San Antonio offers many activities, ranging from deep history to gorgeous promenades.
However, if you wish to chill off during your visit to this city in south-central Texas, you need not fret.
Famous ocean and lake beaches are always accessible from San Antonio for weekend beach vacations.
Plan a day trip to the top beaches around San Antonio, Texas.
- Surfside Beach
Brazoria County is home to the city of Surfside Beach.
Its proximity to both Galveston and Lake Jackson makes it an attractive destination.
From San Antonio, you can reach this beach by car in around three hours and forty-seven minutes (about 231 miles) via Interstate 10.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When you arrive, take your time and enjoy looking around the beautiful fishing community.
Beachgoers enjoy this area’s powdery white sand and regular, rolling waves.
What if you forget to bring your equipment, in any case?
Don’t worry.
This town has stores that rent and sell beach equipment.
Expert Tip
You can find more than just beautiful shores in Surfside.
As a bonus, the area’s deep coastal waters and coastline reefs make for excellent fishing.
Capture many fish, including bull redfish, tuna, and maybe even sharks.
- Mustang Island State Park
The beautiful Mustang Island State Park near Corpus Christi is only 2 hours and 25 minutes’ drive from San Antonio.
Why We Recommend This Beach
San Antonio is located in the center of Texas; its best beaches are scenic lakes and rivers.
Mustang Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico, which connects to the Atlantic Ocean.
This destination is close enough to San Antonio for a day trip.
There are five miles of stunning shoreline, so you can spend the day at the beach if you choose.
You can enjoy the beach, water, and sand as much as you like.
Expert Tip
Do you want to leave the beach behind?
Stick to the park’s designated paddling route.
Separated into three parts, it traces the coastline of the island.
Experience the seashore birds up close, or test your fishing skills in the shallows.
- Matagorda Bay
You may reach Matagorda Bay in 3 hours and 20 minutes from San Antonio via TX-111.
Why We Recommend This Beach
In Matagorda Bay, you’ll find a paradise-like stretch of beach that stretches on and on.
You can go on a treasure hunt for things like Spanish coins, sand dollars, and seashells.
You can even pitch tents on the sand if you plan on staying for a while.
Expert Tip
Renting a beach home is the most convenient and affordable option for large groups visiting the beach.
You’ll have a pleasant stay and be close to the beach without sacrificing convenience.
- Galveston Island
San Antonio is only 252 miles (4 hours) from Galveston Island, located near Houston and Pearland.
From San Antonio, it’s an excellent option for a group or family trip to the beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Galveston was previously known as the “Playground of the South” due to its 32 miles of beautiful beaches and calm, shallow waters.
You can visit East Beach, Stewart Beach, or El Jardin Del Mar, to mention a few.
Expert Tip
Remember to see the famous Pleasure Pier on Seawall Boulevard while in Galveston.
Sunset silhouettes on the pier are the only thing more enjoyable than thrilling rides and delectable culinary options.
- Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, Texas, is a port city on the Gulf of Mexico.
From San Antonio, it’s a 2-hour trip of 143 miles.
It’s hard to beat Corpus Christi for a fast beach break from San Antonio.
Why We Recommend This Beach
North Beach, which spans 1.5 miles, is a popular tourist destination in Corpus Christi.
The water is calm enough to go swimming in here.
Being a part of Corpus Christi Bay means the waves are safe for even the youngest children.
You shouldn’t limit your fun at the beach to merely swimming and sunning.
A lot more is available in North Beach.
Expert Tip
The USS Lexington is sure to appeal to history buffs.
This aircraft carrier from World War II, located near North Beach, is now a museum.
- South Padre Island
Cameron County’s South Padre Island is a seaside community.
It is 297 miles (or a four-and-a-half-hour journey) from the Texas coast to San Antonio.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Water sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers generally like the variety of activities available on South Padre Island.
Kiteboarding, windsurfing, and even jet skiing are available.
Alternately, you can relax on the beach’s beautiful sand.
Expert Tip
Animals of all kinds can be found on South Padre Island.
Experience the thrill of reeling in a massive catch, watching playful dolphins swim by, or interacting with the diverse marine life on a dive.
- North Padre Island
Since the north of Padre Island is closer to Corpus Christi than the south, it is the most convenient location.
It’s only a 2-hour, 40-minute journey down I-37 from San Antonio, a distance of 172 miles.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The Gulf of Mexico and the coastline of North Padre Island are very inviting.
Since it is less touristy than nearby South Padre Island, you may get a genuine taste of the tropics during your stay.
Expert Tip
North Padre Island is the ideal area for swimming, bonfires, and beach walks at night, besides having some of the most attractive beaches on this coast.
While you are here, you can also collect shells and ride a horse.
- Port Aransas
Port Aransas is close to Rockport and Corpus Christi and borders the Gulf of Mexico.
The distance from San Antonio is 178 miles, or 2 hours and 40 minutes by car.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Port Aransas is a pleasant place to spend a day since it has almost 18 miles of broad sandy beaches that face the cold waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
One of the nicest swimming beaches close to San Antonio.
The lovely, warm water is begging to be jumped into.
You should still wear your beach shoes in the water.
