Beaches near San Antonio are the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or even a vacation if you are looking for a place to perfect your tan and cool off in the ocean or into a lake nearby.
With its beautiful promenades and rich history, San Antonio is the perfect destination for your next getaway.
If you want to go to the beach in San Antonio, it might be hard to pick the best one.
This article tells you about the best beaches in San Antonio and how far away they are from the city.
That way, you can plan your trip better.
I bet that when you think about beaches in Texas, the Lone Star State, the last thing that comes into your mind is the city of San Antonio.
San Antonio is one of the most visited cities in the United States but not many tourists know that it has beaches.
People like to go to this place because there are a lot of state parks, places to have fun at night, and good food.
But don’t forget about its beaches–they’re beautiful too!
Actually, this city is surrounded by many bodies of crystal clear water like lakes, natural springs, and rivers.
From secluded plunging pools to stunning beaches with ocean views, the San Antonio Texas, beaches have them all.
So get your sunscreen, a hat, and your sunglasses ready.
You’ll breathe fresh air and enjoy the weekend or even a vacation at these San Antonio beaches.
I have listed some of the most beautiful beaches near San Antonio, Texas.
All you need to do is pick the one you like best and get ready for a fun and relaxing day in the sun.
Some of the following links are affiliate links. When you buy something using the retail links in our article, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost for you. You can read our full disclosure disclaimer and privacy policy.
17 stunning beaches near San Antonio Texas
1. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is a beautiful place that is located near Galveston Island and Lake Jackson.
It is about 3 hours and 45 minutes from San Antonio.
This long stretch of sandy beach is perfect for a weekend getaway, an afternoon walk, or even a vacation.
The place has become more and more popular among tourists in the last few years, but it continues to be clean with a family atmosphere and beautiful views.
There are many activities to do in this area all year long.
This way, you and your family can spend some time together doing things that you enjoy.
When you go to the beach, you can do water sports and rent equipment from shops near the beach. You can also eat in restaurants near the beach and tan on the sand.
There is a place where you can park your car near the beach.
You have to pay money to park there, but it is cheaper than parking at the beach. If you walk from the parking place to the beach, it is not far.
The water at this beach is shallow, which is good for families with small children.
The sand is soft and the waves are perfect for surfing in some places.
In other parts of the beach, the water is shallow so that the little ones can play.
The area is also a good place for fishing.
The deep coastal waters have many fish, including redfish and tuna. You might also see sharks in the distance.
Where to sleep near Surfside Beach
Try Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center, a wonderful hotel located close to this magnificent beach.
The rooms are spacious and clean and have complimentary toiletries, plus a coffee maker and a refrigerator.
Don’t miss the Cafe in the Park restaurant where you can serve fresh seafood dishes which are extremely delicious.
2. Matagorda Bay
Matagorda Bay is a beach located 3 hours and 30 minutes from San Antonio.
It is the perfect place to go for a weekend getaway.
This place is near Corpus Christi town and has beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.
It would be a great place to visit for a family vacation.
The place is perfect for those looking for a quiet place where to spend a wonderful day near the ocean.
The area is not where many tourists go, so it is one of those secret places close to San Antonio where you can enjoy some quality time with your family.
The views from here are amazing! You can see how the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico.
The beach is clean and the water is too. It’s a great place to take your kids.
Afterward, they can build sand castles and play in the waves.
Remember to bring your sand toys with you when you go to the beach.
This way, your kids will be entertained the whole day, and you can relax and enjoy the scenery!
This is also a great place for games, including looking for treasures in the sand.
You might find Spanish coins, sand dollars, and seashells hidden in the sand.
Hotels near Matagorda Bay
Baymont by Wyndham Victoria is the place where you spend the night when visiting Matagorda Bay, especially if you are looking for the lowest price and great quality.
The hotel has pretty rooms with new furniture. Each room has a fridge, a tea and coffee maker, and a microwave.
A hot breakfast is served each morning at the property. You can buy snacks from the vending machine in the lobby.
3. Port Aransas
Located about 175 miles away from San Antonio, the beautiful town of Port Aransas is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
The beach is located on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, right near Corpus Christi and Rockport.
These 18 miles of sandy shores with warm coastal waters are perfect for swimming, while the sandy beach is exactly what you are looking for for a day near the ocean.
There are so many interesting things to do in the area that one day is not enough to explore the whole area.
