My name is Alan and I’m going to take you on a journey that will prove that the question of what to do by the sea when it’s raining isn’t difficult at all. Careful planning of a seaside holiday and the weather go hand in hand, and rainy trips often turn out to be the most fascinating. After all, you can explore the unknown under a roof, with a cup of tea in hand, far from the hustle and bustle of the beach.

For me, rain is an invitation to slow down, go offline and appreciate the here and now. As the raindrops drum against the windowsill, Pomerania reveals extraordinary places that are just waiting for our attention. Wondering what to do in bad weather by the Baltic Sea? There are plenty of options.

Leave your phones in your room and check out our guide suggesting where to go by the sea in bad weather. I’ll prove to you that a positive attitude can save any holiday.

Rain by the sea isn’t a problem, it’s an opportunity! Why is it worth taking a walk along the Baltic coast in bad weather?

A walk in the rain is a boost to your immunity and a mindfulness exercise. When the beaches empty, you have the whole space to yourself to experience the power of nature. The sound of the Baltic’s churning waves soothes the nervous system, and the low temperature, by forcing the body to regulate its heat, improves circulation.

Why does a walk by the sea in the rain promote the inhalation of iodine?

Raindrops and strong winds break up water molecules, creating a sea aerosol saturated with iodine, bromine and calcium. Such natural iodine inhalations are invaluable for health, and the highest concentration of these elements is found within 150 metres of the shore, particularly during stormy, windy weather.

Iodine is released from algae and plankton washed ashore. By inhaling this natural aerosol, you support your thyroid and clear your airways of smog.

It’s a free health retreat well worth visiting, whatever the weather.

What is the best rain jacket for walks along the Baltic coast?

Appropriate rainwear is essential. A hardshell jacket with a membrane offering a minimum waterproof rating of 10,000 mm water column and taped seams will work best. The membrane protects against downpours and wicks away moisture, preventing overheating whilst walking.

• A deep hood with a stiffened peak will shield your face from the wind carrying fine sand.
• A high collar will protect your neck, eliminating the need to wear a thick scarf.
• The extended back of the jacket protects your lower back from the wind.

Avoid ordinary plastic rain capes. Strong winds will tear them apart in minutes, and when you’re adding interesting places to visit by the sea to your list when it’s windy, the breathability of the fabric will ensure you don’t get sweaty inside.

Attractions for the whole family when it’s raining – from the aquarium to the seal sanctuary

A family trip requires flexibility, and the lack of sunshine opens the door to a world of flora and fauna. A variety of indoor attractions by the seaside and excellent educational facilities help you forget about the clouds.

Which aquarium on the Polish coast is worth visiting on a rainy day?

The Aquarium in Gdynia is a great choice for inclement weather, as the entire complex is housed in a covered building at the end of the South Pier. There you’ll see coral reefs, sharks, stingrays and the fascinating species for which our sea is famous.

Meanwhile, the classic Oceanarium in Międzyzdroje is a good alternative in western Poland. It features dozens of tanks and a 16-metre-long glass semi-tunnel housing piranhas and moray eels. Both venues allow you to spend two or three hours in the warmth, forgetting about the rain outside.

What is feeding time like at the seal sanctuary in wet weather?

A visit to the Hel Seal Sanctuary and the feeding itself go ahead without a hitch, punctually at 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00, as the rain doesn’t bother the seals at all. Trainers in storm gear carry out standard medical training combined with feeding the seals herring.

This is a big advantage for tourists. On rainy days, the crowds crowding the barriers disappear. You can stand in the front row and freely observe these beautiful marine mammals.

Is a visit to the parrot house a good idea for a rainy day with the children?

Yes, the local parrot house is an excellent way to spend the afternoon. Tropical birds react to drops in pressure with increased activity. In the enclosed, heated halls in Gdańsk or Koszalin, the temperature remains constant and very comfortable.

The birds are happy to perch on your shoulders and eat from your hand, which is a huge thrill for the little ones. Just remember to remove any shiny jewellery, which attracts the attention of curious parrots and cockatoos.

