Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, is a beautiful coastal town known for its pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and a wide range of outdoor activities.
However, sometimes in the Brunswick Islands, Mother Nature has other plans, and visitors may find themselves dealing with a rainy day during their trip.
Fortunately, Ocean Isle Beach offers plenty of options for indoor activities that are just as fun and exciting as its outdoor offerings.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best rainy day activities that the entire family will enjoy in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
1. Hug the Earth at the Museum of Coastal Carolina
The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a popular indoor attraction that offers visitors an interactive and educational experience. The museum features exhibits on the local marine life of the Brunswick Islands, Native American history, the area’s natural history, a sea life touch tank children will love, and a fossil pit for the little kids.
Visitors to the museum can also enjoy hands-on exhibits and then head over to a planetarium show at Ingram Planetarium, a 40-foot diameter dome with state of the art surround sound systems, whisking you and the kids into space, under the sea, or beyond.
2. Taste South Carolina’s Best at Silver Coast Winery
The Silver Coast Winery is a unique indoor attraction that offers visitors a chance to taste local wines and learn about the wine-making process. The winery offers tours and tastings, as well as a gift shop with a wide range of wine-related products, as well as hosting community gatherings and special events.
3. Take the Whole Family Bowling
Bowling is a classic rainy day activity, and visitors can enjoy a game or two at the Planet Fun entertainment center. Planet Fun features 32 bowling lanes, an arcade, laser tag, and a restaurant.
With a little something for all ages, a trip to Planet Fun is one of Ocean Isle’s indoor activities that everybody in the family can get behind. Just don’t forget to turn in your arcade tickets at the gift shop before you leave!
4. Visit an Art Gallery
Ocean Isle Beach is home to several of the finest art galleries in coastal Carolina. Galleries in Ocean Isle, and in nearby Sunset Beach, primarily showcase the work of local and regional artists..
Visitors to each art gallery can browse a range of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and pottery, and even purchase pieces to take home along with souvenirs from the onsite gift shops.
5. Peruse the Stacks at Local Bookstores
Rainy days are the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and visitors can find a wide selection of reading material at the local bookstores. Island Bookstore in Ocean Isle, and The Pelican Bookstore, located in nearby Sunset Beach, and both offer a range of books, including bestsellers, classics, indie favorites, and local authors.
6. Plan a Prison Break at Local Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a popular indoor activity that requires teamwork and problem-solving skills. Visitors can spend an afternoon or evening engaging in a thrilling experience that the whole family will enjoy–unless someones a little claustrophobic that is.
No Escape, located in nearby Shallotte, is Ocean Isle’s nearest escape room, with Breakout Escape Room the next closest, located in nearby North Myrtle Beach.
Any visit to Ocean Isle that includes a trip to one of our area escape rooms will keep the whole family chattering the whole way home.
7. A Rainy Day Classic: Ocean Isle’s Movie Theaters
Visitors can catch the latest blockbusters at the nearby movie theaters. Surf Cinemas up the road in Southport, NC, and The Pointe 14 further along in Wilmington are two local favorites and both offer a range of movie options. There are a number of the big chain theaters just down the road in Myrtle Beach as well.
Ocean Isle Beach: Fun in the Sun AND Indoor Activities Abound
Ocean Isle Beach may be known for its outdoor activities, but visitors need not worry about rainy days spoiling their fun on vacation.
With a variety of indoor attractions to choose from like the Ingram Planetarium to the Planet Fun arcade. There’s something for everyone on your trip, whether you’re interested in art, wine, history, or simply having fun with the family.
So, if the weather turns bad during your vacation in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, be sure to explore these excellent indoor activities and make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal town.
Once you’re ready to come in from the rain, you’ll need a place to warm up. Book one of Coastaway’s cozy vacation homes today and you’ll be storm watching in the Brunswick Islands in no time.