You can go parasailing, surfing, wind sailing, and even fishing in the waters around the town.
Port Aransas is considered to be one of the best swimming spots near San Antonio because of its crystal clear waters and weak currents right near the shore.
The shores are a little rocky, so we strongly recommend you wear some water shoes even when you swim.
You can get with your car on the beach, so you can stock your cooler with drinks and snacks to keep you hydrated while on the beach.
Hotels near Port Aransas
Plantation Suites and Conference Center is the right choice for spending your night close to Port Aransas beach.
This beautiful hotel has a hot tub and BBQ facilities for their guests, while a complimentary breakfast is served every morning to the guests.
4. Mustang Island State Park
Located about 2 hours and a half from San Antonio, Mustang Island State Park is a stunning area with a different landscape, home to an impressive number of activities to keep you busy the entire vacation.
This 5 miles of shoreline is exactly what you need for the perfect day on the beach to perfect your tan and have a lot of fun.
Inside the state park you can go birdwatching as this state park near San Antonio is home to an impressive number of colorful birds.
If you are looking for some action, there are plenty for everybody as here you can practice a lot of watersports, including kiteboarding, windsurfing, or parasailing.
You can even camp on the beach, set up a fire in the designated areas and sleep under the stars listening to the sound of the ocean.
This is the perfect place to go if you are looking for oceanside vibes, have fun, relax and enjoy life.
Hotels near Mustang Island State Park
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Corpus Christi/Padre Isle is our choice for this amazing getaway, a beautiful hotel located just across the street with access to the beach and the Gulf of Mexico.
In your room, you will find a coffee maker, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi as well as a fully equipped kitchen in every suite; daily breakfast is served in the lobby.
5. Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach is a very popular beach in Galveston, and it is located in the western part of the island.
It is a great place to go if you want to be close to local attractions like Moody Gardens and Pleasure Pier but at the same time spend some moments on less crowded beaches.
This is a great place for fishing, perfect for all levels, from beginners to experts, as everybody has a high chance of catching the big fish.
The beach is free, and everybody can have access to it, but there are no lifeguards on duty so you swim at your own risk.
Hotels near to Jamaica Beach
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Seaside Resort, an IHG Hotel is the right place for your holiday at Jamaica Beach.
This beachfront hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Some of the rooms come equipped with a dishwasher, fridge, and microwave; an a la carte breakfast can be served at the property.
6. San Jose Island
One of the most beautiful beaches near San Antonio is San Jose Island, a privately owned beach located a ferry ride away from Port Aransas.
It is a quiet beach, not very crowded, that offers some of the best beachcombing in the gulf coast, where you can find starfish and sand dollars.
San Jose Island is one of the very few places in Texas where you can go for treasure hunting, and according to the legends, here you might find treasures dating back to the 1500s.
This remote area is also the perfect place for saltwater fishing, and it is a place famous for birdwatching.
Hotels near San Jose Island
Hampton Inn & Suites Rockport-Fulton is the best place for your overnight stay close to San Jose Island.
You have a complimentary breakfast each morning, free Wi-Fi in the room, a common outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
7. Galveston Island
This beautiful barrier island located about 4 hour drive from San Antonio is definitely a beach in San Antonio not to miss on your next getaway.
On this island, you will find one of the best beaches near San Antonio for families, where you can perfect your tan and build sand castles or cool off in the ocean’s shallow waters.
There are more than 30 miles of golden sands here with crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming.
Beaches like Stewart Beach, East Beach or El Jardin del Mar are just some of the most beautiful strips of sand on the island.
Besides these beautiful beaches, Galveston Island offers a wide range of attractions and many interesting things to do.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the historic Pleasure Pier or take a walk on Seawall Boulevard, eat some delicious food in the restaurants overlooking the ocean, and admire the sunset directly from the beach.
Hotels on Galveston Island
Our favorite place is Hotel Galvez, one of the most beautiful San Antonio hotels near the beach, located right on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
You can serve all three meals of the day in the hotel’s restaurant, and there is a champagne brunch each Sunday.
8. Sea Rim State Park
Located further from San Antonio, at about 4 hours and a half from the city via I-10, Sea Rim State Park is a beautiful beach near Port Arthur and Sabine Lake.
Inside this beautiful park, you will find a lake surrounded by a beautiful beach, ideal for having a good time with your family and friends.