In which Baltic Sea towns are there indoor butterfly houses?

You’ll find indoor butterfly houses in Niechorze, Władysławowo, Łeba and Jarosławiec. Each such butterfly house is a spherical tent in which a tropical microclimate is carefully maintained.

The temperature inside is a constant 26 degrees Celsius, and the humidity reaches 80%. If you’re wondering what to do with the children by the sea on a rainy day, stepping in from the cold street and watching colourful insects hatch from their pupae will be a hit.

In which seaside towns can you visit a wax museum?

There are several wax figure museums operating all year round in Międzyzdroje, Sopot and Kołobrzeg. You’ll find realistic replicas of actors, politicians and fairy-tale characters there.

It’s a great place to take some fun photos with the family. Such unusual attractions by the sea when it’s raining guarantee plenty of laughter, and a stroll among the exhibits usually takes about 45 minutes.

Active indoor activities: where to burn off calories on a rainy day by the sea?

Rest doesn’t always mean lying on your back. Sometimes the best way to burn off energy, especially for the little ones, is to get moving. When the beach is out of the question, indoor sports attractions come into their own.

Where are the best water parks with heated water by the sea?

Modern water parks by the sea, such as Aquapark Reda and Park Wodny Sopot, are the two most extensive swimming pool complexes in Pomerania, with water temperatures above 29 degrees. Reda stands out for its unique slide, whose tunnel runs straight through a shark tank.

Name of the facility	Location	Main attractions
Reda Water Park	Reda (near Gdynia)	Slide through a shark tank, wave pool
Sopot Water Park	Sopot	Wild river, extensive sauna area, hydromassages
Świnoujście Aquapark	Świnoujście	Artificial wave for surfing, saltwater jacuzzi
Koszalin Water Park	Koszalin	Multimedia slides, sports pool

Where can you swim in an indoor pool by the sea?

When choosing indoor swimming pools on the Baltic coast, it is worth checking out the full-scale sports facilities provided by the Central Sports Centre in Cetniewo (Władysławowo) and the Milenium Swimming Pool in Kołobrzeg. In addition, most large hotels offer commercial access to their relaxation areas, where many an indoor pool will meet your expectations.

Ask about availability at reception. Often, for just a few dozen zlotys, you can get unlimited access to the swimming pool, a warm jacuzzi and a relaxation area.

Where can you find children’s play areas in popular seaside resorts?

A good children’s play area by the sea can save a cloudy day. The largest play centres, offering extensive climbing frames, roller slides and trampolines, include Loopy’s World in Gdańsk and the indoor area at Pomerania Fun Park near Kołobrzeg.

When wondering what to do by the sea when it’s raining, Władysławowo and other smaller towns rely on cosy playrooms. Even if you’re renting private accommodation, many large guesthouses allow children from outside in for a one-off fee.

Where are the trampoline parks by the seaside that allow you to spend time actively indoors?

The Jumpcity chain, for example, offers an excellent trampoline park, with venues in Gdańsk, Gdynia and Rumia. In Koszalin, Play Park and Jump Planet are thriving. These are huge hangars filled with jumping nets, pools of soft foam and acrobatic courses.

Always buy tickets online. On rainy weekends, these venues are at full capacity, and tickets available at the on-site ticket office sell out in a flash.

Where can you go bowling by the sea while seeking shelter from the rain?

A well-maintained bowling alley is a great way to compete indoors. You’ll find professional bowling lanes at places such as Centrum U7 (Gdańsk, Gdynia) and MK Bowling (Koszalin). Smaller, more intimate lanes are often located in the basements of large holiday resorts in Świnoujście and Sopot.

Culture and learning in bad weather – what to visit when it’s dreary outside?

Learning whilst travelling is key to experiencing new places. That’s why visiting museums on the Polish coast is a great excuse to step back in time and gain a better understanding of the culture of people who have for centuries tied their lives to the harsh Baltic climate.

