Dallas, Texas, may not be anywhere near the ocean, but with several lakes in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth metropolitan area, visitors and locals alike can stay cool and relax along the water's edge. While you'll find many swimming "beach" areas, only a few have true sand beaches -- the rest are generally grass or rocky areas lining the water. For those seeking a soft sandy beach to sunbathe or engage in recreational activities, you have several options all less than an hour's drive from Dallas.
Lynn Creek Park
- Head to Lynn Creek Park, which features one of the only sand beaches surrounding the massive Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie Texas, roughly 20 miles southeast of Dallas.On the northeastern shore of the lake, the beach area includes sheltered picnic tables and a sand volleyball court. You can go swimming off the beach area, although no lifeguards will be on duty. Lynn Creek Park also includes a playground, restrooms and a small concession stand. Non-residents will pay an admission fee on regular business days and everyone pays on holidays.
Meadowmere Park
- Visit Meadowmere Park on the east side of Grapevine Lake, about 26 miles northwest of Dallas in Grapevine, Texas. The park has a wide, sloping beach area that is most commonly used for beach camping. Meadowmere Park also includes a large playground, barbecue grills, covered picnic tables and recreational areas, including several soccer fields. Swimming is allowed on the lake, but at your own risk, as no lifeguards are on duty. You'll also pay a small fee to enter the park.
Little Elm Park
- Enjoy the wide, sandy beaches of Little Elm Park, about 35 miles north of Dallas on the northeast side of Lewisville Lake. While no lifeguards are on duty, floating dividers separate the shallow part of the lake from the deeper parts. The beach area also includes a concession stand, outdoor showers, restrooms and covered picnic tables. The park features two large playgrounds, including one for toddlers, sand volleyball courts, multi-purpose fields and an amphitheater where live music events take place during the summer.
Burger Lake
- Burger Lake in Fort Worth Texas is small at only 30 acres, but it features two sand beaches stretching along the lake. Less than 40 miles from Dallas, Burger Lake boasts a purified, spring-fed lake shallow enough for young and inexperienced swimmers, and certified lifeguards also are on hand. Burger Lake also includes several diving boards, a 20-foot slide, waterfall features and inner tubes available to rent. Take advantage of the many picnic tables and barbecue grills to enjoy a picnic lunch, and plan a volleyball game on one of the sand or grass volleyball courts.
