14 Beaches in San Antonio (+ Nearby!)

There are plenty of fascinating activities for the whole family to enjoy in San Antonio, whether you’re there for a weekend break or to see relatives. San Antonio is a terrific area to soak up some rays and bask in the sand and sun all year round. In addition, the city has several fantastic beaches in san antonio that are great for the whole family.

14 Beaches In San Antonio (Plus Nearby)

To save you time, I’ve compiled a list of the top-rated family-friendly beaches in san antonio area. However, if you’re ever in the neighbourhood, these 14 are not to be missed. Still on the hunt for a place to stay in the area? If you’re travelling to San Antonio with kids, you might find our list of recommended hotels helpful.

1. Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach, located about 3.5 hours outside of San Antonio, has been increasingly popular in recent years. It’s still an idyllic seaside community with a focus on family enjoyment and a focus on keeping things tidy and welcoming.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach destination near Galveston, go no further than Surfside Beach. The town aims to please beachgoers, so it’s plenty of places to eat, rent equipment for various water activities, and buy souvenirs.

Parking is available for a nominal price, but if you’d rather avoid the hassle, the beach’s long, child-friendly pedestrian path is right there.

2. Park on Mustang Island

This state park, located south of Port Aransas, stretches over five stunning miles of Gulf of Mexico shoreline. Even though water activities should be at the top of every tourist’s itinerary, there are many more fun outdoor pursuits that the whole family may enjoy.

Camp out on the sand, go for a paddle on the twenty-mile paddling and fishing route, or attend a Ranger-led programme to learn more about coastal activities like bird watching, beachcombing, and more.

Bring the kids to Mustang Island State Park so they may learn to appreciate nature while you relax on the beach on an undeveloped barrier island.

Corpus Christi, home of the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium, and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and many other family-friendly activities and natural wonders, are also close to the state park.

3. The Sands of Guadalupe River State Park

Guadalupe River State Park, not far from both Austin and San Antonio, is a unique beach experience that will delight and amaze visitors of all ages.

This park protects a section of the four-mile-long Guadalupe River–a front beach in Canyon Lake in Texas. The designated swimming area features a pebble beach where guests can enjoy water sports, picnics, and other recreational activities.

You can rent fishing equipment right there, or you can go for a relaxing trip down the river in a kayak, canoe, or other watercraft. It is possible to camp and participate in a variety of outdoor pursuits within the state park itself, such as horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and more. The beaches in San Antonio are completely stunning!

Even if you don’t want to camp, you can still take advantage of the state park’s stunning riverside setting because of its convenient proximity to several popular beaches and hotels.

4. Beach In Comal Park

Comal Park Beach, located on the south coast of Canyon Lake, is another one of the gorgeous Canyon Lake Beaches that offers a well-kept, picturesque swimming area that is on par with a beachfront.

Enjoy the sunny weather, open beach, and pebble beach. The lakefront is expansive, yet parents can rest easy knowing their children are swimming in a specified, safe area. Believe it or not, Comal Park on of the best beaches in San Antonio!

Furthermore, it is one of the state’s cleanest lakefronts, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Comal Park Beach is one of the few Canyon Lake beaches that doesn’t have any trees to provide shade, so if you go there, you’ll want to carry an umbrella and sunscreen.

It’s a good idea to check opening hours and season of operation by phone before setting out.

5. Matagorda Bay

Matagorda Bay, located 80 miles northeast of Corpus Christi, has a gorgeous Gulf of Mexico coastline that draws tourists year after year. If you’re looking for a fantastic place to spend a relaxing day at the beach, go no further than Matagorda Bay.

The beaches along this stunning bay are ideal if you want to avoid the crowds yet still enjoy the sun and surf. Since this is where the Colorado River and the Gulf of Mexico meet, the scenery and beach combing are second to none.

The clean, spacious design of this space makes it simple to keep an eye on the youngsters as they play. However, as the river and bay meet here, there may be ripped tides and other dangerous conditions at certain times of the year. To the south end of the beach, the sea is pristine and driving is possible with a special permit.

6. Galveston Island

Whether you’re a native Texan or not, chances are you’ve heard that Galveston has some of the state’s finest beaches. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, this barrier island is packed with exciting activities for both landlubbers and water babies.

Spend the day riding a water coaster, exploring the historic Pleasure Pier, or exploring the amusement park and aquarium at Moody Gardens. Galveston Island State Park is another great place for families to go exploring, as it has miles of trails perfect for walking, kayaking, fishing, and spotting birds.

Galveston Island is home to 32 miles of sandy shoreline along with facilities including public restrooms and showers, as well as boardwalks, rental beach cottages, playgrounds, and nearby eateries.

Galveston’s water isn’t particularly clear, but despite its brownish hue (caused by debris), it is still perfectly fine for swimming with the kids.

7. North Beach Corpus Christi

North Beach in Corpus Christi is a wonderful place for families to visit so that their young history buffs may learn about the area’s fascinating past while taking in the sights.

After checking out the museum-equipped World War II aircraft carrier USS Lexington, cruise the 1.5-mile shoreline and visit the Texas State Aquarium. Even if there are a lot of visitors around, it’s still a great place to take the kids.