Where is the largest amber museum on the Polish coast?

When compiling a list of the most interesting museums on the coast, it is impossible to overlook the Amber Museum in Gdańsk, located in the historic Great Mill. The exhibition features thousands of unique insect inclusions trapped in resin and incredible works of craftsmanship.

The modern layout and advanced multimedia make the history of this golden treasure accessible to everyone. Set aside at least two full hours for this extraordinary venue.

What can you learn at the Fisheries Museum when the weather is bad?

When visiting the atmospheric Fisheries Museum in Hel, housed in a former Evangelical church, you’ll get an up-close look at the techniques used to build wooden fishing boats, old navigation methods and the harsh realities of life for Kashubian fishermen. The exhibitions show in detail how fishing gear and rescue equipment have changed over the years.

Climbing to the top of the tower, you will see a stunning panorama of Puck Bay, which, even when thickly shrouded in rain clouds, makes a monumental and mysterious impression.

Which lighthouses are open for interior visits during rain?

Almost every historic lighthouse, including those in Świnoujście, Kołobrzeg, Rozewie and on the Hel Peninsula, has enclosed and protected staircases, allowing you to climb to the top safely in the rain. Only the open viewing terraces at the top are exposed to the elements.

Bear in mind, however, that during very strong, gusty storms, lighthouse keepers may close the sites for safety reasons. In ordinary rain, the entrances usually remain open.

Which historic churches and cathedrals are worth visiting along the coast?

For history buffs, visiting churches is a must. St Mary’s Basilica in Gdańsk and the Co-Cathedral in Kamień Pomorski are architectural gems, offering dry and tranquil interiors. In Gdańsk, you’ll be captivated by the impressive astronomical clock, and in Kamień, you’ll hear the deep tones of historic Baroque organs.

Exploring old religious buildings allows for a precious moment of reflection. These are places where time literally stands still.

Are there theatres in the Tri-City or Kołobrzeg with something to offer holidaymakers?

Yes, classical theatre is an excellent escape, and for example, the Wybrzeże Theatre (with venues in Gdańsk and Sopot) and the Musical Theatre in Gdynia stage outstanding performances all year round. In Gdynia, spectacular Broadway-style musicals are regularly staged, guaranteeing a wonderful escape from the daily grind.

And if you’re wondering what to do by the sea when it’s raining, Kołobrzeg offers a rich repertoire at the Regional Cultural Centre, which very often hosts comedy shows and brilliant cabarets from all over Poland.

Are there cinemas showing the latest films in the seaside towns?

You’ll have no trouble finding a modern and comfortable cinema in Gdańsk, Gdynia, Koszalin, Słupsk or Świnoujście, where multiplexes such as Helios and Multikino operate. They regularly screen the latest global releases with the highest picture and sound quality.

Much smaller towns usually rely on atmospheric open-air summer cinemas, which, however, very often cancel their outdoor screenings during heavy rain.

Relaxation and good food: ideas for a rainy afternoon for adults

Bad weather forces us to take that much-needed rest, which we all too easily sacrifice in our daily rush to sightsee. Nourishing the body from within is the key to a truly successful trip.

What spa treatments are recommended for relaxation by the sea when it’s raining?

Professional spa and wellness facilities by the sea successfully rescue chilled-out tourists. A variety of warming treatments, such as hot stone massage or natural scrubs using aromatic amber oil, perfectly reduce muscle tension caused by the cold. The heat penetrates deep into the tissues, bringing immediate relief.

Traditional wraps made from heated, natural mud sourced from the vicinity of the health resort, where such treatments are the norm, are also extremely popular. They have a very strong anti-inflammatory effect and effectively regenerate tired joints.

What are the benefits of a session in a salt cave when you can’t go to the beach?

A single relaxing 45-minute session in a specialist salt cave effectively saturates the body with micronutrients to an extent comparable to three full days of walks along the seashore. The unique microclimate inside is also completely bacteriologically sterile.

