If you consider yourself a sun-seeking beach lover, you’ll be glad to know that there are a wealth of beaches to visit in and around Dallas.
And we have to admit it: these spots are beyond stunning!
So whether you’re looking for somewhere to kick back, recharge, or soak up some sunshine—maybe all the above—then these are the places you need to put on your travel list.
And while you might know some of the beaches here, we doubt you have visited them all, as we’ve included ocean beach spots and lake beaches that not everyone knows about!
So keep reading for our take on the best beaches in Dallas and nearby, including insider travel tips, what to do there and what to expect, plus everything else you need to know before you set off.
Got your sunglasses and sunscreen at the ready? These are the best beaches you need to visit in and around Dallas!
1. Tickey Creek Park
First up: Tickey Creek Park. On the western edge of Lake Lavon, this must-visit creek is a laid-back, picturesque spot with a shore that was made for sunset picnics.
And yep – it’s only a short drive from Downtown Dallas.
It’s quite secluded (it’s only accessible via dirt road), but we promise the sandy shore, sheltering trees, and wide-open lake views (see also: What Are The Most Popular Wineries For Views And Tastings On Seneca Lake?)make it worth it. And the water is super clean, perfect for paddling, swimming, or just cooling off.
The best thing is that there are no fees to enjoy everything Tickey Creek Park has to offer.
Our recommendations? Pack a picnic before you go. And make sure to hang around for the sunset – which is honestly the main reason we think everyone should go here.
Tickey Creek Park is open from April to September. And it doesn’t get too busy, thankfully. So if that’s not enough to check this place out, we don’t know what is!
2. Lynn Creek Park, Joe Pool Lake
Here’s another scenic spot in Dallas with a beach that’s sure to satisfy any cravings you’re having for sun, sand, and sea. There’s a lot to do here too, so it’s definitely one to put on your summer travel list.
Joe Pool Lake spans over 7,000 acres of lush nature trails, fishing hotspots, picnic and picturesque shorelines.
And at the heart of it all is Lynn Creek Park: a stunning white beach that probably sounds too good to be true – especially when we tell you that it’s just a 30-minute drive away from Dallas.
That’s right, and it’s like being at the oceanside here as the sand is soft, the water is clear, and there’s even a beach volleyball court to take full advantage of.
So the kids will love it. And with Lynn Creek Marina just a stone’s throw away from the beach, you can also hop in a boat to go sightseeing around the lake.
Needless to say, we love this spot – and we’re sure you will too.
Lynn Creek Park is open from March to September from 6am to 10pm, and costs $15 per vehicle (six people) to visit.
3. Ray Roberts State Park
Entrance to Ray Roberts State Park costs $7 for adults, but it’s totally worth it from the moment you step onto the curved white sand at Isle du Bois – a bay-like beach with a sunset to die for.
Kids under 12 are free, by the way, so you might also be glad that this is a place they’ll love as much as you will. It offers horseback riding, for one, in addition to canoeing, kayaking, beach volleyball, camping, and trails to sight-see on bike and foot.
So if you have a tent, here’s the perfect location to kick back and explore for a few days.
The best thing is that it’s a one-hour drive away from Dallas, situated just north of the city. So throw a tent and some beachwear into the car and head to Ray Roberts State Park for an easy getaway you’ll be sure to remember.
4. Little Elm Park
Also north of Dallas (and a little closer than Ray Roberts State Park), Little Elm Park is another beach hotspot that’s worth talking about here.
Why? Because it’s a serene, laid-back beach boasting a large swimming area that’s perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding.
And with volleyball courts, picnic spots, and playgrounds lining the shorefront, it’s also a top getaway spot for families with little ones.
What we like the most about Little Elm Park is its close proximity to Dallas. It’s a short 45-minute drive from Downtown, so it’s one of those that you squeeze into a convenient day trip.
