Exploring the Best Beaches in Dallas + Day Trip Inspiration

Did you know that there are a whopping 7,000+ lakes in Texas?

With picturesque lakes dotting the landscape, you don’t need to travel to the Gulf of Mexico for a beach day!

Next time you’re craving a dose of vitamin D, make your way around the best beaches in Dallas.

Table of Contents

White Rock Lake Park

When you’re talking about the best beaches in Dallas, White Rock Lake Park is your go-to spot. Just five minutes outside of downtown Dallas, this popular park is one of the most beloved spots in the city.

With 1,015 acres ripe for exploration, White Rock Lake Park is a nature lover’s dream. Hike, bike, fish, bird watch, run, or just soak in the sun.

There is a nearly ten-mile-long path for walking and bicycling that will take you through the most beautiful areas of the park.

Don’t want to haul your gear? At Winfrey Point and Big Thicket, you’ll find rental facilities.

And why not learn a thing or two while you’re there? From the White Rock Lake Museum to the Bath House Cultural Center to the Dallas Arboretum to the Audubon Society bird-watching area, there are plenty of options.

When you’re ready to unwind, walk the piers then make your way over to the picnic area for lunch in the sun.

Got a special event? You can also rent a pavilion.

What to Know Before You Go

White Rock Lake Park is open every day from 6 am to 11 pm. Entry into the park is free and you’ll find free parking all around the park.

While it can get a bit crowded, there is always a spot somewhere:

If you go during the weekend, check out the parking lots near White Rock Lake Dog Park as well as Bath House Cultural Center, and the White Rock Boat Club.

If you’re going to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden first, you can pay $15 and leave your car there for the whole day. Don’t want to deal with parking? You can also hop on the DART bus line 214 to the Garland at Whittier stop.

Planning Tip: Want to see the best of Dallas in a short time?

Explore with a local! We had an amazing experience on the Dallas: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour. In four hours, you can see all of the best of the city and learn what makes this place just so special.

Burger’s Lake Park

Well worth the 45-minute drive from Dallas, this 30-acre park is an absolute dream on a long sunny afternoon.

You’ll find two sandy beaches alongside a massive pool for adventure seekers.

Burger's lake near Dallas — Burger’s lake fun

Get your heart racing on the 25-foot trapeze, scream down one of the waterslides, or show off your skills on the diving boards.

When you’re ready to chill on the beach, grab a lounger and watch the world pass by from the sandy shores of Burger’s Lake.

What to Know Before You Go

Burger’s Lake Park is every year from late May to early September on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 7 pm.

The price of entry is $15 per person. For kids under six, you can get discounted tickets for $5.

Collin Park Marina on Lake Lavon

Take the 40-minute drive from Dallas to arrive at one of the biggest lakes in North Texas.

Collin Park Marina on Lake Lavon is a favorite weekend getaway for local families and a must-see for tourists.

One of the best things about this park is its wide open spaces. With plenty of shorelines to go around, you’ll rarely come up against overcrowded beaches.

You’ll find long stretches of golden sand where you can swim, lounge, or play volleyball dotted with grassy shorelines where you’ll find people hiking and camping.

The Harbor House Restaurant & Club at Collin Park Marina on Lake Lavon is an essential stop.

Not only is it a good place to refuel, but you’ll find karaoke and live music in the evening. This popular place is on Thursday and Friday from 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am.

What to Know Before You Go

When you enter the recreation area, you’ll pay $3 for your car and $3 per person. Want to camp? You can bring a tent for $25 or pay $38 for an RV site.

Pebble Beach Park

For a relaxed day out, look to Pebble Beach Park.

Located 45 minutes outside of Dallas, this is a prime place for a day of digital detoxing and fun in the sun.

There are plenty of quiet, shaded areas where you can unwind with a good book or just admire the sea.

Pebble Beach park near Dallas — Pebble Beach park

Rarely crowded, this spot is completely devoid of tourist traps and overpriced eateries.

It’s very much a DIY affair, so be sure to bring your supplies:

Pack a picnic and find a spot for yourself amongst the towering trees.
You can also bring your canoe, kayak, or boat and find plenty of areas to set off.

What to Know Before You Go

Pebble Beach Park is open from April to September from dawn to dusk. The park is free to enter, and you can use the boat ramps for free. You’ll find plenty of parking right near the entrance.

Joe Pool Lake

Just 30 minutes outside of Dallas, there are three parks on Joe Pool Lake:

Lynn Creek Park
Loyd Park
Britton Park

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Lynn Creek Park

If you’re looking for a day sunbathing, swimming, and soaking in the sun, this is the place to be.

There’s a picnic area with a barbecue, a playground, a concession stand, and a beach volleyball court.

Are you bringing your boat? You’ll find two boat ramps and a marina where you can access Joe Pool Lake.

Lynn Creek Park is open from March to September from 6 am to 10 pm. Entrance is $15 per car and $20 on holidays.

Joe Pool Lake near Dallas — Joe Pool Lake

2. Loyd Park

On the west side of Joe Pool Lake, you’ll find this gorgeous 791 acres of native landscape.

It’s a perfect place for camping and the lush forest space is oversize camping sites that average around 1000 sq feet.

With a private pavilion, picnic table, grill, and fire ring, you’ll feel like you’ve got the place completely to yourself.

Not really in the mood to rough it? You can also stay in a room in the lodge or rent a cabin or yurt.

3. Britton Park

This secluded park is perfect for fishing and boating.

Quieter than Lynn Creek Park and Loyd Park, Britton Park is a peaceful escape.

Note there are no picnic tables, barbeques, or playgrounds here. There are, however, bathroom facilities and a boat ramp that you can use for free.

It’s easy to find a parking spot at Britton Park but note that it is $10.

While there might be no one there monitoring the parking when you arrive, you will get ticketed if you don’t follow the self-pay steps.

Conclusion

When it comes to the best beaches in Dallas, it’s time to hit up the lake! From active afternoons trekking through the lakeside or chill afternoons lounging in the sand, you’ll find just what you’re after, and less than one hour from Dallas!