Deep inhalation of negatively ionised air effectively loosens accumulated mucus, noticeably eases breathing, pleasantly calms the heart rate and significantly improves overall sleep quality.

Where can you find a cosy café with a view of the churning sea?

A cosy café overlooking the waves is a gem in inclement weather. The spacious Cafe Polskie Smaki in the Dom Zdrojowy in Sopot and the famous revolving Eleven Club café on the eleventh floor of the Arka Medical Spa hotel in Kołobrzeg offer unbeatable panoramic views through thick, weather-resistant windows. You sit comfortably in a soft armchair, sipping your coffee slowly, whilst the sea rages right beside you.

Always look for elegant dining venues situated directly on the sandy dunes or right by the promenades.

What Pomeranian dishes are worth trying in a restaurant when it’s raining?

Any good regional restaurant will recommend that you order a hot fish soup made from a rich stock of Baltic predatory fish (such as zander or cod), generously thickened with cream and served with crispy garlic bread. Such a meal warms you up wonderfully and keeps you fully satisfied for many long hours.

• Traditional Kashubian herring in a delicious sweet-and-sour sauce with onions and cloves.
• Fresh cod fried in clarified butter, served with fluffy mashed potatoes and healthy sauerkraut.
• Hand-made dumplings with a delicate filling of fine sea fish.

After all, good food is also about travelling, and authentic, local flavours undoubtedly best reflect the unique character of the entire coastal region.

Where can you go by the sea to sample local beers or liqueurs?

For true connoisseurs, a leisurely tasting of local brews is a wonderful experience. The atmospheric Browar Miejski in Sopot and the excellent Browar PG4 in the heart of Gdańsk are quintessential craft gems, where delicious beer is brewed with passion right before your eyes. At PG4, for example, you can try the historic Gdańsk Jopenbier, with its unique consistency of very thick syrup and remarkably complex flavour.

Many ambitious restaurateurs living in Kashubia also offer tastings of delicious regional sea buckthorn liqueur on their menus, proudly known there as the ‘pineapple of the north’.

Creative workshops and unusual attractions for rainy days

If, despite everything, boredom gets the better of you, remember that entertainment in the broadest sense in seaside resorts on a rainy day can be a great way to stimulate your creativity. Creative work with your own hands allows you to switch off your analytical mind completely for a moment and focus fully on the creative process. It is a pure form of meditation in motion.

Where are amber-working workshops for tourists held?

Professional amber workshops and a variety of engaging demonstrations are organised, amongst others, by Manufaktura Bursztynu in Gdańsk, where you will learn exactly how to accurately distinguish genuine amber from cheap fakes. Under the watchful, expert eye of an experienced craftsman, you can cut and polish a raw piece of amber yourself, and then set it beautifully in gleaming silver.

Such hand-crafted, carefully made jewellery is undoubtedly the most precious souvenir from any seaside trip.

Where by the sea are there clay workshops for families on rainy days?

Creative pottery workshops are regularly run by the well-known Ceramics Studio in Sopot and numerous local community centres (for example, in beautiful Ustka or charming Darłowo). Fascinating work on a potter’s wheel or free, artistic hand-modelling is available safely for children from the age of five.

Legal, immersive fun in the mud, safely indoors, is the secret dream of absolutely every little one, and a beautifully kiln-fired mug will warmly remind you of this family trip for many years to come.

Are there escape rooms for tourists by the seaside?

Yes, an engaging and brilliantly designed escape room is the norm in cities such as the Tri-City, Kołobrzeg or Koszalin, which are veritable hubs of highly rated puzzle rooms. You’ll have no trouble finding fascinating rooms with pirate themes, deeply historical settings, as well as dark and challenging thrillers intended strictly for adults.

Working together to solve logic puzzles in a locked room usually lasts exactly 60 minutes and is a brilliant way to bring the whole group together.

Do cruise ships sail in the rain?

