33 Things to do when it’s raining in Destin

ByShelli Foster Updated on

Okay.  So, what now?  You’re on your long-awaited beach vacation and it’s raining, the kids are bickering and you wish you could escape from your vacation escape.  Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.  There are a number of things you can do from shopping, to museums, and many active options as well.  Check out our list of 33 things you can do if the rain *tries* to ruin your vacation.  You’re sure to go home with smiles and great memories!!  

  1. Shopping.  The Destin area has an abundance of shopping options. Drive up and down Hwy 98 and you may find some more treasures to stop at but here are some of our favorites/most popular.
    1. Destin Commons is a beautiful outdoor mall with many dining options, a movie theater, a children’s play area with a splash pad, and shopping options for everyone in your group.  https://destincommons.com/
      1. Keep the non-shoppers occupied at the Bass Pro shop aquarium or Build-a-bear Workshop while the shoppers shop. 
    2. Grande Boulevard has an array of upscale shops and eateries in a beautiful tree-lined setting as well as a movie theater and the Emerald Coast Theatre Co.  https://grandboulevard.com/ 
    3. Silver Sands Premium Outlets https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/silver-sands 
    4. Independent boutiques and other shops: a few favorites are YMS Boutique (you me & the sea), https://www.facebook.com/youmeandtheseaboutique/ Boca Boutique & Galeri, Kiss the SKy https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057156801854 , Footprints gifts https://footprintsmiramarbeach.com/ , Mountain High Outfitters https://mountainhighoutfitters.com/ , Marshalls and Home goods. 
    5. For the treasure hunter: Plato’s closet, along with many thrift and antique stores.  Antiques: De’france Indoor Flea Market Antiques and Collectibles, Smith’s Antique Mall, Fort Walton Beach Flea Market.  
    6. Drive along 30A – the best towns for shopping are Seaside and Rosemary Beach
  2. Bowling.  Hurricane Lanes http://www.hurricanelanesdestin.com/ or Uncle Buck’s https://www.unclebucksfishbowlandgrill.com/  Hurricane Lanes also has an arcade, pool tables, air hockey, a Sports Bar and cafe. Uncle Bucks is casual family dining with a huge aquarium and a unique bowling experience with 12 lanes making you feel as if you are in the ocean.
  3. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.  Located on Okaloosa Island is the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, which has been open since 1955.  Animal exhibits, shows, and training demonstrations.  You can also sign up for a variety of animal encounters.  From their website, “The walkways are covered with awnings, but on rainy days it is a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket, as you will get wet walking to and from the exhibits, shows, and chats. Shows and encounters continue rain or shine though severe weather or electrical activity may cause some delays. https://gulfarium.com/
  4. Destin Fishing and History Museum.  This is a gem!  Numerous exhibits of the early days of Destin, its founding families, and the fishing industry over the years.  Many descendants of the founding families volunteer at the museum and bring the exhibits to life with their stories and supplemental information. https://destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org/ 
  5. Air Force Armament Museum.  From their website, “The only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force Armament and its platforms of delivery.”  The planes are on display outside so bring an umbrella or rain jacket but there is also plenty to see on the inside. http://www.afarmamentmuseum.com/
  6. National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.  This has been closed to the general public since 2019 and has reopened (as of May 17, 2023).  Guests must have a passport or Real ID. This is a must see!  The museum boasts that you can “journey through the evolution of Naval Aviation and experience hands-on history. Discover historic aircraft, cockpits, interactive exhibits, and a vast collection of artifacts that are fun for all ages.”
  7. Urban Air (Trampoline Park) – A healthy and fun way to exhaust those kids! https://www.urbanair.com/
  8. Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton.  https://www.ecscience.org/ Closed Sundays.  From their website, “In the museum, patrons will find a facility for all ages with touchable, workable exhibits that teach about natural phenomena and basic scientific principles. The center displays over 45 exhibits within 8,000 square feet of indoor space and 2 acres of property including robotics, live animals, sciPad featuring SMALLab Learning, and so much more.”
  9. Ax throwing https://axesandicecream.com/ . Everyone 8 and up can do it!  Learn a new skill, exercise your core, and interact.  A fun way to spend an afternoon or evening!
  10. Go to a movie.  Building an itinerary for a rainy day?  Why not catch a movie on the big screen?  Picking a movie is a great way to get the kids excited and get them out of the house.  Tip: Stop at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart and load up on everyone’s favorite candy to avoid spending $100 on food in the theater. There are two theaters nearby.  One at the Commons: (https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/destin/amc-destin-commons-14?utm_source=gbp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=4000LegendaryDrive) and one at Grande Boulevard: (https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/miramar-beach-fl/amc-classic-boulevard-10?utm_source=gbp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=465GrandBoulevard)  
  11. Destin Library– https://www.cityofdestin.com/105/Library It’s raining and your family needs some elbow room or a change of scenery.  Head over to Destin Library which boasts 13,000 square feet of resources.  Non-residents can purchase a library pass and check out books, and enjoy storytime, as well as various programming and events being held. The grounds are lovely too with beautiful oak trees and gardens.  
  12. Go to a bookstore and sip a latte – nearby are Books-A-Million (at The Commons) or Barnes and Noble (across the street). 
  13. Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center – A working conservation and education center.  Meet their ambassador “Sweet Pea” who was found entangled in a fishing line in Alabama.  https://navarrebeachseaturtles.org/index.html
