Best Beaches Near Dallas TX for Your Next Getaway
Dallas, Texas is known for its big city life, but did you know that there are also beautiful beaches nearby? Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, there are some beautiful beaches near Dallas, Texas to check out this summer (and spring and fall!)
I think we can all agree on the fact that there is not an ocean in Dallas….but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great beach getaway! We’ve included some of our favorite lake beaches as well as the prettiest coastal beaches closest to Dallas.
We are a beach-loving family and nothing makes my children happier than a day spent in the water with sun, sand, and fun! We are always on the hunt for the best beach to spend our time and here is the list we have come up with!
Most Incredible Beaches Near Dallas
Dallas, Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but the city is home to some surprisingly beautiful and fun-filled beach destinations. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a longer beach vacation at some of the best beach towns in Texas, Dallas has some options that are sure to check all the boxes.
Here are some of the top beaches in Dallas that we highly recommend checking out when the days are toasty. Doesn’t toasty sound so much better than steaming hot?
Joe Pool Lake
- Location: Grand Prairie, TX (1/2 hour from Dallas)
- Best for: Swimming, Boating, Camping, Fishing
- Admission: $20 per vehicle (6 people max); $40 on holiday + holiday weekends
One of the most popular beach destinations near Dallas is Joe Pool Lake. Located in Grand Prairie, just a half hour from Dallas, makes Joe Pool Lake a quick and easy spot for a day in the sun.
Joe Pool Lake is a man-made lake that offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The lake also has a designated swimming area with picnic tables, restrooms, and changing rooms.
Admission fees apply per vehicle and annual passes are available if you plan to visit often.
Camping is a great option if you’d like to pitch a tent near the lake or rent a cabin, lodge or yurt for some the cozy comforts of home. You’ll find kitchens, air conditioning, and heating included which makes that summer sun more bearable!
There are a couple different spots around the lake to check out based on your primary interests:
>> Lynn Creek Park spans a whopping 785 acres and can be found on the northwest area of Joe Pool Lake. The park includes a swimming area with a beach, a playground, (covered!) picnic tables for small and large groups, a concession stand, sand volleyball court, and also two boat ramps. You’ll also find restrooms here.
You can plan on renting a watercraft here (paddle board, kayak, canoe) for a full or half day or you can bring your own.
Note that Lynn Creek Park is only open March – September, so for a winter walk on the beach, this would not be your spot. BUT…in the winter, Lynn Creek Park hosts some of the most amazing Christmas lights in Texas!
>> Loyd Park is also on the northwest side of the lake adjacent to Lynn Creek Park. It offers a grassy beach rather than a sandy one. The grass stretches to the shoreline, so perfect for those that don’t prefer sand in their toes!
Launch your watercraft (or rent one) and check out the Walnut Creek Paddling Trail for an added adventure! Horse back riding trails are available too.
A playground and picnic table round out the amenities at this beach and there is not a lifeguard on duty. A bonus to visiting Loyd Park is are the miles of trails and wind throughout the park. The Walnut Creek trail is are beginner friendly and offer plenty of green trees to enjoy – one of our favorite parts!
Ray Robert Isle du Bois State Park
- Location: Isle Du Bois State Park Rd, Pilot Point, TX 76258 (1 hour from Dallas)
- Best for: Camping + Swimming + Picnics + Camping
- Admission: $7/adult
- More Details
Isle du Bois is located in Ray Roberts State Park and is one of the best Texas beaches near Dallas. This clean lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and even camping. The park has several campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas.
There is a roped off swimming area with fishing and boating allowed outside the borders. Children will love the playground. Shady trees are perfect near the benches and grills on warm day. A bonus to this great beach is the hiking trails that wind through the park. Some are paved which are perfect for biking – but watch out for pedestrians!
White Rock Lake Park
- Location: 8300 E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 75218
- Best for: Kayaking + Walking Paths + Picnics
- More Details
White Rock Lake Park is the most popular beach in Dallas to launch your kayak. While not a swimming beach, it is perfect for sailing and rowing too. There is plenty of space for a beautiful picnic afterward.
There is a great path that circles the lake, so plan to walk, run, or bike and take in the views. This is the city’s most popular walking path, so expect some company!
Little Elm Park
- Location: 704 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm, TX 75068 (45 minutes from Dallas)
- Best for: Swimming + Watersports
- Admission: $10/vehicle (more on holidays) or seasonal passes for $25-$75
- More Details
Little Elm Beach is a fantastic beach in Texas near Dallas. This beautiful park is located on the shores of Lake Lewisville and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, boating, and swimming.
