If you've ever been to Florida, especially in the summer, you know that most weeks feature rain forecasts for nearly every day. This is normal, I repeat, it is normal for every day in a week at the beach to show predicted rain. In my personal experience, having photographed thousands on families on the beaches of South Walton, unless it's closer than two days and the percentage is over 65%, odds are you won't see more than a passing shower. And often it will only rain for a portion of the day, resulting in a glorious sunset on the beach.
With that said, sometimes a rainy day on 30A is just what your family needs after back to back days in the hot sun. A day of rest, playing games, listening to the sound of rain from the porch, and perhaps a little venture out for coffee may be the best respite.
Keep in mind, if it's raining at the beach, a majority of people will hit the road in search of sights and activities. So, be prepared for possibly overwhelming traffic or stick with that idea of staying in. If the rain is pushing the limits on cabin fever you may want to explore some of these fun options! Several activities on the list are going to require heading out to Panama City Beach or into Destin, but if you can muster the patience for that traffic, it'll be worth it.
Have I missed something unique? Let me know and I'll add it to the list!
30A Area
Rock Paper Scissors
Arts and crafts activities in Grayton Beach. Be sure to visit their Instagram for the latest.
Hidden Lantern Bookstore
Stop in to this Rosemary Beach location and pickup a book or board game to enjoy.
Duckies Shop of Fun
The shop kids live for! Often used for bribery purposes, I suggest saving this gem for a rainy day pick-me-up.
Sundog Books and Central Square Records
Seaside's iconic book and record store has an amazing, cozy, old-school vibe with books, gifts, and games galore.
Open Houses on 30A
Ever wondered what 30A real estate is like? Touring open houses is a great way to spend a rainy day. Reach out to me for a list of what's open and I can point you in the right direction. You can also find open houses that I'm hosting on Instagram.
Attycat's Arcade
Visit this Inlet Beach arcade, located in 30Avenue for a screaming good time. You'll also find The Marble Slab and Great American Cookie Company here, so you can get the kids good and sugared up before heading back to the house.
The Shard Shop
Spend a few hours creating beautiful art from shards of glass and resin. I can't think of a better souvenir to bring back from the beach.
30A Distilling Company
Take a tour of our local vodka distillery. What could be better than cocktails and learning about the process from start to finish?
The Big Chill
While you may think of the Big Chill as an outdoor venue, there are actually several things to enjoy there while the weather is giving the ick. The Arcade and Build-a-Bear Workshop are just two great activities with kids. There is also a substantial amount of covered seating where you can enjoy one of the many eateries and bars while catching a game on the many screens.
Freeport
Coastal Elite Sports
Just over the bridge on 331, you'll find this newly opened indoor facility in Freeport. With Golf Simulators, Indoor Pickleball Courts, and Batting Cages the active members of your group will be busy for hours!
Birdie A Golf
Freeport's latest Golf Simulator facility featuring 5 TruGolf bays, food, drinks, and more!
Panama City Beach
Dave & Busters
The ultimate rainy day activity, especially for older kids or teens, you can play the day away at this Pier Park destination.
The Grand Theater
Another Pier Park hit, see the latest box office hits in stadium seating with reclining chairs.
Wonderworks
Hours of play await at this PCB favorite. The activities here will appeal to a wide range of ages and make a great distraction for bad weather.
Ripley's Believe it or Not
Oddities and curiosities abound here, just across the street from Wonderworks. Another great option for a wide variety of ages and interests.
Just Jump
The quintessential indoor trampoline park. They offer a separate play area for toddlers!
Gulf World Marine Park
If it's raining, but not pouring, or just generally yucky out... Gulf World has a lot of indoor and covered exhibits featuring a wide variety of sea life.
Rockit Lanes
Ready for some good ol' fashioned bowling and roller skating. You won't be disappointed. There's also a considerable amount of arcade games here.
Kartona
Two exhilarating activities in one huge indoor facility. Located on the east end of Panama City Beach, Kartona offers an indoor speedway with karts that go up to 45mph and if that's not exciting enough, there's axe throwing as well.
Coming in 2025 to Pier Park in PCB
Top Golf - Yes, the Top Golf. We are so excited.
Dolly Partons Pirates Voyage Dinner Show - This will be such a unique option.
Miramar Beach
Thrills Laser Tag and Arcade
If you're headed west of 30A, Thrills is a great option in the Miramar Beach area. It's a sizable arcade and they have a great laser tag game too.
Escapology
Located near the Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort, Escapology has about a half dozen escape rooms just waiting for a rainy day.
AMC Grand Boulevard
If a few hours in the dark, watching the latest in movie magic is more your speed, Grand Boulevard features an AMC theater with all the bells and whistles.
Serenity by the Sea Spa
Inside the Hilton Sandestin Beach, you'll find this experiential spa with a full list of spa services and a fully relaxing atmosphere.
Destin
** Disclaimer... I personally find that if you're going to drive into Destin, from Watercolor, Seaside, Watersound, Seacrest, Alys, Rosemary, Inlet areas, on a rainy day, whatever you're doing has to be really worth the traffic you'll encounter and probably needs to be carefully planned to add enough time for that. Don't say I didn't warn you. 😜
Rock Out Climbing Gym
This one will really wear them out! It's a great facility in the heart of Destin with various levels of rock climbing walls that change regularly and provide hours of active entertainment.
Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl
Bowling with a deep sea twist! Located at Destin Commons, it's a one stop for fun surrounded by shopping.
Urban Air Adventure Park
More than just a trampoline park, Urban Air packs a punch with laser tag, warrior courses, climbing walls, and VR activities.
