The best way to handle a rainy day in Destin is to cheer up and explore the city's great entertainment venues, restaurants, and museums.
Rainy days and vacation don't really mix, right? Be it in the Colorado Rockies, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, or along Florida's Gulf Coast, bad weather usually isn't part of the plan.
If you're planning a beach escape to Destin, this Florida gem enjoys many bright and sunny days, but the weather can be unpredictable. Thankfully, the city is brimming with top-notch indoor activities that will keep you and your entire family entertained.
Take a quick peek at what's coming up:
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. If you're looking for spacious beachfront houses or luxurious resorts, we offer a wide range of options to suit every preference.
As local experts, we know the area inside and out, and we're here to help you have the best possible experience. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast; from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides, it's all there.
In this blog, I've curated a list of some of the top rainy-day activities in Destin that will make you forget the rain outside and have the best time indoors.
Ready? Grab your umbrella and let's explore!
1. Unleash Your Inner Marine Biologist at GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK
A visit to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is one of the best activities for rainy days in Destin. It's not only educational but also fun. The chance to watch fascinating creatures up close, learn about them in depth, and even get personal with them is appealing to people of all ages.
Highlights
- Watch dolphin shows and sea lion antics
- Explore exhibits with turtles, gators, and tropical fish
- Book unforgettable animal encounters like penguin feedings or dolphin swims
- Great for kids, adults, and everyone in between
Heads up: This is an outdoor, open-air facility. While the walkways are covered with awnings, it's a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket on rainy days. Rain or shine, our shows and encounters continue, except in cases of extreme weather.
2. Indulge in the City's Best Seafood
Dubbed the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," Destin boasts exceptional restaurants and eateries offering the freshest seafood the Gulf of Mexico can provide. If the weather is not ideal for fishing, enjoying the beach, or other outdoor activities, what's better than taking shelter in a great restaurant, savoring coastal flavors?
Here are some of the best restaurants for you and your family to indulge in fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood delicacies:
- Captain Dave's On the Gulf: A classic Florida seafood eatery that focuses on American seafood with a Gulf Coast twist.
- Harbor Docks: A local gem for over 45 years, serving dishes cooked to perfection. Order their catch of the day or try some Asian flavors like Pad Thai or sashimi.
- Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House: Located right on Destin's harbor, Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House serves perfectly cooked southern-style seafood and, as its name suggests, super fresh oysters.
- Louisiana Lagniappe: the go-to place for fresh seafood with a Creole flair.
- Pompano Joe's: Charming wooden beach shack featuring Gulf-to-table seafood dishes with Caribbean nuances.
3. Level Up Your Fun at WILD WILLY'S
Located on Okaloosa Island, Wild Willy's Adventure Zone is home to a 16,000-square-foot indoor arcade that is heaven for game lovers. The state-of-the-art redemption arcade includes over 60 games catering to all tastes. From high-tech games like Mach Storm and RPG flight simulator to classics like Jurassic Park, Pac-Man, and Sonic Air Hockey, people of all ages will have a blast!
Highlights
- 16,000 square feet of arcade fun with 60+ games
- Mix of high-tech simulators and nostalgic classics
- 4D Movie Experience with wild special effects
- Urban Assault Laser Tag in a post-apocalyptic-style arena
- Perfect for kids, teens, and adults who still play like kids
4. Explore Destin History & Fishing Museum
This charming museum tells the history of Destin and its fishing culture through lovely permanent and temporary exhibits. If the rain doesn't allow you to enjoy the outdoors, this is a great chance for you to learn the local history, and it will certainly enhance your experience while visiting this Florida darling.
Highlights
- Step back to the 1830s with stories of early settlers and how Destin grew
- Check out Ernest Hemingway's original Penn Reel
- Admire antique rods, old-school reels, and vintage photos
- Snap a pic of the wall with over 100 mounted fish
- Kids love the games, coloring books, and hands-on displays
- Don't miss the Rodeo Gallery, focused on Destin's iconic fishing tournament
- Grab a fun souvenir from the cute little gift shop on your way out
5. Win the Big Prize at FAT DADDY'S ARCADE
Just a few minutes from the Destin Boardwalk, Fat Daddy's Arcade is a fun-packed spot for gamers of all ages. It's the perfect place to escape the heat or dodge a rainy afternoon. The space is bright, colorful, and loaded with action.