The park has a boat ramp, picnic tables, a sandy beach, and a volleyball court. You can also enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, and renting a boat for waterskiing and tubing. Check out their trails around Lake Lewisville for walking, biking, or running.
There are several restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat – check out Hula Hut for some tasty beach-friendly fare.
Please note, no fishing allowed from the beach. NO lifeguard on duty.
Grapevine Lake
- Location: Grapevine, TX (1/2 hour from Dallas)
- Best for: Swimming + a Picnic + Kayaks
- More Details
Grapevine Lake is just a hop and skip away from Dallas. Yep, Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas, but it is also home to the beautiful Grapevine Lake!
You’ll find several spots around the lake to choose from. We recommend checking out these three options first – I think you’ll love them.
>> Meadowmere Park: This Dallas beach has a convenient boat ramp and sturdy docks, providing the perfect launchpad for launching onto the water. Monkey bars and swings await children who are ready for a break from the water. Lifeguards ensure your safety and complimentary life jackets are also available. This clean and well-maintained beach is well worth toe $5/vehicle entry fee. Camping available here too!
>> Oak Grove Park: Head to Oak Creek Park for a blend of relaxation and outdoor fun. There is a marina with convenient boat parking, inviting softball fields, a designated swim area, and fishing spots. Be sure to grab picnic spots early as they do fill up. Enjoy the great outdoors with dog-friendly spaces and meandering trails for walking, running, and biking adventures. Complimentary life jackets are offered.
>> Lakeview Park: Lakeview park is a pretty, clean beach park with a playground, picnic tables, swimming, fishing, and boating. You can rent kayaks here too! The shore is pretty rocky, but head a few feet into the water and you’ll find soft sand. Especially lovely in the evenings, we highly recommend a sunset picnic and swim here!
Burger’s Lake
- Location: 1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114 (1/2 hour from Dallas)
- Best for: Swimming + Water slides + Volleyball
- Admission: $20/per person
- More Details
Burger’s Lake is a must-visit beach destination in Fort Worth. I think is it impossible not to have fun at Burger’s Lake! It carries a heftier admission fee than other spots on our list, but the amenities hold a ton of value.
This beautiful lake has a designated swimming area with TWO sandy beaches. Bring your thrill seeking friends and enjoy a 25-foot trapeze, six diving boards, and inner tube rentals. Equipped with sand AND grass volleyball courts too.
This 1 acre spring-fed lake is surrounded by 30 acres of beautiful property with picnic tables, restrooms, tons of grassy space and trees, as well as a full crew of lifeguards.
Please note, no pets or alcohol allowed.
Lavon Lake
- Location: Wylie, Texas
- Best for: Swimming + Fishing
- More Details
Lake Lavon is home to several beautiful beaches near Dallas. Tickey Creek Park and Pebble Beach Park are both great spots along the lake. This freshwater lake is dammed and filled with refreshing water perfect for a day at one of the beaches closest to Dallas.
Both parks offer picnic tables, restrooms, and a designated swimming area. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking.
Island View Park
- Location: 250 Vfw Dr, Pottsboro, TX 75076 (1.5 hours from Dallas)
- Best for: Swimming + Picnicking
- Admission: $7/person
Island View Park is one of our favorite Dallas beaches – it is such a hidden gem. You’ll find this beach park on the shores of Lake Texahoma. Boat across the lake and you’ll find yourself in Oklahoma!
The park has a designated swimming area, restrooms, and several recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards from the beach. The beach is sandy and perfect for children, with plenty of grassy space too. The beach is clean and well-maintained.
Expect a bit of a walk from the parking lot though – we recommend a wagon for all your gear (and tired kiddos at the end of the day!).
Picnic tables are available including some covered pavilions, but you’ll need to rent them (last check was $40/day). You can stretch out a blanket on the sand instead if you prefer.
Best Coastal Beaches Dallas
If you are ready for some ocean waves, and willing to make a drive, here are the best beaches along the Gulf Coast on Texas’ coastline!
Port Aransas
- Location: Port Aransas Beach, TX (390 miles; 6.5 hours)
- Best for: Adorable Beach Town + Great Seafood + Playing in the Waves + Fishing
A beautiful Texas beach not too far from Dallas is Port Aransas. Leave early in the morning and you’ll be there by lunchtime! A 6-7 hour drive will bring you to the gorgeous Gulf Coast where the adorable town of Port Aransas is waiting with picturesque places to stay, cute little seafood restaurants, clear and clean beaches, and so many things to do.
