Rainy Day Fun: The Best St. Augustine Indoor Activities

When you plan a trip to St. Augustine, you probably imagine sunlit strolls along the cobblestone streets, afternoons at the beach, or climbing one of the St. Augustine lighthouses. But even paradise gets the occasional storm. Instead of letting rain dampen your vacation, think of it as a chance to explore a different side of the city. St. Augustine is full of unique attractions that are perfect for a gray day, and some of them might even end up being highlights of your visit.

If the rain strikes during your visit, we hope our guide to the best St. Augustine indoor activities serves as proof that grey can still deliver epic vacation memories.

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In This Article:

• Discover History at the Lightner Museum
• Lunch and a Movie
• Take a Free Tour at the St. Augustine Distillery
• More Tastings
• Play Indoors at Adventure Landing
• Step Back in Time at the Arcade Museum
• Challenge Yourself at Escape U
• Browse Art Galleries and Shops
• Why Rainy Days Can Be the Best Days
• FAQs

Discover History at the Lightner Museum

Housed in the former Hotel Alcazar, the Lightner Museum is one of the city’s crown jewels. Built by Henry Flagler in 1888, the building itself is worth a visit, with soaring Spanish Renaissance architecture and a courtyard garden. Inside, you’ll find three floors of exhibits showcasing everything from Victorian-era furniture to stained glass, porcelain, and even a centuries-old Egyptian mummy.

Don’t miss the daily 11 AM and 2 PM demonstrations in the Music Room, where staff bring antique instruments to life, including the orchestrion, a nickelodeon, and a gem roller organ. After exploring, you can stop by the museum café or browse the gift shop for unique keepsakes. It’s the perfect way to blend history, culture, and comfort while staying dry.

• Museum Hours: Daily from 9 AM – 5 PM
• Tickets: Adults - $19, Seniors, Students, and Military - $16, Youth (12 – 17) $12, Kids 11 and under - Free

Lunch and a Movie

Movies and rainy days go hand-in-hand, so if a storm looks like it’s going to dampen your day, head to Epic Theaters for a few hours of cozy entertainment. Enjoy reclining seats and IMAX viewing options for the latest releases. Full concessions, tons of screening options, an arcade, and more will give you options while you’re here. You may even want to make it a double-feature day!

Take a Free Tour at St. Augustine Distillery

Located inside a restored 1907 ice plant, the St. Augustine Distillery is one of the best free St. Augustine activities. The guided tour walks you through the distilling process, from local farm-grown ingredients to small-batch spirits. Best of all, you’ll get complimentary samples of their bourbon, vodka, gin, and rum.

When the tour wraps up, head upstairs to The Ice Plant restaurant for craft cocktails and locally inspired dishes. The bar uses the distillery’s spirits in everything from mojitos to old fashioneds, so you can continue your tasting experience over dinner.

Even More Tastings!

If you’re in the mood to keep exploring St. Augustine’s flavors, a rainy day is the perfect excuse:

• San Sebastian Winery – For just $5, you’ll get a guided tasting, a souvenir glass, and a sampling of local wines. The rooftop terrace is beautiful on clear days, but the tour itself is indoors and ideal when it’s wet outside.
• Whetstone Chocolates – Their tasting tours are short but sweet. The current mini tour lasts 20–25 minutes, includes a peek into the chocolate-making process, and gives you four samples to enjoy, all for only $4.

These tours are inexpensive, indoors, and give you a literal taste of the city.

Want more wallet-friendly ideas? Check out our St. Augustine on a Budget guide!

Play Indoors at Adventure Landing

Looking for kid-friendly indoor things to do in St. Augustine? Adventure Landing is a great option. While it’s known for its outdoor mini golf, the arcade is a lifesaver when the rain sets in. You’ll find air hockey, Skee-Ball, racing games, and more, plus plenty of prizes to win.

If the skies clear, you can step outside and play their 18-hole course. They even have specials that make it easy to enjoy it all: unlimited mini golf and 20 arcade tokens for just $12 per person, or 120 tokens for $20. When you’re looking for an afternoon of nonstop fun, this is the spot.

Step Back in Time at the Arcade Museum

For something a little different, head to the Anastasia Island Arcade Museum. This spot celebrates the golden age of gaming with dozens of restored pinball machines and classic arcade cabinets. Admission gives you unlimited play, so you can relive Pac-Man and Galaga or introduce younger family members to the games you grew up with.

Challenge Yourself at Escape U

If you’ve never tried an escape room, a rainy day in St. Augustine is the time to do it. Escape U is rated the top escape room in St. Augustine, with three immersive adventures:

• Sneaky Snake Lounge – A 9/10 difficulty, 0/10 scare factor, perfect for puzzle lovers.
• Save the Fleet – A naval-themed challenge with a 7/10 difficulty and 7/10 scare factor, ideal for those who want a little suspense.
• Old Jail – Inspired by the city’s historic jail, this room rates 8/10 in difficulty and is family-friendly with a 0/10 scare factor.

Each room takes about an hour and can accommodate groups of 2–8 players. So pop in with the friends and family and see if you’ve got what it takes to solve these puzzles!

Browse Art Galleries and Shops

St. Augustine’s Historic District is lined with art galleries and gift shops, especially along Aviles Street and St. George Street. Ducking in and out of these storefronts is a perfect way to pass the time when the weather isn’t cooperating. From handcrafted jewelry and local paintings to quirky souvenirs, you’ll find something to remember your trip by. It’s also a great chance to support local artists while staying dry.

Why Rainy Days Can Be the Best Days

Featured Property: Beach and Tennis Club 214

A sudden storm doesn’t have to derail your vacation. St. Augustine’s indoor attractions give you the chance to see the city from another angle, one filled with creativity, history, and local flavor.

Whether your whole day is washed out, or it’s just a quick shower, you’ll be glad to return to one of our comfortable Coastal Realty vacation rentals at the end of it all. With full kitchens, cozy living areas, and plenty of space to relax, our St. Augustine condos make the perfect home base. Choose from oceanfront condos and even pet-friendly options and find your perfect escape today!

Frequently Asked Questions: St Augustine Indoor Activities

What is there to do in St. Augustine when it rains?

Plenty! Explore the Lightner Museum, catch a movie, tour the St. Augustine Distillery, enjoy chocolate and wine tastings, play arcade games at Adventure Landing, or tackle an escape room at Escape U. You’re only as limited as your imagination!

What can I do when I’m bored and it’s raining?

Luckily, most storms are short-lived. If you’re bored and it’s raining, you could cozy up in your vacation rental and enjoy family time, a good book, or a movie. Or, you could visit local art galleries, museums, arcades, restaurants, or distilleries.