By Carrie | Updated: May 08, 2025
Rainy weather won't ruin your vacation—this guide shares the best indoor activities in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach, including museums, cozy cafés, fun attractions, and relaxing ways to enjoy your rental.
Nestled on the Florida Panhandle, Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach are definitely top-tier beach holiday spots in the United States. Known as the Forgotten Coast, these seaside gems offer stunning natural beauty and endless outdoor fun.
Is it raining cats and dogs out there? No worries! That doesn't mean your beach dreams are dashed. The Forgotten Coast also boasts fantastic local museums, conservation centers, entertainment venues, cozy coffee shops, and eateries serving up fresh coastal flavors – perfect for escaping the weather.
At Pristine Properties, we're all about making your vacation unforgettable. We offer a fantastic selection of vacation rentals in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach, all close to some of America's most beautiful beaches. Beyond finding you a dreamy rental, we're here to help you discover the best rainy day activities these charming towns have to offer.
And since we're at it, if you ever need tips on Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach, you can dive into our local destination blog. We've got the scoop on everything from the best nightlife spots to dog-friendly beaches and where to score the best coffee in town. There's always more to come, so keep an eye out for our latest posts!
Plus, our blog features handy tips on what to pack, local weather info, and wildlife regulations to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Now, let's check out those rainy day activities.
Contents
1. Rainy Day Activities in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach
- Constitution Convention Museum State Park, Port St. Joe
- Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center, Port St. Joe
- Caribbean Coffee & Cafe, Mexico Beach
- Skully's Low Country Boil, Cape San Blas
2. Rainy Day Activities Beyond Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach
3. Enjoy Your Short-Term Rental
4. FAQ: Rainy Day Activities in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach
- What are the most family-friendly spots along the Forgotten Coast?
- When is the rainy season on the Forgotten Coast?
- Is it worth traveling to the Forgotten Coast during the rainy season?
- What types of accommodations are available in the region?
- Is it easy to find pet-friendly accommodations?
5. Where to stay when visiting Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach?
Rainy Day Activities in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach
Constitution Convention Museum State Park, Port St. Joe
Since you can't enjoy the Forgotten Coast's beautiful beaches, take some time to learn about the fascinating history of Port St. Joe at the Constitution Convention Museum State Park. Holding the title of "The Constitution City," Port St. Joe, called St. Joseph at that time, was where Florida's first constitution was drafted in 1838.
I wasn't sure what to expect walking into the Constitution Convention Museum for the first time, but the life-size replica of the 1838 convention hall completely pulled me in. The audio-animated mannequins and period details made it feel like I'd walked into a time capsule. One of the staff members even took a moment to explain how Florida's first constitution came together—something I probably would've skimmed over otherwise.
Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center, Port St. Joe
Another great way to spend your time during rainy days on the Forgotten Coast is by learning about the rich fauna that inhabits the region. The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike where you can learn about local sea turtles and their coastal habitats.
Through interactive exhibits, you'll understand the lifecycle of these wonderful creatures, and the incredible staff will explain all their efforts to protect and save the sea turtle population—efforts that are especially vital in this region, where Saint Joseph Peninsula State Park averages around 158 loggerhead turtle nests each year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
This is a unique experience where you can connect with the sea turtles and their coastal habitats. If you're visiting with kids, they also offer a few hands-on activities for the little ones.
Caribbean Coffee & Cafe, Mexico Beach
Nothing says a hot cup of coffee more than rainy days. For coffee enthusiasts exploring Mexico Beach, a good way to beat the bad weather is by relaxing at Caribbean Coffee & Cafe. Proudly brewing coffee from the finest roasted beans, you can enjoy excellent cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, americanos, and cold brews.
Caribbean Coffee & Café was a great little escape when the weather turned during my short vacation here. I grabbed a flat white and took a seat by the window while the rain came down in sheets. The place had these bright, cheerful colors inside that totally contrasted the gray outside, and somehow, that made it even cozier. It was a great place to wait out the rain.
Skully's Low Country Boil, Cape San Blas
Another great thing to do when it's raining? Finding a cozy place to savor mouth-watering food. Skully's Low Country Boil in Cape San Blas offers not only amazing food and refreshing drinks but also live entertainment to cheer you up.
Specializing in shrimp-based dishes, their menu focuses on two main options: low country boil and gumbo. No matter your pick, expect fresh shrimp seasoned and cooked to perfection. If you're not a fan of spice, ask them to go light on the seasoning—they're generous with the Old Bay here.
Skully's Low Country Boil boasts a casual space — something like a rustic seafood shack. You can enjoy your meal at picnic tables while listening to classic rock tunes. To make everything even better, grab a cold beer, chat with locals, and get to know the friendly staff that helps create a welcoming atmosphere all year round.
Rainy Day Activities Beyond Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach
Beyond Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach, there are many other activities that will keep you entertained when you can't enjoy outdoor activities. In Panama City Beach, for example, there's no shortage of indoor spaces to have fun and make the best of your vacation along the Forgotten Coast.
