Nestled in northwest Florida, Destin is renowned for its incredible Gulf views. Also called the world’s luckiest fishing village, visitors can enjoy fishing as much as they want here. Aside from that, this town’s attractive features are its beautiful beaches, exciting golf courses, magnificent waterfalls, and thrilling waterparks. Summer is the best time to visit this Florida city; however, it also has the heaviest rainfall. Starting from June to September, July and August see the most rainfall. But don’t let the rain dampen your mood from traveling. If you hate going outdoors on a rainy day, there are plenty of things to do indoors. Check out these handpicked things to do in Destin when it rains. The fun is unlimited; you just need to explore it.
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- The Most Luxurious Hotels & Resorts in Key West, Florida
- Enjoy Dining and Shopping at HarborWalk Village
- Learn Fascinating Scientific Facts at Emerald Coast Science Center
- See the Dolphin Shows at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Step Back in Time at Destin History & Fishing Museum
- Try to Escape from Escapology
- Go On a Shopping Spree at Silver Sands Premium Outlets
- The Destin Commons: See What The Fuss is All About
- Make the Most of Your Trip with Indoor Arcades and Adventure Parks
Enjoy Dining and Shopping at HarborWalk Village
(Source: HarvorWalk Village Facebook)
- Address: 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida 32541
- Opening Hours: Retail: 10 AM – 9 PM; Restaurants: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Rainy days are killjoys, especially in Destin, where many cruise, kayaking, and snorkeling options exist. Don’t worry; indoor activities can be equally thrilling and fun. You can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities in Destin’s entertainment center, HarborWalk Village.
This place has everything a visitor could ask for. For instance, paddleboards, jet skis, and kayak rentals are available for water sports. This center also offers a wide variety of indoor activities for visitors when it rains.
How about going on a shopping trip to the HarborWalk Village? Many vendors sell accessories, souvenirs, apparel, toys, and clothing. You can have your pick strolling from one shop to another. Some famous vendors are Sunset Lifestyles, Bleu Tropics, HarborWalk Marina, and Kitty Hawk Kites.
If shopping doesn’t suit your taste, watch world-class shows at HarborWalk Theater. It hosts comedy and magic shows by local and renowned comedians and magicians. The theater is even available for rent for private events.
In addition to them, there is a nine-hole course, Harbor Mini Golf, where you can enjoy golfing with your friends and family. Finally, there are multiple restaurants and cafes in HarborWalk Village that are worth visiting.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
Learn Fascinating Scientific Facts at Emerald Coast Science Center
- Address: 31 SW Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
- Opening Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM; Sunday-Tuesday: Closed
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram, Official X
Make your trip memorable by doing something out of the box. How about visiting the Emerald Coast Science Center at 31 SW Memorial Parkway? It will be a fun-filled and informative trip where you can learn about many scientific principles and facts.
This scientific center displays 45 exhibits on robotics, engineering, physics, sound, space, chemistry, ecosystem, light, and sound. It also has animal exhibits featuring rare Parakeets, mammals, arachnids, and reptiles. Find out which animal is named after which renowned personality on your tour.
Emerald Coast also hosts virtual and educational programs for children and adults. Prices vary per subject and session period. Visitors can find all the information on the center’s official website. Finally, they can also apply for memberships and participate in volunteer programs.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Emerald Coast: Afternoon Snorkel & Dolphin Tour
- Florida: Emerald Coast Sunset & Dolphin Cruise with Guide
- 4 to 8 Hour PWC Rental in the Emerald Waters of Destin
See the Dolphin Shows at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
- Address: 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Destin is famous for its watersports and activities. While you can’t enjoy diving and snorkeling when it’s raining, you can see dolphins at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. It is conveniently located at 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway; you can navigate directions from Pensacola and Tallahassee from here.
This park is an outdoor facility home to adorable dolphins. Hence, you might have to wear raincoats or bring umbrellas during rainy days. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy snorkeling, watch exhibits, feed alligators, and pet baby dolphins. Don’t forget to visit the Dolphin Oasis, spread across 2 acres of land.
The entry fee for adults is $32.95, and for senior citizens is $31.95. Children ages 3 to 12 must pay $22.95, and infants below that age have free entry. Furthermore, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park also offers discounts to military families.
