When you think of San Antonio, Texas, beaches are probably not the first thing that comes to mind.
Granted, this landlocked town is hours away from the ocean, but there are still plenty of beaches in San Antonio for you to explore, thanks to the other gorgeous bodies of water in the area.
While it is true that San Antonio is one of the top cities to visit in the United States, most people visit San Antonio for great nightlife, state parks, and great food.
Few people realize there are so many fun beaches in San Antonio and nearby!
We are talking about fabulous Texas lakes, natural springs, fun swimming holes, and even ocean beach destinations within an easy drive of San Antonio!
So grab your sunscreen, take a deep breath of the fresh air, and enjoy a day trip to the top beaches in the San Antonio.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Follow Us on Social Media
San Antonio Beaches Within a One-Hour Drive
Comal Park
Comal Park Beach is one of the best beaches in San Antonio.
Located on beautiful Canyon Lake, Comal Park is only a 50-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, making this a quick and easy trip.
The beach here has several amenities, including a sandy beach. It is clean and well-maintained, making it a great place to relax and unwind.
Enjoy swimming here before building a fire in the fire pits and eating on the picnic tables.
Expert Tip
Be sure to bring your umbrella and sunscreen when you visit, as this park has little to no shade.
Recommended Hotel Near Comal Park
Consider staying at Canyon Lakeview Resort for great water views and many accommodation options.
You can explore all of the accommodation options near Canyon Lake here.
Read Next: 12 Lakes in Austin (& Nearby) You Will Love
Canyon Overlook Park
Another one of the great beaches in San Antonio is Canyon Overlook Park.
Canyon Park is on the west side of Canyon Lake, close to Comal Park on the lake, but with a different vibe.
The rocky beach opens up to the beautiful blue water of Canyon Lake, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Follow the small trail to the beach. Canyon Park doesn’t offer many amenities, so bring what you need for the day.
Head to a boat ramp to launch your boat and enjoy a day on the water while visiting this beach near San Antonio!
Expert Tip
Wear comfortable tennis shoes to walk the trail from the parking area to the park.
Recommended Hotel Near Canyon Overlook Park
Many great places around Canyon Lake include chain hotels and individually run rental properties. Check out all of the Canyon Lake accommodations!
Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park is one of the fabulous state parks near San Antonio and is also super close to Austin!
This is one of the beaches in San Antonio that is a unique and fun experience.
Located inside the state park is a four-mile stretch of beach along the Guadalupe River frontage.
The beautiful canyons on one side and the beach on the other make this a gorgeous area to enjoy a day at the beach.
During your visit, you can kayak, swim, go fishing, or just enjoy lounging around.
Of course, inside the state park, you can go camping, hiking, horseback riding, biking, tubing, and more.
Expert Tip
You should wear water shoes at these San Antonio beaches, as the pebbled beach can sometimes be a little rough on the feet.
Recommended Hotel Near Guadalupe River State Park
If you don’t want to camp in Guadalupe River State Park, don’t worry. There are many other options nearby.
The Hampton Inn in Bulverde is probably the closest, but you can also check out the hotels near Canyon Lake as it is close also.
Read Next: Lakes in Houston That Are Worth a Visit
Jacob’s Creek Park
Another Canyon Lake park, Jacob’s Creek, is a little farther north.
Jacob’s Creek Park allows you to drive up close to the beach area, making this an easy-access park to enjoy.
We love that it has a designated area for swimming and some nice spots for picnics.
The sandy beach is truly a great place to spend the day.
While here, you can also hike around the area if interested.
Expert Tip
Be sure to arrive early in the summer as this park fills up quickly.
Best Beaches Within a Two-Hour Drive of San Antonio
Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool is one of the most popular swimming holes in Texas. One visit here, and you will easily understand why.
The unique swimming hole and beach are gorgeous and fun to visit!
The beautiful natural waterfall is one of the best in Texas.
The grotto-like atmosphere combined with it makes you feel like you have escaped from Texas.
Although the beach area here is small, it still deserves a place on our list of beaches in San Antonio, as it is truly one of the best places to visit in Texas!
Be sure to wear some sturdy shoes. The swimming area is a bit of a walk from the parking area, and you may want to explore the hiking trails.
Hamilton Pool does a great job of controlling the number of people in the park, so make a reservation in advance.
Expert Tip
Take heed of the warning signs advising of the designated swimming area. This is important because water levels can be affected during extreme rain or drought. Also, note that there are no concessions in the park.
Recommended Hotel Near Hamilton Pool
To stay near Hamilton Pool, consider staying at the Lakeway Resort & Spa.
