When you think of Dallas, beaches aren’t typically what comes to mind.
For some, they think of an amazing skyline. For others, a more country feel comes to mind. But believe it or not, there are plenty of places to lay out a beach towel and make sandcastles on beaches in Dallas!
While you won’t get the vast expansiveness of the gulf or the ocean, you can still get all of the classic elements of the beach in this land-locked city. In fact, some state parks are made purely for the sake of preserving that ability in North Texas.
Here are some of the best beaches in and near Dallas where you can cool off this summer!
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Lynn Creek Park
Joe Pool Lake is probably one of the most notable spots for enjoying the beach in Dallas. The adjoining park called Lynn Creek Park is where most beachgoers will try to get to before the crowds surface.
The sand is fine and soft so it’s perfect for laying out a beach towel and making sandcastles. It is known for some really cool activities like night fishing and boating. There are boat ramps and a marina available if you want to try out boating or if you need extra gear.
There is a huge playground and an open picnic area which make it the perfect spot for kids.
In addition, there are changing rooms and restrooms which are a huge plus for cleaning up after rolling around in the sand for a day.
There is a fee per vehicle, but you can get a discount if you’re a Grand Prairie resident. The beach is closed during the off-season from October-February, so definitely add this to your summer calendar if you can!
Collin Park
Collin Park is located further north of Dallas on Lavon Lake. There are sandy beaches that also make way towards the marina and boat ramps.
During the summer months, you can take out a boat and enjoy the water, or bring some lawn chairs and a tent to spread out and enjoy the view. This location has beach volleyball and even a horseback riding trail.
You can book a campsite here and plan your own little staycation. There are RV hookups if you prefer more of a glamping trip over a camping trip.
There is a fee per vehicle for admission, but it is definitely worth it!
Ticky Creek Park
If you head up the lake from Collin Park, there is another area with Dallas beaches and water access.
Ticky Creek Park is around the bend of Lavon Lake and has several of the same amenities as Collin Park. This park is smaller so the main focus is the water and beach areas.
There are restrooms to clean up and also covered picnic areas for a cookout by the beach!
This park is a little more secluded than most of the major hits on bigger lakes. You’ll have to travel on some dirt roads to get there but once you get there the view is great!
Ray Roberts State Park
State parks are a really great way to get to know the local area while still being able to have more modern amenities in the parks.
Ray Roberts State Park is located just an hour outside of Dallas, near Denton, and has a quiet, laid-back vibe.
You can camp at the park’s many campsites or just come to enjoy one of the best beaches near Dallas for the day.
With 29,000 acres there is plenty of room for all sorts of activities. There is a marina on-site, you can rollerblade or hike the trails, you can also check out the popular fishing spots.
There are a total of 4 beach areas throughout the park so that will help thin any crowds, although it shouldn’t fill up on a regular basis.
Cedar Hill State Park
Another great North Texas state park to visit for beaches close to Dallas is Cedar Hill State Park.
This park is located fairly close to the Dallas city center. Joe Pool Lake is the main draw for the park, the lake is 7,500 acres with plenty of cool spots to check out throughout. There are some cool fishing docks and trails if you want to explore more.
The beach area is gravel so you’ll have to be a bit more cautious while walking around. In addition to the beach area, there is a large playground for kids.
There are restrooms available on site and also some picnic areas for a fun lunch outing.
The swimming areas are thoroughly marked off so just make sure to pay attention to the signage when you go swimming!
Pebble Beach Park
Pebble Beach Park has a seasonal Dallas beach that is open during the day. It is a great place for family outings. It is a little more on the secluded side, so you won’t typically see it very crowded.
Unlike most of the other parks listed here, this area is free to visit.
If you’ve got a boat of your own you can bring it here for a ride, there is a boat ramp available. This is also a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic, there are covered picnic areas as well.
The park’s season from April to the end of September, so make sure to mark it on your calendar for your summer outing!
Little Elm Park
Little Elm park has a great sandy knoll on the shore of Lake Lewisville.
The park is free to anyone but some of the amenities, like the boat ramp, have a fee. There are covered picnic areas near the beach, and you can also use the grills in certain areas.
There are also some campsites available, these are perfect for a short weekend stay.
Little Elm is very close to a lot of the metropolitan areas like Frisco, so you really can be close to everything but still enjoy a vacation away from the masses.
To round it out, there are beach volleyball courts and a playground!
Granbury City Beach Park
Located just a short walk from Granbury’s famous town square, Granbury City Beach Park makes for a fantastic beach day in North Texas!
Stretch out on the sandy beach, go for a swim, and enjoy amenities like kayak and SUP rentals on-site.
Public restrooms are available, as well as picnic facilities.
Once you finish enjoying the beach, make your way back to the town square to enjoy more of the fun things to do in Granbury!
Meadowmere Park
Located on Lake Grapevine, Meadowmere Park is a local favorite among locals looking for refreshing beaches in Dallas.
Unique from most of the locations on this list, this location offers kayak rentals to be able to experience the water on a more user-friendly basis.
The beach is great for a quick swim, it is clearly marked off and you can set up shop right next to your car or tent. You can grab a picnic table for a quick lunch or explore some more of the park along the edge of the lake.
The park itself is pretty wide open with no obstructing trees, it is perfect for letting the kids run around or having a larger group get together!
Willow Grove Park
Willow Grove Park is a great little spot on Lake Lewisville. This is on the smaller end of beach parks in Dallas but it gives off much more of a local, small-town vibe which is nice because it can be difficult to find lesser-known spots, especially in the summertime.
If you’re looking for directions online be sure to select the park near Willow Grove Pier. The two parks get confused quite often.
The beach has a large playground nearby with a larger winding trail network that spurs off. There are some boat ramps and fishing piers as well.
Copperas Branch Park
Copperas Branch Park is a slightly newer beach in Dallas.
The beach area is more grassy rather than sandy but you can still go swimming in a marked area of Lake Lewisville. This park does charge per vehicle for entry, but it is one of the few places that has a heavily shaded area.
This is a nice counter to the usual open areas especially in the heat of the summer months.
There are picnic tables and restrooms available on site. This park is pretty much open all day so there is no bad time to come out and enjoy the water!
Lake Park
Lake Park is located right off of the beautifully manicured lawns of a golf course.
This area is packed with stuff to do. From golfing to camping to biking you can pretty much do anything within walking distance.
The beach area is more sloped and pebbled but you can still find other areas to spread out when you’re out of the water if you want something a little softer.
The water isn’t explicitly marked off so be sure to use your own discretion and keep an eye on any little ones. The water is really shallow so it’s a fun splash-pad of sorts.
This is definitely a fun park for families, water shoes might be smart given the shallowness of the water!
Stewart Creek Park
Stewart Creek Park is a great park that is open year-round. There are expanded hours from March to October so you can make the most of this beach in Dallas during the hot summer. The beach area is nicely roped off and the beach is fairly sandy.
There is a daily fee per vehicle, additionally, you can purchase an annual permit if you wish.
There are picnic tables and restrooms available for use. Additionally, there are beach volleyball courts, hiking trails, and camping sites. This park is huge and has a lot to offer.
