10 Things to Do in Destin on a Rainy Day
While Florida sunshine is the norm, there are a few days when Destin enjoys liquid sunshine to keep our flora lush and tropical. On those rare days when the weather isn’t perfect or double red flags are flying, there are lots of fun things to do in Destin, Florida on a rainy day.
Here’s our Top Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Destin:
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
After undergoing a $4 million renovation, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park now features covered walkways, upgraded exhibits and animal habitats that complement the interactive programming. The Gulfarium’s animal ambassadors, including the new baby dolphin, don’t mind the rain and enjoy when visitors come to see them. There are a sea lion and dolphins shows at various times throughout the day. 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, (850) 243-9046 or visit www.gulfarium.com for ticket prices and show times.
Wild Willy's
Located on Okaloosa Island, Wild Willy's Adventure Zone features a 16,000 square foot indoor arcade, two putt putt golf courses, 60 foot ropes course, 4D Movie Theater, Laser Maze, Ptero Jump, and Inflatable Zone. Also located at Wild Willy's are Salvati's Pizza Factory and Yogo Mogo's. Learn more at www.wwazone.com.
Destin History & Fishing Museum, Inc.
Experience the feeling of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico with award-winning examples of fish caught in Destin displayed on a 100 feet of wall space depicting the Gulf floor. Enjoy vintage Destin photos and antique fish rods and reels, including the original Penn Reel that belonged to Earnest Hemmingway. Address: 108 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, FL 32541; 850-837-6611 or visit www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
Emerald Coast Science Center
Located downtown Fort Walton Beach, the Emerald Coast Science Center features indoor activities including exhibits, hands-on learning and guided programs. Open daily. 139 Brooks Street, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548; (850) 664-1261 or visit
www.ecscience.org
Indian Temple Mound
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fort Walton Beach Indian Temple Mount is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Florida. In 1883 it was examined by the Smithsonian Institution and has since been excavated nine times. The museum offers several hands-on displays that are popular with kids. They can grind corn on a grinding stone or see how ancient people made stone tools. 139 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 833-9595 or visit www.fwb.org/parksrec/page/indian-temple-mound-museum
Make Your Own Artistic Souvenir
There are two great options for kids, couples, or friends to make your own art in South Walton--The new Glass Deer Blown Glass Studio in Santa Rosa Beach and Mary Hong Studio Gallery. Located off Hwy 393, the Glass Deer offers a variety of classes--from fusing, which is ideal for all ages, to more intricate designs through flamework and glassblowing. Read our Glassblowing Blog to learn more or call the studio at 850-865-7868. Located in Grayton Beach, the Shard Shop offers glass art workshops to create your own artwork with colorful shards of broken glass. You can also bring your own shells, keepsakes or mementos to further personalize your art. For kids, Mary uses colorful plastics. Fun for all ages. Grayton Beach: 26 Logan Lane Unit #F, Grayton Beach, FL 32439 (850) 231-1416 or visit shardshop.com.
Bowling
In Destin, there are two great options for bowling—Hurricane Lanes and Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill. Hurricane Lanes features 26 bowling lanes, a dozen pool tables, an arcade, Rupert’s Sports Bar, and free ping-pong. At Destin Commons, Uncle Buck’s features 16 underwater-themed lanes, saltwater aquarium overlooking the bar and restaurant. Addresses: Hurricane Lanes, 34876 Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-5251, www.hurricanelanesdestin.com. Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl, 4251 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL 32541 (850) 269-6100
Catch a Movie
A rainy day is the perfect day to watch one of the newly released films on the big screen at a state-of-the-art theater. Choose from AMC Destin Commons 14, Boulevard 10 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin or The Grand 16 at Pier Park in Panama City Beach.
The AMC Destin Commons 14 is the area's only digital theater offering REAL D -The Premier Digital 3D Experience, true stadium seating in all 14 auditoriums, innovative digital sound systems and tons of leg room between each row. Visit www.amctheatres.com for movies and showtimes.
