Blog Introduction: Are you looking for a beach to escape to that is close enough to San Antonio? You are in luck! There are several great beaches located just the closest beach to san Antonio.
Whether you’re looking for an ideal spot to spend a day or weekend, let’s explore the top beaches near San Antonio.
Padre Island National Seashore
The Padre Island National Seashore is located on North Padre Island and is about three hours’ drive from downtown San Antonio.
The seashore boasts 70 miles of uninterrupted coastline along with several beach activities including swimming, fishing, bird watching, camping, and more.
It’s also home to a variety of wildlife such as sea turtles, dolphins, and shorebirds. Visitors can take advantage of amenities such as showers and public restrooms as well as free Wi-Fi in some areas.
Admission is free and there are no fees for parking during the summer months (April – September).
Mustang Island State Park
Located just south of Corpus Christi, Mustang Island State Park is another popular beach destination for San Antonians.
This park boasts miles of stunning coastline with plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, and more. Amenities include showers and restrooms plus free Wi-Fi in select areas.
Admission into the park is $5 per person with additional fees for camping sites (ranging from $6-$20 depending on the type). Parking is also available at the park at no cost.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park
This nature park is one of Texas’ best-kept secrets! Located on Matagorda Bay near Port O’Connor—about a 2 1/2 hours drive from San Antonio.
The park provides stunning views of the Gulf Coastline along with plenty of activities like boating (motorized boats allowed), fishing (pier and surf), camping (primitive camping only), kayaking/canoeing (rentals available), bird watching (over 200 species!), biking trails, horseshoe pits and more!
Amenities include showers and restrooms plus free Wi-Fi throughout the park.
Admission into Matagorda Bay Nature Park is $5 per person with additional fees for campsites ($10-$18 depending on the type).
Parking at the entrance to the park costs $2 per vehicle with additional fees if you want to access other parts of the park ($3-$5).
Essential Travel Essentials To visit Closest Beach to San Antonio
1. Sunscreen
The first essential for any beach trip is sunscreen! The sun can be incredibly harsh, even on cloudy days, so it’s important to make sure you’re protected. Look for sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and make sure to reapply every few hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
2. Hat
Another essential for protecting yourself from the sun is a hat. A wide-brimmed sunhat will provide the most protection, but any hat will do in a pinch.
3. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not only stylish but they also help to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
4. Beach Towel
Of course, you’ll need a towel to lie on at the beach! Choose a towel that is big enough to comfortably lie on and that is made of quick-drying material.
5. Beach Chair or Umbrella
If you want to be able to sit up at the beach, you’ll need either a beach chair or an umbrella. Umbrellas provide more protection from the sun but can be more difficult to transport, while chairs are more comfortable but don’t offer as much shade. Choose whichever is more important to you.
6. Snacks and drinks
No beach trip is complete without snacks and drinks! Pack plenty of water and some healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables to keep you going throughout the day. If you’re planning on drinking alcohol, make sure to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.
7. Beach toys
If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to pack some beach toys! Buckets, shovels, balls, and Frisbees are all great options for keeping kids entertained at the beach.
8. First Aid Kit
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so it’s a good idea to pack a small first aid kit when traveling to the beach.
Include items like bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and insect repellent in your kit just in case someone gets hurt or falls ill while you’re away from home.
If you’re looking for a fun beach getaway close enough to San Antonio that you don’t have to worry about spending all day in your car driving there then Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island State Park, or Matagorda Bay Nature Park should be at the top your list!
Each beach offers something unique so it depends on what kind of experience you are looking for when selecting which one would be best suited for you.
Regardless though all three beaches offer plenty of activities that will ensure that your trip will be enjoyable regardless of which one you choose!