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/museums/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--Fired Up Pant Your Own Potter Studio and Mary Hong Studio Gallery. Located in Seaside on Hwy 30A, Fired Up is fun, family-friendly place where you show your creativity by selecting from 500 unique pottery pieces. With prices starting at just $14, it’s the perfect way to create affordable family keepsakes. No reservation required. 27 Quincy Circle, Seaside, FL 32439; (850) 231-3211 or visit www.firedupseaside.com

Or visit Mary Hong's Shard Shop. With two locations (Grayton Beach and Destin), 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 momentos 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 Destin: 34940 Emerald Coast Parkway, Suite 114, Destin, FL 32541 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, Cabana Café and free ping-pong. Across Hwy 98 at Destin Commons, Uncle Buck’s features1 16 underwater themed lanes, saltwater aquarium overlooking the bar and restaurant. Hurricane Lanes – 34876 Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541; (850) 654-5251 or visit 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. Click here for movies and showtimes. 

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 

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.
 
Whatever you decide to do, relax and enjoy your precious moments on vacation. And be sure to share your favorite activities with us (#destinvacation or #newmandailey) so we can grow our list of recommendations.
 
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!
 

Monday, September 28, 2015