16 Best Beaches Near San Antonio, TX — Closest Lake & Ocean Beach Spots

by

There are many things to do in San Antonio, from rich history to stunning promenades.

Don’t worry if you want to cool off during your visit to this city in south-central Texas.

Weekend beach trips can be taken from San Antonio to the popular beaches along the coast and lakes nearby.

Plan your day trip to San Antonio, TX’s best beaches.

Booking.com

1. Surfside Beach

1304 Monument Drive
Surfside Beach, TX 77541
(979) 233-1531

Surfside Beach is located in Brazoria county. It is located near Galveston, and Lake Jackson. It is located 231 miles from San Antonio. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes via the I-10.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Enjoy exploring this charming coastal village. The beaches are soft and sandy with rolling waves that make it perfect for surfing. You don’t need your gear? Don’t worry. There are shops in the village that rent and sell equipment for the beach.

Expert Tip

The surfside beach is more than just a beautiful place to relax. You can also fish here in the deep waters and coral reefs. You can catch bull redfish, tuna and sharks.

Booking.com

Hotel Recommended Near Surfside Beach: Moody Gardens Hotel Spa & Convention Center15 Best Beaches Near San Antonio, TX  Play Video

2. Mustang Island State Park

9394 State Highway 361.
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
(361) 749-5246

Only 165 miles from San Antonio, Mustang Island State Park is located in Corpus Christi. It takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes to drive there.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

The top beaches of San Antonio, Texas are mostly lakes and riversfronts. Mustang Island, which is located at the Gulf of Mexico and goes back to the Atlantic, offers oceanside vibes.

You can easily make a day trip to San Antonio from here. You can spend the whole day on the beach, with 5 miles of coastline.

You can surf, swim, and build as many sandcastles as you like.

Expert Tip

End your journey at the sandy beaches. Follow the park’s paddle trail. The trail has three sections that run along the shoreline of the island. You can have personal encounters with the birds of the coast or learn how to fish in shallow water.

Hotel Recommended Near Mustang Island State Park: Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham Corpus Christi/Padre Isle

3. Matagorda bay

6420 FM2031
Matagorda (TX 77457)
(409) 797-5000

Discovercars.com

If you drive through Texas-111, Matagorda Bay is just 3 hours and 20 mins from San Antonio.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Matagorda Bay is home to miles upon miles of beautiful beaches that you could call a paradise. You can find hidden treasures such as seashells, sanddollars and even old Spanish coins here.

If you’re looking to spend a long time on the beach, you can camp in tents.

Expert Tip

A beach house rental is the best option if you are traveling with a large group of people (either friends or family). The house will be within walking distance to the beach, so you’ll all feel comfortable.

Hotel Recommended Near Matagorda Bay Baymont By Wyndham Victoria

Related to The Best Things To Do In San Antonio

4. Galveston Island

Galveston Island is located near Houston and Pearland. It is just 252 miles away (or 4 hours) from San Antonio.

This is a great place to spend a family vacation from San Antonio.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Galveston is the “Playground of the South” because it boasts 32 miles of soft sand beaches and beautiful waterfronts.

You can also head to Stewart Beach, East Beach and El Jardin Del Mar to see a variety of spots.

Expert Tip

Visit the historic Pleasure Pier at Seawall Boulevard when you’re in Galveston. There are many thrilling rides to enjoy and great food options, but nothing is more satisfying than watching the silhouette of the pier during sunset.

Best Hotel Near Galveston Island: San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center

5. Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX
(800) 766-2322

Corpus Christi, a city on the coast of South Texas, is known as “Corpus Christi”. It is located 143 miles (or 2 hours) away from San Antonio.

A trip to Corpus Christi can be a great option if you are looking for a quick getaway from San Antonio.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

North Beach, a 1.5-mile waterfront is one of Corpus Christi’s most popular attractions. You can swim in the calm waters here. It’s part the Corpus Christi Bay so waves are gentle enough to be enjoyed by children.

How to control Blood Sugar without Pills

Watch the Free Video Here

 

You don’t have to just relax on the sand. There are many other things North Beach has to offer.