Ms. Newby's
Are you a night owl? Ms. Newby's is a Panama City Beach institution where you can escape the rain, dance the night away, meet friendly locals, and enjoy excellent drinks.
This fantastic nightlife spot regularly hosts DJs spinning great hits, alongside local and national bands that guarantee a great night out for anyone visiting the city. You can also have lots of fun during Ms. Newby's karaoke nights.
Explore the venue's different spaces, ranging from a quirky indoor bar and an inviting outdoor area to an amazing upper deck. Don't forget to try their famous signature drink, the Hunch Punch.
WonderWorks
WonderWorks is one of the best indoor spaces in Panama City Beach, brimming with adventure and interactive exhibits. Its eye-catching facade, an upside-down house that seems to have been blown away by a hurricane from its original place, is already a great attraction — worth a picture with umbrellas in hand.
Some of the highlights include the complex four-story, glow-in-the-dark indoor ropes course, laser-tag arena, 4D XD Simulator ride, and the Extreme Weather Zone where you can experience the sensations caused by natural phenomena like hurricanes and earthquakes.
Walking into WonderWorks was a little surreal for me. The upside-down building made it feel like we were stepping into a scene from a theme park fever dream. Inside, I tried the hurricane simulator and quickly learned I wouldn't last a second in the real thing.
Younger visitors have a blast at the Space Discovery Zone, wearing a replica of an EVA suit that astronauts wear when they need to work outside their spacecraft, feeling the effects that outer space has on humans, and experiencing what it's like to lay inside a launch capsule.
Rock'It Lanes
Rock'It Lanes is another excellent entertainment venue offering a variety of fun indoor activities. From 24 bowling lanes and an 8,000-square-foot roller skating rink to a top-notch arcade, everyone will find something to enjoy.
Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy their favorite match at the Sports Bar with new HDTV big screen TVs, and foodies can enjoy delicious burgers and snacks between one activity and the other.
Rock'It Lanes boasts a delightful retro feel, and its skating rink, with its dark lights and arcade displaying several neon signs, makes every visitor's experience more immersive and fun.
We ended up at Rock'It Lanes on a rainy afternoon and completely lost track of time. The roller rink had this retro glow with pulsing lights and old-school tracks playing overhead it felt like stepping into a different decade. I hadn't skated in forever, and let's just say I wasn't exactly graceful, but between that and a few rounds of skee-ball in the arcade, it turned into one of the most unexpectedly fun nights of the trip.
Enjoy Your Short-Term Rental
Going on vacation doesn't necessarily mean that you need to be out and about all the time. If the weather doesn't allow you to engage in all the activities and visit all the places you had in mind, why not stay in and enjoy quality time with your family in your vacation rental?
Take advantage of the amenities and comfort of the place you're staying and strengthen your family bonds by engaging in different activities. You can play board games, solve puzzles, have a movie marathon, or wear your chef's hat and cook an amazing meal for everyone to enjoy — you can even do all of it in one day.
Local Tip: Given Port St. Joe's susceptibility to flooding during heavy rains, it's advisable to pack quick-dry sandals or water shoes. These are particularly useful near the marina and other low-lying areas where sidewalks can become submerged.
FAQ: Rainy Day Activities in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach
What are the most family-friendly spots along the Forgotten Coast?
Among the places we mentioned above, the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center, WonderWorks, and Rock'It Lanes are the most family-friendly spots where people of all ages can find exciting activities to enjoy.
When is the rainy season on the Forgotten Coast?
The rainy season on the Forgotten Coast typically happens during the summer months, from June to September. This period is characterized by frequent afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity. Additionally, the region can experience tropical storms and hurricanes from June to November, which can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Is it worth traveling to the Forgotten Coast during the rainy season?
It all depends on your preferences, but in general, it's worthwhile visiting the region during the rainy season. You'll experience fewer crowds, lower prices, lush scenery since the frequent rains keep the landscape green and vibrant, and enjoy the amazing indoor activities we just mentioned. Always make sure to check the weather forecast, have a flexible itinerary, and plan your vacation accordingly keeping a list of the indoor activities you'll find.
What types of accommodations are available in the region?
You can find a variety of accommodations, including beachfront vacation rentals, cozy bed and breakfasts, charming inns, and campgrounds.
Is it easy to find pet-friendly accommodations?
Yes, many vacation rentals and some hotels on the Forgotten Coast are pet-friendly.
Where to stay when visiting Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach?
Stay like a local by booking a vacation rental with Pristine Properties. We are proud to offer a selection of Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals, Port St. Joe Vacation Rentals, and Mexico Beach Florida Vacation Rentals.
While the Forgotten Coast has plenty to love, the Emerald Coast offers its own charm—and Emerald Coast Retreats has just the place for you. With beautiful vacation rentals in Panama City Beach, they make it easy to enjoy your vacation, rain or shine.
