Mikaela J

What to do on a Rainy Day in Destin {Travel Tuesday}

Crystal Beach, Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida has some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world.  The emerald waters and white sands are seriously heaven on earth.  Growing up there, I took advantage of the beauty and really started to appreciate it more once I moved away.

Crystal Beach, Destin, FL

Fortunately, we travel back home to Destin a few times a year and we are so lucky we get to spend so much time on the beach.  When the weather is warm and sunny there is so much to do for the kiddos (stay tuned for a post full of my favorite things to do with kids in Destin).  But when it is raining, it can get a bit tricky to find things to do that are family-friendly.  Here are 5 things to do in Destin when it is raining:

1.  Go Bowling or Rack up Tickets at the Arcade! 

One of our favorite things to do when it is raining in Destin is to go bowling at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill.  The lanes are great, the bar is good and the food is kid-friendly.  This is such a fun family activity that the kids love! They also have an arcade so that after we finish bowling, the kids can run over and play their favorite games.  Just note that when it is raining, this place fills up quickly so make sure to go early! Also, make sure to check out Groupon for coupons!

If your kids are more of the arcade crew, make sure to check out Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone or Fat Daddy’s Arcade.  There are a ton of indoor activities and Wild Willy’s even offers laser tag and 4D movie theater!

Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill

2. Shop ’till you Drop! 

There isn’t a ton of indoor shopping in Destin, but if you are ready to step out in the rain, Silver Sands Premium Outlets and The Destin Commons are great places to walk around and shop.  They aren’t covered so just make sure to take your umbrella and rain coats!

The Destin Commons

3. Grab Lunch and a Movie

Wherever we are, one of our favorite things to do when it is raining is to go catch a movie.  Destin has an amazing movie theater right in the middle of Grand Boulevard that has great seating and even serves dinner and drinks. 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. The kids love it!

Boulevard 10 at Grand Boulevard, Destin, Florida

If you are closer to Destin than Sandestin, AMC Destin Commons 14 is also fantastic and has stadium seating in all 14 theaters!

4. See some Dolphins 

If your kids are anything like mine, they love dolphins! The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is an awesome spot to spend some time learning about fish, dolphins, turtles and so much more.  They offer a ton of animal encounters and it is a perfect outing (rain or shine) for the whole family. They are dedicated to educating, entertaining, and inspiring their guests to respect and preserve wildlife and they offer so much information on the animals and their habitats.

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

5. Bring out your Inner Artist

A fun new option for families in Destin is The Shard Shop.  The Shard Shop is a make your own art boutique unlike any other.  You actually use broken pieces of glass to create the most beautiful pieces of art.  This activity is great for kids and can definitely be a nice break from the rainy day crowds.  I have a few glass art pieces in my home and they will be something your family will treasure forever!

The Shard Shop, Destin

So the next time you are vacationing in Destin and looking for something to do when it’s raining, make sure to try one of these great options! And always remember, most of the time the summer storms roll right through and you will be back on the beach in no time!