Expert Tip

The USS Lexington is a must-see for history buffs. The museum is located inside this World War II aircraft carrier, which is now located in North Beach.

Hotel Recommended Near Corpus Christi: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

Related to Best Water Parks San Antonio, Texas

6. South Padre Island

Shore Drive
South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 761-6433

South Padre Island, Cameron County’s coastal town, is known as. It is located at Texas’s coast tip and 297 miles away from San Antonio.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

South Padre Island offers many activities for thrill-seekers and watersports lovers.

Kiteboarding, windsurfing and jet skiing are all options. You can also relax on the white sand.

Expert Tip

Diverse wildlife lives on South Padre Island. You can fish for large catches, see playful dolphins, or dive with sea creatures.

Recommended Hotel Near South Padre Island: Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island

Related to Things To Do Near San Antonio

7. North Padre Island

20420 Park Road 22
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
(361) 949-8068

North Padre Island is closer to Corpus Christi that its southern part. It is only 172 miles (or a 2h 40-minute drive) away from San Antonio via I-37.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

North Padre Island offers long stretches along the coast and gulf waters that will entice you to spend time there. You’ll feel the perfect tropical vibe while you’re there because it isn’t as commercialized as South Padre Island.

Expert Tip

North Padre Island has some of the most beautiful beaches along the coast. It is also the perfect place to go for bonfires and nighttime beach walks. While you’re there, you can collect shells and ride one horseback.

Recommended Hotel Near North Padre Island: Best Western Padre Island

8. Port Aransas

Port Aransas Beach Road
Port Aransas (TX 78373)

Port Aransas is located on the Gulf of Mexico’s edge, near Rockport and Corpus Christi. It is located 178 miles from San Antonio.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Port Aransas is a great place to spend a day. It boasts 18 miles of sandy beaches that look out towards the Gulf of Mexico.

Some consider it the best beach to swim near San Antonio. The warm, clear waters make it a great place to take a swim. Even when swimming, make sure you have beach shoes.

You can also surf, sail, boogieboard, and even jetski on the water. A stand-up paddleboard, kayak or even a kayak can be used to explore the area. You should be aware that there may be riptides at times, as there are great waves along this coast.

Expert Tip

You don’t have to limit yourself to the water when you can take to the skies! Port Aransas is the perfect place to go parasailing and kiteboarding as well as windsurfing.

Hotel Recommended Near Port Aransas – Plantation Suites & Conference Center

9. San Jose Island

San Jose Island, TX
(800) 452-6278

San Jose Island is a barrier islands located near Port Aransas. It’s located on Texas’ Gulf Coast and about three hours from San Antonio.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

History lovers will love San Jose Island, a beach located near San Antonio. You can enjoy beautiful views and calm waters while learning a lot about Texas history on the island.

San Jose Island’s history is amazing, from being the spot where the first American flag was raised in Texas to witnessing the rise and fall Civil War,

Expert Tip

You won’t find many places where you can hunt for treasure. There are treasures that could be found on San Jose Island dating back to 1500.

Spanish ships, including those from Spain, that were sunk near the island’s coast, had their gold and ornaments washed ashore. You never know when you’ll find out.

Hotel to Consider Near San Jose Island: Hampton Inn & Suites Rockport – Fulton

Related to Things to do in San Antonio

10. Jamaica Beach

16523 Jamaica Beach Road
Jamaica Beach, TX 77554
(409) 737-1142

Jamaica Beach is located on Galveston Island, 257 miles (or 4 hours drive) from San Antonio via I-10.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Jamaica Beach, just a stone’s throw from Galveston is certainly its more tranquil counterpart.

Imagine that you are looking for a place near Moody Gardens and Pleasure Pier, but want to be closer to the beach. Jamaica Beach is the ideal compromise in this case.

Expert Tip

Jamaica Beach is well-known for its fishing grounds. Fishing enthusiasts of all levels will love spending time here to catch the best fish of the day.