On top of that, the waters are great for a variety of water sports, such as surfing, sailing, boogie boarding, and even jet skiing.
Paddleboards and kayaks are also available for exploration.
Given the quality of the waves around this shoreline, you should exercise caution because riptides can and do occur.
Expert Tip
Why restrict yourself to the water when you can soar through the air?
In Port Aransas, you may enjoy parasailing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.
- San Jose Island
The island of San Jose is a barrier island in the vicinity of Port Aransas.
It is about three hours south of San Antonio on Texas’s Gulf Coast.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Beachgoers interested in San Antonio’s past would appreciate a trip to San Jose Island.
The island is a great place to learn about Texas history and has stunning scenery and tranquil waterways.
Memorable events, such as raising the first American flag in Texas and the escalation and eventual defeat of the Civil War, took place on San Jose Island.
Expert Tip
Those interested in treasure hunting will find a few suitable locations.
Treasures dating back to the 1500s may be hidden on San Jose Island, so the legend goes.
Gold and jewelry from Spanish ships that went down on this island washed up on its shores.
Who knows, maybe you’ll be the one to stumble upon more of them!
- Jamaica Beach
You can reach San Antonio from Jamaica Beach, located on Galveston Island, in around four hours via Interstate 10.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Though Galveston is only a short distance away, the more tranquil Jamaica Beach is well worth the trip.
Let’s say you’re interested in staying close to Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens but prefer quieter beaches.
As a result, Jamaica Beach is an ideal middle ground.
Expert Tip
Popular among anglers, Jamaica Beach, is a great place to cast a line.
Fans of fishing of all skill levels will appreciate spending time here angling for the day’s biggest catch.
- Rockport
Rockport is conveniently located near popular tourist destinations like Port Aransas, San Jose Island, and Copano Bay.
San Antonio is a two-and-a-half-hour trip along Interstate 37, covering the 161-mile distance.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Rockport Beach is the calmest beach in San Antonio, making it ideal for families with young children.
Visit without worrying about dangerously high surf.
This is a great place to take your infant swimming because the water is usually relatively quiet, making it safe for babies and toddlers.
Please keep a close check on the youngsters playing in the water, as the water can be dangerous.
Expert Tip
Rockport Beach has something to do for kids of all ages.
It’s not just the beach where kids can have fun; there’s also a playground where they can run about and have a blast.
Volleyball is also an excellent activity you may enjoy while here.
- Padre Island
There are two halves to Padre Island: North Padre (close to Corpus Christi) and South Padre (near Brownsville).
It’s the world’s most extended barrier island and the largest in Texas.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Padre Island’s various beaches, which span 113 miles, offer a wealth of activities.
You have an abundance of options for fishing, boating, swimming, and even shopping.
If you’re seeking a resort with a trendier and more enjoyable atmosphere, travel to the southern part of Padre Island.
North Padre is the destination for a more tranquil and natural experience.
Expert Tip
Visit the Padre Island National Seashore while you’re in the area.
It is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre.
Numerous unspoiled beaches provide opportunities to observe wildlife in their native setting.
- Boca Chica State Park
Brownsville’s Boca Chica State Park is close to South Padre Island.
San Antonio is 296 miles away, or four and a half hours of travel.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This state park features miles of sandy beaches and towering dunes across a thousand acres.
Swimming and surfing are popular water activities, and you may also have a picnic on the beach.
Nothing beats the simple pleasure of splashing around in the sea when the weather and waves cooperate.
When you swim along the beach, it will feel like it’s just you and the water.
You might also go bird viewing or fishing.
One alternative is to go shell-hunting.
On some days, the beach will be covered in hundreds of shells.
Expert Tip
Seeing the Port Isabel Lighthouse is another option while you’re in the region.
There are 75 steps to the top, but the reward is worth it: a breathtaking panorama of the sea below.
- Sea Rim State Park
Located close to Port Arthur and Sabine Lake, Sea Rim State Park is a great day trip.
San Antonio is a 4-hour and 40-minute drive along Interstate 10 (about 304 miles).
Why We Recommend This Beach
Have you had enough of swimming and lounging on sandy beaches?
More options for fun await you at Sea Rim State Park, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the marshes.
There is a three-mile stretch of the Gulf Coast shoreline where visitors can ride horses, go fishing in the surf or marsh, or do both.
Expert Tip
Seeking to engage in some light physical activity?
To appreciate the park’s marshland setting, you should paddle the 1.79-mile march route.
Not difficult enough?
A more challenging trail that goes on for 9.59 miles may be found in the park.
- Guadalupe River State Park
Among these beaches, Guadalupe River State Park at Spring Branch is the closest to San Antonio, just 40 miles away (or less than an hour’s drive).
Due to its proximity to San Antonio, Texas, this beach is among the best in the area.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The Guadalupe River is popular among locals and visitors as a refreshing place to cool off during the hot Texas summers.
Swimming, tubing, and canoeing are everyday activities on this river.
However, you won’t be bored if you venture out from the riverbank.
Expert Tip
If you visit this state park, you might as well make the most of it.
Please feel free to bring your mountain bikes and ride the trails.
This can also be accomplished on foot or horseback.
You can pitch a tent there if you want to spend even more time in the great outdoors.
