How to survive summer in Dallas

14 fun things to do this summer in Dallas and surroundings

Beat the Texas heat in style with the Dallas Wanderer’s summer bucket list!

1. Hit a local beach

Yes, we are far from the coast. But the Dallas surroundings offer great lake beach options, perfect for a hot summer day!

Eisenhower State Park’s beach and Burger’s Lake are among my favorites.

Burger’s Lake is 45 minutes from Downtown Dallas, in Forth Worth. With clean spring feed and filtered water, and lifeguards on duty, this sandy bottom lake is ideal if you are looking for a safe environment.  It offers two sandy beaches, slides, and diving boards.

Eisenhower Beach is about 1h 20m away from downtown Dallas, but it’s totally worth the trip. So much so that, despite being a lake beach and in East Texas, it is considered one of the best beaches in the state, with the clearest waters in Texas.  

For more beach options in Dallas and surroundings, check this post.

2. Go scuba-diving!

Athens Scuba Park, 1h 30m from Dallas. Photo by Pixabay for illustrative purposes only.

No need to head to the coast. You can dive and even get your scuba-diving certification less than 90 minutes away from Dallas.

Athens has its own blue hole, the Athens Scuba Park, with impressive turquoise water and interesting things to explore underwaters such as a sunken bus and airplane!  

3. Try wakeboarding in the Dallas suburbs

If getting active while splashing into the water on a super-hot day feels as good to you as it does to me, wakeboarding can be a perfect way to beat the Texas heat!

Spoil your adventurous and sweating inner-self at Hydrous Wake Park. It offers 2 locations around Dallas, in Allen and Little Elm, both opened year-round. 

4. Watch a movie under the stars

Photo by Christopher Michel [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

Try some seriously old-fashioned fun at the Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth.

Watch a movie under the stars just like in the old days. Enjoy the outdoors at the best time of the day during the Texas summertime – when the excruciating sun gives us a break.

The movie is almost secondary here: what counts is the experience itself, so step back in time and enjoy the nostalgic drive-in theater feeling.

5. Go ice skating at the Galleria Dallas Ice Rink

Photo by David Veksler/ Flickr

Does sliding on the ice in the middle of the Texas summer sounds good? Almost too good to be true right? So, head to the Galleria Dallas and check it with your own eyes.

Kill that winter-nostalgia at the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center, opened year-round. Top off with an ice cream at Haagen Dazs or Paciugo Gelato Cafe – my personal faves there. Can it get any more summerish than that?

6. Get active at White Rock Lake or Paddle Point

Photo by Bedelia13 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

When the thermometers go crazy, nothing better than splashing into water activities. So hit a local lake and cool off kayaking or stand-up paddling.

Here are my 2 favorite options around White Rock Lake in Dallas, and Paddle Point Park, in Rowlett, about 20 minutes away from Downtown Dallas (click on the links for equipment rental info).

White Rock Lake is the green heart of Dallas. Right in the city, huge and trendy among locals. It has no concessions, so bring a picnic or head to the nearby and charming Smoky Rose restaurant for a meal.

Paddle Point Park sits in a secluded and small section of the huge Lake Ray Hubbard. There is a park with play and picnic areas and even a sand court just across the road. Bankhead Brewing Company is a solid restaurant option around.

7. Swim in a crystal-clear river while looking for real dinosaur tracks

Am I the only one here amused by the fact that only one hour away from Dallas, you can step into real dinosaur tracks?

Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of my favorite attractions in Texas and really, really close to Dallas. If you haven’t been there yet, you are missing out. It’s a must-see any time of the year, but especially amazing on a hot summer day.

There you can spend the day cooling off at the crystal clear Paluxy River while looking for real dinosaur tracks along the riverbed. Please have in mind, though, that dinosaur tracks are not always visible. It depends on the water level and weather conditions. So before heading there, check their website. 

You can also combine your visit to Dinosaur Valley State Park with a drive-thru safari and sleepover into the wilderness and make it the perfect weekend getaway. Please find more info about it here (destination # 1, Glen Rose, TX)

8. Rock Climb indoors at the Summit

Photo by Ionut Cerchia from Pexels

Head to Summit in Dallas for an adventure-filled day. It features around 3,000 sq ft of climbing walls and 5,000 sq ft of bouldering. 

Day passes are available and include unlimited climbing and yoga.

