9 Rainy Day Indoor Attractions Every Traveler Should See in Washington

Washington State is known for its forests, coastlines, and mountain trails, but rain can easily shift plans. I’ve had trips where the weather pushed me indoors, and I was glad it did. The state has museums, markets, and cultural spaces that make time inside feel just as rewarding as time outdoors. Here are some of the best options for a rainy day.

1. Museum of Pop Culture (Seattle)

Some places grab your attention before you even walk inside, and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is one of them. The architecture outside is bold, and once you step in, the exhibits pull you into worlds shaped by music, science fiction, and video games. I always find something that surprises me, whether it’s an artifact from a landmark movie or a display dedicated to Seattle’s own Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana.

It’s the hands-on displays that stand out. You can try your hand at mixing music or step inside a sound lab to play an instrument, even if you haven’t picked one up since school. The museum rotates its special exhibits, so there’s always something new alongside the permanent collections.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a pop culture enthusiast, MoPOP makes you appreciate how much this state has contributed to the broader creative landscape. It’s a place where you can lose track of time, and with the rain outside, there’s no pressure to rush. I leave inspired every visit.

2. Seattle Aquarium

The first time I visited the Seattle Aquarium, the sea otters became instant favorites. Watching them twist, spin, and snack on ice is oddly soothing, and I’m pretty sure they know how much attention they’re getting from guests. The underwater dome lets you feel surrounded by fish gliding past your head.

The aquarium puts a special focus on creatures native to the Pacific Northwest. That means you can see everything from jellyfish gently pulsing to giant Pacific octopuses shifting color right in front of you. The touch tanks are a big hit with kids, but adults seem just as curious.

Rain outside adds to the atmosphere, making the waterfront views out the windows look even more dramatic. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here, moving at your own pace. I always leave with a deeper appreciation for the region’s marine life, and a camera roll full of unexpected moments.

3. Pike Place Market (Seattle)

When rain starts in Seattle, I head to the lower levels and covered walkways at Pike Place Market. There’s something comforting about wandering through the maze of small shops and art stalls, never quite knowing what you’ll find around the next corner. The energy shifts indoors, vendors chat, musicians play softly, and the smell of fresh bread drifts down the old staircases.

Markets can sometimes feel overwhelming, but the variety keeps things interesting. I’ve discovered everything from vintage comic books to handmade pottery, and the mix of food counters means you’ll find something to snack on no matter your taste. There’s a rhythm to the place, and somehow the rain makes the neon signs and old brickwork shine even brighter.

Pike Place’s indoor sections offer a slice of Seattle history, as well as a chance to connect with locals and travelers alike. Even when it’s crowded, I’ve always found a quiet corner to watch the world go by. For me, it’s the perfect rainy day hideout in Washington.

4. Chihuly Garden and Glass (Seattle)

There’s nothing like walking into a room filled with Dale Chihuly’s glasswork on a gray Seattle day. The colors are so bold they almost seem to glow, and every piece feels alive with movement. Even if you’re not an art buff, the sheer scale and detail in the installations keep your eyes constantly searching for new details.

The main galleries focus on glass in forms you’ve never imagined: twisting reeds, giant blooms, and intricate chandeliers that hang overhead like frozen fireworks. The glasshouse, with its sweeping 100-foot sculpture and view of the Space Needle, ties indoor and outdoor worlds together without ever getting you wet.

Each visit gives me a new favorite piece, and the museum’s layout invites you to linger. I’ve seen kids press their noses up to the cases and adults stand quietly, just taking it all in. On rainy days, the vibrant light inside makes you forget about the drizzle outside. Washington has many art spaces, but this one always stands out.

5. LeMay – America’s Car Museum (Tacoma)

Stepping into LeMay – America’s Car Museum feels a bit like opening a giant toy box for grown-ups. I’m not a car expert, but the sheer number of vehicles spanning decades kept me curious the whole visit. From sleek classics to muscle cars and rare prototypes, every row has a story.

The museum’s layout is open and inviting, so you’re not stuck following a single path. I’ve watched families debate their favorite models and seen older visitors point out cars they once owned. Interactive exhibits let you get hands-on with the mechanics, which makes the experience even more engaging.

When rain pounds outside, the museum’s bright, spacious halls offer plenty of room to explore without feeling crowded. Tacoma’s connection to automotive history is clear here, and each visit gives me a new perspective on design and innovation. It’s a top pick for a day indoors in Washington, whether you’re a lifelong car fan or just curious.

6. Washington State History Museum (Tacoma)

Every time I visit the Washington State History Museum, I find something that connects to a piece of my own story. The exhibits aren’t just timelines, they’re filled with artifacts from Native cultures, pioneer days, and the industries that helped shape Washington over the decades. Everything is detailed but never overwhelming, and the flow from early history to the present feels natural.

I like that the building’s large windows offer glimpses of Tacoma outside, even on the rainiest days. It feels like a reminder that you’re part of the state’s ongoing history, not just looking at the past. I’ve met visitors who grew up here and still walk away learning something new.

Interactive displays give kids and adults alike a reason to slow down and dig a little deeper. The sense of place is strong, and you leave with a better picture of how Washington’s landscapes and people intersect. It’s my go-to for a thoughtful, dry afternoon in Tacoma.

7. Museum of Glass (Tacoma)

Not every museum lets you see creativity in action. The Museum of Glass stands out for its working hot shop, where artists shape molten glass while visitors watch from a stadium-style seating area. I always find myself mesmerized by the movement, the rolling, spinning, and careful teamwork needed to turn glowing blobs into delicate art.

The galleries feature finished pieces from artists around the world, but the live demonstration is what keeps bringing me back. Every session feels different, and you can ask questions or just listen to the commentary. The mix of heat, color, and skill makes for a memorable, hands-on experience.

Even when the weather outside is gloomy, the museum glows with activity. Tacoma’s glassmaking heritage gets a spotlight here, and the blend of studio and gallery gives it a unique energy. For anyone interested in seeing art come together in real time, this spot is a rainy day essential in Washington.

8. Pacific Science Center (Seattle)

The Pacific Science Center feels like it was built for days when you want to stay inside but still explore. The hands-on exhibits work for all ages, and I always see adults having just as much fun as kids. The planetarium shows take you out of the city and into the stars, which is a nice escape from cloudy skies.

One of my favorite parts is the indoor tropical butterfly house. Stepping inside, you’re surrounded by fluttering wings and warm, humid air, a total contrast to the weather outside. It’s a rare chance in Washington to see so many species up close, and the staff is always ready with facts.

Whether you’re curious about space, health, or engineering, there’s a corner of the center for everyone. Time moves quickly here, and the variety keeps boredom away. I always leave feeling like I learned something new, no matter how many times I visit. Please note: temporarily closed from Sep 2 to Oct 10, 2025, for maintenance.

9. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (Seattle)

The Burke Museum stands out for letting you peek behind the scenes. Open labs show real scientists at work, sorting fossils and studying artifacts. I’ve spent time just watching researchers piece together bones, and it makes the whole museum come alive in a way that’s rare.

Exhibits cover Northwest geology, animal life, and cultural history, with plenty of interactive elements. Kids can touch real fossils, and adults often linger at the detailed displays on local Indigenous peoples. The sense of discovery is everywhere, and the staff is always ready to share a story or fact.

Being on the University of Washington campus gives the Burke a lively buzz, with students and families mixing together. Even on the gloomiest days in Seattle, the museum’s bright spaces feel welcoming. It’s one of my favorite ways to connect with Washington’s past and present, all without getting drenched.