A Beach Weekend at Cinnamon Shores with Two Toddlers
Just a few weeks ago, we packed up and headed to Port Aransas for a long beach weekend as a family. After a busy spring, my husband and I struggled to commit to a summer trip. Ultimately, we chose Port Aransas—specifically Cinnamon Shore—because it was within driving distance from our home and easy to manage as a weekend getaway.
Believe it or not, this was our first vacation as a family of just the four of us. It felt incredibly special, and we made memories that will last a lifetime.
Traveling as a Core Family
If you're debating whether to take a trip with just your immediate family (we usually travel with extended family or friends), my advice is: absolutely do it. The memories we made far outweighed the financial cost and the chaos of packing and prepping. Honestly, I’ve already forgotten the stress and only remember the sound of our kids laughing by the ocean.
Where We Stayed
We didn’t just stay anywhere—we chose Cinnamon Shore, a master-planned coastal community in Port Aransas, Texas, along the Gulf Coast. It took us about 3.5 hours to drive from Austin.
What drew us in was the design, inspired by Florida’s 30A area, and the walkable, resort-style amenities. The community is divided into Cinnamon Shore North and South. We stayed in a two-bedroom home in Cinnamon Shore South, the newer phase of the development. With everything just a golf cart ride away, there’s really no “bad” location within the community.
What We Did
We wanted this trip to be laid-back, with no official plans—something I rarely allow myself. With just the four of us, I felt less pressure to create a packed itinerary. Still, our days naturally fell into a rhythm (because, toddler life equals routine).
Each morning started with a golf cart ride to North Cinnamon Shore for breakfast at the Shore Café. Their lattes were amazing, and the bagel breakfast sandwich was one of the best I’ve ever had. One morning, we stayed closer to home and visited the Shore Café food truck in South Cinnamon Shore. The menu was limited, but the lattes were just as good.
After breakfast, we’d head to the beach. While my husband and I aren’t huge beach people, Cinnamon Shore made it easy. We rented a golf cart and drove it right onto the sand. We also rented chairs and an umbrella, which were set up for us each morning—no hauling gear or struggling with setup. The kids loved playing in the sand and splashing in the water. We visited the weekend before most Texas schools started, so the beach was blissfully uncrowded.
After beach time, we’d return to our townhome for lunch and naps. In the afternoon, we explored the community pools—our favorite was the Splish Splash Family Pool in South Cinnamon Shore, though we also visited pools on the North side. The kids adored the slides and splash features, and my husband and I enjoyed frozen drinks from the bar.
Evenings were spent dining on property. Everything was just a golf cart ride away, and the food was surprisingly delicious. We loved Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria and the American cuisine at the new restaurant, Stout’s at the Shore.
Cinnamon Shore also offered parks the kids enjoyed, nightly ice cream from C Treats on the lawn in North Cinnamon Shore, and even live music one evening. We never felt bored—and never needed to leave the property.
Pros of Staying at Cinnamon Shore
As first-timers traveling with two toddlers, here’s what we loved:
Easy drive from Austin (3.5 hours)
Resort-style amenities: restaurants, pools, playgrounds, live music
Everything accessible by golf cart
Six pools to choose from—perfect for beach breaks
Beach chair and umbrella rentals set up daily
Golf carts allowed on the beach
Upscale, 30A-inspired design
Cons to Consider
We’re already planning a return trip next year, but here are a few things we didn’t love:
North vs. South Cinnamon Shore: South is newer, but all restaurants are in North. Next time, we might stay in North for convenience.
Limited access to outside amenities: Everything outside the community is 15–30 minutes away. Our son had an ear infection, so we had to leave often for medicine and urgent care.
Lots of baths: Between beach and pool time, we were constantly bathing the kids. It felt more like a trip than a relaxing vacation for us parents.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Rent a golf cart—it’s essential
Pay for beach chair and umbrella setup—it’s worth it
Pack enough food and stop at H-E-B on your way in
Consider staying in North Cinnamon Shore for easier access to restaurants
Make dinner reservations early—even on a quiet weekend, we booked a few days ahead to get our preferred times
Cinnamon Shore gave us exactly what we needed in a weekend escape. We’re lucky to have a place like this so close to home, and we’ll definitely be back. Until the next vacation, XXX McKenzie