9. Feeding the animals at the indoor Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is the perfect bet for a hot summer day in Dallas. It’s almost totally indoors, thus air-conditioned. Except for the penguin exhibit, which is short – you will survive. 

Besides the amazing sea creatures, it features a stunning rainforest exhibit with tropical species and interactive activities, such as feedings and talks.

It has 3 restaurants and cafes inside. The Eighteen-O-One restaurant offers surprisingly good food for a theme park restaurant, so if having lunch is in your plans, go for it!

10. Watch a 360-degree sunset from the top of the Reunion Tower

Feel at the top of the world at the Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck. It offers an interactive indoor exhibit and the best views of Dallas from the outdoor observation deck – which is shady and windy, by the way.

The adjoining Cloud 9 Cafe (opened weekends only) is the best place to watch the sunset in Dallas, hands down. It has a rotating floor, so it moves while you are still, offering you a 360-degree view of Dallas while seated.

To reach it, go up one floor using the stairs from the GeO-Deck. Then grab a drink, take a seat and enjoy the sunset in different perspectives unveiling right in front of your eyes, all over the city.

11. Improve your golf skills in a climate-controlled hitting bay

Photo by Alpharetta CVB/ Flickr

With over 70 climate-controlled hitting bays, Topgolf is the place to be also in summer.

Topgolf is a fun golf-like activity, which consists of trying to hit a micro-chipped golf ball at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. No golf experience is required! Give it a try and see if it’s for you.

12. Skydive indoors

Photo by Airman 1st Class Cody Dowell

Skydiving takes the realm of indoor activities you can experience in Dallas to another level! 

Experience zero-gravity at IFly Indoor Skydiving, located in Frisco, 30 minutes away from Downtown Dallas.

Sense the feeling of jumping out of a plane without, well, actually having to face the risks involved in jumping out of a plane! – not that I wouldn’t do or recommend the real thing but, let’s face it, it is not for everybody!

13. Cruise Lake Ray Hubbard

Lake Ray Hubbard is one of the largest lakes in north Texas and only 30 minutes away from Downtown Dallas.

Spend the day in the lake renting a boat or jet ski at the Chandler’s Landing Marina. Or take a sunset cruise instead with Sail with Scott, and watch the sun going down while you sip a glass of wine and enjoy some snacks (BYOBF).

For other entertainment options in the area, click here and find out the best way to spend a day in Rockwall (destination # 2)

14. Hit a local waterpark

Dallas and its surroundings are home to fantastic water parks!

From world-famous Hurricane Harbor to local gems such as Epic Waters – an indoors waterpark open year-round – and Hawaiaan Falls, you can find several options to try and discover your own favorite.

The waterparks usually offer season passes and you can get good deals to enjoy this places all summer long.

Summing Up

Summer in Dallas is harsh. But can be (a lot of) fun!

The city offers several attractions by the water or indoors, take advantage of them and have a blast even under 100+ degrees!

Enjoy sandy beaches at Burger’s Lake or Eisenhower State Park. Embark on a boat adventure at Lake Ray Hubbard. Swim at the crystal-clear Paluxy River while looking for dinosaur tracks. Feed the animals at the Dallas World Aquarium. Or just relax and enjoy the best sunset ever at the rotating cafe at the top of Reunion Tower, or watch a movie under the stars at Coyote Drive-In.

If adrenaline is what you’re looking for, engage in adventurous activities by the water or indoors. In the Dallas area you can try wakeboarding, scuba-diving, kayaking, stand up paddling, ice skating (year-round!), rock climbing, topgolfing and even skydiving!

The list goes on and on, but those are the summer activities around that I would recommend to anyone looking for options other than staying at their air-conditioned homes or inside to the pool ; ).

I hope you’ve enjoyed these ideas on how to enjoy summer in Dallas! Give them a try and get back here to let me know your favorites.

Which are your most-liked things to do in Dallas during summer? Do you know of any hidden-gem or must visit attraction perfect for absurdly hot days? Leave a comment bellow.

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6 Summer Staycation Ideas in Dallas and Surroundings

Beaches, waterfalls, drive-thru safaris and more near Dallas. Discover 6 superb ways to spend a hot summer day in and around DFW!

Discover 6 superb ways to spend a hot summer day in and around DFW.

Beaches, waterfalls, drive-thru safaris and more. These summer adventures near Dallas will surprise you!

Missing that vacation feeling but travelling is not in your plans? Receiving guests this summer? Looking for out of the box staycation ideas in Dallas? 