For intrepid tourists, a cruise on a covered boat is certainly possible, as most of the stylised wooden galleons and modern coastal vessels in the Tri-City and Kołobrzeg operate without issue even during light, passing showers. They feature safely covered and well-heated lower decks, and often also well-sheltered, transparent areas located on the upper deck.

Commercial sightseeing cruises are cancelled almost exclusively due to dangerously strong winds causing excessively high waves, rather than simply because of ordinary rain.

Does the coastal narrow-gauge railway have covered carriages for when it rains?

An atmospheric ride on the narrow-gauge railway is sure to save the day on a chilly afternoon. The Coastal Narrow-Gauge Railway, which runs regularly along the interesting route from Gryfice to Rewal to Pogorzelica, is happy to attach fully enclosed, tightly glazed and pleasantly heated carriages especially for rainy days. The historic, very well-maintained rolling stock allows you to admire the dense coastal forests in peace and comfort.

By purchasing a convenient all-day ticket from the conductor, you can hop off at any interesting station and, after spending time exploring, freely continue your journey on the next scheduled service.

What to do at a hotel or guesthouse when it’s raining? Ideas for evening entertainment

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do by the sea when it’s raining, remember that you don’t have to leave the building at all to have a really great time with the whole family. Sometimes the key to success is simply being properly and wisely prepared for any eventuality before you even set off.

What board games are worth playing at a guesthouse when the weather isn’t playing ball?

Engaging board games can save more than one chilly afternoon. The best games for a trip are those with rules that are relatively easy to explain, which really bring everyone at the table together, and don’t require setting up a large, complicated board. Titles that effectively engage both an energetic five-year-old and a focused grandad are perfect for travelling.

• Ticket to Ride – brilliantly teaches strategic planning and broadens geographical knowledge.
• Dobble – generates a phenomenal amount of uncontrollable laughter and requires excellent reflexes, whilst easily fitting into a small tin.
• Tajniacy – an absolutely brilliant team-based word game that forces players to think outside the box in an extremely creative way.
• Catan – a true, timeless economic classic, perfect for much longer afternoons.

In which seaside hotels or clubs can you play snooker?

A quiet game of billiards is always a tried-and-tested, low-maintenance option for a pleasant, relaxing evening. Spacious billiards rooms are an absolute standard in all hotels classified as three-star and above (e.g. at the popular Pro-Vita Spa Hotel in Kołobrzeg or the large Primavera resort in the seaside town of Jastrzębia Góra). If you’re renting private cottages, be sure to look for good, independent clubs with green baize in slightly larger towns.

The huge Green Club in Gdańsk’s Przymorze district is definitely one of the largest such venues on the coast, offering superbly maintained, level tables for the popular game of pool and professional snooker.

Do seaside public libraries have something to offer tourists when the weather is bad?

Yes, many well-maintained municipal libraries or cosy reading rooms in Władysławowo, Jastarnia or the bustling town of Sopot allow tourists eager for a read to borrow books quickly upon payment of a one-off, refundable deposit (usually amounting to around 20–50 PLN). Many modern facilities also offer free newspaper and magazine corners, reliable free Wi-Fi, and quiet educational play areas designed with the youngest visitors in mind.

Where are the largest shopping centres with cinemas and food courts located by the seaside?

A sprawling, bustling shopping centre is always a tried-and-tested option for a long escape from the worst of the downpour. Forum Gdańsk, the multi-storey Riviera in Gdynia and the popular Galeria Bałtycka in Wrzeszcz are modern facilities that offer almost everything in one dry place under a solid roof. You’ll easily find varied food court areas, very large, multi-screen cinemas and fully covered, cheerful entertainment zones for the whole family.

This is undoubtedly a very safe and convenient fallback option, especially when you want to efficiently meet the various, immediate needs of all family members during prolonged, heavy downpours.

After all, travel and leisure are, above all, a state of mind. I firmly believe and sincerely hope that the ideas and tips I have gathered here will help you to freely explore this extraordinary world exactly on your own terms, with a smile on your face, even in the heaviest rain!