Awesome Family Activities for a Cinnamon Beach Vacation

Beyond the beautiful color of the sand, the beach at Cinnamon Beach is unique in so many ways.  Many elements of the beach change depending on currents and weather events.  Most of the time, the beach is a cinnamon-colored shell-based soft sand.  Other times it has white hard-packed sand more common to Daytona Beach.  Additionally, shells and coquina rocks can be present on the beach in varying quantities.  While the coquina rocks are beautiful and provide an inviting area to explore, it is essential to take precautions when exploring by wearing water shoes as coquina rocks can be sharp. Often the rocks can be covered by the waves, so take extra care when entering the water. 

You may notice wooden stakes on the beach set in rectangular shapes with colored ribbons connecting the stakes.  These are turtle nesting sites that are being protected.  The color of the ribbon around the nest denotes the month in which the nest was laid. Nests laid in May have pink ribbon, June has blue, July has orange, August has green, and September returns to pink again.  These nests mustn’t be disturbed while on the beach as the Turtle Patrol is working hard to protect these nesting sites.

While the beach is always a great draw for a vacation at Cinnamon Beach, there are some great activities in the area when you are ready to do something more.  Here are some great options to consider:

Marineland – Just 15 minutes away, Marineland Dolphin Adventure offers several ways to interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, as well as hands-on exhibits and educational programs to inspire and connect guests with marine life. Also included in the general admission ticket are opportunities to enjoy dolphin training demonstrations, daily shark and sea turtle talks, and the “step below the decks” exhibit that features hundreds of species of exotic sea life. (check website for activity times) 

Sea Turtle Hospital – Immediately across the street from Marineland is the Sea Turtle Hospital at the Whitney Laboratory, run by the University of Florida.  If your family is really into sea life, then this tour might be perfect for you.  (Reservations required and are seasonal)

Alligator Farm – This is a must-see for any age.  While the alligators are the main attractions, it is also very much a zoo with exotic birds, snakes, and lemurs.  There are a variety of showtimes during the day.

Photo by Watts Photos

Horseback Riding – A couple of options are available in the area, including having a guided horseback ride on the beach (reservations required, age and weight limits) or a trail ride starting at the Florida Agricultural Museum.

Florida Agricultural Museum – This unique museum looks at Florida’s farming history with a 400-acre pioneer homestead with farm animals, historic barns, and equestrian trails.  This is a great place to go if the kids like animals (call for tour times).

Touring the Intercoastal waterways – This provides the possibility of encountering dolphins, manatees, turtles, and many bird species.  Kayaking is a unique way of getting up close and experiencing these natural wonders.  Ripple Effect Adventure Outfitters provides tours in the Marineland and St. Augustine Area, while Tropical Kayaks provides guided tours and rentals in Palm Coast. A guided fishing trip is another great way to explore the intercoastal area.  Full and Half-day options are available right from Bings Landing in Palm Coast. (Reservations required, confirm age requirements).

Surfing Lessons – Learning to surf in Florida is an excellent experience for all ages.  Private and group lessons are available in Flagler Beach.

Daytona Lagoon – is a unique entrainment complex located in Daytona Beach (about 40 minutes south).  It has so many things you can do in one location, including a water park (mainly designed for kids at least 42” tall) and a family entertainment center with bumper cars, arcade, go-karts, miniature golf, sky maze, and laser tag.  What is nice about the park is that you can choose the experiences you want to have for the day and pay just for those experiences or choose an all-inclusive pass option.  (Check the park calendar for operating hours before planning your visit.)

Escape Rooms – Looking for that perfect rainy day activity or when you might have gotten a little too much sun?  Consider the Twisted Minds Escape Rooms with three different escape rooms that are an excellent option for the whole family.  While there is no age limit, it is recommended for ages seven and up, accompanied by an adult.

Looking for something sweet - Sally’s Ice cream is a local institution in Flagler Beach.  Situated right across from the beach, in a tiny pink storefront, decorated with messages of love and hope, Sally’s offers a full menu of delicious ice cream and some homemade dairy-free flavors. Get cones, cups, sundaes, shakes, or floats.  The options are endless.

If breakfast sweets are your thing, then go to Swillerbees Craft Donuts for some of the most creatively decorated donut options. 

No matter what activities you pick, you will have a great time.

See you at the Beach!