When planning a vacation to Pensacola, the first thing that comes to mind is spending beautiful sunny days on pristine beaches with crystal blue water and white powdery sands. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable in Florida, and we never know for sure when sunshine will give way to cloud cover and rainfall.
Still, a rainy day is not always a day lost, at least not in Pensacola. Even though we all love the city's natural beauty and stunning sunny days, there is endless fun and indoor entertainment in Pensacola where you can make the best of rainy days.
Don't know exactly what to do in Pensacola when it's raining? We've got you covered with this list of the Best Indoor Activities in and Around Pensacola, FL.
Grab your umbrella, and let's go for a ride!
Seek some artistic vibrancy at the Pensacola Museum of Art.
Sitting right in Downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Museum of Art is a brilliant choice for those drizzly days. Featuring modern and contemporary art from the 19th century to the present, the museum boasts a wide permanent collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
The historical building that houses the museum is already worth the visit for its Spanish Revival style. Originally built as the community's first permanent jail, the structure was repurposed in the 1950s into an art space, eventually becoming the institution it is today.
The museum staff are very knowledgeable and offer a wealth of information, not just about the art on display but also about things to do in Pensacola. So don't shy away from asking them for local recommendations (especially for rainy days); you might end up discovering some local gems we didn't even know about.
Saenger Theatre on Palafox Street is a true Pensacola institution. Affectionately called the "Grand Dame of Palafox" by locals, the theater opened in 1925, and its charming Spanish Baroque architecture continues to captivate both locals and visitors. On a rainy day, checking the theater's program is always a good idea, as it often features concerts, operas, ballet presentations, and even Broadway plays and musicals.
Tickets can be conveniently purchased online, or you can opt for a traditional approach and buy them at the Box Office at 22 East Intendencia Street.
Given its location on Palafox Street, the theater is just steps away from excellent bars and restaurants, providing an additional refuge from bad weather before and after shows. These spots often offer cozy activities suitable for rainy days in Pensacola.
Hot tip: also on Palafox Street, you'll find Jackson's Steakhouse, a local treasure renowned for serving the finest steaks on the Gulf Coast for over two decades. Housed in a renovated 1860s building and recognized as one of Florida's top 25 restaurants, Jackson's offers a classic ambiance where you and your family can seek shelter from the rain and enjoy a unique culinary experience.
Pensacola isn't just a picturesque city; it's a treasure trove of history, especially for naval and aviation tales that'll leave you in awe!
Housed in an elegant Mediterranean Revival-style mansion at the University of West Florida, the Pensacola Museum of History offers an immersive experience for those keen to explore the history of this charming Florida city. On the museum's first floor, visitors can explore a permanent exhibition on archaeology, Florida's history, and Pensacola's preservation efforts.
On the second floor, there are rotating exhibitions, ensuring a unique experience with each visit. The extensive photo collection transports you back in time, allowing you to imagine life in days gone by.
A standout feature of the museum is the mock-up of the old Trader John's Bar, a historical establishment operating from 1953 to 2003, which was a popular spot for officers and aviators from Naval Air Station Pensacola. Additionally, the Civil War History section focused on Pensacola captivates the interest of every visitor.
Whether it's raining or not, no visit to Pensacola is complete without a trip to the National Naval Aviation Museum. Even those not keen on aviation will be captivated by the museum's collection of over 4,000 artifacts and 150 restored aircraft.
Favorites among visitors are the high-definition flight simulators, and they certainly offer a thrilling glimpse into combat and stunt flying — perfect for an extra dose of adrenaline on a rainy day!
The museum is also home to the Cubi Bar Café, a themed eatery serving scrumptious salads, sandwiches, and desserts, with fresh bread baked daily. Before leaving, don't forget to browse the museum shop for unique souvenirs to cherish.
Escape the rain at Escape on Palafox Street.