Another exciting feature of this establishment is its special events. You can attend or host an event here. The park has an upcoming fundraiser named C.A.R.E. on the Coast on May 4. It will be a fun-filled evening program with live music, dolphin shows, food and beverage vendors, etc.
Check These Handpicked Activities:
- Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Cruise in Destin Harbor
- FAMOUS Destin Dolphin Cruise & Crab Island Sandbar
- Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
Step Back in Time at Destin History & Fishing Museum
(Source: Destin History & Fishing Museum Facebook)
- Address: 108 Stahlman Ave Destin, FL 32541
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM; Sunda & Monday Closed
- Entry Fee: Adults: $10, Student: $5, Senior: $8, 5 and under Free
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Have you ever heard of a fishing rodeo? It’s a massive tournament in Destin held annually in October. The Destin Fishing Rodeo began as a tourist attraction in 1948. It has become one of this town’s biggest tournaments and attracts worldwide anglers.
Learn more about this 31-day tournament in the Destin History & Fishing Museum’s Rodeo Gallery. Visitors can learn about the fishing rodeo’s origin and impact on the Destin community. Furthermore, this museum has added a new exhibit, Diving in Destin, telling the story of the town’s diving, scuba, and snorkeling history.
Another exciting exhibit at this place is the Mike Long Memorial Fish Wall. It features over 100 fish mounts, all caught in Destin waters. The mounts look incredible and are well preserved in the museum.
Try to Escape from Escapology
- Address: 9375 US-98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- Opening Hours: 1 PM – 10:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Let go of boring indoor activities and engage in a thrilling escape challenge at Escapology. You will be paired with eight players and solve puzzles with them to escape from the game room. It will test your intelligence and teamwork.
The players have 60 minutes to find clues and unravel the mystery. It will have several twists and turns that will keep participants scratching their heads to find answers. Moreover, they can choose from Antidote: Chemical Warfare, Lost City, Mansion Murder, Murder on the Orient Express, The Code: Cyber Heist, and Under Pressure.
Don’t worry if you have younger people in your group. Escapology offers Kids Mode Escape games for children aged 7 to 14. So, do you have what it takes to crack the codes and escape before the timer runs out?
Go On a Shopping Spree at Silver Sands Premium Outlets
- Address: 10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram, Official Facebook
Shop till you drop at Destin’s largest outlet store, Silver Sands Premium Outlets. This is the perfect destination to explore when it’s heavily raining outside. Moreover, you will get the best deals on designer and luxurious brands you won’t find anywhere else.
The outlets’ featured stores are Saks OFF 5th, Tory Burch, Columbia Factory Store, Vans Outlet, Disney Outlet, and Michael Kors Outlet. Visitors can shop for anything from clothing, apparel, and accessories to home appliances. You might even get discounts on your shopping spree.
Visitors can enjoy satisfactory dining service at various Silver Sands Premium Outlets restaurants. For a quick breakfast, head over to Big Bad Breakfast. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Pink Gelato Cafe, and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels are available for outdoor dining.
Enjoy shopping and bring back lots of goodies from this shopping outlet.
The Destin Commons: See What The Fuss is All About
- Address: 4100 Legendary Drive Destin, Florida 32541
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM; Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram, Official X
One can never have enough shopping, so we add another shopping destination. Destin Commons is a famous shopping center with over 85 stores. It has been in the business for over nineteen years and is one of the go-to options among locals.
This shopping center has over 70+ brands to choose from. Everything from women’s and men’s clothing to footwear, accessories, electronics, and books is under the same roof, ensuring an ultimate shopping experience.
Not just that, Destin Commons has over sixteen restaurants and food courts, offering delicious dishes and the finest dining experience. It recently added City Food Hall, which houses eight restaurants serving distinct cuisines like Japanese-Southern, Middle Eastern, and Thai dishes.
The mall also has the AMC 14 Theater, which offers IMAX and 3D shows. You can book tickets for the latest movies online and order food and drinks. Finally, Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill offers bowling and billiards offers to visitors. To conclude, Destin Commons has something for everyone.