Explore all hotels near Hamilton Pool here.
Read Next: Great Lavender Fields in Texas & Lavender Festivals To Attend
Jacob’s Well Beach
Jacob’s Well is another of the best swimming holes in Texas, located near San Antonio.
This fully submerged cave in Texas is set on over 80 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country land, making it a fabulous place to spend the day.
Jacob’s Well is a natural spring-fed swimming area and one of the most unique cave systems in the Lone Star State.
This popular swimming hole fills up fast, so make your reservation beforehand, especially in summer.
Visit their website for the most up-to-date information on hours and to make your reservations.
Expert Tip
When visiting Jacob’s Well, bring everything you need for the day, and wear sturdy walking shoes, as you will be walking on natural terrain to get to the swimming area.
Recommended Hotel Near Jacob’s Well
Wimberley offers several choices for accommodations and has several fun things to do!
Shop for Wimberley accommodations here.
Blue Hole Park Beach
Another fun place in Wimberley is Blue Hole Park. As another of the top swimming holes in Texas, we had to include this on our list of beaches near San Antonio.
Granted, this is not a classic beach, but it has beautiful shores to lounge while you swim in the cool spring-fed waters.
The park offers a fun rope swing, miles of hike and bike trails, volleyball courts, a playground, and more.
Like the other popular Texas swimming holes, you must make a reservation to visit. Be sure to check out the Blue Hole website for operating hours and fees and to make reservations.
Recommended Hotel Near Blue Hole Park Beach
Wimberley is the perfect place to stay while visiting Blue Hole Park! Shop for Wimberley accommodations here.
Read Next: 14 Fun Lakes In Dallas (& Nearby)
North Padre Island
A trip to North Padre Island is just over a 2.5-hour drive from San Antonio.
Located near Corpus Christi, North Padre Island is much closer to San Antonio than South Padre Island, making it easy to reach from the downtown area.
This area offers great beaches, bird watching, and beautiful dunes.
The expansive sandy beaches of Padre Island National Seashore here are perfect for a day of strolling along the shores of the Gulf Coast or just lounging around listening to the surf.
The island’s shoreline is also a great place to try your hand at some fishing if you are interested.
Recommended Hotel Near North Padre Island
Corpus Christi offers the greatest number of accommodations for your visit to North Padre Island. Check out your accommodation options near Padre Island National Seashore here.
Beaches Near San Antonio-2+ Hour Drive
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is located about 2.5 hours from San Antonio.
As one of the fabulous beaches in Texas, this is one of the beaches near San Antonio that give you all the beach vibes you crave.
The miles of shoreline at Mustang Island offer the perfect tropical atmosphere, and the white sand dunes provide a great escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Expert Tip
In addition to a great day at the beach, Mustang Island State Park offers calm waters and miles of paddling trails. This is also a great area to try shallow-water fishing for all my fishing fans reading.
Read Next: Driving From Dallas to San Antonio: Stops and Tips
Rockport Beach
Another beach near Corpus Christi, Rockport Beach, is about two hours and 40 minutes from San Antonio.
This area offers miles of beaches for visitors to enjoy. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make this a fabulous quick beach getaway.
This is one of the beaches near San Antonio that is a great place to try surfing, jet skiing, or paddle boarding on the Gulf Coast.
If you feel extra active during your visit, set up a game of beach volleyball or try out windsurfing or parasailing.
Why not find the perfect beach house rental and make a weekend of it?!
Corpus Christi
The coastal town of Corpus Christi is located just over a 2-hour drive from San Antonio.
As one of the fun beaches near San Antonio, Corpus Christi’s North Beach is within walking distance of many of the attractions in Corpus, and It is a popular hangout!
Don’t miss Whitecap Beach for an opportunity to bask in the Texas sun.
The Corpus Christi Bay area is home to the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium, and more.
The Texas State Aquarium is a fabulous coastal city aquarium with loads of aquatic creatures to check out!
In addition, several beaches in the area and the protected waters of Laguna Madre are perfect for bird-watching and paddle boarding.
Expert Tip
Make your visit to Corpus Christi a weekend getaway in Texas to truly explore the city. This area has such a rich history and so much to do. You don’t want to miss the USS Lexington!
Recommended Hotel Near Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi offers great hotels and rental properties. Some of our top recommendations are the Aloft Corpus Christi, the Embassy Suites, and the Omni Hotel.
Read Next: Best Wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas
Surfside Beach
Most of the beaches in San Antonio proper are located on the area’s rivers and lakes. So, to get the ocean vibes, we have to talk about beaches near San Antonio instead.