Rent a golf cart and explore this cute beach town with its gift shops and tasty places to eat. Fishing is hugely popular here, so plan to fish from shore or take a deep sea fishing tour. Port Aransas Beach is over 6 miles long and is filled with soft sand to relax on, mild waves to boogie board, and great views of the sunset along the pier.
We were just in Port Aransas a few months ago and our family is already planning our next trip. The water was so clear and the beaches were perfect for a family getaway!
Galveston Island
- Location: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 (290 miles; 4.5 hours from Dallas)
- Best for: Historic beach town + Super fun pier + Ocean views
Galveston Island is one of the most popular beach destinations in Texas. While it is not known for its clear water, this area has so much to offer and will definitely more than satisfy any beach cravings! Plan on an itinerary filled with enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and dining at one of the island’s many restaurants and bars.
Pleasure Pier is one of the most popular activities in Galveston – so come ready to ride and fly! Unlimited ride passes are available so feel free to take in the views from the Ferris Wheel multiple times.
East Beach, Stewart Beach, Porretto Beach are three of the most popular beaches in Galveston. You won’t find the clearest beaches in all of Texas here, but there is no lack of soft sand, refreshing water, and plenty of fun!
>> East Beach is on the east end of the island near the ferry. It has a shallow entry with plenty of hermit crabs and shells to explore. It is often quieter than other beaches on the island with some options for free parking nearby too – bonus!
>> Stewart Beach is a well-maintained stretch of beach with umbrellas and chairs to rent ($35-40) which is SUPER convenient in the Texas heat and makes for a much more pleasant beach day! Expect plenty of company at this popular spot!
>> Porretto Beach is just down the coast from Stewart Beach. I think this is my favorite of all three! You’ll also find colorful chairs and umbrellas for rent, along with a large stretch of sand with plenty of room for running around and splashing in the waves.
North Padre Island
- Location: North Padre Island, TX (420 miles; 6.5 hours from Dallas)
- Best for: Gorgeous water + Soft Sand + Swimming + Nature
North Padre Island is home to several beautiful beaches including those in Corpus Christi, Mustang Island State Park, and Padre Island National Seashore. Not to be confused with its more famous cousin, South Padre Island, North Padre Island is a bit more relaxed and less busy, and is also one of the closest beaches to Dallas.
We spent Memorial Day on North Padre Island this year and loved every second. There are several beaches to choose from, but our personal favorites are Whitecap Beach and Malaquite Beach in Padre Island National Seashore.
Whitecap Beach tends to have a little more waves than some other beaches and this was perfect for our older kids as they spent HOURS boogie boarding. The sand was light and soft, and we were able to walk right over from our vacation rental.
Malaquite Beach is a dream with a huge expense of soft, white sand and beautiful water. The crowds tend to be lower here, but you’ll still find a Visitor’s Center, restroom, and picnic table facilities. Padre Island National Seashore also helps to rescue turtles and during summer months, you just might be able to catch a sunrise baby turtle release!
DFW’s Best Beaches
DFW is home to some of the best lake beaches and state parks in Texas. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Some of the best things to do in Dallas include visiting the city’s best beaches and state parks.
While Dallas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, the city has plenty of beautiful and fun-filled beach destinations to explore nearby!
Which one do you plan to hit up next?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beaches near Dallas?
There are several beaches near Dallas that are worth visiting. Some of the best coastal beaches include Port Aransas, Galveston Island, and Mustang Island. Joe Pool Lake is a locals’ favorite beach on the lake.
What is the closest beach to Dallas?
The closest beach to Dallas is in Galveston Island, which is about 290 miles away from the city.
Are there any beaches in Texas?
Yes, Texas has several beaches along its coastline that are popular among tourists and locals alike. Throughout Central Texas, there are many lake and river beaches too that are beautiful with plenty of things to do and great swimming areas.
Which beach town is closest to Dallas?
Galveston Island is the closest beach town to Dallas, located about 290 miles away from the city.
What is the distance from Dallas to the nearest beach?
The nearest beach to Dallas is in Galveston Island, which is about 290 miles away from the city.
What are some popular beach destinations in Texas?
Some of the most popular beach destinations in Texas include South Padre Island, Port Aransas, Galveston Island, and Mustang Island. These beaches offer a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and water sports.