We got your back! 

Discover here 6 outstanding places to visit in DFW and surroundings that will transport you elsewhere and give you that summer vibe you have been craving for.

Unbelievable beaches you would expect to find only in the coast. Nature preserves with tall trees, shady trails and swimming areas that will blow your mind. Unique experiences to make everlasting memories. 

A fine selection of some of the best things to do in Dallas and surroundings this summer while keeping safe and fresh at the same time.

The best part? All attractions are outdoors (safety first), and in DFW or close enough for a short day trip, so you can spend the most amazing summer day ever and be back home by dinnertime to relax in the comfort of your home.

Peek below and plan your summer staycation!

For summer road travel ideas from Dallas, check our 2020 Summer Special.

Little Elm Beach

Little Elm, TX 
 0h40 from Downtown Dallas

Little Elm is the best lake beach in the Dallas outskirts.

Looking for a sandy beach really close to Dallas? The Beach at Little Elm Park is your best bet.

In the Dallas suburbs, in Denton County, Little Elm Beach is a great place to spend a summer day and swim on Lake Lewisville.

The area is family-friendly, well -maintained and top-rated by users. Some amenities there include kayak and sup rental, volleyball nets, covered pavilion, and restrooms.

Make sure to pack a picnic – there are no food vendors there. Or combine your visit to the Little Elm Beach with lunch at nearby Hula Hut, a waterfront restaurant with outdoor seat and fun decor.

Burger's Lake

Fort Worth, TX
0h30 from Downtown Dallas

Summer adventure at its finest right in Fort Worth. Burger's Lake is tons of fun for all ages!
Sandy beaches are one of the highlights at Burger's Lake, a must-visit summer attraction.

This place is A LOT of fun! Located in Fort Worth, Burger’s Lake is sort of a rustic waterpark in a beautiful natural setting.

The spring fed lake has a beautiful color and is surrounded by small sandy beaches, lounge areas and shady picnic tables. Parents can relax in the water surrounded by the amazing scenery, while kids go wild sliding and jumping in one of the several diving boards, tall slides – including a 20-foot slide – and 25-foot trapeze.

It is an amazing summer staycation destination in DFW, and one to be definitively included in your summer adventures.

Tip: get there early to enjoy it safely, as it tends to get crowded later in the day.

Island View Park

Pottsboro, TX – 1h25 from Downtown Dallas

My favorite beach to visit near Dallas. Simply stunning!

This is by far my favorite beach in the Dallas surroundings, a true northeast Texas hidden gem. It is the place to go if you are in serious need of a beach fix but paying a trip to the coast is not in your plans.

Island View Park, at the Lake Texoma shores, is home to two outstanding sandy beaches, with an unbelievable scenery and clear water.

One of them more rustic – and more beautiful in my opinion – without any amenities other than a few shady areas under the trees.

Other with covered picnic tables (requires reservation in advance), paddling rentals, restrooms, and a food truck, also beautiful but with a rockier bottom – make sure to bring water shoes.

Choose the one that suits better your style and get your beach fix near Dallas. You will be astounded by this place beauty!

Dinosaur Valley and Fossil Rim

Glen Rose, TX – 1h20 from Downtown Dallas

River beach at dinosaur Valley State Park, where you can spot dinosaur footprints along the riverbed.
Fossil Rim is one of the best zoo safaris in Texas and right by Dinosaur Valley State Park. Photo courtesy by Fossil Rim.

Other favorites on the list. Now when it comes to Texas State Parks and family-friendly attractions.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of my favorite State Parks in the Dallas surroundings ever. It is gorgeous. It offers tons of amazing swimming opportunities – a blue hole, sandy beaches along the Paluxy River shores, shallow river areas with running water for sort of an open-air spa lol.  It has a superb trail system. And it is home to real dinosaur footprints! 

It is the perfect place to beat the Texas heat and right next door to one of the best safari zoos in Texas, Fossil Rim.

Fossil Rim is another superb summer attraction near Dallas – you can drive through the animals and feed them from the comfort of your air-conditioned car.

Go early in the day to combine both Fossil Rim and Dinosaur Valley in a single trip and have the most perfect summer day ever. And heat-proof and social distancing friendly – beat that! 

