Cinnamon beach @ ocean hammock resort

Question

Hello,

I am looking at an oceanfront unit in the Cinnamon Beach Condo complex. We would be renting for the 1st week in April. We are trying to not go much further South along the coast than Palm Coast. We have stayed at the PonteVedra beaches (N. of St. Augustine) and Amelia Island beaches in the past where we have rented beachfront homes. Can anyone give me some comparisons of these areas to Palm Coast. We prefer quiet, less crowded beaches. Also here are a few specific questions:

Are dogs allowed on Cinnamon beach?

Is this beach very crowded & busy in April?

Is this Complex in a nice location?

Any other comments?

Answer

Palm Coast’s Cinnamon Beach at Ocean Hammock is a lovely option if you’re looking for something quieter than many Florida beach towns, while still having an upscale, well-maintained resort feel. Since you’ve previously stayed at Amelia Island and Ponte Vedra, you’ll find Palm Coast somewhat similar in peacefulness, though with a slightly different character.

Compared to Ponte Vedra, Cinnamon Beach feels more residential and resort-style, with a planned-community atmosphere and fewer commercial areas right on top of the beach. Compared to Amelia Island, it’s a bit less developed in terms of walkable shops and restaurants, but it offers a long stretch of serene shoreline and a quieter vibe, especially outside of major holidays.

Below are answers to each of your questions, plus some additional insight to help you decide.

Are dogs allowed on Cinnamon Beach? Yes—Cinnamon Beach is known for being dog-friendly in many areas. Dogs are allowed on the beach in designated sections as long as they’re leashed, and the community itself tends to be pet-friendly. However, each rental unit may have its own rules, so check the specific condo’s pet policy.
Is the beach very crowded in April? April is a pleasant time in Palm Coast—warm but not peak summer busy. While there will be more visitors than in winter, the beach is generally far less crowded than St. Augustine, Daytona, or most beaches farther south. Because the shoreline near Cinnamon Beach is part of a gated community, it tends to attract homeowners and renters rather than large day-trip crowds, which keeps it quieter.
Is this complex in a nice location? Yes. The Ocean Hammock resort area is upscale, beautifully landscaped, and private. The condos offer direct beachfront access or close proximity to the dunes walkovers. The community also feels safe and well maintained. You’ll be a short drive to restaurants, the Intracoastal Waterway, and scenic parks like Washington Oaks Gardens.

As for how the area compares to Amelia Island or Ponte Vedra, here are a few broader distinctions:

Beach character: Cinnamon Beach has coquina shell–mixed sand giving it its signature “cinnamon” color; it’s unique and pretty, though slightly coarser in spots than Ponte Vedra’s soft sand. Waves can be a bit stronger, which many enjoy.
Quiet factor: It’s typically quieter than Ponte Vedra’s main public beaches and somewhat comparable to the quieter sections of Amelia Island. Because much of Ocean Hammock is gated, there is reduced beach access for outsiders.
Surrounding area: Palm Coast is more suburban and spread out. There’s less immediate walkability but still plenty of grocery stores, an emerging restaurant scene, and beautiful natural preserves nearby.

Overall, Cinnamon Beach at Ocean Hammock should be a great match if you value peaceful beaches, an upscale condo environment, and convenient amenities without heavy crowds. It keeps you within a reasonable drive to St. Augustine while giving you more breathing room and a relaxing atmosphere.

If you enjoy nature, quiet mornings on the sand, and a comfortable resort-style setup, you’ll likely find Palm Coast a very pleasant alternative to your prior destinations.

Cinnamon beach @ ocean hammock resort

More Palm Coast Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions