Don't let the rain stop your beach vacation.
A rainy beach day can turn into an unexpected adventure if you know where to look. So we rounded up a few of our favorite indoor finds for those days when you need something a bit different to do and divided them into families, teens, and couples categories in the hopes that it might spark inspiration.
A big screen and hot popcorn
Watching a movie is a rainy-day classic for a reason. Grand Boulevard, Destin Commons, and Pier Park all offer theaters with dine-in options, reclining seats, and more. Not feeling like dealing with crowds? Pop some popcorn and snuggle up in your 360 Blue home—many of which include personal home theaters.
Blacklight putt-putt golf
Who says you’ve seen everything? We’re willing to bet you’ve never played an indoor, blacklight putt-putt course like Rainforest Blacklight Golf and Arcade in Miramar Beach! So brush your teeth (they’ll glow!) and wear your brightest whites and yellows before hitting up this course. Afterward, enjoy a few of their arcade and inflatable games before you head out.
www.rainforestblacklightgolf.com
Art kits to go
Rock Paper Scissors Art Studio in Grayton Beach offers take-home art kits and open studio time where you and your little one can go and create something wondrous. No appointment needed.
www.rockpaperscissors30a.com
Laser tag and arcade games
Laser tag is fun. That is until your chest lights up and vibrates with defeat. Thrills Laser Tag and Arcade offers a thrilling (see what we did there?) course for you and your team to face off in a fun battle. A great selection of arcade games rounds out the night. Reward your team with something sweet the attached ice cream shop, Moo La-La, before you head home.
www.thrillslasertag.com
Trampoline time
Ready to get some energy out? Surge Trampoline Park in Fort Walton Beach is a short drive from Destin. Surge offers a Wipeout course, a Ninja course, dodgeball, trapeze, a climbing wall, and plenty of bouncy, jumpy fun. Choose your activity and schedule a time online.
www.surgefun.com/locations/ftwalton/
Bowl a strike
Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl at Destin Commons offers 12 lanes of bowling with an underwater theme that’s perfect for the beach. Bowling balls look like octopuses, mermaids, bass, and other sea creatures, while the ceiling and walls are covered with detailed murals of sea life. A large saltwater tank mesmerizes tired kids, while a restaurant, a full bar, and an arcade help refresh tired adults.
www.unclebucksfishbowlandgrill.com
Create your own art
The Shard Shop in Grayton Beach specializes in what they call “ShardWorx,” which is cut glass placed artfully onto painted canvas and then sealed in clear resin. Classes are offered for ages 6 and older and are grouped into adult and an all-ages category. All materials are supplied. Book online at www.shardshop.com/Grayton/
Live escape games
Escapology in Sandestin offers 6 puzzling adventures (themes change throughout the year) that you and your friends must solve before being released from a themed room. Can you sleuth your way out before the timer buzzes?
www.escapology.com/en/destin-fl
Bowling league
Hurricane Lanes in Destin provides a more traditional bowling experience with 26 Brunswick-powered lanes, an arcade, 6 pool tables, and a restaurant.
www.hurricanelanesdestin.com
Glass blowing and fused glass workshop
Fusion Art Glass Gallery became a beloved shopping destination in Seaside before opening a second location in Grand Boulevard. Russ Gilbert, owner of Fusion Art Glass, is an accomplished glass artist who shares the wonders of glass blowing, flamework, kiln formed glass and fused glass through his art studio, Gilbert Glassworks. Book and pay online at
www.gilbertglassworks.com
Tour a local distillery
Distillery 98, Idyll Hounds Brewery, and Grayton Beer Brewpub offer tasting rooms (and a full dining room at Grayton Beer Brewpub) for their custom-crafted spirits and brews. Learn a little something about the brewing and distilling process and drink like a local.
www.distillery98.com
www.idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com
www.graytonbeer.com/brewpub
Books and wine
Who doesn’t love a good book and a glass of wine (or a steaming mug of coffee) on a dreary day? Head over to Sundog Books in Seaside or The Hidden Lantern in Rosemary Beach and peruse the shelves before cozying up with a glass of wine, coffee, or tea from local coffee roasters Amavida Coffee.
www.sundogbooks.com
www.thehiddenlantern.com
www.amavida.com
Catch a live show
Grab dinner and then enjoy the energy of a live theatre production at Emerald Coast Theatre in Grand Boulevard. Musicals, comedies, and holiday productions are performed throughout the year by professional actors. Purchase tickets and view show information online.
www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Buy local art
South Walton is home to so many talented artists. The Foster Gallery is an artist collective led by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. The Foster Gallery’s rotating exhibits exclusively feature works by local artists.
Adaro Art at The Hub offers colorful works in a variety of mediums, and the Justin Gaffrey Gallery in Blue Mountain Beach features Gaffrey’s iconic 30A portraits. Both galleries are owned and operated by the artist, who are often on hand to answer questions.
Foster Gallery
www.culturalartsalliance.com/foster-gallery
Adaro Art at The Hub
www.adaroart.com
Justin Gaffrey Gallery
www.justingaffrey.com
There’s never a dull moment along the coast, so don’t let a few raindrops spoil your day. Relaxing on the porch and watching the rainfall or stomping through puddles can be a great way to reconnect with yourself and the loved ones you’re traveling with. So take this opportunity to create unexpected memories.
