San Antonio FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near San Antonio, Florida.
1. Mirada Lagoon
AMERICA'S LARGEST MAN-MADE LAGOON
Mirada Lagoon is the nation's largest lagoon at 15 stunning acres, offering a paradise-like experience with crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches. The lagoon contains more than 30 million gallons of water and features swaying palm trees that create a luxury tropical experience rivaling natural beaches. Visitors can enjoy various water activities in a safe, clean environment that feels like a resort, complete with computerized cleaning systems and amenities.
2. Hillsborough River State Park
RAPIDS AND NATURAL SWIMMING
Hillsborough River State Park offers visitors a chance to swim in the refreshing waters of one of Florida's most scenic rivers surrounded by lush forest. The park features class II rapids, a rarity in Florida, making it a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing adventures. Nature enthusiasts can also enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and camping facilities within this historic park established in the 1930s.
3. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
MERMAID SHOWS AND SPRINGS
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is famous for its underwater mermaid performances and crystal-clear spring waters that maintain a refreshing 72-degree temperature year-round. Visitors can swim in the natural spring, take a riverboat cruise, or enjoy the Buccaneer Bay waterpark with its water slides and sandy beach area. The park's main spring is one of the deepest naturally occurring springs in the United States, producing millions of gallons of water every day.
4. Alfred McKethan / Pine Island Park
GULF COAST BEACH RETREAT
Alfred McKethan / Pine Island Park offers a beautiful white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico with calm, shallow waters perfect for families with young children. The park includes picnic facilities, playgrounds, and volleyball courts, making it ideal for a full day of recreation and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunset views, shell collecting, and swimming in the clear gulf waters at this less crowded alternative to more touristy beaches.
5. Cypress Point Park
URBAN BEACH ESCAPE
Cypress Point Park features both North and South Beaches, offering an urban waterfront escape with views of Tampa Bay and the airport. The park provides a mix of natural beach areas, boardwalks, and hiking trails through coastal ecosystems. Visitors enjoy swimming, picnicking, fishing, and watching planes take off and land across the bay.
6. Epperson Lagoon
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER RECREATION
Epperson Lagoon is a crystal-clear man-made lagoon spanning 7.5 acres of Caribbean-blue waters within the Epperson community. The lagoon features white sand beaches, swim-up bars, and various water activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, and an inflatable obstacle course. Visitors can rent cabanas, enjoy food and beverages, and experience a tropical vacation atmosphere without leaving Florida.
7. Southshore Bay Lagoon
TROPICAL OASIS EXPERIENCE
Southshore Bay Lagoon is another MetroLagoons creation featuring acres of crystal-clear water and white sand beaches in a residential community setting. The lagoon offers various water activities, rentals, and amenities similar to a tropical resort experience. Visitors can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing on the beach in this man-made paradise.
8. Anclote River Park
COASTAL RIVER ACCESS
Anclote River Park provides a white sand beach at the mouth of the Anclote River where it meets the Gulf of Mexico. The park features swimming areas, boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic facilities with grills for family outings. Visitors can enjoy watching boats pass by, spotting dolphins, and experiencing both river and gulf environments in one location.
9. Robert K Rees Memorial Park
SECLUDED GULF BEACH
Robert K Rees Memorial Park offers a quiet, less crowded beach experience on the Gulf of Mexico with natural surroundings. The park features a fishing pier, kayak launch, picnic areas, and a playground alongside its sandy beach area. Visitors appreciate the shallow, calm waters that are perfect for wading and the beautiful sunset views across the gulf waters.
10. Fred Howard Park
CAUSEWAY BEACH EXPERIENCE
Fred Howard Park features a mile-long causeway leading to a white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico with excellent swimming conditions. The 155-acre park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and opportunities to spot dolphins, ospreys, and other wildlife. Visitors enjoy the combination of mainland park facilities and island-like beach experience connected by the scenic causeway drive.