Highlights
- Over 120 games, from Pac-Man to Jurassic Park
- Great mix of classics, prize games, and new releases
- Family-friendly vibe with something for every age
- Win tickets and trade them in for actually cool prizes
- Easy to rack up points — no frustrating games or junky rewards
6. Strike Up Some Fun at HURRICANE LANES
Need a break from the beach or looking for something to do on a rainy day? Hurricane Lanes has you covered. With glowing lanes, classic arcade games, and plenty of space to hang with friends or family, this spot delivers nonstop fun; no sunshine required.
Highlights
- 26 interactive bowling lanes with black lights and a retro vibe
- Arcade games galore: air hockey, skeeball, Pac-Man, and more
- Pool tables and ping-pong for some extra friendly competition
- Rupert's Sports Bar with big screens for catching the game
- StrikeZone Café serving up tasty pizza and snacks
7. Unwind and De-Stress with a Spa Day
The beach is not the only place you can relax and unwind in Destin. The city is brimming with top-notch spas and self-care spots where you can escape the rain and enjoy a day filled with massages, skin treatments, and much more. Taking care of your body and mind in a specialized place is always a good idea when the rain is pouring outside.
Here is a list of some of the best spas in Destin:
- Float Brothers Float Spa: The Emerald Coast's first and only flotation therapy spa offers private pods in themed rooms, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of float therapy, including stress relief, mental clarity, and better sleep quality.
- Om Relaxation Spa: full-service Day Spa providing specialized treatments and massages, such as couples massage, Swedish, and prenatal. Check the Tiki Spa services: " the Whiskey on the Rocks, a bourbon vanilla body scrub removed with hot towels, and a 50-minute Swedish Hot Stone Massage with a Vanilla Bourbon infused body oil is highly recommended for rainy days.
- Family and Friends Massage Spa: They offer a great variety of services like Himalayan salt hot stone massage, deep tissue, Swedish, body polishes, lavender body wrap, to name a few.
- Beverly Hills Day Spa: Their body and skin care treatments are amazing. They include Brown Sugar & Ginger Body Scrub, Strawberry Body Buff, and Pumpkin Exfoliating Mask. Massages are also available, such as Swedish, aromatherapy, deep tissue, hot stone, reflexology, and foot massage, among others.
- Spa Lilliana at hotel Effie Sandestin: located in Miramar Beach, just a short drive from Destin, this spa is everything you dream of when you think of a luxury spa experience. Wear a fluffy robe and indulge in and explore their vast list of massages, body treatments, and skin care.
8. Make the Most of Your Vacation Rental's Kitchen
Another great tip for rainy days in Destin is staying in your vacation rental and enjoying quality time with your family or loved ones. When you're on vacation, you don't need to stress about getting active and doing something all the time. Sometimes we forget that traveling also means being closer to the ones you love and strengthening the bond between all of you.
If you're staying in a comfy vacation rental, take advantage of it! Play games, watch a movie, or cook a great meal that everyone can enjoy together. And hey, you're in the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," which means you're always a short drive away from excellent seafood markets where you can buy fresh Gulf seafood and savor the coastal flavors in the comfort of your vacation rental.
Most of our rentals at RealJoy Vacations boast amazing amenities and well-equipped kitchens, ensuring you forget all about the bad weather and relish every moment of indoor living.
Wondering Where to Stay in Destin, FL?
Thinking about traveling to Destin yourself? Then stay like a local by booking one of our RealJoy Vacations rentals.
From spacious beachfront houses to luxurious resorts, we offer a wide selection not just in Destin but along the Emerald Coast. All our properties come with top-notch amenities that will make your experience unforgettable.