Although a landlocked city in Central Texas may not be your first thought when it comes to beach getaways, beaches in San Antonio are beautiful and plentiful.
Although the ocean is quite far away, San Antonio is fortunate enough to have a wealth of other water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and natural springs.
We have the scoop on the top water features in and around the city.
This list includes destinations for adrenaline junkies, relaxation lovers, and beach-lovers of all types, from secluded, sprawling beaches to plunging swimming pools.
Continue reading to find out all the essential information you need before you go, such as how to get there, how busy they can be, what to do and so on.
Best Beaches in San Antonio (+ nearby)
There are beaches in San Antonio, believe it or not! We’d love to introduce you to the Central Texas landscape if we haven’t already. These are our top 9 beaches, all within easy reach of the city. Enjoy!
1. Guadalupe River State Park Beach
This waterfront spot, which runs for four miles along banks of the Grand Guadalupe River in Texas, is the best place to go for paddling and tubing.
You can enjoy miles of peaceful floating, accompanied by stunning views on all sides. It’s an amazing (and fun!) way to explore Central Texas.
There are 13 miles worth of trails that you can bike or hike on the land. Some of these trails also permit horseback riding if you desire to experience the Southern lifestyle. Entry costs $7 for adults, and it is free for children 13 years and under.
2. Comal Park Beach
Travelers who are in the know will be greeted by stunning blue waters and sandy beaches just an hour from San Antonio.
Comal Park is located on the south shore Canyon Lake. It’s one the best beaches in San Antonio for swimming. This area is super safe and well-maintained all year.
Apart from the beautiful stretch of waterfront land that is perfect for lounging on, you can also enjoy a picnic or go boating.
Although it may sound too good to true, Comal Park attracts a lot of people, especially in the summer months. There isn’t much shade at the lakefront.
It is a good idea to arrive early in the morning with your umbrella so that you can secure a spot by the water. The park is open from March to October, and admission costs $10 for non-county vehicles.
3. Overlook Park Beach
This one is for you! Overlook Park Beach is well-known for its wildlife and birdwatching. You can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the festivities, provided they are on a leash.
A 0.6-mile loop can be walked, and there is also a rocky beach with astonishingly clean and cool waters.
Overlook Park Beach’s highlight is, as its name implies, a hike that takes you along a dam with breathtaking views of Canyon Lake or the Guadalupe River.
The park is open throughout the year and admission is free.
4. Canyon Park Beach
You’ll find a family-friendly spot on the north shores of one of Texas’ deepest and most clearest lakes. There’s something for everyone.
Canyon Park is one of the most accessible beaches in San Antonio. It has a shallow stretch that’s perfect for children, and deeper areas for canoeing and kayaking.
There are many water sports you can choose from: wakeboarding, paddle boarding and kayaking, as well as jet skiing, paddling, kayaking and tubing. Paramotoring is an even more unique experience. Google it. Although the lake is easy to access, the shore is made of pebbles rather than white sand. You may need water shoes.
5. North Park Beach
The white sand can be uncomfortable for some people, so North Park Beach is here to satisfy the needs of adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers.
It may seem strange to Central Texas, but this spot is well-known for its exceptional scuba diving!
North Park Beach has amazingly clear, refreshing waters. There are also sunken ships, and other interesting finds below the surface.
There are 19 primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables that can be used for a single day.
Weekends are only open from April to September, and it won’t break the budget! For overnight stays, you will need to pay an entrance fee of $12.
6. Potters Creek Park Beach
Potters Creek is quieter than other Canyon Lake destinations. You can also bike, hike, and picnic on the lake. You can fish, boat, or swim to your heart’s delight on the water. This spot is filled with beautiful shells so bring your goggles!
You can choose to stay in a tent or an RV site at the park. The campsite has lakefront views and is frequented by deer.
You’ll be able to enjoy a lot of outdoor time and peace whether you stay for one night or multiple nights.
7. Wimberley Blue Hole Park Beach
Although we’ve already covered the most popular beaches in San Antonio this one will leave you feeling like you’ve gone to another state, even though it is only an hour from downtown.
The Wimberley Blue Hole, with its lush forests and gorgeous waters stretching out under the shade, is a paradise for summer days.
The pool is spring-fed so that the water temperature stays below 70 degrees F year-round.
Jumping platforms and rope swings keep adventure seekers busy, while young children will love the shallow area.
You will also find 6.5 miles worth of trails, beach volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds and an amphitheater.
You should reserve your spot in advance for high season (May-September) swimming. You can choose from the 9 AM-1 PM, 2-6 PM or 3-6 PM timeslots. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 to youth under 13. All other facilities in the park are available for free!
8. Jacob’s Well Beach
A hidden gem tucked away in the rolling hills and limestone cliffs of Central Texas, just over an hour from San Antonio can be found.
This amazing phenomenon is Texas’ second largest fully submerged cave. The swimming hole is fed by water from an underground system. It stays at a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Jacob’s Well is a great place for thrill-seekers. Those looking to relax can also sunbathe on the “beach”, or bring along a picnic lunch.
To reserve a time slot for two hours, the swimming hole is closed from May to September.
The rest of the natural areas are free to enter and open year-round. While you can hike alone, guided morning tours of the area are available upon request.
9. Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park, located 2 1/2 hours away from San Antonio is an amazing area that offers an overwhelming amount of activities.
Five miles of beachline make it a great spot for sunbathing or beachcombing. The powdery sand of the barrier island can contain fossils, amazing shells and other treasures.
It is one of the most popular state parks in San Antonio, offering hundreds of bird species to be spotted.
You can have some fun on vacation by trying one of the watersports like parasailing, windsurfing or kiteboarding. Or you can go slower and enjoy the extensive paddling trails on the island.
They offer beachfront, drive up camping. This is a great alternative to many beaches in Texas.
For those who want more comfort, you can choose to stay at sites with electricity and water just a few steps from the beach.