  14. Rock, Paper, Scissors in Santa Rosa Beach.  https://www.rockpaperscissors30a.com/ Turn the rain into rainbows with arts and craft activities geared toward kids of all ages.  Pick a project and they’ll help get you set up to create your masterpiece. 
  15. Fort SK8 Family Fun Center.  Get great exercise, and have fun regardless of what the weather is like outside.  They have roller skating, an arcade, and playground fun for the whole family.  Located in Fort Walton Beach https://www.fortsk8.com/
  16. Gator Beach – like peanut butter and jelly, Florida and alligators go together. This FREE Alligator Park at Fudpuckers is educational and interactive.  You don’t need to eat here to enjoy the park (and we’d suggest you don’t) 🙂 http://www.gatorbeach.com/ There are charges for gator food, gator photos, and merchandise. Nothing says “Florida” quite like alligators! At Fudpucker’s we have an alligator habitat that is home to over 100 small alligators! You can watch live alligator shows, see a rare albino alligator, and even get your picture while holding a real, live alligator! Gator Beach offers shelter from the elements, so it’s a perfect rainy-day activity that kids, and adults, will enjoy
  17. Get a manicure and/or pedicure. You didn’t find time in the hectic pre-vacation mode to pamper yourself.  Now is the perfect time.  There is an abundance of nail shops around.  I’ve tried probably 10 of them and honestly, I just go where there is availability and where I happen to be closest to at the time.  One of the nicer ones (and prices reflect such) that I’ve been to is Daliyah Nails And Spa by Cafe Destin (near Winn Dixie)
  18. Take a Yoga class. Beach yoga http://www.yogadestin.com/ in front of Pompano Joes, no reservation required is a fun option when it’s not raining but if you’re looking for a great indoor studio, check out Roasted Yoga where there are a variety of pricing options for vacationers.  https://roastdyoga.com/  
  19. Rock Climbing Gym. https://www.rockoutclimbing.com/ For ages 3+.  This is a Bouldering gym meaning there are no ropes or harnesses.  They have a variety of terrain and difficulty levels from the very basic to the more extreme.  They also offer classes during the week. 
  20. Baker Block Museum in Baker, FL.  From their website, “Discover Okaloosa County’s rich history throughout the museum and experience what life was like for our pioneer ancestors in the Heritage Park.”  https://www.bakerblockmuseum.org/ 
  21. Heritage Museum of NW Florida in Valparaiso.  Learn more about NW Florida’s heritage through exhibits, tours, classes, and events through an extensive collection of artifacts, textiles, and documents.  https://heritage-museum.org/ 
  22. Craft class at Big Orange House Designs (in Niceville across the Mid-bay bridge) They have varied mixed media art classes for both kids and adults.  https://www.bigorangehousedesigns.com/ They also have a coffee house and some breakfast and lunch goodness. 
  23. See a play or musical or other event at Emerald Coast Theatre Company.  If you are here in the off-season, you must go!  This is a small community theater providing excellent productions.  Their passion for theater shows in everything they do and we heartily recommend them!  https://www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/ 
  24. Visit Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna (78 miles).  Tours are offered Thursday-Mondays and do sell out when busy.  Take a sweatshirt and explore the underground world of mystifying stalagmites and stalactites.  https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/florida-caverns-state-park    
  25. Indoor baseball/softball facility. If your slugger needs some practice while on vacation check out Extra Innings in Fort Walton Beach..  https://www.extrainningsnwf.com/ It is a year-round baseball and softball training facility. Cages are equipped with an Iron Mike baseball machine, a pitching screen, and a cart of baseballs. Speed on the pitching machine can be adjusted between 35 mph-85 mph and can be reserved for 30 min or 1 hour.  Private lessons are also available. 
  26. Get a massage.  What better way to uplift your mood and rejuvenate you than to get a massage?  There are many places to enjoy.  I do not have experience myself (yet!) but have heard from neighbors that this is great https://thaimassagebybee.com 
  27. Heritage Park and Culture Center in Fort Walton Beach features multiple museums that showcase ancient local history through the 1950s.  Here you will find the Indian Temple Mound Museum, Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum and Garnier Post Office Museum, Fort Walton Temple Mound, and the Civil War Exhibit Building.  There are several interesting, interactive exhibits.  Be sure to check the hours for various exhibits before you go. https://www.fwb.org/parksrec/page/heritage-park-cultural-center 
  28. Escape Room. A gaming experience like no other.  Do you welcome a challenge?  Use collaboration and creative problem-solving skills to solve clues and try to escape.  https://www.escapology.com/en/destin-fl 
  29. Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach.  There are beautiful nature trails to walk and several ornamental gardens to enjoy (when it is not raining) but the centerpiece of the park is the restored antebellum plantation home, the Wesley House, which is a great option to visit when it does rain.  Step back in time and experience life as one of the first families to settle in the area.  Tours are offered.  https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/eden-gardens-state-park  
  30. Go to an arcade.  Celebrate a bit of nostalgia and try your luck and skill at an arcade.  There are many games and activities you and your family can enjoy together and create fun and memories.  Fat Daddy’s in Destin: https://fatdaddysarcade.com/  
  31. Laser Tag and blacklight mini golf.  https://www.destinlasertag.com/  Huge 4000 SF facility where as many as 40 people can play at one time. They also have an 18-hole indoor blacklight mini golf course. 
  32. Play one of the many board or card games offered at Sandcastle on 98 or pick up one of your favorites at Walmart, Target, or Barnes and Noble.
  33. Go house/condo shopping… so you can make certain you’re here when it’s not raining! 🙂 www.zillow.com  We suggest driving around to addresses you find, explore and get a feel for the area before making contact with one of the many area realtors.