Tyler State Park and Ham Orchards

Tyler, TX – 1h30 from Downtown Dallas

In the Pine Woods regions of Texas, Tyler State Park is a oasis of shade and water near Dallas.
Hiking shady trails, kayaking and swimming are some of the summer activities to try there.

Tyler State Park is one of the closest places to Dallas to experience the beautiful Piney Woods Region of Texas.

Expect tall trees and tons of shade. If you are not a local, you will find it hard to believe we have this type of landscape in Texas, let alone so close to Dallas!

On your way there, take a detour and stop by Ham Orchards, in Terrel, to pack your picnic. It is a local fave, open only during summer, famous for its barbecue and homemade peach ice cream.

Head then to Tyler State Park to enjoy it surrounded by nature. Then burn those extra calories hiking the gorgeous and shady trail around the lake. Top off with a splash from the diving platform located in the designated swimming area. 

Get back home just in time to watch your favorite movie and recharge for your next summer adventure. Sounds like a fun summer day, doesn’t it?

Turner Falls and Arbuckle Wilderness

Davis, OK – 2h00 from Downtown Dallas

Turner Falls is stunning and only a short drive from Dallas.
Arbuckle Wilderness Zoo Safari is right next door.

A gorgeous waterfall, a rustic zoo safari and the best fried pies in Oklahoma will give you the impression you have traveled some place far far away – and yet you’ll be only 2 hours away from Dallas.

Turner Falls Park is a popular travel destination in Oklahoma, and home to the tallest waterfall in the state. It offers swimming, hiking and even zip-lining.

It’s right next door to Arbuckle Wilderness, a zoo safari where you can drive your car through the animals and feed them – go early in the morning for the best experience.

Between the two places – which are really only a few minutes apart – you’ll find mouthwatering Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies. Make sure to stop by and try this local staple, it is goooooood.

Our last – but not least summer staycation idea to enjoy in Dallas and surroundings. Now pic your favorites, hit the road and have (tons of) fun!

Summing Up

In this post we have covered unique ideas on summer day trips from Dallas, ideal for a staycation.

Places far enough from the city for a change or air, and close enough that they do not require a sleep over.

Little Elm Beach, Burger’s Lake, Island View Park, Dinosaur Valley, Fossil Rim, Tyler State Park, Ham Orchards, Turner Falls and Arbuckle Wilderness are our ideas for a perfect summer adventure near Dallas.

I hope you have enjoyed this post (share with friends if you did!) and that you have a blast exploring the most amazing summer destinations in northeast Texas!

What is your favorite place near Dallas to spend an outstanding summer day? Leave a comment below!

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Heads up: my posts may contain affiliate links. 
If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more. But I’ll earn a small commission that will help the Dallas Wanderer to keep the lights on as a free travel and leisure resource for our community.
Thanks
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10 State Parks Near Dallas with Amazing Swimming Areas

Hike, dive, repeat:
These 10 State Parks near Dallas are perfect for a summer splash!

Enjoy nature and beat the Texas heat in one single shot, at beautiful State Parks and Preserves in Texas and surroundings, with natural swimming areas.

From popular summer spots among locals, to hidden gems where you can enjoy solitude, discover in this post 10 awesome places within 2 hours driving from Dallas to cool off this summer.

The parks below all feature great nature trails and river beaches, lake beaches or cascades. They make outstanding summer day trip destinations from Dallas.

Choose your favorites, make reservations (links along the post), and hit the road to have the time of your life every weekend of this season!

Don’t mind driving a little (or a lot) further? Check our summer special for tons of summer travel ideas in Texas and surroundings states, including the most amazing swimming holes in Texas and the best beaches to visit from Dallas. 

📝 Note:
It’s always a good idea to check on current conditions before heading to any State Park, as recent extreme weather or other unforeseen events can close trails and swimming areas without notice.
Click on the specific State Park links provided along the post to check for any current Park Alerts before hitting the road.

1. Cedar Hill State Park

Distance: 22 miles/ 25 min from Dallas

Cedar Hill is the closest State Park to Dallas and an amazing outdoor space for hiking and swimming.

This is the place to go if you’re looking for a quick summer getaway – Cedar Hill is the closest State Park to Dallas and located less than 30 minutes from the city. It’s overall a great Texas State Park to hit this summer if you need a change of scenery but don’t want to drive a long distance.

Cedar Hill State Park features a beautiful and well-maintained beach area. Swimming at Joe Pool Lake is a sure way to beat the Texas heat!