Jellyfish can occasionally be found in this area, despite the fact that the waves here are typically mild. Even while this bay may be more popular among residents for swimming, the beaches are nevertheless enjoyable for lounging in the sand, taking in the scenery, and venturing out onto the Beachwalk. In addition to the many nearby eateries, there are also a number of fishing piers.

8. Port Aransa

One of our favourite places in Texas is the town of Port Aransas. With its fantastic weather and 18 miles of sandy shoreline, this South Texas city is a top contender for the title of the best beach in San Antonio. In the summer, the sand beaches and warm waters along the coast make for an ideal day trip.

Port Aransas is just like any other coastal town in that it has a plethora of attractions and activities. Windsurfing, parasailing, fishing, and surfing are just some of the water sports available. Rockport Beach is a terrific site to swim and hang out at, making it one of the most frequented beaches in the area.

While in the region, you may also check out San Jose Island. Seashells can be found in abundance on San Jose Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico.

San Jose Island is accessible only by ferry, but once there, visitors will find beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife. Moreover, Port Aransas is home to numerous excellent eateries and lively watering holes.

9. Overlook Park Beach

Overlook Park Beach, in the Canyon Lake region, is among the most breathtaking beaches in the San Antonio area. As a result, the beach has everything necessary for a fantastic day.

There are restrooms, parking spots, and picnic tables available. Pets are welcome as well! Food, fruit, water, and soda will get you through the day in place of booze, which you cannot carry into this region.

This park does not charge admission and has a beautiful lake for water sports. Take care entering the lake with young children because of the steep slope leading in.

A few boulders and a hard descent separate you from the lake, but the placid, clear water is well worth the effort.

This is ideal for a relaxing soak in the pool. There is a 0.6-mile hiking track within the park that is ideal for a quick stroll with the kids.

Overlook Park Beach is tranquil and secluded, making it an ideal location for watching birds and other animals.

10. North Padre Island

As a barrier island, North Padre Island is located not far from Mustang Island’s southern tip.

The trip from San Antonio takes roughly 2.5 hours. After that, if you live in or around San Antonio, a weekend trip to North Padre Island is a great option.

Simply said, it is closer to Corpus Christi and less crowded than South Padre Island. Padre Island National Seashore features some of the nicest beaches in the San Antonio area.

Excellent vantage points for birds and breathtaking sand dunes are also available. The island’s beach is a fantastic spot to catch some rays, work on your tan, and unwind to the sound of the surf.

11. Canyon Park Beach

The park’s 490 acres provide spectacular vistas of Canyon Lake and convenient access to several recreational opportunities on and around the lake.

It features a gravel beach, a sand strip along the lake, a picnic area, and a boat launch. There are a number of beaches in the vicinity, and many of them are close to the aforementioned grilling and volleyball facilities.

Many attractions and activities are located close to the state park. You may enjoy the sun on the beach and the outdoors by hiking the nearby paths. Madrone Trail is one of my favourites. This beach offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

Wakeboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and tubing are all viable options. Consequently, going to this beach is time well spent.

The lake is very kid- and adult-friendly; however, the rocky entry down the waters may be painful without water shoes.

12. Boca Chica State Park South Padre Texas

About 4 hours and 30 minutes from San Antonio, Boca Chica State Park is conveniently situated adjacent to South Padre Island.

Over a thousand acres of pristine, natural beauty may be found at this state park close to San Antonio’s bustling metropolis. It’s a great place to go surfing, sunbathe, swim, or enjoy a picnic on the beach.

Nothing can spoil your day in the great outdoors, since the weather is ideal for swimming and other water sports. Also very popular in the region are bird watching and fishing, so bring your pole and bait. Port Isabel Lighthouse, a gorgeous spot with more than 75 steps and a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and lake, is not to be missed.

13. Jamaican Beach

The lovely, family-friendly beach in this island town is a major draw. Beautiful sand ideal for constructing sandcastles and calm water ideal for children to splash around in may be found here. No lifeguards are present, however, the beach is open and free to the public.

Jamaica Beach, Galveston, Texas, has a population of only about a thousand, making it a quiet and uncrowded alternative to the more popular and larger nearby beaches.

Staying put and taking in the sights for as long as possible is an option, as there are still rental options for those interested in an overnight stay, and there are also a number of excellent dining options in the region.

14. Beach Of Matagorda

The beaches in san antonio along this stunning bay are ideal if you want to avoid the crowds yet still enjoy the sun and surf. Since this is where the Colorado River and the Gulf of Mexico meet, the scenery and beach combing are second to none.

Conclusion

Weekend or vacation trips to the beaches in san antonio which are closed are highly recommended.

There are beaches both by the ocean and by the shores of quiet lakes. A family may kick back, have some fun, and try out a variety of aquatic sports at any of these locations.

Swimming in the ocean’s warm waves is another option for cooling down. Pick your favourite place to visit from the options provided. Thanks for stopping by.

Top 14 Beaches In San Antonio (+ Nearby!) – Find The Best One