May 1, 2025
Rainy Days in Seattle Love ‘em or hate ‘em, rainy days happen pretty consistently in Seattle! In fact, the area receives precipitation during 150 days out of the year, and locals are no strangers to sporting galoshes and enjoying a nice afternoon indoors. So what are some of their favorite rainy-day activities? Let’s find out together so you can plan a perfect Seattle itinerary no matter the weather. Something to Look At: Pop Culture, Crustaceans & Cinema From quirky art installations to seafood-themed film festivals, Seattle blends its love of pop culture with a deep connection to the sea. You might stumble upon a giant crab sculpture outside of a museum one day, and the next, watch a screening of The Lobster in a cozy independent theater. The city always knows how to mix the offbeat with the iconic. For cinephiles and crustacean enthusiasts, there’s always something unexpected to discover in Seattle. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) Dive into exhibits on music, sci-fi, and pop culture in this architecturally stunning space near the Space Needle. This popular museum is also part of Seattle’s pass program, so you can enjoy a discount ticket when you visit. You can check out our full guide to the Seattle City Pass here if you're interested! Go Underwater at the Seattle Aquarium Located on the pristine Seattle waterfront, this family-friendly aquarium offers engaging exhibits featuring sea otters, octopuses, and local marine life. With a special focus on teaching conservation, the Seattle Aquarium is a nice place to enjoy the vibrant marine life who share the planet with us. Discover the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum Find inspiration at every turn at this creative museum, located on Harrison Street. Dale Chihuly’s intricate glass sculptures offer an indoor spectacle of color and creativity. You can visit the museum throughout the year, and guests can even taste cocktails, beer, and wine at their on-site bar. Catch a film at SIFF Cinema or The Grand Illusion Cozy up in one of Seattle’s independent theaters for an indie film or classic re-release. SIFF is a Seattle-based arts nonprofit dedicated to the creation of vibrant experiences, film discovery, and arts education. If you’re involved in the film community, you might have heard of this next place, converted from an old dental office since 1968. The Grand Illusion Cinema is the longest-running independent cinema in the city of Seattle and has become a landmark of the film community. Something to Learn: Storied Past & Storybooks History buffs and reading bugs have their pick of spots to check out as well. Here are a few points of interest in Seattle to consider when you want to learn something new while the city rains cats and dogs. Tour the Underground in Pioneer Square Sink to subterranean levels with this next stop. The Seattle Underground is a network of underground passageways and basements in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. The passageways were located at ground level when the city was built in the mid-19th century, but fell into disuse after the streets were elevated. This experience offers a unique and fascinating look at the city's hidden history found just below the busy streets. Put Your Head in a Book Lose yourself among the shelves of one of Seattle’s many bookstores! Elliott Bay Book Company, found on 10th Avenue, is a popular choice with a book for every age. If you’re exploring with little kids, we suggest checking out the Secret Garden Bookshop. This independent bookstore offers a massive selection of children’s books for kids or adults who enjoy a bit of whimsy in their lives. If you’re looking for a bookstore to improve your soufflé-making skills, head to Book Larder on Fremont Avenue and grab one of their many cookbooks. Or browse their events page to attend an in-person culinary class or cookbook signing. Something to Eat: Cozy Markets, Coffeeshops & Cafes One thing about Seattle that tourists love is the city's plethora of small businesses. There is truly a little shop for every person run by a wide variety of savvy business owners. Here are some welcoming spots to grab a cup of joe and a pastry if you’re hungry during your rainy day out. Don’t forget to take a pic for social media of your aesthetically-pleasing coffee art. Sip your way through Pike Place Market Stay dry while sampling artisan foods, fresh coffee, and local specialties inside the historic, covered market. This market is always at the top of lists for exploring Seattle because of the homemade crafts, foods, and artisan pieces you can find. If your wall at home is a bit bare, this is the perfect place to pick out a unique piece of art to remember your trip by. Warm up with a Shot of Espresso Nothing beats a warm drink on rainy days, and Seattle doesn’t disappoint on this front. You have your pick of various coffeeshops and cafes ranging from small, independent businesses to large chains like Starbucks. We always recommend shopping small when you can and checking out local gems like Drip Drip Coffeehouse, Moore Coffee Shop or Analog Coffee —all with stellar reviews! Staying Dry is Overrated For those a bit more bold and unafraid to get their feet wet (literally), we invite you to take a stroll around Seattle and enjoy the downpour! Walk around Capitol Hill and explore the vibrant beating heart of the city. Take pictures at iconic spots like the sticky (yet iconic) Seattle gum wall, Discovery Park or the Olympic Sculpture Park. If you’re staying at the Shafer Baillie Mansion , you can also grab an umbrella and take a short walk to Bruce Lee’s grave and pay respects to a martial arts legend and actor—while enjoying the meditative atmosphere. Stay at the Shafer Baillie Mansion For those looking to further immerse themselves in the enchanting spirit of Seattle, we encourage you to check out the Shafer Baillie Mansion. Check out our photo gallery to see for yourself why our property is a captivating destination full of history and sophistication. Our historic gem on Capitol Hill offers a quiet 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. We can’t wait to welcome you into our home and make your time in Seattle unforgettable. Browse Our Rooms