Let’s face it. Beach vacation weather expectation is 100% sunny with a side of a beach cocktail (or mocktail). But in reality, it’s Florida. No matter what the forecast says, a quick storm could roll in with the blink of an eye, soak the ground, then roll out. While it’s mostly sunny in Florida, it’s good to have a back-up plan that includes some things to do on a rainy day on 30A. Luckily, 30A and South Walton are not lacking in rainy day activities. You might actually find a few things on this list so fun that you want to check them out rain or shine!

Shuk Gulley

Dine with a View

There’s no question… you gotta eat. So why not soak in the beauty of 30A by storm-watching while enjoying some of the best local cuisine? Here’s a few places you can dine with a view during your rainy day activities on 30A:

  • Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar (Gulf Place)
  • Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant & Rooftop Bar (Seaside)
  • Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge (Rosemary Beach)
  • FOOW – Fish Out of Water (Watercolor)
  • Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar (Rosemary Beach)

Each of these 30A waterfront dining restaurants offer gulf-front views that are the perfect place for storm lovers (or non-lovers) to enjoy the natural beauty the area offers (even during a rain shower) while staying dry, and also treating their taste buds with casual, coastal fare or upscale fine dining.

Be a Bookworm

Sundog Books

Book lovers must visit Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida, or Hidden Lantern Bookstore in Rosemary Beach. While this might be on your “things to do when it rains list,” we think you might want to make a visit to these quaint bookstores no matter the weather.

Sundog Books

This family-owned, independent bookstore located in the heart of Seaside for over 30 years, is open 9AM-9PM (depending on foot traffic). Browse the store or check out their book signings. No matter what you do while you’re here, you’ll get lost in this charming store with endless book offerings and lovely ambiance.

The Hidden Lantern Bookstore

With an impressive book selection for both kids and adults (boasting over 15,000 titles in this bookstore nested in the North End of Barrett’s Square in Rosemary Beach), you’re sure to find the perfect rainy-day read… or your next beach read for when the rain clears. A gem on 30A, owner Diane Brady Carvalho curates a selection of books ranging from biography to best seller, children’s to fine art and culture, Christian fiction to mystery. You can even arrange to reserve your books before your stay.

Indoor Activities near 30A

Thrills Escape

Miramar Beach

A few miles East of 30A in Miramar Beach, there are many fun rainy day activities for the young (and young at heart). Get a full list of rainy day activities in Destin.

  • Rainforest Blacklight Golf (18-hole indoor mini-golf and arcade in Miramar Beach)
  • Blast Arcade and Laser Maze (located in The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort)
  • Thrills Laser Tag and Arcade (located at the entrance of Seascape Resort)
  • AMC CLASSIC Boulevard 10 (movie theater at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin)
  • Escapology (escape room located at The Market Shops at the entrance of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort)
  • Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl (bowling alley at Destin Commons)
  • Hurricane Lanes (bowling alley in Destin)

Panama City Beach

West of 30A in Panama City Beach, visitors can enjoy these things to do on a rainy day:

  • Dave & Buster’s (arcade at Pier Park)
  • Rock’it Lanes (bowling alley in Panama City Beach)
  • The Grand 16 (movie theater at Pier Park)
  • Just Jump (trampoline park in Panama City Beach)
  • Ripley’s Believe-it-or-Not (Panama City Beach)
  • WonderWorks (Panama City Beach)

You can buy tickets to some of these attractions here!

Shop ‘til You Drop

Shopping in 30A

There’s no doubt about it. The 30A area offers stellar shopping options from big name brands to unique local boutiques. Whether you’re staying on the West end of 30A or the East end, you’re likely close to some of the best shopping on 30A!

If you’re looking for unique boutiques, be sure to check out these 30A shops below, offering a variety of items from boutique couture and local 30A gear to one-of-a-kind artwork from local artists.

  • Tribe Kelley Surf Post (Grayton Beach)
  • The 30A Store (Gulf Place)
  • Duckie’s Shop of Fun (Seaside)
  • Mercantile (Seaside)
  • Willow Boutique (Rosemary Beach)

Just past 30A to the East, you’ll find 30Avenue, a premier lifestyle venue along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast just steps (or a short bike ride) from Rosemary, Seacrest and Alys Beach. It boasts an upscale shopping and unique boutique retail experience.

Located just a few miles west of 30A, Silver Sands Premium Outlets® is home to over 100 designer and name-brand outlet stores including Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Vera Bradley, and more. The outdoor enthusiast can shop Under Armour, Nike, Columbia, and The North Face, while parents (and kids) can check out brands like Disney Outlet, Crewcuts, Carter’s, and more.

No Matter the Weather, It’s Always a Good Day to Stay on 30A

If you’re looking for your next 30A vacation spot, check out a few suggestions below to put you in the heart of 30A’s beauty, activities, stunning beaches, eclectic shops, and delectable cuisine. Condo-World offers a variety of 30A rentals in popular beach areas such as Seagrove Beach and Seacrest Beach, featuring awe-inspiring amenities and accommodations to fit up to 26 people. Join us and experience our upscale, yet casual, way of life.

Seagrove Beach

Seagrove Beach Mistral Condo World

If you’re looking for a slice of Old Florida, Seagrove Beach is the perfect mix of laid back, but luxurious. Seagrove Beach visitors can choose from deluxe vacation homes to cozy condos and beautiful beachside villas while enjoying a variety of  eclectic shops and dining options as well as outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and more. Everything in this quaint town sits just a few short miles from the beautiful 30A beaches.

Seacrest Beach

Seacrest Condo World

Need a beach vacation offering an easygoing escape? Then Seacrest Beach is the perfect place when you’re looking to relax. Visitors can rent bikes, enjoy ecosploring activities, or relax on wide-open green spaces or sip coffee on an outdoor patio, but can also check out local art, local culinary cuisine, and of course, the white sugar-sand beaches of 30A.