The park offers a long list of activities, including horseback riding on the shorefront of the Gulf of Mexico and fishing in the lake.
You can also choose to paddle on the lake and rent your equipment from the designated shops or explore the 1.8-mile trail from the park dedicated to light walks.
For those more experienced, we strongly recommend the 9.5-mile advanced trail that goes along the park and allows you to observe the local flora and fauna.
Hotels near Sea Rim State Park
Spend your nights at Hampton Inn & Suites Winnie a beautiful hotel with an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a hot tub.
Each room has a fridge, a microwave, coffee-making facilities, a sitting area, and a desk.
Breakfast is available at the property and is included in the room rate; on-site, there is also a store and barbecue facilities.
9. Corpus Christi
Located about 2 hours drive from San Antonio, Corpus Christi is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the area.
Ranked as one of the fun beaches near San Antonio, Corpus Christi’s Beach is located within a short walk from the area’s main attractions, like the Texas State Aquarium.
It is a very popular area for hangout and a good area for birdwatching as the protected waters of Laguna Madre are home to many colorful birds.
For those looking to escape the crowds, Corpus Christi Beach offers a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.
You can choose to spend your day on the beach, play in the sand with your kids (don’t forget to bring the sand toys with you), swim in the ocean, or try some water sports ( go for paddle boarding).
In Corpus Christi Bay, the waters are shallow, and the currents are weak, so it is the perfect place to go with little kids.
When in the area, don’t forget to visit the USS Lexington, a World War II aircraft located in North Beach, a must-see place for all Americans, especially for history lovers.
Hotels in Corpus Christi
There is nothing better for a good night’s sleep than Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, a beautiful hotel with ocean views located very close to the Marina.
Each room of the hotel has a balcony overlooking the marina, the USS Lexington, or the bay.
The on-site restaurant, Republic of Texas Bar and Grill, serves American dishes, including some delicious steaks.
10. Comal Park Beach
Ranked by most visitors as the closest beach to San Antonio Texas, Comal Park Beach is about 50 minutes drive from the city.
This amazing Canyon Lake beach offers many outdoor activities opportunities, so it is one of the best spots for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Many people are attracted to the blue waters and sandy shores of the San Antonio beach. The place might get too crowded on weekends.
The area is well maintained all year round and super safe for the entire family, including little visitors.
You can choose to lay in the sun, swim in the lake, play beach volleyball, go boating or have a picnic.
The beach does not have natural shade, so we recommend bringing a beach umbrella with you.
To get a good place to put your towel, we recommend you come quite early in the morning, especially during weekends when the place becomes really crowded.
The park is open between March and October, and there is a fee you have to pay to get access to the beach; it is around 10 USD per non-county vehicle.
Hotels near Comal Beach
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hill Country Resort at Canyon Lake is a wonderful property with a sun terrace, a nice swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant located in Canyon Lake.
You will find here a children’s playground, family rooms with private bathrooms, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
You can cook food on the barbecue and play mini golf and tennis in the areas that are just for those activities.
11. Rockport Beach
Located about 2 hours and 35 minutes from San Antonio, Rockport Beach is a great place for a weekend getaway.
The beach has a lot of sand for you to put your towel on. The water in the Gulf of Mexico is warm and good for swimming and playing in.
This beach is very popular with people who love to surf and do water sports. Paddle boarding and jet skiing are two activities that you must try when you’re in the area.
You can go to the beach with your friends and play volleyball. You can try windsurfing or parasailing if you want to get some adrenaline.
And you can relax on the beach by reading a book and listening to the sound of waves. The beach is a great place to look for water birds and crabs. You might even spot dolphins in the shallow waters.
When you’re done at the beach, there are other things to do nearby.
You can walk or ride a bike on one of the paths. Or, if you want to go shopping, there are plenty of galleries and shops close by.
The Rockport Market Days is a small festival held once a month. Local vendors sell handmade artwork, drinks, and food there.
Hotels near Rockport Beach
Don’t forget to book your getaway at La Quinta by Wyndham Rockport – Fulton, a wonderful hotel located just 3 km from the beach.
The hotel offers complimentary breakfast each morning and features an outdoor swimming pool as well as a fitness center.
The rooms are spacious and clean and are equipped with a refrigerator and a microwave so that you can get a snack in the room before going to the beach.
