San Antonio Beaches

Looking to visit San Antonio beaches to cool down after summer? The idea might sound strange, but it is one of the best times to get the most out of a beach vacation. The weather is mild and the beach is not crowded. Both are ideal conditions for a serene beach holiday! The River City is not only a place synonymous with wondrous history and beautiful seafronts, but this south-central Texan city has equally gorgeous beaches! Here are the top beaches in San Antonio, Texas and nearby to make your day trip perfect. Before we move forward, check out this travel guide to make sure you get the most out of your tour if you're planning to visit San Antonio!

Surfside Beach

Soak up the sun in Surfside Beach, a picturesque village nestled in Brazoria County almost an hour south of Houston. This Texas Gulf Coast attraction is 231 miles away from San Antonio. Head out to I-10 to reach this destination in a four-hour drive (approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes).

(Photo via @surfsidebeachtx / Instagram)

Things You Can Do in Surfside Beach

A trip to the Texas Gulf Coast is incomplete without visiting Surfside Beach. This beach offers nothing but pure coastal charm with its four miles of serene coastline. Here are some things that you should do while visiting this place:

1. Kick back and relax on your favorite spot on the shore and feel the sand hugging your feet while the waves ebb and flow nearby. Be sure to bring a book or a Kindle so you can read while soaking up the sun!
2. Buckle up and hit the surf at Surfside Beach! Aside from swimming or sunbathing, one of the highlights of Surfside Beach is its consistent waves perfect for surfing! The shoreline beside Texas Street is tourists' favorite spot on Surfside Beach. So pack your gear and head over to this destination for a perfect surfing experience!
3. Surfside Beach is a delight for birding enthusiasts! Sitting on the Southern border of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, this place is perfect for a birding adventure. Bring your binoculars and see over 200 bird species you've never seen before! 
4. If you're looking to fish, you can't go wrong with Surfside Jetty Park, which is the most popular angling spot on this beach. Surfside Beach is known for its coastal reefs, deep waters, and offshore oil rigs — factors which provide the optimum conditions for various varieties of fish to survive and thrive! Whether you want to fish in the shallow waters, or are planning a deep-sea excursion, this beach is perfect for you!
5. Wrap up your trip with a visit to Surfside Beach's restaurants. After you're done with swimming, surfing, fishing, and other activities on the beach, you'll likely work up a huge appetite. But worry not! Surfside Beach is home to several local restaurants and eateries serving up cuisines ranging from delicious seafood to Italian delicacies. Be sure to eat your fill and relax after a perfect trip! 

Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park is one of the tourists' favorite beaches in San Antonio, Texas and nearby. If you're in San Antonio, it should take you only 2.5 hours to drive there! Located in Corpus Christi, Texas, this gorgeous beach's stretched shoreline creates a perfect tropical atmosphere that will leave you longing for beach vibes every day!

(Photo via @mustangislandstatepark / Instagram)

Things You Can Do in Mustang Island State Park 

Mustang Island State Park is situated on Mustang Island — an 18-miles-long barrier island that stretches from Corpus Christi to Port Aransas. Their names might confuse you, but one is an island, and the other is a state park on that island. So when you plan to visit the latter, make sure to read accurate travel blogs and guides on the state park. Here are some things that you must do when you visit that park:

1. Hit the waters and swim to your heart's content! Having fewer crowds than the public beaches in the vicinity, this beach is perfect for this fun-packed activity. Stay on guard around the quays!
2. If you intend to fish, then this beach is perfect for you! Mustang Island State Park offers one of the best fishing spots on the island because here, the conditions are optimum to catch fish in the surf instead of on a boat. Your experience will be enhanced even further by fishing off the quays! 
3. This beach is popular as a kayaking spot because it is a part of the famous Texas Paddling Trail. If you consider yourself an expert in kayaking, you can enjoy this activity in the evening when there are fewer people and more sights to see. You might even catch a glorious sunset if you're lucky!
4. If you're a bird watcher, stop by the Mustang Island Loop of the Central Texas Coastal Birding Trail to see a beautiful view of terns, gulls, and shorebirds. You might even see Sedge Wren and LeConte's Sparrow!
5. If you're in a primitive site in the state park, you're allowed to throw a small bonfire. This should wrap up your trip with your family perfectly! Just be sure to be extra careful and put out the campfire with water when you're done!