Make the Most of Your Trip with Indoor Arcades and Adventure Parks
Destin is a year-long destination offering numerous indoor and outdoor activities. Weather is hardly any barrier for visitors looking forward to exploring everything this town offers. They can make the most of their Destin trip by visiting indoor arcades and game rooms.
Enjoy Classic Arcade Games at Fat Daddy’s Arcade
- Address: 20009 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32541
- Opening Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Fat Daddy’s Arcade is a familiar name. In addition to two locations in Destin, Florida, it has opened in four more states: Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Myrtle Beach, and Pigeon Forge. Visitors will find every arcade game in this fun-filled establishment.
The indoor attraction at 20009 Emerald Coast Parkway has a hundred arcade games. Local favorites are the Tower of Tickets, Wizard of Oz, Ice Ball, Jurassic Park, and Ticket Time. Furthermore, visitors can try their luck in prize claw games and win fantastic prizes.
Fat Daddy’s Arcade is opening another branch at 1125 Highway 98 East, Destin, on March 16. Visitors can enjoy karting and classic arcade games.
Visit The Underwater Themed Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
- Address: 4251 Legendary Drive, Destin, FL 32541
- Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM; Friday-Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM; Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
It would be a pity not to enjoy dining in an underwater-themed restaurant. And if that comes with bowling and arcade games, you have a winner. We are discussing Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill in Destin, Florida.
This is a family-friendly establishment that offers a unique underwater ocean experience. Its specialty is its bowling feature, which features custom-made bowling balls with designs of octopuses, mermaids, and more. Decorated in an ocean blue theme, underwater animals like sea turtles, sharks, and fishes hang around the area.
Moreover, this restaurant offers the finest dining service to its guests. They can choose from snacks, pizzas, tacos, salads, and local favorites. Their prices are worth the taste, and you won’t regret visiting this beautiful establishment.
Try Reaching the Top at Rock Out Climbing Gym
- Address: 2001 98 Palms Blvd Ste 5, Destin, FL 32541
- Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 8 PM; Friday: 11 AM – 9 PM; Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM; Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram, Official X
Another fantastic indoor activity to do during rainy days is rock climbing. Visitors looking for adventurous activities must visit the Rock Out Climbing Gym. They will be left sweating and trying to climb available options.
This indoor climbing facility is the first of Destin’s kind. Many locals enjoy rock climbing with their friends and families on weekends. It is also an excellent opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Finally, this gym is open to people of all ages.
Play Thrilling Laser Tag Games at Thrills Laser Tag And Arcade
- Address: Seascape Towne Center, 90 Seascape Drive #105, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM; Friday-Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
As its name suggests, Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade offers a fun-filled, challenging, and thrilling gaming experience. Spread across a 3,500-square-foot arena, this arcade has over seventy player stations. It can accommodate up to twenty-four players per game.
This place’s vouching point is its laser tag game, Temple of Doom. Players will enjoy the game room’s visuals, graphic designs, and structures. It will be an interactive and thrilling gaming experience.
Thrills Laser Tag And Arcade is also available for private events, including birthdays. You can choose from bronze, silver, or gold-level party packages; the prices and offers vary per package.
Explore the Indoor Arcade of Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
- Address: 1306 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
- Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday: 12 PM – 8 PM; Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM; Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM; Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Finally, the kids’ favorite is Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone. It is spread across 17,000 square feet and houses a 4D Movie Theater, Urban Assault Laser Tag, a bungee trampoline, YogoMogo’s Creamy Cool Creations, and more.
This adventure park is suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. A mini-golf course, bumper boat pool, 60-foot ropes course, and mini go-kart falcons are available for the latter. Likewise, a 4D Movie Theater, laser tag, and arcade games are perfect for playing indoors on rainy days.
Moreover, Wild Willy’s attractions are inexpensive. You can even play a game for $1. Be sure to check the prices of other attractions here.
While nothing beats sunny weather, rainy days are not very bad either. Thankfully, Destin has many things to do when it rains. You can try our recommended activities and explore more during your trip to the city.
Also, there will not always be rainfall in Destin. When the sky clears, and the weather returns to sunny, you can explore Destin’s outdoor tours and activities on our site, TourTeller. You can check and compare prices before making your bookings.
