Dallas may not be by the ocean, but there are plenty of great beaches just a few hours away. Whether you want to relax by the Gulf Coast or enjoy a day at a nearby lake, there’s a beach for everyone. Some places are perfect for family fun, while others offer water sports and outdoor adventures. From sandy shores to peaceful lakes, these beaches are great options for a quick getaway from the city.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best beaches close to Dallas. Get ready to find your next beach destination!
Galveston Island
Distance from Dallas: ~4.5 hours
Galveston Island is one of the most popular beach destinations in Texas. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, rich history, and beautiful beaches. Visitors love walking along Seawall Boulevard, which stretches for miles along the coast, offering great views and plenty of spots to relax by the water.
Attractions on the island include Moody Gardens, where you can explore tropical pyramids and watch 3D movies, and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, a fun spot with amusement rides and games. The island also has many beachside restaurants, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood while taking in the ocean views.
There’s plenty to do at Galveston Island, whether you want to go swimming, cast a line for fishing, or simply stroll along the shore looking for seashells. It’s a great place for a fun and relaxing beach getaway.
Pebble Beach Park (Lake Lavon)
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Distance from Dallas: ~1 hour
Pebble Beach Park at Lake Lavon is a quiet, relaxing spot perfect for a quick getaway from the city. This lakeside park offers peaceful beach areas where you can unwind and enjoy nature. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a low-key day by the water.
The park features picnic areas with scenic views of the lake, making it ideal for a family outing or a casual lunch outdoors. You can also take advantage of the calm waters for fishing or go for a refreshing swim to cool off.
Whether you’re looking to swim, fish, or enjoy a picnic in a beautiful setting, Pebble Beach Park provides a simple, serene beach experience close to Dallas.
Port Aransas
Distance from Dallas: ~7 hours
Port Aransas is a charming beach town located on Mustang Island. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re looking to relax or enjoy some outdoor adventures, Port Aransas has something for everyone.
Attractions include nearby Mustang Island State Park, where you can explore miles of undeveloped coastline, as well as local seafood restaurants serving fresh catches of the day. Birdwatching is also popular here, with many species to observe along the shore.
Activities like surfing, kayaking, and dolphin watching are favorite pastimes for visitors. Port Aransas is perfect for those looking for both relaxation and adventure in a stunning beach setting.
Surfside Beach
Distance from Dallas: ~4.5 hours
Surfside Beach offers a quieter, more laid-back option compared to some of the busier Gulf Coast spots. Its wide sandy beaches and calm waters make it a great place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace.
Visitors can enjoy local beach shops and casual seafood shacks, making it feel like a friendly, welcoming beach town. You’ll also find options for beach camping, allowing you to spend the night right by the water.
Activities include fishing, swimming, and relaxing by the shore, making Surfside Beach a peaceful retreat for families and friends.
North Beach (Corpus Christi)
Distance from Dallas: ~6.5 hours
Located in Corpus Christi, North Beach is a family-friendly destination with plenty to do both on and off the beach. It offers calm waters, soft sand, and easy access to local attractions.
Some of the nearby attractions include the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum, both within walking distance of the beach. These are great options for adding a little education and adventure to your beach day.
On the beach, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing with a view of the Corpus Christi Bay. North Beach provides a fun mix of beach time and nearby activities for the whole family.
South Padre Island
Distance from Dallas: ~8 hours
South Padre Island is one of the most famous beach destinations in Texas. Known for its crystal-clear waters, it’s a hotspot for both relaxation and fun. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or get active in the water, South Padre Island has it all.
Popular attractions include the Sea Turtle Rescue Center and the Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center, where visitors can learn about local marine life.
Activities like snorkeling, parasailing, and beach parties make South Padre Island a lively destination. It’s perfect for those who want a little excitement on their beach vacation.
Mustang Island State Park
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Distance from Dallas: ~6 hours
Mustang Island State Park is a beautiful stretch of undeveloped coastline, making it ideal for nature lovers. The park offers miles of sandy beaches where you can enjoy the quiet and beauty of the Gulf Coast.
Visitors can take advantage of the park’s birdwatching areas, nature trails, and camping facilities. It’s a great spot for those who want to experience the outdoors in a more natural, less crowded environment.
Activities include beachcombing, camping, and fishing, making Mustang Island State Park perfect for those who love a peaceful, nature-filled beach experience.
Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula)
Distance from Dallas: ~5 hours
Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula is a calm, family-friendly beach that offers a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great spot for those who want to avoid large crowds and enjoy the beach at a slower pace.
Visitors will find beach houses and seafood spots nearby, perfect for a casual beach getaway. The area is also known for its beautiful sunsets and scenic coastline.
Popular activities include crabbing, swimming, and shell hunting, making Crystal Beach a relaxing place to spend a day or weekend by the water.
Burger’s Lake (Fort Worth)
Distance from Dallas: ~45 minutes
Burger’s Lake is a spring-fed lake with sandy beaches, making it a popular spot for families and groups looking for a quick escape from the city. The clear, cool waters are perfect for swimming on a hot day.
In addition to swimming, the lake features diving boards, waterslides, and plenty of picnic areas, making it a fun destination for a day of outdoor activities.
Burger’s Lake provides a beach-like experience close to Dallas, offering both relaxation and fun activities for all ages.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Distance from Dallas: ~1 hour
Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a great option for those looking to enjoy a beach day close to Dallas. The park offers beach-like areas along the lake, providing plenty of space for families and friends to relax by the water.
With hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas, there’s more to do than just swim. You can spend the day exploring nature or just lounging by the lake.
Popular activities at Ray Roberts Lake include swimming, boating, and hiking, making it an ideal spot for outdoor lovers who want to stay close to home.
Little Elm Park (Lake Lewisville)
Distance from Dallas: ~40 minutes
Little Elm Park is a local favorite for those looking to enjoy a day by the lake. Located on Lake Lewisville, this park offers a sandy beach area that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The park also features volleyball courts, an amphitheater, and shaded picnic areas, making it a fun destination for families and friends.
Whether you’re swimming, paddleboarding, or having a picnic by the water, Little Elm Park is a convenient and enjoyable beach option close to Dallas.
Sea Rim State Park
John Perry from Hattiesburg, MS, USA, Sea Rim State Park, CC BY-SA 2.0
Distance from Dallas: ~5 hours
Sea Rim State Park is a quiet, natural beach area along the Gulf Coast. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy the solitude of nature.
The park is known for its birdwatching, boardwalk trails, and opportunities for kayak rentals. Visitors can explore the marshes and enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by wildlife.
Activities like fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation are popular here, making Sea Rim State Park a great option for nature enthusiasts looking for a beach escape.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of beach experience you’re looking for, there are plenty of great options close to Dallas. From the lively Gulf Coast to peaceful lakeside parks, you can find the perfect spot to relax, swim, or explore nature. Whether you want a weekend getaway or a quick day trip, these beaches offer a fun escape from the city. Pack your sunscreen and enjoy some time by the water!
