When you think of the big city of Dallas, Texas, you probably are not thinking of Dallas beaches. Most people think of big hair, big food, and big hospitality instead.
Well, thanks to all of the fabulous lakes in Dallas, there are actually several beaches near Dallas where you can spend the day basking in the Texas sun.
These beaches in Dallas, Texas can be found in Dallas proper and the surrounding metroplex making them quick and easy to visit.
Of course, you won’t be near the ocean as that is several hours drive from Dallas.
No, these Texas beaches are located on the shores of the lakes that are spread out all over the North Texas area. All are within an hour drive of downtown Dallas, so they make for easy day trips!
The proximity of these beaches in Dallas allow you to enjoy a day at the beach without the drive that is associated with visiting Texas coastal towns such as Corpus Christi, Galveston Island, Port Aransas, and South Padre Island.
While these beach towns make great Texas road trips, it is nice to have a close escape when you need one as well. Check out some of the best beaches near Dallas to start planning your weekend getaway in Texas now!
I mean, Dallas is one of the best places to visit in Texas!
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White Rock Lake Park-Dallas, TX
It goes without saying that White Rock Lake Park should be on everyone’s list of beaches in Dallas.
This is the only beach on our list that is actually within the city limits of Dallas!
Located about 5 minutes from downtown Dallas, White Rock Lake Park is the city’s go-to place for outdoor recreation.
Although it doesn’t have an official beach built into the lake, one has developed over recent years thanks to the receding water.
You will find families enjoying this stretch of sand located in the Dallas city center. That isn’t the biggest draw to this lake though.
The walking and biking trails, and just being near the water are what draws visitors to this Dallas hot spot.
While in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to check out some of the great bars and restaurants that are near White Rock Lake. Many of them make for great Dallas date ideas, so keep that in mind when you are planning your outing to this area.
You can create your own lakeside beach area and just enjoy a day by the water while visiting White Rock Lake Park.
Ticky Creek Park
Located on the shores of Lake Lavon, Ticky Creek Park is one of the free beaches near Dallas, Texas to make our list.
The sizeable sandy beach is the perfect place to throw down a towel and bask in the Texas sun, and the calm waters make for the perfect place to swim and enjoy the water.
Take note though, Ticky Creek Park does not offer many amenities, so you will definitely want to bring the supplies that you will need for the day. About all you will find here is parking and restrooms.
Read Next: 12 Lakes in Austin (and Nearby) That You Will Love
Joe Pool Lake
Head about 30 minutes from Dallas to Joe Pool Lake, and more specifically Lynn Creek Park, to find one of the best beaches in the area.
Lynn Creek Park is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Dallas. The long stretch of white sandy beaches found here is perfect for sunbathing, building sand castles, or just spending a day lounging in the sun.
Of course, there are other amenities at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake as well. Here you can enjoy a sand volleyball court for beach volleyball, a swimming area, and picnic tables.
Want to get out on the water? If so, then take advantage of the boat ramp and marina located nearby.
If you do have a boat, don’t miss the opportunity to visit “party cove.” This sandy beach area is the place to be on the weekends.
People tie up their boats and jet skis and turn this area into a huge floating “block party” in the summer months!
Lynn Creek Park also offers restrooms and changing rooms for visitors to enjoy, making this one of the great lake beaches to spend the day at.
There is a fee per vehicle to use the park, but if you are a Grand Prairie resident, you can get a discount.
Lynn Creek Park is open March-September from 6 am until 10 pm.
Read Next: 20 Fabulous Beaches in Texas
Pebble Beach Park
Located on Lake Lavon, about 50 minutes from downtown Dallas, Pebble Beach Park is one of the fun beach parks to spend the day.
Take time to enjoy the sandy shoreline before making a lunch at one of the many on-site picnic tables.
When you are ready to get on the water, then you can use the free boat ramp to launch your kayak, canoe, or boat.
The great thing about Pebble Beach Park is the lack of people that visit it. I guess that is because it is a little off of the beaten path.
With that in mind, you should pack whatever you need for the day as there are not many amenities offered here other than covered picnic tables.
So, pack up your food, drinks, sunscreen, and floats before heading out to this sandy beach.
Pebble Beach Park is free to use and is open April through September.
Willow Grove Park
If you are looking for one of the lesser known beach areas in Dallas in order to get away from the crowds, consider heading to Willow Grove Park on Lake Lewisville.
While Willow Grove Park is one of the smaller Texas beaches on our list, it still makes for a nice day out near the water.
In addition to the sandy beach, there are also fishing piers, boat ramps, and a nice little swimming area on Lake Lewisville.
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Collin Park
For a fun little getaway that contains sandy beaches, marinas, and boat ramps, then head to Collin Park on Lake Lavon.
As one the North Texas largest lakes, Lake Lavon contains over 120 miles of shoreline, so you can be sure that it contains some of the best beaches near Dallas.
One of the noteworthy parks on this 21,000-acre lake is Collin Park.
Collin Park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy hiking trails, boating, camping, picnic tables, areas for horseback riding, and more while visiting this North Texas park.
Of course, there is also one of the best beaches near Dallas located here as well. This stretch of sand offers visitors the opportunity to sunbathe, swim, and play beach volleyball.
There is even a restaurant on site if you don’t want to hassle with picnic supplies.
There is a day use fee and a fee for camping sites if you are choosing to stay overnight.
Burger’s Lake
One of the beaches in Dallas that has been entertaining families for generations is Burger’s Lake.
The sandy beach at Burger’s Lake boasts all sorts of fun recreational activities all in crystal-clear water thanks to the spring-fed water that is cleaned and filtered before being added to the lake.
This sandy shoreline isn’t the only sand in this lake as the entire floor of Burger’s Lake contains a sandy bottom similar to the beach area.
