Seattle is a must-visit destination in the United States, with so much to offer from beautiful outdoor spaces and waterfront views to a diverse food scene and iconic architecture. While Seattle is in the heart of a very outdoorsy-minded state, the weather can be moody, and the frequent rain can cause schedule changes.
But no need to fret, no matter what the weather is like, you can enjoy a lot of what Seattle has to offer. With the best things to do on a rainy day in Seattle, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in this city. Explore the city’s unique museums and famous buildings, eat your way through Pike Place Market, and get cozy at a local brewery.
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Seattle Quick Links:
🏠 Best Hotel: citizenM Seattle South Lake Union – 8.8/10, great location and breakfast (Click here to book citizenM in Seattle)
🚙 Rental Cars: Find the best rental car deal for your trip to Seattle – book a rental car here.
🎟 Seattle Tours: Make the most of your time in Seattle – book guided tours and activities here.
Read More About Visiting Seattle:
Best Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Seattle
1. Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St, Seattle | 9 AM – 8:30/10 PM | Tickets from $34
One of the best things to do in Seattle, no matter the weather, is to visit Chihuly Garden and Glass. This art museum is unlike any other because it showcases the blown glass pieces of Dale Chihuly in beautifully curated exhibits.
Don’t miss the glasshouse exhibit and the artworks in the garden as well. This is a smaller museum, which is perfect if you’re wanting to squeeze in multiple activities on your rainy day in Seattle.
There is also a bar and restaurant here that features several of Chihuly’s private collection pieces, so you can easily stay longer and sip on a Pacific Northwest-inspired cocktail to leisurely wait out the rain.
2. Museum of Pop Culture…or MoPop
325 5th Ave N, Seattle | 10 AM – 5 PM | Tickets from $28
Seattle has a plethora of museums to visit, perfect for a rainy day, but if you’re looking for something more unique, the Musuem of Pop Culture, commonly known as MoPop, is the perfect place to visit. This pop culture museum has a rare collection of exhibits that you won’t find in other museums.
Wander through the fantasyland and go behind the scenes of movies like The Lord of the Rings. Get your fright on in the horror room and walk through props from scary classics, or find your next horror favorites in the “100+ Horror Films to See Before You Die.”
Learn about the history of Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, make your own music in the Sound Lab (my favorite part!), and game your heart away in the Indie Game Revolution exhibit. MoPop is a great place to get out of the rain in Seattle, especially if your group is a range of ages.
Save with a Seattle CityPass!
Visit 5 of Seattle’s best attractions at an unbeatable price with the Seattle CityPass. This is a great option if you’re a first-time visitor wanting to check out the most iconic places.
Includes:
- Space Needle
- Seattle Aquarium
Plus, 3 of the following:
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
- Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP)
- Woodland Park Zoo
- Pacific Science Center
3. Pike Place Market
85 Pike St, Seattle | 8 AM – 5/6 PM | FREE
A trip to Seattle without visiting Pike Place Market would be incomplete. Luckily, this multi-block market is open daily and mostly indoors. There are tons of stalls to shop from, locally made goods to buy, restaurants to dine at, tea shops to try, and bookstores browse.
Pike Place Market is the best place to grab lunch, get some coffee, buy a souvenir, or just wander around (and people watch). It does get pretty crowded, but nothing unmanageable. It’s perfect for a rainy day in Seattle!
Don’t forget to see the famous gum wall in Post Alley for a quirky photo opportunity!
→ Read Next: The Perfect 3-Day Seattle Itinerary
4. Go on a Food Tour
1600 First Ave, Seattle | 10 AM – 2 PM | Tickets from $71
Seattle’s culinary scene goes much further than the delicious seafood you can find everywhere here. While you don’t want to miss out on a classic fish and chips or cup of clam chowder, tasting your way through Seattle is a great way to get to know the city.
An easy way to do so is by joining a food tour. I recommend joining a Pike Place Market food tour. There are several options: the early bird tour, the chef-led tour, and the plant-based tour (gluten-free available too).
*For gluten-free or plant-based foodies, book your Pike Place food tour here.
5. Try Mead at Skål Beer Hall
5429 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle | Closed Tuesdays | Price of Drinks
There is no shortage of fantastic breweries in Seattle, but for a unique experience, I highly recommend going to Skål Beer Hall in the northern Ballard neighborhood. This beer hall is inspired by the Vikings’ mead halls, and it honestly feels like you’ve walked into an old tavern.
The food here is phenomenal too, so I recommend going hungry (and thirsty). Try a beer or two, but leave room for their specialty meads! They have a selection of fun flavored meads to try, or opt for a flight to try multiple. Ask what their special mead is too; it was chai mead when we went.
6. National Nordic Museum
2655 NW Market St, Seattle | 10 – 5 PM, Closed Monday | Tickets from $20
Keep the Scandinavian vibes going after your visit to Skål Beer Hall and head to the National Nordic Museum just down the road. Learn all about Nordic history, culture, and famous Scandinavian immigrants at this Ballard neighborhood museum.
