The Pacific Northwest is famous for its iconic features: gorgeous scenery, world-class coffee, sasquatch (famously camera-shy), high-fashion flannel, no umbrellas in sight, and of course, endless rainy days. And, while some of these stereotypes are truer than others, we do see quite a bit of rain from winter through spring here in the South Sound.
But, with the wet comes the beauty of experiencing Washington in its coziest moments. On your next visit to Pierce County, don’t let the drizzle rain on your parade! Keep enjoying the best of the South Sound with our carefully curated rainy-day bucket list. Get ready to crack open that book about sparkly vampires, sip on some cozy espresso by the fire, and soak in the stunning scenery of the region while staying (mostly) dry.
Bookstores
There’s nothing more romantic than a rainy day spent browsing your local bookstore in search of a new find. Fortunately for Pierce County, we’ve got a stellar set of cozy independent bookstores free to explore—perfect to escape the rain and continue your tour of new tales in the South South.
On your next visit to Tacoma, make sure to stop by King’s Books, the largest independent bookstore in the city with a community-first focus and a selection sure to fit the needs of any reader. In the gorgeous town of Lakewood, the Lakewood Bookstore offers its visitors a curated selection of stories and some incredible staff service to help you find them. We also can’t forget to mention the Invitation Bookshop, a family-owned and women-run store in Gig Harbor, as well as the quaint A Good Book, found in the scenic town of Sumner.
Museums
For the drizzle-averse visiting Pierce County during the wet season, why not get out of the rain and into one of the region's many museums to learn more about the arts, culture, and history of the South Sound? Casual cultural browsers and history buffs alike will find more than their share of spots to soak in some historical fun while staying dry.
A good place to start is the Tacoma Museum District, where you’ll find six world-class museums offering visitors experiences in everything from hand-blown glass to historical cars. Some of our favorites are the Tacoma Art Museum, Chihuly Bridge of Glass, and LeMay Car Museum. And, for visitors looking for some cultural experiences outside of the city, we’ve got you covered with our full listing of museums and historic sites across Pierce County. Finally, for an opportunity to soak in all the small town history and local charm of the region, check out our South Sound history guide to all things old (in the charming, historical, old-world beauty kind of way!).
Bars & Eateries
What is it about a crisp gray day that makes our meals that much more savory and every sip of our drink feel more romantic? Something about a steady drizzle as we enjoy a candlelit cocktail or hearty meal makes for the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. Visiting the South Sound during the drizzly seasons is the perfect opportunity to seek out a cozy spot to dine or drink, while also enjoying world-class farm-to-table food of the region.
If you’re seeking some South Sound coziness, you can’t miss a visit to McMenamins Elks Temple Hotel. Not only can you stay in a restored Renaissance Revival-style building with sweeping views of the Salish Sea, but you can enjoy The Old Hangout complete with red leather booths, roaring firepit, and plenty of craft cocktails. There’s also Amor Wine and Tapas in Tacoma, an upscale Spanish restaurant focusing on small plates backed by live guitarists. Finally, there’s Wren’s Nest Baking Co. in nearby Ruston —a gluten-free bakery housed in the Ruston Carriage House, a perfect rainy day gathering place complete with cozy fireside seating and historic architecture to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a more rustic adventure during your visit to the South Sound, we recommend a trip to the Copper Creek Inn near Mount Rainier. Cozy cabin-style lodgings and delicious eats at the oldest operating restaurant in Washington state await you. Bonus points if you snag a spot by the fire to read at the Copper Creek Lodge.
Still not satisfied with our rainy day suggestions? Look no further than the Devoted Kiss Cafe, a charming waterfront eatery for breakfast or lunch in Gig Harbor, an enchanting maritime village. Finally, there’s The Forum in Puyallup for candlelit bar snacks, pub vibes, and live music to dance away a rainy day.
Coffee Shops
Washington is world-renowned for its thriving coffee scene. Being the birthplace of both Starbucks and several local roasteries, there may be no better place to snag a cup of Joe or espresso. A fresh cup can warm the soul and give you the perfect kickstart to an otherwise gray day and a strong temptation to stay in bed—why do you think Washingtonians are so caffeinated?!
If visiting Tacoma, a great place to escape the rain is Curran Coffee, a charming spot housed in a historical building full of exposed brick, plenty of houseplants, and some cozy seating. In Puyallup, you can’t miss a stop at Fika where you’ll find fresh French pastries and warm espresso, a perfect pairing to a gray day. It’s also connected to the Farm12 restaurant which offers the splendor of South Puget Sound farm-to-table food with ingredients sourced right there from the local farm. Don’t forget to also visit Gig Harbor, where you’ll get to enjoy a picturesque waterfront that truly shines on rainy days and sip on delicious espresso at Cutters Point Coffee’s flagship location.
Can’t get enough caffeine on your visit? We have a more extensive list of top coffee shops across Pierce County for java junkies to explore.
Outdoor Adventure
We would be remiss to not mention the abundance of outdoor adventure offered here in Pierce County on our rainy day list. While it may be tempting to stick indoors during a steady drizzle, the gray and rain are part of life in the South Sound and you shouldn’t let it stop you from soaking in some sights! In fact, from a local’s perspective, the pitter patter of rain and enhanced brilliance of a jade-green overcast forest can’t be beat. All the weather asks is that you pack the right gear (BUT NO UMBRELLAS!) to prepare yourself for a slightly damp adventure.
To help you get started, we recommend reading our First Timers Guide to Mt. Rainier to be in the know on all the adventures to have at “The Mountain” in Mount Rainier National Park. For readers bringing along their four-legged friends (or looking for an opportunity to pet a doggo along the trail), check out our list of dog-friendly hikes in Pierce County. Finally, you can’t go wrong with our guide to experiences by the beach in the South Sound, complete with opportunities to find a fresh local delicacy—the geoduck (pronounced gooey-duck)!
Rain, rain, don’t go away! Find a way to still get out there and play - stay tuned for more recommendations for making the most of your visit to the South Sound from @VisitTacomaPierceCounty or subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a minute!
