December 31, 2023Pray for a downpour.
Don’t let the rain dampen your vacation! Instead, embrace the rainfall with open arms.
There’ll be plenty of time for coziness in your luxurious Oversee vacation home later on. For now, here’s a few tips for those who like to ‘vacation hard’ on 30A, sun or no sun. And if there’s lightning, stay indoors.
Ready to get wet and enjoy the rain? Let’s dive in.
GO TO THE BEACH ANYWAY!
A great way to appreciate the rain is to like the rain. Meaning, fight the notion of ‘escaping’ the rain. Embrace it instead.
GET WET TWICE.
Walking to the beach in the rain, in nothing but a swimsuit, well, I’ve done it before as an adult, and for some odd reason, it feels great. No towel, shirt, or flip-flops. And then swimming in the gulf, the unique charm of raindrops mingling with the waves? Oh my!
TAKE A WALK.
Enjoy the spaciousness and solitude of the beach in the rain. Every shell seems special. Plus, you’ll be able to ‘be you’ and spread your wings a bit. (Again, be sure it’s safe to do so. Know the difference between a passing sun shower and the next storm to hit.)
A RAINY PICNIC!
Pack a waterproof blanket (yes, there is such a thing), snacks and beverages, and head out for a romantic beach picnic in the rain. The sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, and the patter of raindrops on the sand create an unforgettable atmosphere.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE RAIN
Rainy weather can dampen a harsh sun or create beautiful, dappled light any time of day. Transform banal scenes into rich, reflected murals. Bring out more emotions in your beach buddies. Find a moodier feel to your landscape shots.
GET EACH OF YOUR FAMILY A WATERPROOF CAMERA
Kids (everyone) will love capturing day-to-day simplicity in the rain with a waterproof camera (ya know, those inexpensive disposable versions?). It allows for fun exploration and even underwater shots! Have a family competition: See PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT below.
KID STUFF.
What do kids like to do in the rain? The better question may be: what don’t they like to do in the rain?
Younger kids love the newly created tidepools on the beach, and playing in or near any coastal dune lake. When the water reaches a high level, the channel, which looks like a tadpole tail and is known as an outfall, empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Kids and adults, during rainfall and after, are lured to the beach for these rain-fueled events. A must-see during and after any heavy rain. If you see any lightning, get indoors!
MUDCASTLES.
Building ‘sand’-castles in the rain? Yep! Moist and dampened sand is the best sand to work with. Any muddier, and you’re better off making drip castles, a more ‘organically shaped’ style of creating handmade buildings, towers, and more.
SHE SHELLS.
The best time to find them? There is nothing like finding a rare seashell or a big shell fully intact on a morning walk or immediately after a storm when high tide leaves behind treasures.
On Florida’s west coast, winds from the west dump thousands of shells on its westward-facing beaches.
A BEACH-THEMED SCAVENGER HUNT.
A search online for a beach-themed scavenger hunt will find you tons of printables for kids of all ages. A photo scavenger hunt, in the rain, with a group (hint: your family) is a mega variation of this!
CHASE THE SUN!
Check the weather report, find the closest area with less intense rain (or none), and head in that direction. Become a modern-day explorer, traveling with the excitement of having no expectations! Don’t forget your compass (GPS).
You may discover a small beach with just enough sunshine for a picnic. Heck, you might even stumble upon a hole-in-the-wall diner with local food!
Follow the sun, and wander the roads, while counting the rainbows along the way. Anything picked up, eaten, or enjoyed is just a bonus.
RUNNING.
If you need a little solitude and peace, head out for a run (on the beach, or not) in the rain. Or try it in bare feet! The sand between your toes, breathing the salty air. I like hearing the raindrops on my hood.
At Love 2 Run, you’ll find modern running clothes that keep you warm and relatively dry. Good shoes and clothes don’t soak, so you don’t feel ‘heavy’.
A MASSAGE?
When you open your doors to a professional (yes, they come to you!), you can enjoy the rain and get a massage, right on your balcony or porch.
Lezlie’s Mobile Spa makes it easy to enjoy a wellness massage and spa treatments in the comfort of your environment. Their highly experienced licensed massage therapists provide 5-star spa services, inside or outside, on your balcony (or by the pool, weather permitting.)
Reach new levels of zen during a hot stone massage while listening to the pitter-patter of rain all around you. They also have heated tables and blankets!
HIKING?
You’re kidding, right? Nope. With hundreds of hiking trails scattered throughout the area, search for paths that aren’t completely soaked. Find tranquility! And then some!
DINING!
Go from restaurant to restaurant. Some even have rooftop options, safely covered, so you can enjoy the soothing sounds from the covered rooftop. Make an afternoon of it. But pace yourself. 30A has a way of sneaking up on you, rain or no rain.
Don’t play outside when the weather is dangerous. Yes, that feeling of being in a storm is exciting, but be wise when severe weather is approaching. Keep calm, keep watch, and keep your phone close so you can check the radar and stay up to date with impending severe weather.
GAMES.
Play games on the beach. Cornhole, frisbee, volleyball, football. Have a sandcastle-building competition. Everything’s different in the rain!
Since you’ll likely be playing with a smaller group of people, you can customize the games to suit your interests. And don’t forget a waterproof speaker for some tunes as you play.
FISHING.
Fishing in the rain can be good. But a heavy downpour, with stirred-up silt, sand, and mud, can cloud the waters. Fortunately, fish often become more active after it rains because they leave their shelters and start hunting for food again.
Weather any obstacle in your Oversee home.
After a day of fun and frolic in the wetness, your luxury Oversee home awaits you. Feel like a movie? Grab every blanket, pillow, and furniture cushion. Think mega movie fort!
In a wonderful Oversee home, you’ll have no problem filling your evenings with all kinds of indoor shenanigans. But save your daytime silliness for the outdoors…
In the rain!
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