South Padre Island

A resort town in Cameron County, South Padre Island sits on the coastal tip of the Lone Star State about 297 miles away from San Antonio. If you're looking for a beach near San Antonio to cool down, South Padre Island fits the bill. Not only is it just four and a half-hour drive away from the River City, but it's also a perfect place to just lie down and soak up the white sand.

(Photo via we_just_wanna_drive / Instagram)

Things You Can Do in South Padre Island

Widely considered one of the best beaches in San Antonio, Texas and nearby, South Padre Island beach offers lots of recreational activities and sports that you can enjoy before winter! Let's dive into some of those fun recreations:

1. Water sports enthusiasts will love South Padre Island. Recreational activities that you can enjoy on this beach include windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, and more!
2. South Padre Island is home to Birding & Nature Center, which is one of the best hotspots for birdwatchers and nature lovers in Rio Grande Valley. If you're a bird-watching aficionado, you'll cherish this place! You'll be able to spot beautiful bird species like warblers, hummingbirds, herons, egrets, ibis, and more! Make sure to see the butterfly garden as well.
3. Go paddleboarding around South Padre Island. You can rent paddle boards, surfboards, water bikes, wetsuits and harnesses, and more, to try your hand at different water sports!
4. Go on a fun horseback riding tour with South Padre Island Adventure Park which lasts about 1 and a half hours. You'll get to explore the gorgeous sandy beach and dunes while riding the horse of your choice!
5. In the Laguna Madre, you'll be given access to fish for trout and redfish! You can take your catch to a local restaurant nearby afterwards to have it cooked for you.

Galveston Island State Park

One of the best state parks in the Gulf Coast region, Galveston Island State Park is a must-visit attraction for beach enthusiasts! Made public in 1975, this beach has since then become the tourists' top spot for recreational activities like swimming, beach combing, fishing, camping and bird watching! This 2,000-acre park sits on Galveston's west end and is a four-hour drive away from San Antonio.

(Photo via @galvestonislandstatepark / Instagram)

Things You Can Do in Galveston Island State Park 

With both beach and bay sites, this state park is heaven for every coast enthusiast! If you share this enthusiasm, there are plenty of recreational activities that you can do in this park. Here are some of them:

1. Lie down and loosen up on a spot of your choice on the beach while watching the waves hit the shore nearby. Be sure to pack sunscreen to avoid sunburns while you sunbathe!
2. Build a sand castle or play your favorite sports like soccer, Frisbee, and hacky sack! There's nothing like relishing a nostalgic sport while the waves ebb and flow in the background!
3. Join the hunt for hidden geocaches! If you're not familiar with this interesting activity, you must try it when you hit the beach. Geocaches are containers that hold fun objects for kids and adults like tradable items. They can be located through a GPS unit that gives you the exact location of geocaches in the vicinity. 
4. You can never go wrong with fishing in Galveston Island State Park. The state park offers you the option to catch fish either on the beach side or bay area. No licence is required to fish from shore, so you can fish freely! There are also fish cleaning stations and canoe launches.
5. If you're looking for more, paddle in Galveston Island State Park Paddling Trail! The water here is perfect for rowing. It mostly stays gentle because the trails in the park are safeguarded by jetties.
6. Conclude your trip with a hike along the dunes located on the Gulf side! The park has four miles of trails across its varied habitats!

Port Aransas

Port Aransas is a small town located on Mustang Island, south of Corpus Christi, on the Texas Coast. It's widely considered one of the best beaches in San Antonio, Texas thanks to its warm coastal waters and 18 miles of sandy shores. The distance from San Antonio to the beach is over 178 miles, so it should take you 2 hours and 40 minutes to drive there if you're in San Antonio. This sandy beach is perfect for a weekend getaway with your friends and family! 