The Boulevard 10 at Grand Boulevard features 10 screens with total seating for 1,800 and includes a state-of-the-art “BIGD” auditorium and Ovation Dining Club.
Grand 16 Pier Park in Panama City Beach also feature IMAX 3D experience movies. Visit www.thegrandtheatre.com for movies and showtimes.
Panama City Beach Attractions
If the weather is simply not cooperating, consider checking out some of the indoor attractions in Panama City Beach, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, Wonder Works Indoor Amusement Park and Dave & Buster’s at Pier Park. Enjoy marveling at the oddities at Ripley’s Museum, or explore the 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment” with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination at WonderWorks or get gaming with more than 200 games along with full bar and restaurant at Dave & Buster’s. PCB offers lots of indoor fun for the whole family!
Rock Climbing
Rock Out Climbing Gym is the Emerald Coast's premier indoor rock climbing facility. As a bouldering gym, there are no harnesses or ropes and the 16-foot tall walls offer a variety of terrain and difficulty levels. 2001 98 Palms Boulevard Suite 5, Destin, FL 32541 (behind Target), (850) 837-0526, rockoutclimbing.com
Rainforest Black Light Mini-Golf & Arcade
We’re excited to welcome Destin’s newest attraction, Rainforest Black Light Mini-Golf & Arcade, in the heart of Miramar Beach near Silver Sands Premium Outlets. This perfect sunny day or rainy day activity features a rainforest themed 18-hole indoor black light miniature Golf course and arcade. In addition, there are traditional coin operated arcade games as well as a high energy arcade area, featuring: Dodgeball Arena with sting free foam balls, criss-cross basketball, “Beam” Interactive Play Projection System, Chase the Light Corral and more. 11394 US Highway 98 W, Suite D,Miramar Beach (850) 460-8878, rainforestblacklightgolf.com.
Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade
Located in the Seascape Towne Center, Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade, sister company to Blast Arcade & Laser Maze in the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, features a 3,500 square-foot, two-level laser tag arena, which can accommodate up to 24 players per game. The arcade includes 70 player stations where players can earn tickets for prizes. 80 Seascape Drive, Miramar Beach (850) 502-8987
Escape Rooms
New Escape Rooms are popping up throughout the Destin area to entertain and delight everyone in your group. This is a great activity whether youi're just needing a break from the sun or looking for excitement on a rainy day. Click here to view our blog on the three new Escape Rooms along the Emerald Coast.
Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
If you’re looking for fun indoor amusement in the Destin area, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is the perfect place. With new adventures behind every corner, they the ultimate indoor playground for the entire family. Spend a day of fun with the family and see why it's more than just a trampoline park. Urban Air Trampoline Park has been voted BEST Gym In American for Kids by Shape Magazine, BEST Place To Take Energetic Kids and BEST Trampoline Parks. Learn more at
www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com30A Ax Throwing
Throwing axes is similar to any other target sport and can be fun for all ages. The throw coaches will demonstrate proper safety and axe-throwing techniques during your first few throws. After that, simply follow the safety rules and you're off to having fun. They offer local craft beers on tap, domestic beers, wines by the bottle and glass. As far as food goes, they invite you to grab some take-out food for dinner and bring it with you. For those under 18 years of age, a guardian or chaperon must sign a Waiver of Liability and must be present during throw time.
Address: 4552 US Hwy 98 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. (located in same shopping center as VKI Sushi & Hibachi); For reservations or more info: Call 850-771-7677, visit
https://www.30aaxe.com/ or email
[email protected]
Relax in your Vacation Rental
Our guests tell us that the #1 thing to do on a rainy day along the Emerald Coast is to stay in their South Walton or Destin vacation rental and relax. Reading books, watching movies, playing games and trying new recipes were also noted as fun things to do while staying indoors, and enjoying the beauty of a rainy day at the beach. Don't forget that free movie rentals are included with your Newman-Dailey Virtual Gift Card.
Haven’t booked your next Destin vacation? Explore our premier gulf-front condos, spacious Destin rental homes and premier Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.
See you at the Beach!