Hiking, biking, and fishing are some of the other fun things to do at Cedar Hill State Park. Or simply relax by the lake and soak in the summer vibe surrounded by nature.

2. Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Distance: 59 miles/ 1 h 00 min from Dallas

Ray Roberts Lake, in Pilot Point, Texas, is a popular State Park among Dalasites for its proximity to the city and great amenities.

It’s a place for fishing, swimming, paddling, camping, hiking, cycling and horseback riding – the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are endless there.

Lake Ray Roberts Isle du Bois unit features a beautiful sandy beach area as well, perfect for a splash in the Texas summer.

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch, a safari style zoo, is right next door to Ray Roberts Lake State Park and makes the perfect add on to your summer day trip from Dallas.

3. Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Distance: 78 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas

Lake Mineral Wells is another popular place for swimming near Dallas. Photo by Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Lake Mineral Wells is an amazing State Park in North Texas. It features a swimming beach, kayak and SUP rentals, and over 12 miles of trails. And its home to famous Penitentiary Hollow, a unique geological formation resembling a small canyon.

For a perfect summer day at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, hike Red Waterfront Trail towards Penitentiary Hollow and then refresh and recover at the lake shores.

Other activities at Lake Mineral Wells include boating, camping, fishing, and rock climbing.

Lake Mineral Wells is about 1h15 from Dallas and 0h45 from Fort Worth, and a popular Texas State Park among locals.

4. Eisenhower State Park

Distance: 79 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas

Right on the shores of Lake Texoma, one of the largest reservoir in the United States, Eisenhower State Park is home to a beautiful swimming cove and over 6 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Set up on a bluff overlooking the lake, Eisenhower State Park offers amazing views. It’s a beautiful and well-maintained State Park in Texas, ideal for a splash in a hot summer day.

Other activities there include fishing, paddling (bring your own equipment), hiking and camping.

5. Dinosaur Valley State Park

Distance: 80 miles/ 1 h 25 min from Dallas

Dinosaur Tracks, crystal-clear Paluxy river and a great trail system make Dinosaur Valley an amazing summer day trip destination.

Dinosaur Valley is a must-visit State Park in Texas, and Dallasites are lucky to have it only a short driving distance from the city!

Not only Dinosaur Valley State Park scenery is absolutely gorgeous, but the park is also home to unique real dinosaur footprints along Paluxy River riverbed. Looking for them and hiking the several nature trails are among the top activities there.

On summer, Paluxy River takes the center stage and is one of the best places near Dallas to cool off surrounded by nature. Crystal-clear waters, sandy beach areas and small cascades make Paluxy River the most perfect place to chill out under the sun.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is right next door from Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, another must-visit attraction in the area. Check in this post a complete weekend itinerary including both places (destination # 1, Glen Rose) and plan you summer adventure.

6. Tyler State Park

Distance: 97 miles/ 1 h 30 min from Dallas

Tyler State Park is the closest place from Dallas to immerse yourself into the gorgeous Piney Woods region of Texas.

The Piney Woods region of Texas is simply stunning. And Tyler State Park is one of the closest places to experience its beauty from Dallas.

Tyler State Park landscape is unexpected. A dramatic change of scenery from the plains we are used to see around Dallas. Head there and you’ll find yourself immersed in nature, surrounded by gorgeous 100-foot tall trees framing a beautiful 64-acre spring-feed pond, ideal for all sort of summerish leisure activities.

Tyler State Park has a great designated swimming area, with a jumping platform. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are available for rent on site, and paddling the pond is another great way to enjoy summer there.

On your way between Dallas and Tyler you’ll find Ham Orchards -open summer season only and a slight detour from your itinerary. For an amazing summer experience in the Dallas surroundings, stop there on your way back to the city and try their famous homemade peach ice cream.

7. Fairfield Lake State Park

Distance: 95 miles/ 1 h 25 min from Dallas

Fairfield Lake State Park is a great summer day trip destination from Dallas. Not far from the city, it’s home to over 10 miles of beautiful easy to moderate hiking trails and to a large sandy swimming area.

Besides the designated swimming area, Fairfield Lake State Park also offers lake access from every camping area, so it’s easy to find solitude and claim your own spot on the peaceful lake shores. Other activities at Fairfield Lake State Park include camping, boating, and horseback riding (bring your own horse).