One thing that really helps me whenever I plan my next travel is - to stay focused and organised! Check out this gorgeous Vacation Planner printable - with pre-trip to-do lists + accommodation and flight research + activities and car-rental + packing lists (empty and even pre-filled) to make sure you don't forget anything when you travel
CLICK HERE TO GET THE VACATION PLANNER PRINTABLE (all included)!
(THIS POST PROBABLY CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY IS REALLY BORING, BUT YOU CAN FIND IT HERE: DISCLOSURE POLICY)
Related: Trip research planner (a lighter version of the Vacation Planner)
12. South Padre Island
Just 4 hours and 30 minutes drive are between San Antonio and the beautiful South Padre Island, so you should include this place in your travel plans.
The island is extremely beautiful and hosts the most amazing beaches in Texas, perfect for families with kids but also for young people looking to have fun.
This barrier island is home to a wide range of activities, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and also parasailing.
Fishing is a good sport for everyone, even if you are starting out. Firstly it is relaxing, and you can even teach younger members of your family how to fish.
South Padre Island is a great place to see dolphins and to go scuba diving. The waters around the island are full of different kinds of marine life.
South Padre Island is a good choice if you want to go to a place that is not too busy and has a lot of nature and animals.
You might see sea turtles or visit a place that helps sick turtles. They find them in the ocean and help them get better.
Many visitors say that the waters around this island are the cleanest, warmest, and calmest in the whole gulf.
Hotels on South Padre Island
Located on the northern side of South Padre Island, Hilton Garden Inn is the place where you should spend your holiday.
This hotel is by the ocean. It has an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.
You can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner there.
The hotel is conveniently located close to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and within a short drive to the Dolphin Research and Sealife Center.
13. Guadelupe River State Park
The closest beach to San Antonio, Texas is located in Guadalupe River State Park.
It is about 40 miles away from San Antonio.
The Guadelupe River is famous for being a great place to swim.
The beach surrounding the river is also perfect for relaxing in the sun on a hot summer day.
There are plenty of activities to try while in the area. You can go tubing, swimming, and canoeing.
The area where the state park is located offers a lot of outdoor activities.
Some examples are mountain biking and hiking on the trails inside the state park.
You can go horseback riding in nature, inside the park, or right on the beach near the lake.
Hotels near Guadelupe River State Park
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a beautiful 4-star resort located in the middle of nature, about 14 miles away from San Antonio International Airport.
The hotel features a waterpark, rooms with iPod docking stations, and one of the best spas in the area.
You can choose to eat in one of the 7 restaurants at the property.
They have a lot of different Southwestern and American dishes.
Inside the property, there is a Starbucks and the Crooked Branch Bar.
At the Crooked Branch Bar, you can find Tex-Mex food and cocktails.
The resort has a lazy river, a waterpark, and a children’s club. The children’s club has many activities for young guests to do every day.
14. Overlook Park Beach
One of the most spectacular beaches near San Antonio, located in the Canyon Lake area, is Overlook Park Beach.
Hence, the beach has everything you need to have a perfect day.
There are places to go to the bathroom, a place to park your car, and picnic tables. You can even bring your pets!
You cannot bring alcohol into this area, so pack snacks, fruits, water, and soda to drink throughout the day.
This park is free to enter, and the lake is perfect for swimming and boating.
Keep in mind that the entrance to the lake is steep, so take care of your kids when entering the lake.
Although the way down to the lake is a little steep and there are some rocks, the water is very calm and clear. This is perfect for swimming and bathing.
A 0.6-mile hiking trail inside the park is perfect for taking a short walk with your children. Overlook Park Beach is a calm and remote area, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Hotels near Overlook Park Beach
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hill Country Resort at Canyon Lake is a wonderful property with a sun terrace, a nice swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant located in Canyon Lake.
You will find here a children’s playground, family rooms with private bathrooms, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
You can prepare a delicious barbecue in the designated place and play mini golf and tennis in the area dedicated to these sports.
15. North Padre Island
North Padre Island is a barrier island near the southern part of Mustang Island. It is about 2.5 hours away from San Antonio by car.
North Padre Island is afterward a good place to visit for the weekend if you live near San Antonio.
Basically, it is not as crowded as South Padre Island and closer to Corpus Christi. One of the best beaches near San Antonio is on Padre Island National Seashore.