Another of the best beaches near San Antonio is Surfside Beach. Located near Galveston Island and Lake Jackson, Surfside Beach is about 3 hours and 45 minutes from San Antonio, so this beach is a bit more of a commitment.
Surfside Beach is one of the beaches in San Antonio that offers a long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Expert Tip
Surfside Beach is a fun little community that offers rentals for everything you need for a day at the beach.
Recommended Hotel Near Surfside Beach
Many rental units in Surfside Beach are perfect for your vacation here! Explore all of the accommodations in Surfside Beach.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas is one of our favorite Texas small towns.
This fabulous South Texas town is one of the best beaches in San Antonio, thanks to the 18 miles of sand shores that you will find here.
The warm coastal waters are perfect for swimming, and the sandy beaches make for a great day to spend.
Like most other coastal towns, Port Aransas has so much to do.
Water activities include wind sailing, parasailing, fishing, and surfing.
One of the popular beaches here is Rockport Beach, a great place to swim and hang out.
You can also visit San Jose Island while in the area. This barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is a great place to find seashells.
You have to take a ferry to reach San Jose Island, but once you do, you will discover its pristine beaches and abundant nature!
The town of Port Aransas has some great restaurants and fun bars for you to enjoy as well.
Recommended Hotel Near Port Aransas
Lucky for you, there are loads of places to stay in Port Aransas. One of our favorites is Plantations Suites and Conference Center.
Read Next: 14 Great Dallas Beaches
Galveston Island
Galveston Island has to be on your list of beaches in San Antonio!
This charming barrier island is a great place to spend a weekend. It is about a four-hour drive from San Antonio, so load up and head out on a little Texas road trip for this one.
Jamaica Beach is a popular beach in Galveston. It is located on the island’s west side, just past the state park.
Jamaica Beach is a great place to spend the day. Jamaica Beach offers many amenities and tends to be less crowded than other Galveston beaches.
In addition to some of the best beaches in Texas, Galveston Island offers many things to do.
Enjoy the Galveston’s Pleasure Pier rides before exploring the aquarium and other attractions at Moody Gardens.
Recommended Hotel Near Galveston Island
We love visiting Galveston and find ourselves there several times a year. In addition to the great condos, Galveston also has some fabulous hotels.
A few of our favorites are the Hotel Galvez, the Tremont House, and the San Luis Resort.
Matagorda Bay
A trip to Matagorda Bay from San Antonio takes about 3.5 hours. That means this is one of the beaches in San Antonio that you can easily turn into a fun overnight getaway.
This is one of the best beaches for camping, as you can set up camp on the sand.
Of course, this beach near San Antonio also offers jet skiing, swimming, fishing, and other aquatic activities.
Expert Tip
Many people search for old Spanish coins here, and it is said that gold washed ashore here from a Spanish ship a year ago. Good luck! Maybe you will find some.
Recommended Hotel Near Matagorda Bay
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is a bit of a commitment from San Antonio, located about a 4.5-hour drive from the city.
Despite that, South Padre Island is truly one of the best beaches in Texas.
This barrier island boasts loads of water sports, including kitesurfing, windsurfing, and parasailing.
In addition, you can go fishing or go on a fun dolphin-watching tour.
If you truly want to experience stretches of sandy beaches in Texas, you can visit Boca Chica State Park while you’re here as well.
Recommended Hotel Near South Padre Island
Like the other beach towns, there are many choices for accommodations on South Padre Island. We recommend looking at Hilton Garden Inn or the Isla Grand Beach Resort.
Spread the Love! Please Share This Post on Social Media!
You Might Also Like:
Austin to Fredericksburg: The Perfect Weekend Road Trip
A Perfect Weekend in San Antonio
21 Fun things to do in Denton, Texas
16 Fun Things to Do in Georgetown, TX
Castroville, TX: 9 Reasons to Visit the Little Alsace of Texas
27 Fun Things To Do In New Braunfels
The Ultimate New Braunfels Tubing Guide
41 Free Things to Do in Houston, Texas
Hiking in Dallas: 20 Great Hiking Trails in Dallas
14 Great State Parks Near Dallas
Dallas Date Ideas: 60 Fun and Unique Ideas
15 Fun Things to Do in Marble Falls
Souvenirs From Texas That Make Great Gifts
Weekend Getaways from Dallas: 20 Great Choices
Follow Us on Social Media
About the Author:
Michelle Snell-Founder/Writer
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.
Best Beaches Near San Antonio Texas - Hey Beachy Travelers
Wednesday 13th of September 2023
[…] https://totallytexastravel.com/beaches-in-san-antonio/ […]