We all know what to do in Bellingham when it’s sunny outside: hike, bike, kayak, swim, paddle-board, fish, bird-watch—the list goes on. But what about the rainy days? Luckily, there are plenty of fun, affordable, and enriching things to do in Bellingham on a rainy day.
A rainy day in Bellingham is a great excuse to sit back and watch a movie at the Pickford Film Center. A beloved fixture in Bellingham's art scene, the Pickford offers independent, foreign, and documentary films, along with special events and programming. Grab some popcorn, a cold beer, or a glass of wine from the concession stand and let one of the Pickford's curated film selections transport you away.
Lovers of putt-putt will have a blast at Flatstick Pub, where you can play nine holes of indoor mini golf. The pub also offers one-of-a-kind games like Duffleboard (think mini golf meets shuffleboard) or Dufflepont (think shuffleboard meets beer pong). When you’re not gaming, enjoy a large selection of Washington beers and a food menu featuring brick oven pizzas, Bavarian pretzels, and more.
The SPARK Museum of Electrical invention is an ideal place to explore on a rainy day in Bellingham. Visitors of all ages will feel a zip of excitement while exploring the museum's world-class collection of artifacts and objects that highlight the history and development of electricity, radio, and early technology. On weekends, catch the hour-long MegaZapper Electrical Show, featuring one of the largest Tesla coils in the US.
Shop the rainy day away in charming Fairhaven Village. The historic village offers a variety of shops, many housed within Victorian-era red-brick buildings. From locally owned clothing boutiques and art galleries to our popular independent bookstore, Village Books, there's something for every age, taste, budget, and desire. Grab a gift for friends and family or treat yourself to something unique.
A great thing about Bellingham is that it usually doesn’t rain too hard. If it’s just sprinkling, don your rain jacket and rubber boots and head to Whatcom Falls Park. Ample tree cover means you may not even feel the precipitation, and it's possible you'll find yourself alone on the trail. Numerous trail options crisscross the lush forest in the center of Bellingham, so it's easy to wander until you're lost. Luckily, you're never too far from where you started.
Sign up for a free Arts & Culture Crawl pass on your phone to explore Bellingham's eclectic art scene. Let this curated collection of outings be your guide as you wander galleries, museums, interactive experiences, and culturally significant places throughout Whatcom County. Check in to score discounts and earn points redeemable for prizes. The real gift, of course, is the rich experience of connecting with Bellingham's arts, heritage, and culture.
Located in Downtown Bellingham, The Whatcom Museum is a regional destination for lovers of art, history, and culture. Peruse through collections and exhibitions that relate to the Pacific Northwest and the people who call it home. The museum holds close to 30,000 objects of art and history and boasts a photo archive of more than 200,000 images. Little ones and adults alike will have a blast at the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG).
No rainy day in Bellingham is complete without a cup of hot coffee. Not only do Bellingham coffee shops boast beautiful and unique spaces perfect for meeting up with friends or kicking back with a book, but they also offer an array of approaches to the world's most beloved bean. Enjoy a latte at Woods Coffee in Boulevard Park or snuggle up with a mocha at award-winning Camber Coffee. Wherever you go, you can't go wrong.
If it's raining in Bellingham, then it's time to kick back and explore our area's ridiculously varied beer culture. Duck into one of nearly 20 craft breweries now operating in Bellingham and Whatcom County for a pint of cold beer and a dry place to relax until the drizzle clears. Whether you're looking for a cute European-inspired pub or a dog-friendly brewery for Fido, there's likely a place just around the corner.
Volli is more than a pickleball sports center - it's your year-round location for competitive and recreational pickleball, cornhole, putt putt, darts and shuffleboard, as well as a state-of-the-art golf simulator. The best part: the courts are indoors so you can play rain or shine!
Rest your muscles and your mind at one of Bellingham and Whatcom County’s amazing spas. Whether you're hoping for a massage, facial, sauna, red light therapy, float tank, an amethyst crystal cave, or a mani-pedi, our area has plenty of spa offerings to help you unwind after a day of playing in the rain.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery in Bellingham offers tours of its working distillery! Taste spirits featured in craft cocktails, smell the inside of a charred American white oak barrel used to age award-winning Bourbon, see the inside of a secret barrel room, and so much more. Fun, funny, and educational!
