Living in a city like Dallas provides much excitement and culture, but if you want to escape the city’s fast pace, you’re in luck. Texas has over 350 miles of gorgeous gulf coastline with numerous sunny, sandy beaches. Some of the more popular ones are several hours away if you drive.
Some of the beaches near Dallas, Texas, are listed below.
Joe Pool Lake Recreation Area
Want to spend your vacation immersed in a world of beachy family fun? Make a point of including Joe Pool Lake on your top-rated things to do in Dallas. Joe Pool Lake is not called the best beach close to Dallas for nothing; it has a refreshing and beautiful swimming area and many fantastic amenities.
You’ll find a ship-themed playground, picnic tables, and a concession stand at this family-friendly beach. There’s even a sand volleyball court for groups who want to play some friendly volleyball. And did we mention it’s the closest beach to Dallas, Texas, for those looking to swim?
Galveston Island
With so many activities to pick from, this island is ideal for families. Galveston Island not only has plenty of sand and surf to enjoy, but it also has a variety of ways to spend the day, such as visiting Schlitterbahn Waterpark, touring historical attractions such as the Ashton Villa and the Lone Star Flight Museum, taking an ocean boat or bay cruise, and spending an afternoon at Moody Gardens, a nonprofit, educational nature center.
Pebble Beach Park
Pebble Beach Park is ideal for families searching for fun things to do near Dallas who enjoy the water. This age-friendly park entices families with its easy-going vibe and enticing beach for a day of recreation and relaxation.
In addition, the park has a few attractions to make your trip even more enjoyable, such as a 3-lane boat ramp and shaded picnic tables. On top of that, the lake has some spectacular lake views.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas, also known as Port A to Texans, is a small beach town on Mustang Island with plenty of sea cottages, locally-owned restaurants, and knickknack shops. Fishing is a popular pastime in Port A, and there are numerous piers and jetties from which to cast a line. Redfish, black drum, flounder, and trout have been caught in the waters off this beach by fishermen.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach, which faces the Atlantic Ocean, provides a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea to visiting families. It’s also among the best beach vacations from Dallas, with many salty activities.
As the name suggests, Surfside Beach is a surfing enthusiast’s paradise. Surfside is ideal for adults and teens who want to display their surfing skills, thanks to its great depth and consistent waves.
The beach, of course, has plenty to offer the rest of the family. You can go fishing, sunbathing, swimming, and looking for beautiful seashells on this Texas beach.
North Beach
North Beach in Corpus Christi has calm bay water ideal for swimmers of all ages. It’s also a lovely spot for a sunset stroll or an afternoon picnic. Because this beach is in a seaside city, shops and restaurants are nearby. In addition, nearby attractions include the USS Lexington Museum and the Texas State Aquarium.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is, without a doubt, one of Texas’ best family beaches. South Padre Island is not on any list of Dallas’ best weekend beach trips.
For years, this island has captivated families with its crystal clear aquamarine waters and soft white sand beaches. In addition, the island has a variety of activities and attractions, such as horseback riding on the beach, ziplining, and the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.
Mustang Island State Park
This state park is a great place to find peace and quiet if you’re looking for it. This beach is popular for tent and RV camping. There are 48 campsites with water and electricity hookups and shower and restroom facilities. There is a daily admission fee, but children under 12 are free.
Crystal Beach
Look no further than the breathtaking Bolivar Peninsula for the closest white sand beach to Dallas. Crystal Beach, a pristine and breathtaking 7-mile stretch of sugary white sands, is located on the Bolivar Peninsula.
Aside from the beautiful sandy shoreline, Crystal Beach also has gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming with children. This beach also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as launching small sailboats and searching for seashells.
Burger’s Lake
If you want to go somewhere closer to home, consider heading to Burger’s Lake in Fort Worth, Texas. Two sand beaches, a 30-acre park with numerous charcoal grills for cooking and over 300 picnic tables, and a one-acre spring-fed lake with a 20-foot slide, six diving boards, and a 25-foot trapeze are among the amenities. Also, you won’t need to worry about your kids while they swim because the lake is staffed with certified lifeguards.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Ray Roberts Lake State Park is about an hour north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Hiking, horseback riding, biking, and backpacking are among the activities available to visitors to this state park.
Nothing outdoes an afternoon at the park’s great beaches for water activities. Ray Roberts Lake State Park’s fun beaches make it such a perfect summer destination.
Little Elm Park
Little Elm Park’s 233-mile shoreline provides plenty of adventure and fun for families. Spend time on the water by paddle boarding, swimming, or kayaking. There are also ten volleyball courts near the swimming area, making it ideal for families with teenagers.
Swimmers must exercise extreme caution because there is no lifeguard on duty. You can also borrow life jackets for adults and children.
Sea Rim State Park
With its thrilling outdoor adventures and sandy shoreline, Sea Rim State Park can compete with the best beaches near Dallas, Texas. You’ll have access to a stunning 5-mile sandy beach at Sea Rim State Park, where you can swim and relax. Similarly, the park contains vast wetlands where you can see alligators wandering among cypress trees.
Although Dallas doesn’t have many beaches within its city limits, a short drive will take you to some of Texas’ best beach areas, and if you want to beat the summer heat, head to one of these beaches.
