Washington, DC is a great city for walking until the forecast has other plans.
One minute you’re planning an afternoon on the National Mall, and the next you’re staring out the window at pouring rain wondering what you’re supposed to do with the rest of your day. Fortunately, some of the best things to do in DC don’t require sunshine at all.
Whether you’re a local looking for something different, visiting for the weekend, or simply refusing to let a rainy Saturday go to waste, here are seven ways to make the most of a rainy day in Washington, DC.
1. Spend the Afternoon at a Smithsonian Museum
This one might be obvious, but there’s a reason it’s first.
DC has one of the best collections of museums in the country, and many Smithsonian museums offer free admission. Depending on what you’re interested in, you could spend the afternoon exploring art, aviation, American history, natural history, or countless other subjects without worrying about what’s happening outside.
And here’s the trick:
Don’t try to see everything. Pick one museum, slow down, and actually enjoy it. A rainy day is the perfect excuse.
2. Turn It Into a Food Day
If the weather isn’t cooperating, let your appetite plan the itinerary.
DC’s neighborhoods offer just about every kind of food you could want, making a rainy afternoon perfect for creating your own mini food tour. Grab coffee somewhere you’ve never tried, find lunch in another neighborhood, or stop for dessert somewhere else. Suddenly the weather isn’t ruining the day, it’s giving you an excuse to eat your way around the District.
3. Explore One of DC’s Indoor Markets
A rainy day is also a great excuse to spend some time wandering around an indoor market.
Rather than committing to one restaurant or activity, markets let you grab something to eat, browse different vendors, and hang out without needing much of a plan. It’s particularly good when you’re with a group and nobody can agree on what they want. Everyone finds something. Problem solved.
4. Have a Proper Movie Day
Sometimes the best rainy-day plan is accepting that you’re having a rainy day. Find a theater, grab popcorn, and pick something you’ve been meaning to see.
Or stay home and finally watch the movie that’s been sitting on your list for six months. Add takeout, blankets, and absolutely no obligation to leave the couch afterward.
There are worse ways to spend a Thursday.
5. Visit a Gallery or Catch a Show
DC has much more going on indoors than just museums. Depending on the day, you can find:
- Art galleries
- Live theater
- Comedy
- Concerts
- Independent films
- Talks and lectures
- Smaller cultural events
A rainy forecast can actually be a good reason to finally check out one of those places you’ve walked past a hundred times but never entered.
6. Make It a Game Night
If leaving the house sounds increasingly less appealing every time you look outside, call a few friends and make the plans come to you.
- Cards
- Board games
- Video games
- Takeout
- A good playlist
- Everyone brings something.
No complicated itinerary required. Sometimes the best plans in DC involve not dealing with DC traffic at all.
7. Do Absolutely Nothing
Yes, this counts. DC can be a busy city. There’s always somewhere to go, something happening, or something you feel like you should be doing.
A rainy day gives you permission to ignore all of it – order food, put your phone down, start a book, watch something terrible, take a nap, and stay in.
You don’t need to turn every free day into an itinerary. Sometimes doing nothing is the plan.
Staying In? Let DC Come to You
If your rainy-day plans involve staying home, this is also one of those days when delivery suddenly feels like one of humanity’s better inventions.
Dinner can come to you.
Groceries can come to you.
And for registered medical cannabis patients, cannabis can too.
Local’d provides medical cannabis delivery throughout Washington, DC, so you don’t have to cross the city or stand outside in the rain to visit a licensed retailer.
Browse from home, place your order online, and let us handle the drive.
Because some days are made for exploring DC and some days are made for staying exactly where you are.
Medical Cannabis Delivery Throughout Washington, DC
Local’d serves registered medical cannabis patients across neighborhoods throughout the District.
If you’re new to ordering, check out our How to Order Cannabis Delivery in Washington, DC guide for a step-by-step explanation of how the process works.
Or visit our Weed Delivery in DC page to learn more about Local’d, our delivery areas, and ordering medical cannabis in Washington, DC.
For registered medical cannabis patients 21+. Please consume responsibly and never drive while impaired.