But that’s not to say Little Elm Park doesn’t offer much to do. The opposite is true, as there’s even a handful of hiking and biking trails to explore in the area.
It’s open from Monday to Thursday from 8am to sunset as well as on weekends from 8am to 8pm, costing $10 to park per vehicle on weekends and during peak season (May to Labor Day).
All in all? Definitely a location worth visiting.
5. Sea Rim State Park
Don’t mind driving? Sea Rim State Park is a stunning spot just east of Houston, offering gentle waters to kayak, trails to explore, and, of course, a dreamy beach that’s perfect for relaxing, cooling off, and soaking up some sun.
The beach measures five sandy miles in total, so if you (or your partner) are the kind of person who likes long, romantic walks on the beach, we can’t recommend Sea Rim State Park enough.
What this location also offers is open wetlands that you can explore via beaten paths and boardwalks. There’s wildlife to spot too (so don’t forget your camera), plus plenty of scenic areas to stop for a picnic.
So it’s a top destination for nature lovers, as well as those who simply can’t get enough of the beach.
Did we also mention that you can camp here? You can. In one of fifteen campsites (complete with amenities) or right on the beach – if that’s what floats your boat.
So don’t leave your camping gear behind!
7. Burger’s Lake Park
Like burgers? Burger’s Lake Park offers some of the best burger vendors—we’re kidding.
Actually, there are a handful of places to get a good burger onsite in Burger’s Lake Park (plus pizza and ice cream, you’ll be glad to know), but what really stands out about this spot is how awesome it is for swimming.
Burger’s Lake Park boasts a small, vibrant beach, a natural pool, and even a splash park that’s perfect for the kids.
Lifeguards are on duty too, so it’s safe enough to catch a few rays without worrying too much about the kids.
So if you and your family love to swim, here’s the spot you need to check off your travel list, since it’s also got waterfront play parks and waterslides.
It’s open on weekends from 9am to 7pm from May to September, costing $15 per season or $5 for children under six years. Fully worth it, if you ask us.
8. Collin Park
Like Tickey Creek Park, Collin Park is another must-visit beach destination you’ll find at Lake Lavon – just a short drive away from Dallas.
So what does Collin Park have to offer?
Peace and quiet!
We’re not joking. Collin Park is much quieter than the other lakefront spots in the area (it’s more tucked away), making it the go-to location to take a dip, lay down a picnic spread, and sunbathe to your heart’s content.
And with the nature stretch that spans the beachfront, there’s always the opportunity to catch some shade and go exploring for a quick change of pace.
It costs $3 per vehicle and per person to enter.
As a bonus, you can also camp here: $25 for the camping grounds and $38 for the RV sites.
9. Surfside Beach
We said we’d include beach escapes in and out of Dallas, so here’s another one that’s worth thinking about if you don’t mind driving!
And if you don’t, you won’t be disappointed with what Surfside Beach has to offer. It’s a popular seaside destination for more than one reason, and one of those reasons is surfing!
Yep, you can hit the waves and even paddle board here. It’s also a great spot to fish, picnic, and, of course, sunbathe.
As a popular beach hotspot, you’ll find plenty of food vendors and restaurants in the area, plus a few local bars if you’re looking to cool off with a colorful cocktail.
Surfside gets our stamp of approval, for sure.
10. Granbury City Beach Park
Granbury City Beach Park is something of a local gem.
And despite its small size, it’s a beach that feels almost foreign thanks to its stretch of white sand, swimmable waters, and shady beach huts.
And it’s just over an hour’s drive from Downtown Dallas – not bad at all.
So what activities does Granbury City Beach Park have to offer? Aside from picnicking, strolling, and sunbathing, this white sand beach is a great spot to swim, kayak, and paddle.
Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented too, so you don’t need to buy or bring your own if you don’t want to.
And if that hasn’t got you excited just yet, it will when we tell you that Granbury City Beach Park is totally free to visit. Yep, no entrance fee whatsoever!