Walk through the permanent displays, “Nordic Journeys” and “Ginny Ruffner: Project Aurora,” to make your way through Scandinavia’s history and an artistic display of the Aurora Borealis. Enjoy temporary exhibits from troll sculptures to Norwegian paintings.
7. Coffee Shop Hopping
All Over Seattle | Most Coffee Shops Close Around 4 PM | $5+
Along with breweries, Seattle has a plethora of cozy coffee shops to choose from, perfect for staying warm and dry on a rainy day. Skip the Starbucks, especially the crazy long line at the “original” one in Pike Place Market.
For really good coffee, venture to a few of Seattle’s best local coffee shops. I recommend Analog Coffee, Victrola Coffee Roasters, Pegasus Coffee House, The French Guy’s Bakery, and Basecamp Coffee Shop. It’s hard to go wrong with local coffee shops in Seattle, so pop in one to avoid the rain!
Or join a guided coffee tasting tour and try Seattle’s best beans with a local guide!
8. Seattle Art Museum
1300 1st Ave, Seattle | 10 AM – 5 PM, Wed. – Sun. | Tickets from $30
Calling all art lovers! One of the best things to do when it rains in Seattle is to visit the Seattle Art Museum. With three different campuses, two of which are indoors, this museum is a perfect rainy day activity.
The main Seattle Art Museum is in downtown Seattle, very close to Pike Place Market. The Seattle Asian Art Museum is in Volunteer Park, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Olympic Sculpture Park is an outdoor location on the waterfront, one of the best things to do outdoors in Seattle.
All three locations are part of the Seattle Art Museum. On First Thursdays, admission is FREE to all, so you’re in luck if you’re exploring Seattle on a rainy first Thursday of the month! Otherwise, general admission is about $33 (discounts and advance ticket prices available).
9. Summit the Space Needle
400 Broad St, Seattle | Fri.-Mon., 8-11 & Tue.-Thu., 9-9 | Tickets from $71
The most iconic sight in Seattle is no doubt the Space Needle. This 605 foot observation deck offers some of the best views of Seattle sprawling below. Head to the top of the tower to take in the views, enjoy the beauty of the waterfront, and step onto the revolving glass floor for a unique perspective.
Once you’re at the top, you can even visit the bar and sip on a drink while enjoying the 360° views. Or grab a snack from the cafe! This is a Seattle icon, and I recommend at least admiring this monument from the ground.
10. Wander Through the Massive Public Library
1000 4th Ave, Seattle | 10 AM – 6/8 PM | FREE
One of the best (free) places to stay indoors and out of the rain in Seattle is the public library, specifically the Seattle Public Library – Central Library. This downtown structure is multiple stories tall, with a dramatic exterior and pristine interior.
There is a gift shop you can browse for little Seattle souvenirs (bookworms – check out my reading recommendations for travel!). Take the elevator up to the highest point in the library to look through the massive leaning windows.
11. Drinks With a View at Smith Tower
506 2nd Ave #35, Seattle | 12 – 7/9 PM | Tickets from $25
While the Space Needle is iconic and a fun thing to do in Seattle, Smith Tower has just as killer views for a fraction of the ticket price. And, there is a delicious restaurant and bar at the top of Smith Tower!
Walk through the mini museum about the tower’s history, take the elevator up, make your way around the 360° viewing deck, and hop inside for drinks and dinner with a view at Smith Tower.
12. Donut Tour of Seattle’s Best Dough
All Over Seattle | Most Donut Shops Close by 4 PM | $5+
Along with coffee, Seattle donuts are top-notch. If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend tasting your way around Seattle’s best donut shops. You can do this yourself by mapping out a donut route, or you can join a guided donut tasting tour to enjoy Seattle’s best donuts with the help of a local guide.
While you’ll have to venture outside to get from donut location to donut location, the majority of this delicious activity will be indoors with the comfort of fresh, fluffy donuts. I recommend General Porpoise, Top Pot Doughnuts, Mighty-O Donuts, and Half and Half Doughnut Co. if you want to tour by yourself. Or…
13. Pacific Science Center
200 Sue Bird Ct N, Seattle | 10 AM – 5 PM, Closed Tue. | Tickets from $27
As one of the best interactive science museums in the states, the Pacific Science Center is a fun indoor activity in Seattle for all ages. There are multiple permanent exhibits, from “Science on a Sphere” to “Salt Water Tide Pool,” along with various temporary displays, a laser dome, and a planetarium.
The Pacific Science Center is perfect for a group of various ages, but it’s also fun for adults who enjoy an interactive museum! You can book tickets here.
14. Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
860 Terry Ave N, Seattle | 10 AM – 5 PM | Tickets from $19
Learn about Seattle’s history in the museum designed specifically to showcase the city’s roots. The Museum of History & Industry, or MOHAI, is located at the southern end of Lake Union.
There are several exhibits here, some permanent and some revolving, showcasing everything from Seattle’s history to local innovations to the history of denim.
MOHAI is a great place to escape the rain in Seattle while still exploring the local side of the city, and it’s right on Lake Union, a Seattle must-see.
