South Walton Rainy Day Check List

Art, Shopping, & Amusements along 30A

Posted on 4/5/2019

Fortunately long lasting rainy days are a rare occurrence here in South Walton. Sometimes a "pop up" thundershower will occur late in the late afternoon just in time to cool things off for the evening, but they are usually short-lived. Florida is called the Sunshine State for a good reason! The sun shines in Destin, Miramar Beach, and all along 30A most of the time - but we are not in a bubble, so rain does occur here occasionally. Here is a list of some fun activities in South Walton for those rare rainy days.


Art in South Walton


Some renowned local artists make Walton County their home, and they offer a wide array of impressive artistry. Their unique creations range from oil paintings to glass to pottery.

Justin Gaffrey Gallery

Justin Gaffrey Gallery is located in Blue Mountain Beach on Scenic 30A and is a South Walton Artist of the Year award winner. This amazing self-taught artist is a true savant who features an eclectic mix of highly original work created by using a thick application of oils with a palette knife. His vibrant artistry is three dimensional due to this composition. Gaffrey's work is influenced by Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and "Starry Night as well as some Grandma Moses style.  His painting have been featured in Southern Living Magazine, Souvenir Magazine, and Better Homes and Gardens.

Mary Hong Studio Gallery

The Mary Studio Hong Studi Gallery is located at The Shops of Grayton and in the Best Buy Shopping Center in Destin, with both featuring her award-winning work that uses gorgeous glass and reclaimed materials. Her creations include paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures.  She also offers a fun online course and starter kit, in case you want to get creative an explore her process on your own in the privacy of your vacation rental or get hands on training at The Shard Shop!

The Zoo Gallery

Zoo Gallery Grayton

If you want to see all kinds of creative artistry check out The Zoo Gallery located on Grand Boulevard in Sandestin and at old Grayton Beach south of Scenic 30A. This magical, colorful shop is a visual feast since they feature work by scores of local and hundreds of national artists. These exciting creations include sculptures, furniture, decorative art, glasswork, and jewelry.


Shopping in South Walton


Silver Sands Premium Outlets

Silver Sands Premium Outlets

One premier destination for shopping in South Walton is famously known as the Silver Sands Premium Outlets and is located in Miramar Beach. This designer discount center is one of the largest in the entire nation featuring over 100 stores and attracting millions of bargain shoppers every year. TripAdvisor reviews give it a high Four Star Rating, so it is obviously a popular destination even on a sunny day. The reason that so many people flock here is that there are discounts up to 65% off for goods from top internationally acclaimed designers including brands like Saks Off Fifth, Coach, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and more!


Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard Miramar Beach

Grand Boulevard is the upscale town center of the prestigious Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and many of our guests have the pleasure of staying there or very close by. This shopping Mecca in its own right encompasses 52-acres of lushly landscaped grounds. This pedestrian-friendly place has shops, restaurants, friendly bars and amusements along the way. Exclusive boutiques, renowned retailers and galleries include Anthropology, Billabong, Lilly Pulitzer, Ophelia Swimwear, Pottery Barn and more! Ocean Reef Resorts guests receive discounts throughout Grand Boulevard.


Gulf Place

Gulf Place Santa Rosa Beach

This unofficial town center of Santa Rosa Beach is Gulf Place, which is located right on Scenic 30A. It is centered around an outdoor amphitheater that has concerts on sunny days. Specialty boutiques include Affinity Clothing, Celestine's Gifts, Coastal Paradise, Deep South Market, SOHO Beach, Jewel Toffier Clothing, YOLO Board & Bike, and 30A Store. Drinking or dining places include The Deep South Market, The Perfect Pig, Pizza by the Sea, Sunrise Coffee Company and La Playa.


The Shops of Grayton

Shops of Grayton

Located just north of Scenic 30A in Grayton Beach you will find this colorful collection of charming shops individually appointed to include clothing apparel, gifts, souvenir items, cafes, and art.

Other wonderful shops and dining destinations are located in the coastal villages of Watercolor, Seaside and Rosemary Beach but be sure to bring your umbrella for these shopping tours.


Amusements in South Walton

Boulevard Ten

Boulevard 10 Movie Theater

A state of the art movie theater is located on Grand Boulevard at Sandestin with 10 giant screens and very comfortable tiered seating. They also feature a "Big D" auditorium along with a dinner venue called The Ovation Club which e serves drinks and meals at your own table while a movie plays. Our guests enjoy discounted tickets through Reef Rewards!


The Rep Theater

Seaside REP Theatre

This well-known theater in Seaside features a premier professional theater company with a continuing array of performances in a 75 seat auditorium on rainy days and in many village / town centers on sunny days.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company

Located upstairs at Grand Boulevard, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company features an lobby full of local art and a main stage that is host to a range of performances and live shows throughout the year.


Blast Arcade and Laser Maze


This center has fun for the entire family with over 60 video games, a shooting gallery and other challenges. It is located at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. The Laser Maze is incredible.


Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade

Thrills Arcade Seascape

This dazzling destination is at the newly created village at Seascape. They feature an incredible 1,500 square foot two-story laser tag arena and over 70 player station games.

Enjoy and don't worry, the sun will return soon!

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