Ennis is in your way back to Dallas and home to classic Galaxy Drive Inn Theatre. For the ultimate summer adventure, stop by and top off your fun-filled day by the lake with an old-fashioned movie session under the stars.

8. Turner Falls Park

Distance: 128 miles/ 1 h 55 min from Dallas

The tallest waterfall in Oklahoma is only 2 hours from Dallas and a great place to explore nature and cool off on summer.

Turner Falls, in neighboring Oklahoma, is absolutely gorgeous.

The 77-foot cascade is the largest waterfall in Oklahoma and a popular summer travel destination for Texans. Besides the breathtaking waterfall, the park offers trails, small caves, zip-lining, and lodging.

Take advantage of your trip to Turner Falls Park to visit neighboring Little Niagara Falls, part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Other amazing nearby attractions include Arbuckle Wilderness Park and Chickasaw Cultural Center. 

Read this post for a full weekend itinerary covering Turner Falls and the best things to do in its surroundings (destination # 2, Davis, OK).

9. Lake Whitney State Park

Distance: 76 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas

Beautiful swimming area at crystal-clear Lake Whitney State Park, Texas.

Lake beaches, clear water, and solitude. Lake Whitney State Park is a true hidden gem only 1h15 driving from Dallas.

The State Park features a designated swimming area with 2 sandy beaches. And several swimmable spots along Whitney Lake shores, including hidden and beautiful rocky beaches, as the one shown in the picture.

The limestone bottom makes Lake Whitney clean and clear, with fresh waters perfect for a summer splash. It’s a great lake for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating. 

Whitney Lake State Park also features 2 short nature trails – Towash Forest Trail and Two Bridges Trail – as well as cabins and waterfront camping spots. It’s overall a superb summer travel destination in Texas, for a quick day trip or even to spend the weekend camping surrounded by nature.

10. Meridian State Park

Distance: 92 miles/ 1 h 40 min from Dallas

Shady trails, a clean designated swimming area and a peaceful lake make this small and secluded Texas State Park a great quick summer getaway from Dallas.

A nature retreat off the beaten path, and the place to go if you’re looking for quiet and privacy. 

Lake Meridian is a ‘no wake lake’, making it the perfect place for a summer splash – you won’t have to worry about boats and jet-skis.

Meridian State Park has over 5 miles of trails for all skill levels. Don’t miss Bosque Hiking Trail, which circles the lake perimeter and takes you through the Civilian Conservation Corps dam and a scenic overlook.

Other activities at Meridian Lake State Park include paddling (rentals available on site), floating and fishing.

Summing Up

In need of a change of air but not in the mood for a sleepover?

Try one of the 10 superb State Parks and Preserves mentioned in this post and enjoy the best lake beaches, river beaches and cascades in the Dallas surroundings.

Cedar Hill State Park, Lake Ray Roberts State Park, Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Eisenhower State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Tyler State Park, Fairfield Lake State Park, Turner Falls Park, Lake Whitney State Park and Meridian State Park are all stunning nature spots with swimming areas and amazing places to explore this summer.

Places to breath in nature and cool off in style, all within 2 hours driving from Dallas and ideal for a summer day trip.

Which are your favorite swimming spots near Dallas? Leave a comment bellow!

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Heads up: my posts may contain affiliate links. 
If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more. But I’ll earn a small commission that will help the Dallas Wanderer to keep the lights on as a free travel and leisure resource for our community.
Thanks
🧡💙🧡

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Best Lake Beaches near Dallas | With Pictures!

6 Top Lake Beaches in Dallas to Visit this Summer

Discover the best beaches in DFW and its surroundings, and have a blast every summer weekend!

Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about —John Mayer

Beach is calling, and there is no need to embark on a long road trip to bury your feet in the sand!

Dallas, believe it or not, is home to mind-blowing Lake Beaches that will make you forget for a moment you are so far from the coast.

Prairies and Lakes Region of Texas

DFW and its surroundings are no short of lake beaches.

The Big D is located in the Prairies & Lakes region of Texas, and a glance at Google Maps can make anyone aware that immense bodies of water surround us.

The trick here is to sort the wheat from the chaff: not all lake beaches are made the same.

And while most lakes are amazing to spend a day engaging in water activities, not many offer truly fantastic sandy lake beaches.

Best Lake Beaches in Dallas and surroundings

In this post, you will discover the top 6 beaches to spend a hot summer day in Dallas and its surroundings.

 A list I wish I had in my hands when I first arrived in Dallas six years ago!