Hotel Recommended Near Jamaica Beach: Holiday Inn Club Holidays Galveston Seaside Resort

11. Rockport

210 Seabreeze Drive
Rockport, TX 78382
(361) 729-6661

Rockport is located near San Jose Island and Port Aransas. It is 161 miles (or a two-hour and a-half drive) from San Antonio via I-37.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Rockport Beach is considered the best beach for children near San Antonio. Families with young children will enjoy swimming in the calm waters of Rockport Beach. When you visit Rockport Beach, there is no need to be concerned about the waves breaking too hard.

The waters are calm and ideal for babies who are just starting to swim. Water is unpredictable so be sure to keep your children safe while they play.

Expert Tip

Rockport Beach is a playground that kids will love. They can swim on the beach or play on the playground to their hearts’ content.

There are many other activities you can do while you’re here, such as playing a game of volleyball.

Hotel Recommended Near Rockport: La Quinta By Wyndham Rockport-Fulton

Similar: Things to do in San Antonio With Kids

12. Padre Island

Padre Island is made up of the North Padre (near Corpus Christi), and South Padre, (near Brownsville).

It is both the largest Texan barrier islands and the longest barrier island in the world.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Padre Island is 113 miles long and has many beaches. There are many options for where to go fishing, boating and swimming.

The southern portion of Padre Island has a more fun and hip resort vibe. North Padre offers a quieter and more natural experience.

Expert Tip

Visit Padre Island National Seashore while you’re there. It divides Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico. There are many undeveloped beaches that you can visit to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Hotel to Consider Near Padre Island: Hampton Inn & Suites Port Aransas

13. Boca Chica State Park

Boca Chica Boulevard
Brownsville, TX 78521

Near South Padre Island is the Boca Chica State Park. It is located 296 miles from San Antonio, or a 4-hour and a-half drive.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

This state park offers 1,000 acres of sandy beaches and dunes. You can swim and surf in the water or enjoy a picnic at the beach.

If the conditions are perfect, you won’t be distracted from the pure joy of playing in the water. You’ll feel as if you’re the only one swimming around the beach.

You can also fish or watch birds. You can also go shell hunting. You might find thousands of shells on the beach.

Expert Tip

You can visit the Port Isabel Lighthouse while you are in the area. The lighthouse has 75 steps, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the water from its top.

Hotel Recommendation Near Boca Chica State Park: Sea Vista

14. Sea Rim State Park

19335 State Hwy 87,
Sabine Pass, TX 77655
(409) 971-2559

The Sea Rim State Park can be found near Port Arthur or Sabine Lake. It is located 304 miles from San Antonio, or a 4-hour and 40-minute drive via I-10.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Are you tired of swimming and sandy beaches? Sea Rim State Park offers more activities, as it is the place where the Gulf meets marshes.

You can fish in the marsh, surf or sea or ride your horse along the 3 mile shoreline of the Gulf Coast.https://65b4e0a610a1e94f3689cf9fa01dc260.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Expert Tip

Are you looking to do something active? You can paddle along the 1.79-mile marsh trail and enjoy the park’s marsh beauty. Is that not enough? A 9.59-mile trail leads to the park’s advanced trails.

Hotel Near Sea Rim State Park: Hampton Inn & Suites Wnnie

15. Guadalupe River State Park

3350 Park Road 31
Spring Branch, TX 78070
(830) 438-2656

The Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch is just 40 miles (or less that an hour’s driving) from San Antonio. It is the closest beach spot on this list.

It is a great beach near San Antonio, Texas, for its close proximity.

This is Why We Recommend This Beach

Guadalupe River in this area of Texas is a popular swimming spot. This river is popular for tubing, swimming, and canoeing.

There’s so much more to this area than just relaxing by the riverfront.https://65b4e0a610a1e94f3689cf9fa01dc260.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Expert Tip

This state park will make your trip unforgettable. Take your mountain bike and explore the trails. You can also go on foot or horseback.

You can also set up a camp to spend more time in nature.

Hotel Recommended Near Guadalupe River State Park JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Map of Beaches Near San Antonio (TX)



<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1mWosVrsmZB25PXuUvygaI_iU3T-EykUz&ehbc=2E312F" width="640" height="480"></iframe>

  • Snakes in Spain | Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling

  • Does Chicago Have Good Shopping?

  • How Far From Miami To The Bahamas