So, you’ve been dreaming of sun-kissed beaches and turquoise water, but Mother Nature has other ideas? Don’t let a little (or even a lot) rain ruin your day at the beach! Luckily, there are plenty of fun things to do in Gulf Shores on a rainy day. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy when it’s raining.
If you’re looking for even more ideas about things to do in Gulf Shores on a rainy day, make sure to check out our Activities page. It’s full of recommendations about the best things to see and do during your family beach vacation.
8 of the Best Things to do In Gulf Shores on a Rainy Day
1. Visit the #1 Escape Room in Orange Beach
An exciting adventure is just what you need to cure the rainy day blues! Challenge your friends and family to a life-sized adventure game at Breakout Orange Beach. You’ll have 60 minutes to solve your puzzle with hidden clues. From thrillers to spy situations, there’s a scenario for everyone.
Breakout Orange Beach is located at The Wharf. A 10 percent off coupon is available on their website for weekday games. After you’ve beaten the clock and escaped, reward the team with gelato at The Southern Grind Coffee House or enjoy penny martinis at Ginny Lane Bar & Grill. Covered parking and walkways make it easy to navigate The Wharf without getting too wet.
2. Play Games at the Arcade
If you’re looking for something a bit more fast-paced, head over to Arena: The Next Level. Also located at The Wharf in Orange Beach, this indoor amusement park features laser tag, bazooka ball, and an array of arcade games. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, you’ll have a blast spending the day at Arena: The Next Level. It’s known as one of the top things to do in Orange Beach!
3. Fly High at the Trampoline Park
Toddlers, tweens and teens (and adventurous parents) can bounce around at The Factory in Gulf Shores. The trampoline park is packed with ways to burn energy during a rainy day at the beach. From Foam pits and dodge ball to trampoline basketball, you’ve got several options.
The Factory in Gulf Shores also offers a separate area for the littles. Parents can observe from an upper deck or join in the action! In addition to the trampoline floor, The Factory offers arcade games, batting cages and a flight simulator. Vending machines are available for drinks, snacks and even ice cream.
4. Take a Glass-Blowing Lesson
Let your inner artist out with a visit to The Hot Shop at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach. Local artisans will give you a hands-on lesson in glass blowing, and you can take home a souvenir you make yourself! Be sure to call ahead for a reservation, as this is one of the most popular things to do in Gulf Shores on a rainy day.
The Hot Shop offers bench seating to watch demonstrations. If you prefer to watch rather than participate, the staff welcomes you to do so. Glass blowing is a fascinating art that will capture the attention of the whole family during a rainy day at the beach. In fact, the open air studio is perfect for watching demonstrations and listening to the rain. Once your lesson has ended, stop in the other local art galleries and browse the works of local artists, including pottery, paintings, sculptures and more.
5. Spend a Day at the Museum
History-buffs will love exploring all of the fascinating museums in Gulf Shores. Discover what life was like for the area’s earliest inhabitants at the Gulf Shores Museum, admire incredible Southern architecture at the Swift-Coles Historic House, or see elaborate model train displays at the Foley Railroad Museum. Then, make sure to take your time exploring Fort Morgan Historic Site. It’s open every day of the week.
6. Go Bowling
Just north of Gulf Shores in nearby Foley is the Gulf Bowl. Rent a lane and spend a rainy day bowling for strikes! The Gulf Bowl offers 23 lanes, as well as an arcade, laser tag, high ropes course and pool tables. There’s so much to do at Gulf Bowl, you could easily spend the entire day. It’s also home to the full-service Captain’s Choice seafood restaurant. A local’s favorite, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood to burgers. Before you go, make sure to visit the Gulf Bowl’s Facebook page for rainy day specials.
7. Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
A trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is one of the best things to do at the beach when it rains! See more than 600 animals and 22 different endangered species as you wander through the exhibits. Get an up-close look at some of the world’s friendliest animals with an “Animal Encounter,” tour the Reptile House, and pet goats, sheep, and deer at the Petting Zoo. Some of the animals you’ll see at the zoo include Black bear, Bengal tigers, black leopards, tropical parrots, camels, monkeys, alligators, and more. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
8. Stay Cozy in Your Vacation Rental
Sometimes the best way to spend a rainy day is enjoying your Orange Beach, Fort Morgan or Gulf Shores rental! Plan ahead and bring a deck of cards and a board game or two and have a family game day. Cozy up on the couch, pop some popcorn and watch a movie. Order from your favorite restaurants using Gulf To Go restaurant delivery service and you never have to leave!
Book Your Stay in a Harris Property
When planning your vacation, consider booking a Harris Property with an indoor swimming pool. Gulf Shores rentals like Coastal Bliss, Lil Bit a Paradise, Ray of Sunshine and Sunset Paradise offer indoor pool facilities and are located at The Beach Club resort in Fort Morgan. There is also a game room to keep the kids busy! Coastal Krusen in Gulf Shores at Crystal Towers also offers an indoor swimming pool. The four-bedroom Dolphin View condo at Mustique boasts an indoor pool, as does Summer Breeze. Condos at Martinique in Fort Morgan also have an indoor swimming pool and spa, including La Brisa.
Don’t let a rainy day at the beach in Gulf Shores get you down. Whether you stay in or opt to explore in the rain, make the most of every minute and make memories to last a lifetime. Browse all of our properties and contact us to book your Gulf Shores getaway today in our rentals. We can’t wait to welcome you!