Outstanding summer day trip and staycation destinations, ideal for a fun summer weekend day or to watch a sunset any day of the week.

Visit these places, and you will be rewarded with white sand, clear water, clean and well-maintained facilities.

Ready to explore?

Check the recommendations and prepare for the best summer ever!

Little Elm | 0 h 40 min from Dallas

Photo courtesy by Ana Kelly

Only a short drive from Dallas, Little Elm Park, by Lake Lewisville, offers a superb and well-maintained sandy beach.

Access is free and amenities include volley courts, paddle and bike rentals, and an onsite grill.

A family-friendly location, Little Elm Beach is cleaned daily, and life jackets are available for use.

It is right next door to Hula Hut, a casual Tex-Mex restaurant with an outstanding lakefront patio and cool beach vibe.

Fort Worth | 50 min from Dallas

Photo courtesy by Twin Points Park

Twin Points Park, by Eagle Mountain Lake, is a local favorite on summer in Fort Worth.

The lakefront sandy beach is among the best to visit in DFW and its surroundings.

It features volley courts, a boat ramp, paddleboard rentals, a shaded natural area with trees, and large pavilions for rent.

Twin Points Beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. You must purchase a parking permit ($ 10 – $ 20) in advance to access the park. 

Fort Worth | 45 min from Dallas

Crystal-clear and spring-fed Burgers Lake is a must-visit during summer in DFW.

This unique water park offers two white sand beach areas. And tons of water fun, with slides, diving boards, and trapezes over the lake.

Burgers Lake also features picnic tables, grills, volleyball courts, and a lot of shade along 30 acres.

The park is open Memorial Day Through Labor Day (after August 16 weekends only), and admission costs $ 15 per person.

Pilot Point | 1 h 00 from Dallas

Ray Roberts Lake features an outstanding sand beach totally worth the short drive from Dallas.

You can visit it as a day trip destination or even camp there for an immersive experience.

Make reservations in advance through their website to avoid surprises (recommended).

The beach is clean and large and offers amenities such as nearby picnic tables and an on-site kids’ playground. 

If you have kids in tow, consider stopping by Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch on your way there to feed the animals and interact with wildlife.

Pottsboro | 1h20 min from Dallas

By Lake Texoma, Island View Park is home to one of the most beautiful lake beaches in the Dallas surroundings.

It features two beaches. One with amenities such as picnic tables and paddle rentals, usually more crowded. And other in its natural state, that will make you forget for a second that you are not on the coast.

The park is open year-round, and the entrance fee is $7 per person (kids 7 and under are free).

Distance: 80 miles/ 1 h 20 min from Dallas

Also by Lake Texoma, Eisenhower State Park is home to the most scenic beaches near DFW.

It features white sand, clear water, shaded areas, and a small cave to explore.

The state park is close enough to Dallas for a day trip.

But if you want to spend the weekend, consider camping there in the Elm Point Camping area, with easy access to the beach.

Make online reservations before hitting the road to assure your entrance to the park, specially during the weekends.

Summing Up

Best Lake Beaches near Dallas-Fort Worth

Texas is surrounded by lakes, featuring beautiful sand beaches for a quick escape without the long drive to the coast.

In this post, we covered the 6 best ones.

The Beach at Little Elm Park, Twin Points Beach, Burgers Lake, Ray Roberts Lake State Park Beach, Island View Park, and Eisenhower State Park Beach are all alternatives worth checking this summer!

Texas is home to amazing ocean beaches too!

If you don’t mind driving further and have a few days to spare, know that Texas also offers superb ocean beaches that will blow your mind!

In this post, you will find the best Texas beaches to visit from Dallas, including gorgeous Malaquite Beach, Mustang Island, and South Padre Island.

Florida and Alabama Beaches

If a long drive doesn’t scare you, Florida and Alabama offer outstanding beach travel destinations up to 11 hours driving from DFW, popular among Dallasites.

Check our Beach Special and discover American gems such as Florida 30A, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach and prepare your next beach vacation.

What is your favorite lake beach near Dallas?

Throughout the years, I keep being surprised by mind-blowing hidden gems in the Dallas surroundings.

Every summer, I discover something new that, for some reason, hadn’t been on my radar before.

Do you know of any outstanding beaches near Dallas not mentioned in this post?

Share in the comments below. I will love to follow your recommendations and explore new spots! 

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