Best Kept Secrets on the Emerald Coast: What To Do when it Rains

With the warm weather and beautiful beaches, its easy to find activities in Fort Walton and Destin to do when its sunny; however, many people have a hard time finding activities when its rains. Since I lived there for three years, I've found lots of activities to do when it rains and also to do inside when its 100 degrees outside.

Destin History & Fishing Museum, Inc

Here you can see an 100 foot exhibit that shows the feeling of swimming with examples of fish caught in Destin. You can see Ernest Hemmingway's split bamboo rod with an original Penn Reel and the oldest seine fishing boat. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission Costs: Adult $5; Seniors & Military $4; Children $3; Children under 4 are Free

Emerald Coast Science Center

The Emerald Coast Science Center is the only fully science museum in Northern Florida. The mission of the science center is to use hands-on exhibits, devices and lessons to clearly demonstrate the scientific principals that are in involved in our everyday lives. There is a hall of life, a that exhibit offers hands-on demonstrations of how the five human senses work, a electricity and wind tunnel,bubble makers, and exhibits on visible and invisible color. Hours for March to September are weekdays: 9am to 4pm and weekends 11am to 4pm. Admission Fees are adults $5.00, children (4-17) $3.50, seniors (55 and older) $4.00., and children 3 and under free.

Gulfarium

This is America's second oldest marine park built in 1955.Florida's Gulfarium lies on a sun drenched beachfront of the Gulf of Mexico. It takes approximately 3 hours to explore the Gulfarium's attractions. The main attractions are the dolphin Show, the sea lion show, and MSP (Multi-Species) Show features Bottlenose Dolphins and a California Sea Lion performing together in the same show! Between the shows there are shark,penguin and otter demonstrations. Park hours Admissions: 9:00am until 4:00pm. Park closes at 6:00pm. General Admission Rates Adults (ages 11-61): $17.50, seniors (age 62 and over) $15.50,children (ages 3-10) $10.50, ages 2 and under are free when accompanied by a parent paying the regular rate.

Heritage Park & Cultural Center

Opening in 1962, Three museums form a Cultural Center which represents the history of Fort Walton Beach area Indian Temple Mound ,Camp Walton Schoolhouse & Garnier Post Office Museum. The mission is to preserve, interpret and present the prehistory and history of the Fort Walton Beach community and Northwest Florida from 12,000 B.C. through the 1950's through exhibits, educational programs, publications and special events. Hour of Operation and Admission August - May
Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, June , July, Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM- 4:30 PM

Admission Adults (18years +) $5.00, seniors (55years +) $4.50,military W/ID $4.50 , children (4-17years) $3.00, children (3yrs. and under) Free