11. Cedar Hill State Park
This one’s about as close to Downtown as it gets. So if you’re looking for somewhere quick and convenient to kick back and chill, Cedar Hill State Park is it.
And we’re not the only ones who love this spot. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, boasting an abundance of walking trails, wildlife, shorefront views, and fun activities – including swimming, fishing, boating, and paddling on the beach.
So round up your favorite people and head down to this location because, alongside plenty to do, Cedar Hill State Park is a top spot to set up camp(see also: The 10 Best State Parks In Texas To Go Camping!). There are hundreds of camping areas with full amenities and utilities, including water and electricity.
Kids under 12 enter free and for adults it’s just $7. So definitely get planning.
12. Pebble Beach Park
Head north-west of Dallas for 50 minutes (by car, that is) and you’ll find Pebble Beach Park on the shores of Lake Lavon.
Yep, Lake Lavon really is a hub of beautiful lake beaches and this one’s no exception.
And the fact is, you’ll love Pebble Beach Park if you’re looking for a secluded shoreline to laze about, picnic, and swim on a hot afternoon.
This little oasis offers peaceful river views, sheltering trees for shade, grassy picnic spots, and boat ramps for getting out on the water.
So if you have a kayak or canoe, definitely take it with you!
Pebble Beach Park is open from April to September. And what’s really great about this spot is that it’s completely free to visit.
13. Meadowmere Park
Lakeside leisure doesn’t get any better than at Meadowmere Park – located just 35 minutes from Dallas.
So if you’re hunting for a family-friendly lakefront destination packed with fun activities for kids, Meadowmere Park is worth checking out.
What you get here is relaxation and recreation here in equal measure.
The beach is perfect for swimming and paddling, the nature trails are great for family walks, and the WhoaZone onsite playground with paddling areas is ideal for spoiling the kids to a few hours of fun.
It’s cheap to go here too: $5 per vehicle or $1 per person. It’s a little more expensive during holiday seasons, but we still think it’s worth it – especially for last-minute day trips!
14. White Rock Lake Park
If you’re a Dallas local, you’ll know about White Rock Lake Park. But if you haven’t been yet, it’s one we thoroughly recommend.
Swimming isn’t allowed here on the beach, it has to be said, but it’s still a great spot to stroll, dip your toes, and take in the still water views.
And there’s also plenty to do in the area for families—all cost-free—including boating, canoeing, hiking, and picnicking.
So, all in all, it’s right in the heart of Dallas, fun for families, and it doesn’t cost a thing. If you haven’t visited White Rock Lake Park yet, here’s your nudge in its direction!
15. Willow Grove Park
Ah, Lake Dallas. We love this destination’s open lake waters, walking trails, and abundant nature.
And one spot that never fails to disappoint is Willow Grove Park – situated on the park’s eastern shore.
This is a prime camping spot, first and foremost. It has 15 camping areas each for tents and RVs, complete with amenities for maximum comfort away from home.
In addition, you’ll enjoy the large grassy expanse for picnics and sports, plus the sandy beach stretch that sets the scene for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and more.
Not to mention the superb sunsets facing west.
And it’s just $5 per vehicle to enter. Pets are allowed too, so you don’t have to leave the dogs at home!
16. Stewart Creek Park
On the other side of Lake Dallas is Stewart Creek Park, and it’s the perfect location to wrap up our list.
What we really like about Stewart Creek Park is that it’s an inviting location to relax and recharge for both families and couples.
Just some of the things you’ll enjoy (see also: Things To Do In Burlington, Vermont – 22 Things You’ll Enjoy)here are a clean beach (one of the cleanest in Lake Dallas), ample picnic benches and sheltered pavilions (barbecue, anyone?), a sandy kids’ playground, hikes and bike trails, plus lots more.
And while Willow Grove Park offers stunning sunset views to the west, Stewart Creek Park offers sparkling views east as the sun casts its rays over the shimmering stillwater lake.