15. NEKO Cat Cafe Seattle
519 E Pine St, Seattle | 9 AM – 9:45 PM | $5 – $20+
For a unique indoor activity in Seattle, head to Neko Cat Cafe and relax with drinks and furry friends! Make a reservation to secure your spot at the cat cafe. You’ll be in a room with 8 people maximum and around 10 adoptable cats.
There is a fee to spend your visit in the cat room, but you can also just stay in the cafe section and admire the cats through the windows. They offer coffee, tea, beer, wine, and small snacks at Neko Cat Cafe.
16. Elliott Bay Book Company
1521 10th Ave, Seattle | 9 AM – 10 PM | FREE to browse
If you’re a fan of cozy, local shops, then Elliott Bay Book Company is the place for you. You could easily spend hours browsing the giant book selection at this Capitol Hill bookstore. Get yourself a book or two, and sip on a coffee in the interior cafe, Little Oddfellows.
This is an easy thing to do indoors in Seattle, as you can take your time, stay for lunch and coffee, and possibly catch an author reading or book signing event. Books make great souvenirs; right yourself a little note about your trip on the front page, and your future self will have a new book to enjoy along with a fun travel memory.
17. Volunteer Park Conservatory
1400 E Galer St, Seattle | 10 AM – 4 PM, Closed Mon. | Tickets from $6
If you’re a nature lover who is a little bummed out by the Seattle rain, it’s time for you to head to the Volunteer Park Conservatory. As one of the best outdoorsy activities in Seattle due to its abundance of plants and flowers, this conservatory will satisfy your desire to get outside without getting soaked from the rain.
The Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle has four distinct rooms, each with a unique theme, like the cactus and succulent room. The best part about this rainy day Seattle activity is that it’s only $6 for general admission, and your ticket cost helps keep this local establishment running. Tickets can be purchased on site.
→ Read Next: Year-Round Seattle Packing List
18. Seattle Pinball Museum
508 Maynard Ave S, Seattle | 12 AM – 6 PM, Closed Tue. & Wed. | Tickets from $23
Stay dry and entertained with unlimited pinball at the Seattle Pinball Museum! More of a classic arcade than a museum, you can find over 50 pinball machines here, and it’s perfect for groups of any age.
Grab a cold beer when you get here and play as long as you please. The Seattle Pinball Museum is really close to a link light rail station in Pioneer Square, a southern neighborhood, so it’s convenient to get to.
19. Keys on Main - Dueling Pianos
1114 Howell St, Seattle | Thu. – Sat., 8 PM – 2 AM | Price of Drinks
Get groovy on a rainy night in Seattle and book an evening at Keys on Main. Enjoy a few drinks with a show of a lifetime. The performers here are insanely talented, and the live show will be one for the books.
Make sure you bring cash to tip the performers if you want to request a song. You’ll be surprised by the wide range of songs they can perform! Reserve a table in advance to get a table at the front, or walk in if you’re not picky about where you sit.
Best Hotels in Seattle:
- citizenM Seattle South Lake Union – 8.8/10, $$, great location and breakfast (Click here to book citizenM in Seattle)
- Palihotel Seattle – 8.3/10, $$, very chic and cozy, great location (Click here to book Palihotel Seattle)
- Mayflower Park Hotel – 8.6/10, $$, nice restaurant onsite and close to Pike Place (Click here to book the Mayflower Park Hotel)
How to Get Around Seattle
Walk: The easiest way to get around Seattle is on foot. Many of the city’s neighborhoods are very walkable. If you’re based in the downtown area, you’ll be able to reach many of Seattle’s best indoor activities on foot. Walking is also FREE.
Scooter/Bike: After walking, the cheapest way to get around Seattle is by renting an electric bike or scooter. You can find rentable bikes and scooters all over the city. Download the Lime App to rent by the minute. This is perfect for short commutes.
Buses: Public transportation in Seattle is a great, affordable way to get around without a car. When you arrive in the city, buy yourself an Orca card (at light rail stations) to pay for all your bus fares in the city. Use Google Maps to plan your route and check bus times.
Rail/Streetcar: Along with the buses, the link light rail, streetcars, and monorail are great public transportation options. They are affordable and are great for most north to south routes in Seattle. The link light rail is the easiest way to get from the airport to downtown.
Rideshare: For farther field destinations, you can grab an Uber or Lyft. While many of Seattle’s indoor activities are in or near downtown, some places are further away, but still worth the trek.
Rental Car: I only suggest renting a car in Seattle if you are going to go on day trips outside of the city. You won’t need one to explore Seattle itself, but you should rent a car to go on various day trips.
→ Find the best rental car deals here.
Best Things to Do Indoors in Seattle
Seattle has no shortage of fun things to do, and thankfully, you can easily stay entertained even on the rainiest of days here. Although Seattle’s outdoor activities are top-notch, the indoor activities are still super fun.
With the best things to do on a rainy day in Seattle, you can enjoy the charm of this Pacific Northwest city no matter what the weather brings. From unique museums to sky-high views, dueling pianos to indoor gardens, Seattle’s indoor activities are waiting to be enjoyed.
Save this rainy day guide for your own trip to Seattle or send it to a friend who needs a recommendation!