(Photo via @portatexas / Instagram)

Things You Can Do in Port Aransas 

Despite its small size, this coastal city has much to offer. Its fish-filled waterways are perfect for deep-sea fishing and its warm coastal waters make for an excellent swimming experience! Let's dive into some of the things you must do while you're in Port Aransas!

1. Lounge in the sun on the wide sandy shores of this beach as warm Gulf breezes engulf you! The beach also hosts a yearly Texas SandFest — the biggest native-sand sculpture competition in the US. Held every year over a weekend in April, this event is perfect for a family-friendly outing! Build sand castles and sculptures with the people you love! If you're touring with your family, here is a family-focused travel guide for you when you plan to explore San Antonio.
2. Have a go at deep-sea fishing in this coastal city! Dubbed the fishing capital of Texas, Port Aransas's fish-filled waterways boast all varieties of fish species home to the Gulf of Mexico. Cast a line in the bays, fish in the surf or shallow waters, or book an offshore excursion — you can do it all in Port Aransas. You can also rent a fishing charter if you don't consider yourself a fishing expert!
3. You'll surely work up a huge appetite after your deep-sea excursion. So don't forget to have a local restaurant cook up your catch for you! 
4. Witness the beauty and variety of wildlife at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Home to huge reptiles like alligators and turtles, small reptiles like lizards, and beautiful species of large aquatic birds like waterfowls, this wildlife preserve also boasts endangered species such as the whooping cranes. Explore the gorgeous landscape of this refuge with beautiful dunes, warm beaches, and lush grasslands!
5. Sail on a pirate ship with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises! You'll be taken around the gulfs in Port Aransas where you'll be able to witness all kinds of aquatic wildlife! This tour is for kids and adults alike — while the kids enjoy the fantastical pirate adventures, you can visit the onboard bar to try all sorts of signature cocktails!
6. Enjoy some time kayaking on signature trails in and near Port Aransas. There is a 20-mile-long paddling trail on Mustang Island that you can easily follow. Another trail nestled in Port Aransas is the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail. Placed in Aransas Pass, this trail will allow you to explore different habitats ranging from mangrove forests to tidal flats.
7. You can also visit Mustang Island State Park in Corpus Christi, just south of Port Aransas. A ferry ride to Corpus Christi takes only ten minutes and you can make the most of your travels this way! While you're there, Texas State Aquarium should be on your must-visit list if you're passionate about aquatic animals and wildlife conservation.

Guadalupe River State Park

Guadalupe River State Park is a Texas Hill Country Park nestled in Spring Branch, Texas about 40 miles away from San Antonio. That makes it the closest beach to San Antonio on this list which you can reach in less than an hour's drive! It's one of the top beaches in San Antonio, Texas and nearby due to its proximity alone.

(Photo via @guadaluperiverstatepark / Instagram)

Things You Can Do in Guadalupe River State Park

Having four miles of riverfront access to the waters of the Guadalupe River, this state park is a tourists' favorite spot for swimming. But if you're looking to do more than just swim, check out our list of things you must do when you visit this state park:

1. Cool off in the waters of the Guadalupe River! Beginning at the headstream next to Kerrville, this gorgeous river runs for about 230 miles, snaking to the Bay of San Antonio in the Gulf of Mexico. You'll have access to lots of swimming locations!
2. Kayak to your heart's content! There is a famous five-mile-long paddling trail stretching from Guadalupe River State Park to Nichols Landing Co Park where you can kayak, canoe, or tube down the river! 
3. Make the most of your trip by camping in the state park! You'll have access to several campsites with basic amenities like water and electricity. There are also walk-in campsites with lush forest cover in proximity to the bathroom. You can reserve your spot up to 5 months in advance to relax in the serenity of nature!
4. Go geocaching in the state park! Use a smartphone GPS application to track the coordinates of hidden stashes of treasure nearby! This activity is both fun and rewarding for people of all ages.
5. Give horseback riding a whirl in the park! The park has many trails suited for this action-packed activity. Horseback riders will have access to some of the hike or bike trails, but you'll have to find an equestrian-friendly campground yourself because the park doesn't offer that. 
6. Hike or bike along 13-miles-long trails. Trails varying from 2.86-miles-long Painted Bunting Trail to the 0.3-mile-long River Overlook Trail steer you towards a beautiful riverfront. Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids and avoid all kinds of potentially harmful flora and fauna while you're there!