Here's a thrilling indoor activity perfect for the whole family on rainy days in Pensacola. Escape Pensacola offers immersive and challenging real-life adventures with several themed escape rooms. In these rooms, participants must solve puzzles, search for clues, and unravel mysteries to escape within 60 minutes.
Each room features a unique narrative, enhancing the immersive experience and presenting a mystery for teams to solve. The rooms are private, ensuring only your group members take part (note: a minimum of 4 people is required). They also vary in difficulty, catering to both beginners and more advanced players.
Escape is an excellent opportunity for family bonding, emphasizing cooperation and teamwork over competition. It provides a lively and engaging environment for everyone. To put it simply, it's so fun that you might wish not to escape!
After your escape room adrenaline rush, you'll likely be feeling peckish, so consider enjoying a delicious meal at one of the many excellent restaurants along this renowned street.
Indulge in a rejuvenating session at one of Pensacola's many spas.
If you can't bask on the beach and soak up that extra dose of vitamin D because of rainy weather, why not indulge in a day of relaxation at one of Pensacola's many spas? After all, you're supposed to be on holiday, aren't you?
The great news is that Pensacola boasts top-notch spas offering the pinnacle of relaxation. They provide an array of services, from diverse massage techniques and skin treatments to amenities like saunas and soaking tubs.
While you might miss out on a sun-kissed glow from a beach day, a visit to any of Pensacola's spas will leave you refreshed and ready to dive back into city exploration. Check out this comprehensive list of the best spas to pamper yourself on a rainy day in Pensacola.
Here's a classic and fun indoor activity for rainy days: bowling! And DeLuna Lanes is one of the most beloved bowling spots in Pensacola, thanks to its excellent and super-friendly customer service.
For decades, their family-friendly environment has drawn many families seeking a place to have fun together. Apart from bowling, kids and adults alike enjoy playing video games in their arcade or visiting their game room, which boasts six pool tables.
DeLuna's restaurant, Peter B's Sports Grill, is also a fantastic place to watch sports matches and grab a bite to recharge. Even for those not into bowling, the other entertainment activities offer fun and create lasting memories.
Rainy days and shopping go hand in hand, and Cordova Mall promises an unforgettable experience for you and your family. As the city's largest shopping destination with over 140 stores, it also boasts a delightful food court and a Disney Junior Play Zone that's a hit with the kids.
This upscale mall prioritizes visitor comfort and convenience. From offering strollers and ample seating throughout to providing free Wi-Fi, mobile device charging stations, and family restrooms, Cordova Mall ensures a hassle-free family outing. Additionally, the mall proudly holds the "StormReady" designation from the National Weather Service, assuring visitors of its preparedness to handle severe weather. It's reassuring to know, just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse!
Craft a culinary delight in the cozy corners of your short-term rental kitchen.
Another great thing to do in Pensacola on a rainy day? Stay in! Why not don your chef's hat and make use of the kitchen at your vacation rental in Pensacola? One of the most delightful activities on a rainy day is gathering the family in the kitchen to prepare a delicious meal together.
Since we're discussing Pensacola, you'll be spoiled for choice with fresh (or frozen) seafood options. The premier destination for high-quality seafood in Pensacola is Joe Patti's Seafood. For nearly a century, this city institution has provided fresh and frozen seafood to locals and visitors alike, with some people even traveling from other states to explore their extensive selection.
Your Ultimate Guide to Rainy Day Fun in Pensacola, FL
We know rainy days often have a bad rep, potentially disrupting plans for a perfect sunny beach day or outdoor activities. However, they don't have to be dull if you know how to make the most of them — and that holds for Pensacola and anywhere else in the world.
As mentioned earlier, rainy days provide the perfect excuse to stay in and enjoy quality time within the comfort of your vacation rental.
At Pensacola Beach Properties, we offer a diverse range of top short-term rentals in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, including options with pools and pet-friendly accommodations. When you stay with us, simply kick back, relax, and fully embrace the Gulf Coast ambiance.