Honestly though, it is not the sandy beaches that draw visitors to this Dallas, Texas hot spot. It is all of the fun slides and diving boards that keep people coming back for more.
In addition to all of this, there are always life guards on duty and a splash pad for little kids to enjoy.
You can bring your own picnic supplies or you can purchase food from the concession stand. As the name suggests, the concession stand serves up burgers, pizza, snow cones, ice cream, and more.
Stewart Creek Park
Another Lake Lewisville favorite, Stewart Creek Park offers families an opportunity to enjoy one of the fun beaches in Dallas.
Stewart Creek Park has covered picnic areas, barbeque grills, picnic tables, and more for you to enjoy while visiting one of the best beaches near Dallas.
Enjoy the beach volleyball, biking and hiking trails, and more while you are enjoying these Dallas beaches.
Known as being one of the cleanest beaches in Dallas, people often flock to Stewart Creek Park, so be sure to get here early if you want to claim the perfect spot on the sandy beach.
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Meadowmere Park
One of the best beaches near Dallas to take the kids to is Meadowmere Park!
Located about 30 minutes outside of Dallas, Meadowmere Park on Lake Grapevine is loaded with things to do.
I’m not talking ordinary “lake stuff.” I am talking about the largest floating aqua park obstacle course in Texas! Now, that makes this one of the best beaches for sure!
Named the WhoaZone, this floating obstacle course will have you bouncing and begging for more! The WhoaZone is open to children ages 7 and up, so yes, even “adult children” can participate!
In addition to the water fun, you can also rent games like corn hole and water vessels like kayaks and paddleboards.
You can also enjoy the hiking trails and picnic areas during your visit as well.
Of course, there are places to relax in as well. You can escape the Texas sun under their umbrellas and chairs in the sand.
Lake Park
Lake Park is located about 30 minutes from Dallas, Texas and is a great place to spend the afternoon.
The area around Lake Park is loaded with things to do, including golfing, camping, walking trails, biking, and more.
While the beach here is not a sandy beach, it is still a nice little area to enjoy. The water is shallow, so it is easy for kids to enjoy under the watchful eye of an adult.
Lake Park also offers playgrounds and all sorts of ball fields including soccer, softball, baseball, football, and more.
There is a cost per vehicle for non-residents though.
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Cedar Hill State Park
One of the closest beaches to Dallas (other than White Rock Lake Park) is Cedar Hill State Park. Located about 20 minutes from the city center, Cedar Hill State Park is one of the quick and easy Dallas beaches to enjoy.
While you won’t find a sandy beach at this state park (it is a pebble beach park), you will find barbecue pits, picnic tables, and plenty of land to explore.
Of course, there are plenty of water activities that you can enjoy here thanks to the 7,500 acre Joe Pool Lake that the state park rests on.
Try your hand at fishing on one of the fishing docks or enjoy exploring the many nature trails in the area. The kids will love the playground area and the adults will enjoy the ample amount of shade that can be found here.
One of the best things about this park is the well marked swimming areas, helping to ensure everyone stays safe while enjoy the Texas beaches.
Ray Roberts State Park
You will find Ray Roberts State Park located about an hour outside of Dallas near the fun college town of Denton, Texas.
Spending a day (or a weekend) at Ray Roberts Park is the perfect way to enjoy summer fun outside.
This state park offers visitors the opportunity to explore 29,000 acres, so there is plenty to keep you busy.
Thanks to that vast amount of land and the nine different sections of the park, it is easy to feel like you have the entire place to yourself!
In addition to the 4 beaches in the park, there are also numerous hiking trails, a marina, and, of course, several places to enjoy an afternoon picnic.
You can even bring your horse and go horseback riding on the property!
On a hot summer day you will definitely want to get in the water, and Ray Roberts State Park offers numerous places to do just that! One of the favorites is Isle du Bois and its small sandy beach.
Of course, if you want to be out on the water, you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or cruising in your motor boat.
There is an entrance fee per person, but kids 12 and under get in free!
Little Elm Park
You can’t have a list of Dallas beaches and not include Little Elm Park located on the beautiful shores of Lake Lewisville.
This fun park is not only beautiful, but it also wants to ensure that everyone stays safe with on our Texas lakes. This shines through thanks to the life vest loans that are available on site.
Little Elm Park is not short on things to do either. Here you can play beach volleyball, rent kayaks and paddleboards, enjoy the playground, and take advantage of the picnic areas complete with barbeque grills.
If you are so inclined, you can also play softball on the softball fields or enjoy some time exploring the hiking and biking trails.
Little Elm Park is open year round, and there is an entry fee per vehicles during the peak season (weekends May 1-Labor Day).
Read Next: 19 State Parks Near San Antonio
Granbury City Beach Park
One of the best beaches near Dallas is Granbury City Beach Park in the fun small town of Granbury, Texas.
Located about an hour outside of Dallas, Granbury is the perfect Texas town to enjoy a day exploring. The town square is lined with cute boutique shops, restaurants, and wineries.
A couple of blocks from the town square is the awesome Granbury City Beach Park.
Granbury Lake, which is a part of the Brazos River has always been a recreational hot spot in the area.
The city chose to make it even better when they added the city beach several years ago. This sandy shoreline is the perfect place to cool off from the hot Texas sun.
The protected swimming area is perfect to enjoy some time in the water, and the thatch-roofed picnic areas add the perfect tropical feel to the environment.
Like Little Elm Park, the Granbury City Beach also offers free life jackets to use. They also have an area where you can rent paddleboards, floats, kayaks, and more!
Again, don’t miss the town square which is within walking distance of the beach. It is a real small town treat!
The best part is, it is entirely free! Yes, you read that correctly, FREE!
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About The Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.