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is a must-visit attraction nestled on the coast of Texas near Port Aransas, San Jose Island, and Copano Bay. If you're looking to visit a man-made beach in San Antonio and nearby, this site fits the bill! This tourist attraction is about 161 miles away from River City. Head out to I-10 to reach this destination in a 2 hour and a half drive!

(Photo via @sandman / Instagram)

Things You Can Do in Rockport Beach

One of the cleanest beaches in San Antonio, Texas, and nearby, Rockport Beach is widely considered the first "Blue Wave Beach" in the Lone Star State by the Clean Beaches Coalition. This fact alone will make for a truly wonderful trip! Let's look at some of the things you must do when you visit this beach:

1. Go swimming in the pristine waters of Rockport Beach. This one is a no-brainer as the cleaner the waters are, the better is your experience while swimming! So don't miss out on this fun activity while you're there! 
2. Rockport Beach is considered safe for children because of its calm and gentle waters. So make sure to bring your kids along for a water-filled adventure on this beach!
3. Beachcomb, play sports like volleyball, and sunbathe on your favorite spot on the beach!
4. If you're looking for a San Antonio beach resort to unwind and relax during your trip, the Laguna Reef Condominium in Rockport, TX is a beautiful place with a private beach & fishing pier. Explore Rockport Beach and relax whenever you want!

North Padre Island 

Closer to Corpus Christi than its southern counterpart, North Padre Island is just 172 miles away from San Antonio through I-10. That means you can reach this destination in a 2-hour and 40-minute drive! Because of its beachy wilderness, North Padre Island is widely recognized as one of the best beaches in San Antonio, Texas want! and nearby!

(Photo via @northpadreislandtexas / Instagram)

Things You Can Do in North Padre Island

This barrier island along the coast of Texas features long stretches of oceanfront that will make you long for more oceanic vibes once you leave this place! Here are some of the things that you should do while in this coastal spot:

1. If you're a nature enthusiast, you must visit the Padre Island National Seashore nestled in North Padre Island off the coast of South Texas. Spanning 70 miles, this primitive nature preserve showcases the beauty of not just the coastal areas, but also tidal flats, dunes and more! You'll have access to the pristine waters of the Gulf, the soft sandy beach, and many campsites! 
2. If you're a golfer, you're in for a treat! The Padre Isles Country Club is a dream come true for golfing buffs who want to golf in the coastal area as the cool breeze from the Gulf caresses their hair. You can also polish your skills if you're new to the game through the club's private lessons.
3. Hit the local restaurant scene to relish delights ranging from Mediterranean to Mexican cuisine. After you've sampled the different exotic food items, hit the local bars to try refreshing cocktails! If you plan to go back to San Antonio after your trip and eat there, here are some of the best restaurants in Downtown San Antonio that will make you crave more!
4. Go kitesurfing and windsurfing on the beach! North Padre Island is a beachy wilderness unlike other beaches, so it's no wonder that playing sports here is a more fulfilling experience. The Gulf winds and wild beaches are the highlights that attract windsurfers and kiteboarders to this area! Laguna Madre on the west side of Padre Island National Seashore is a windsurfing hotspot that tourists especially like.

Conclusion 

The River City is surrounded by beautiful beaches, coastal towns, and gorgeous riverfronts that make for a serene holiday. While our list features only some of the best beaches in San Antonio, Texas (and nearby) you can explore beyond that with our guided private tour of this south-central Texan city!