There are also incredible sand dunes and perfect spots for birdwatching. The beach on the island is a great place to relax, get a tan, and listen to the waves.
The island is not as popular as its sister, South Padre Island. It has a more relaxing vibe and a unique tropical atmosphere.
You can explore the beaches by walking around, take a horseback riding tour, and spend time with your family near the ocean.
North Padre Island has beaches with everything you need nearby. You can find restrooms, showers, restaurants and bars a few steps away from the ocean.
Hotels near North Padre Island
There is nothing better for a good night’s sleep than Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, a beautiful hotel with ocean views located very close to the Marina.
Each room of the hotel has a balcony overlooking the marina, the USS Lexington, or the bay.
The on-site restaurant, Republic of Texas Bar and Grill, serves American dishes, including some delicious steaks.
16. Canyon Park Beach
The 490 acres of the park offer amazing views of Canyon Lake and great access to a wide range of watersports, swimming, and relaxing areas.
Here you will find gravel beaches, sand strips along the lake, and picnic areas and boat ramps.
There are also multiple beaches around, and most offer access to the volleyball court, restrooms, and grill area.
There are many things to do near the state park.
You can both lie in the sun on the beach and go explore some of the trails. My favorite trail is Madrone Trail. There are a lot of different things to do at this beach.
You can also go wakeboarding, paddle boarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and even tubing. So it is definitely worth it to visit this beach.
The lake is extremely accessible for people of all ages, but the pebble entrance down the waters might be uncomfortable for your feet, so don’t forget to bring water shoes with you.
Hotels near Canyon Park Beach
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hill Country Resort at Canyon Lake is a wonderful property with a sun terrace, a nice swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant located in Canyon Lake.
You will find here a children’s playground, family rooms with private bathrooms, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
You can prepare a delicious barbecue in the designated place and play mini golf and tennis in the area dedicated to these sports.
17. Boca Chica State Park
Boca Chica State Park is located close to South Padre Island, about 4 hours and 30 minutes away from San Antonio.
This state park offers over 1,000 acres of sand dunes and beaches near San Antonio, all extremely wild and beautiful.
You can swim in the waters of the lake, go surfing, perfect your tan or have a picnic on the beach here.
The conditions are absolutely perfect for water activities, including swimming, and there is nothing that distracts you from enjoying a good day in nature.
Birdwatching and fishing are also extremely popular in the area, so prepare your fishing tool to catch the big fish.
A place not to miss in the area is Port Isabel Lighthouse, a beautiful place with more than 75 steps that offers a stunning view of the area and the lake.
Hotels in San Antonio near Boca Chica State Park
Go for Sea Vista, a beachfront property featuring beachfront views, a private beach area, and 2 hot tubs.
Some of the condominiums have a dining area and a balcony, and all condos have a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and dishwasher, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a toaster.
FAQ
Does San Antonio have a beach?
The closest beach in San Antonio is located about 40 miles driving from the city and is called Comal Beach Park.
If you drive for about 2 hours, plenty of other beaches near San Antonio are available.
Is there are beach in San Antonio Texas?
Comal Park Beach is one of the closest beaches located near San Antonio, about 40 miles of driving distance.
It is located in Canyon Lake, and it is the perfect place for a hot summer day, far from city pollution and noise.
What beach is closest to San Antonio TX?
Guadalupe River State Park and Comal Park Beach from Canyon Lake are the closest beaches close to San Antonio. Both are located at 40 miles away from the city and are perfect for a summer getaway.
Which are the best clear water beaches near San Antonio TX?
Comal Park Beach is one of the best beaches you can find in San Antonio for sure and South Padre Island has some of the most clear waters on the Texas Coast.
San Antonio, Texas, is about 150 miles away from the Gulf Coast, which offers some beautiful beaches. Keep in mind that the water clarity can vary due to the natural sediment of the area and weather conditions. Enjoy your beach time!
Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.
You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.
Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.
When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.
Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.
We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.
Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.
We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.
Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.
We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.
Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.
Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.
Conclusion
The beaches near San Antonio are a good place to go for the weekend or for a holiday.
You can find beaches by the ocean or around a secluded lake. All these places are perfect to relax, play with your children, and try different water activities.
You can also cool off in the ocean’s warm waters. Choose the location you like best from this list.
Or, try them all! All of these locations are great for making new memories that your family will talk about for years to come.