With access to everything, everywhere mere steps from our doors at The Emerald – in true Seattle fashion, we never let a few raindrops get in our way of a good time. Grab your rain jacket and boots and embrace Seattle’s rainy days. Whether you want to get on the water, learn something new, or just want to snap a great selfie, there’s something on this list made for you. Our location at The Emerald opens up to a vibrant mix of local cafés, fresh markets, exceptional shopping, A-list restaurants, and world-class museums and galleries. And Elliott Bay just outside our front door – highlighted by the new waterfront redevelopment and its reimagined plazas, parks and paths connecting the city and the Sound like never before. Rain or shine, Seattle is yours for the taking!
Make your way to the MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture). MoPOP is home to the world’s most immersive pop culture experiences, showcasing iconic moments in TV, rock n roll music, science fiction, and much more. There’s enough at MoPOP to keep you busy all day long, so allocate at least a few hours. Visit here for current exhibitions and events.
Be blown away by Glass Art at Seattle Glassblowing. Bring a hot shop experience into your own home and watch live while a professional glassblower creates a piece of art just for you. The piece will be shipped direct to you and is yours to keep. Want to get out and spy some amazing art in person? Chihuly Garden and Glass always stuns. Whether it’s your first or tenth time seeing it, it’s particularly mesmerizing being inside the glass structure when it’s raining outside. Tip: Watch for the opening of The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass which will offer craft cocktails and delicious bites in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Explore Seattle Central Library, a favorite thing to do on any rainy day in Seattle. This unique building is a great place to get lost in a good story or find a new book to read at home. Thanks to the glass and steel structure, this is also one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seattle. With huge glass walls, bright yellow escalators, vivid red hallways, and art all over the place, the Central Library is large enough to hang out at for a while. If you go to the top floor, you can also admire a really nice view of the water.
Go ahead. Strike a pose and snap a Selfie at the Original Selfie Museum. This photography studio art space allows you to take pictures and videos with your phone or camera using professional settings, props and light. Charge your phone and enjoy your selfie in the most Instagram-able place in the nation.
Catch a show at the Paramount Theatre. Opened in 1928 as the Seattle Theatre, the opulent Paramount Theatre is widely known as the premier performing arts venue in town. With lavish decoration reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles, and a lively roster of vaudeville shows and silent movies, the theatre was the place to be in the Roaring Twenties, and nowadays it’s just as popular.
Take a walk along the waterfront and Ferry to Bainbridge Island. Venturing out along the water is easy from our iconic downtown address. The Pacific Northwest beauty of a Bainbridge Island ferry ride from the middle of downtown Seattle is stunning, but the destination this ferry ride grants you is even better. This easy escape from the city offers up opportunity to unplug with scenic vistas, beautiful trails, ultra-local wine tasting, and outdoor adventures. From fine food to the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to bring your bike onboard, it’s a great spot for some scenic cycling.
Pop open the umbrella and enjoy some puddles. Savor your favorite cup of coffee and people watch at our neighboring Pike Place. Did you know? The story of Starbucks begins in 1971 along the cobblestone streets of Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. Grab a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks (or for the full roasting and tasting experience visit the original’s big brother in Capitol Hill), stroll to the top floor of the Corner Market Building for a Storyville sunrise paired with a frosted cinnamon roll, or grab an espresso from a intimate and definitely haunted nook at Ghost Alley.
Dive into an undersea experience without ever getting wet at the Seattle Aquarium. A short walk from our doors at The Emerald, the aquarium invites you to wander through the enchanting moon jellyfish ring, toward the giant Pacific octopus. Next, enter the dreamlike underwater dome for a 360-degree view of the Puget Sound aquatic ecosystem. Finish your playful trip with a visit to the ever-adorable otter and seal exhibits.
We’ve only listed a few of the many things to do on a rainy Seattle day, get creative and don’t let the rain hold you back from enjoying all our amazing city offers. Discover our defining address. The Emerald is 70% sold and 1-bedroom prices start from $499,000 with move-in ready residences now available. From impressive places to entertain, to calm escapes for wellness and solitude – endless memories and moments await at The Emerald.
