What To Do In DC On A Rainy Day
Here is a collection of the best things to do and indoor places to visit on a rainy day in Washington, DC.
Although most of those museums are free to enter, you will need advance timed-entry passes to visit the more popular ones, such as the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History.
Explore The National Mall
Even though you won’t be able to spend much time outdoors on a rainy day, the National Mall is still worth checking out. The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Capitol Building look quite picturesque in the rain, and you can get some great photos without having to deal with large crowds.
The National Museum of History and the Smithsonian American Art Museum are just off the National Mall and make for easy walking. The Mall is also connected to the underground via Metro stations, making it very easy to get to other parts of the city.
Head To A Museum
Museums are always a great option on a rainy day, and Washington DC has plenty to choose from. Smithsonian Museums are always good options since the entrance is free. The National Museum of Natural History for example has the “Hope Diamond,” dinosaur fossils, and a great hall of mammals.
Other options are the National Gallery of Art with its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and decorative arts; the National Air and Space Museum allows you to see up-close aircraft and spacecraft. The Newseum is a must-visit for anybody interested in media and journalism.
Go Shopping At CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC is a massive complex with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. The stores range from high-end to affordable, so there’s something for everyone.
CityCenterDC is also home to the only Nordstrom in DC. Food-wise, there are plenty of options, from quick bites to fine dining. After shopping and dining, you can catch a movie at the AMC dine-in theater.
See A Show
Washington, DC has a thriving theater scene. From Broadway shows to local productions, there’s something for everyone.
You can check the websites of the Kennedy Center, the National Theatre, and the Warner Theatre to see what’s playing during your visit. All of those theaters are in or near the Metro stations, so they are easily accessible.
Visit The National Zoo
The National Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC, and it’s a great place to visit on a rainy day. The Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from all over the world, including pandas, lions, tigers, and elephants.
The Zoo is open every day of the year and the admission is free. Even though some animals like to stay inside during the rain, there are indoor exhibits you can visit for example, the reptile, amphibians, and the invertebrate exhibits are all indoors.
FAQs
- What are some free things to do in Washington, DC on a rainy day?
- There are many free things to do in Washington, DC on a rainy day. Some of the most popular include visiting the Smithsonian Museums, the National Mall, and the National Zoo. You can check websites for more free activities.
- What are some indoor activities for kids in Washington, DC?
- There are many indoor activities for kids in Washington, DC. Some of the most popular include visiting the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Children’s Museum.
- What are some good restaurants in Washington, DC for a rainy day?
- There are many great restaurants in Washington, DC that are perfect for a rainy day. Some of the most popular include the Old Ebbitt Grill, the Founding Farmers, and the Farmers Fishers Bakers.
Conclusion
As you see, a rainy day in DC doesn’t have to be boring. There are plenty of museums, memorials, and attractions that are all just as good on a bad weather day.
So, next time the weather is less than ideal, don’t despair. There are still plenty of things to do in Washington, DC.
