacific Northwest.
By odysys_editor July 10, 2021
Imagine raising a glass to another incredible year with your partner on a rooftop bar as the sun sets over the Emerald City. This year, celebrate your anniversary with a romantic getaway to Seattle. Our Capitol Hill insiders know a thing or two about romance. Let’s dive into your game plan for the perfect romantic anniversary trip to Seattle.
By odysys_editor June 9, 2021
Whether you’ve just flown into Seattle or drove in from elsewhere in Washington state, you’ll need to find ways to fill your day before you set sail on your cruise. It’s good to know you’ve come to the right place! Seattle is full of fun things to do that are suitable for all ages. From a bustling aquarium to a market full of unique items, we’ve gathered the top places to stop to fill up your day.
By odysys_editor May 11, 2021
Congratulations on your engagement! This exciting time in your life is one you’ll want to remember for years to come. Engagement photos give you a chance to look back fondly on this special time, and are a great way to share the moment with all your friends and family. Picking the best spot to capture your love can be challenging, so we’ve scouted out the top spots within minutes of downtown Seattle. From flourishing gardens to waterfront parks, you and your fiancé will fall in love all over again with the captivating scenery of the city.
By odysys_editor April 29, 2021
You know the Space Needle, the first Starbucks, and Pike Place Market, but what else? Aside from Seattle’s most popular attractions, there are lots of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From a sequoia tree in the middle of the city to a troll under a bridge, we’ve gathered the top must-see wonders of the city.
More Posts
Share by: