You’ve probably heard plenty about this Texas hotspot with its sprawling ranches, fast-growing Downtown, and larger than life attitude. But have you gotten in on the best kept secret of them all, the best beaches in Dallas, Texas? You can certainly get in on some of the best activities or shop ’til you drop in the Arts District without ever venturing into the sea, but lucky guests who score the inside tips (that’s you!) can enjoy plenty of refreshing splashes not far from Downtown.
Best Beaches in Dallas and Nearby
Summer in Dallas means hot temperatures and humid conditions. But, it also means that there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in one of the many lakes, ponds, and pools in the area. If you’re looking for a place to take a dip, here are the best beaches in Dallas and the surrounding areas.
1. Lynn Creek Park
Lynn Creek Park is a great destination for anyone looking to escape the city and spend some time in nature. Located just 30 minutes from Dallas, this park features white sand beaches and plenty of opportunities to swim, sunbathe, or play beach volleyball.
The park has a playground, concession stand, grassy picnic and barbecue sites, and a beach volleyball court. There are also two boat ramps and a marina onsite for those looking to get out on the water.
If you’re looking for a super comfortable place to spend a warm day with your family, Lynn Creek Park is the perfect destination! The park is open March-September from 6 AM-10 PM every day except for holidays. Entrance costs $15 per vehicle (with a maximum of 6 people) or $20 on holidays.
2. Burger’s Lake Park
If you’re looking for a beach that’s conveniently located in the middle of the city, look no further than Burger’s Lake Park. This one-stop-shop for summer fun is just minutes from downtown Dallas and offers everything you could want on a hot day
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With a sandy bottom and water that has been cleaned and filtered, this spring-fed spot is not only refreshing but stunningly clear. Kids will love the splash park and bounce pad, while adults can enjoy loungers at one of two sandy beaches. You can also bring your own picnic or some good things to grill up at the barbecue pits.
Burgers and other classic lake day snacks are available on site, and lifeguards are always on duty to ensure safety. The park is located on the outskirts of Fort Worth, so check out the Stockyards and Kimbell Art Museum!
This gem is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM-7 PM late May-early September. Entrance costs $15 per person or $5 for children who are six years old or under.
3. Collin Park
From the city center, you can get to Collin Park in no time. This North Texas haven is one of the most popular weekend getaways for locals, and it’s also a great place for a relaxing retreat.
Collin Park is located about 40 minutes from the city center, down a long stretch of highway. The park is set on one of North Texas’ largest lakes, offering visitors an ultra-popular weekend getaway for locals. Even though access to Collin Park is quick and easy, its location makes it feel like you’re tucked away on a grassy stretch of shoreline with your closest friends.
The best part about Collin Park is that it offers everything from hiking and camping to boating and playing beach volleyball on its large stretch of sand where you can sunbathe or swim while still enjoying quiet moments with nature. It’s also home to an incredibly casual restaurant spot that features live music every night and serves up some of the best seafood in the area!
All in all, Collin Park offers what many other lakefront properties do not: A relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a busy week in downtown Dallas.
Access to the recreation area costs $3 per vehicle and $3 per person, and the campgrounds cost $25 for tents or $38 for RV sites.
4. Ticky Creek Park
Ticky Creek Park is a hidden gem just an hour outside of Dallas. This free, secluded beach is situated on the northern shores of Lake Lavon and makes for a great road trip from Dallas or any other nearby city.
It’s open April-September, but rarely gets busy, even in the most popular summer months. Pets are welcome!
The water is gentle and clean, and there are covered picnic tables right on the shore. You can enjoy a packed lunch here, or just lounge around in the sun after you’ve finished swimming or fishing.
There aren’t many other amenities at Ticky Creek Park, so be sure to stock up on all the food, drinks, and towels you need outside the park, there’s not much else nearby except for some hiking trails at one end of the park and a couple other lakes across from each other at another end of it.
Ticky Creek Park closes at sunset every day, so make sure you arrive early enough to catch all the fun before it gets dark!
5. Ray Roberts State Park
Want to get away from your day-to-day and feel like you’re in a different world? Then Ray Roberts State Park is the place for you. This massive park is only an hour north of Dallas, so whether you want to grab a bite to eat and do some shopping, or spend the whole weekend camping out under the stars and hiking trails, it’s all here!
There are nine sections of this park, each with something different to offer. Isle du Bois has a large sandy beach with nearly 200 campsites that are perfect for swimming and fishing. There are also fire rings and picnic tables for those who prefer to cook their own food. Birdwatching, beach volleyball, and smelling wildflowers in the spring are just some of the things you can do here!
If you’re looking for something more aquatic, Johnson Branch is where you want to go! Water-skiing and sailing await on this side of the park—it’s a bit quieter than Isle du Bois, but still boasts gorgeous camping and both sunrise and sunset views!
Entrance to the state park costs $7 for adults and is free for kids 12 and under.
6. Cedar Hill State Park
If you’re looking for a quick getaway that’s not too far from the city center, Cedar Hill State Park is the place to go.
This 2,000-acre state park is less than 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, but you’d never know it when you’re there. The park offers a chance to explore 2,000 acres of rugged limestone hills and pine forest, as well as plenty of opportunities for water activities. There are barbecue pits and picnic tables on the beach where you can set up a blanket and enjoy your lunch.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are also trails that wind through the landscape and through old farmsteads built in the 19th century. You can even climb through some steep limestone bluffs! If hiking isn’t your thing, there is plenty of space for picnicking or fishing around the lake’s perimeter. And if you don’t want to bring anything with you on your trip, the park has grills available for rent at a small cost so that you can cook up whatever food supplies you have brought along with you!
Entrance to the state park costs $7 for adults and is free for kids 12 and under. Overnight stays cost $5 per person.
7. Pebble Beach Park
Don’t let the name fool you, Pebble Beach Park is a hidden gem where you can enjoy water sports with a more wilderness feel. This secluded haven is 50 minutes from downtown Dallas, and it’s ideal for a half-day outing.
The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, but no shops or restaurants on site. If you’re looking to rent kayaks or other equipment or just need to grab some snacks, head into Dallas for supplies.
Picnic under the shade of the towering trees on the sandy shoreline, splash around in the shallow area of this park’s lake (which is great for young kids), or take to the water in a kayak. Boat ramps are also free to use so you can launch your own kayaks, canoes, or larger boats. Just bring your own food, drinks and equipment as there aren’t rental shops or restaurants on site.
The free-to-enter park is open April-September for day use only.
8. Little Elm Park
If you’re looking for an actual beach, with sand and water and everything, look no further than Little Elm Park.
This charming, picture-perfect park is a little over an hour south of Dallas, but it feels like a world away. The shores of Lake Lewisville are just as alluring as any in the Caribbean, and they’re only 45 minutes from the city center!
The park is huge: it has three swimming areas (the largest in North Texas), 12 volleyball courts, kayak and paddleboard rentals, fire pits open for public use, and a huge playground that the little ones will love. Plus there are hiking and biking trails, an amphitheater for concerts and festivals, softball fields… even Lighthouse Grill for burgers and cold beer.
Little Elm holds events throughout the yea, July Jubilee, Autumn Fest, Pumpkin Hollow, so there’s always something happening at Little Elm Park.
The park is open Monday-Thursday from 8 AM-sunset and from 8 AM-8 PM on the weekends. There is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle during the busy season (every weekend, May 1 through Labor Day).
9. Granbury City Beach Park
Granbury City Beach Park is a hidden gem on the banks of the Brazos River.
This is a longer drive, about 1 hour and 10 minutes outside downtown Dallas, but well worth the extra time on the road. The soft white sand and quaint thatched-roof picnic pavilions make this prime location on the banks of the Brazos River well worth the extra time on the road.
You’ll find toys available at a beachside tiki hut, including kayaks, paddleboards, tubes and bicycles (those crazy quadricycles beloved by Texas beachgoers). For swimmers, free life jackets can be borrowed on-site while beach monitors patrol throughout to provide assistance and safety.
For those who want to relax and unwind with a glass of wine or beer in hand after taking in all that nature has to offer, pop into Granbury’s historic downtown square for a meal or drink out of the sun. There’s ample parking and no entrance fee.
10. Meadowmere Park
Want to take your family on a beach vacation that’s just a little bit different? Check out Meadowmere Park in Dallas, Texas.
This park is home to the WhoaZone, the largest floating aqua park obstacle course in Texas. It’s 30-40 minutes from downtown Dallas, and it offers hours of bouncing, flipping, acrobatic fun for children aged 7 and up. The aptly named WhoaZone is a massive playground of bouncing, flipping, acrobatic fun.
Children aged 4-6 can play at the shallow-water kids’ course. This park offers hourly game rentals like corn hole and spike ball on the beach, as well as alternative water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
You’ll find lounging set-ups of umbrellas and chairs on the sand, picnic tables, and nature trails
Entrance costs $5 per vehicle or $1 per person for pedestrians. On holidays, ticket prices jump to $10 per vehicle and $2 for walk-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dallas have any beaches?
Yes! There’s actually one beach located within the limits of Dallas: White Rock Lake Park. This park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the natural beauty of Texas. It’s also a great spot for bird-watching, fishing, hiking, and biking.
What is the closest beach to Dallas?
The closest beach to Dallas is Cedar Hill State Park. It’s just over 20 minutes from the city center, and it’s super accessible for a quick half-day trip.
What is the prettiest beach in Texas?
Mustang Island State Park is the prettiest beach in Texas. It’s got everything you need for a perfect day at the beach: a great surf break, soft sand and warm water.
Which Texas beach is best?
Boca Chica, South Padre Island. There’s a reason Boca Chica is often called the “best beach in Texas.” It’s just off the coast of South Padre Island and has miles of white sand and clear blue water. Plus, there are tons of activities to choose from, from surfing to kayaking.
Which Texas beach has the clearest water?
The beach with the clearest water in Texas is Boca Chica beach on South Padre Island.
