Best Day Trips from Dallas
Browsing side trips within a short distance from Dallas? These 8 top day trip destinations near the city will do the job!
Category: Day Trips from Dallas
6 Summer Staycation Ideas in Dallas and Surroundings
Beaches, waterfalls, drive-thru safaris and more near Dallas. Discover 6 superb ways to spend a hot summer day in and around DFW!
10 State Parks Near Dallas with Amazing Swimming Areas
Hike, dive, repeat:
These 10 State Parks near Dallas are perfect for a summer splash!
Enjoy nature and beat the Texas heat in one single shot, at beautiful State Parks and Preserves in Texas and surroundings, with natural swimming areas.
From popular summer spots among locals, to hidden gems where you can enjoy solitude, discover in this post 10 awesome places within 2 hours driving from Dallas to cool off this summer.
The parks below all feature great nature trails and river beaches, lake beaches or cascades. They make outstanding summer day trip destinations from Dallas.
Choose your favorites, make reservations (links along the post), and hit the road to have the time of your life every weekend of this season!
Don’t mind driving a little (or a lot) further? Check our summer special for tons of summer travel ideas in Texas and surroundings states, including the most amazing swimming holes in Texas and the best beaches to visit from Dallas.
📝 Note:
It’s always a good idea to check on current conditions before heading to any State Park, as recent extreme weather or other unforeseen events can close trails and swimming areas without notice.
Click on the specific State Park links provided along the post to check for any current Park Alerts before hitting the road.
1. Cedar Hill State Park
Distance: 22 miles/ 25 min from Dallas
This is the place to go if you’re looking for a quick summer getaway – Cedar Hill is the closest State Park to Dallas and located less than 30 minutes from the city. It’s overall a great Texas State Park to hit this summer if you need a change of scenery but don’t want to drive a long distance.
Cedar Hill State Park features a beautiful and well-maintained beach area. Swimming at Joe Pool Lake is a sure way to beat the Texas heat!
Hiking, biking, and fishing are some of the other fun things to do at Cedar Hill State Park. Or simply relax by the lake and soak in the summer vibe surrounded by nature.
2. Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Distance: 59 miles/ 1 h 00 min from Dallas
Ray Roberts Lake, in Pilot Point, Texas, is a popular State Park among Dalasites for its proximity to the city and great amenities.
It’s a place for fishing, swimming, paddling, camping, hiking, cycling and horseback riding – the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are endless there.
Lake Ray Roberts Isle du Bois unit features a beautiful sandy beach area as well, perfect for a splash in the Texas summer.
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch, a safari style zoo, is right next door to Ray Roberts Lake State Park and makes the perfect add on to your summer day trip from Dallas.
3. Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Distance: 78 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas
Lake Mineral Wells is an amazing State Park in North Texas. It features a swimming beach, kayak and SUP rentals, and over 12 miles of trails. And its home to famous Penitentiary Hollow, a unique geological formation resembling a small canyon.
For a perfect summer day at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, hike Red Waterfront Trail towards Penitentiary Hollow and then refresh and recover at the lake shores.
Other activities at Lake Mineral Wells include boating, camping, fishing, and rock climbing.
Lake Mineral Wells is about 1h15 from Dallas and 0h45 from Fort Worth, and a popular Texas State Park among locals.
4. Eisenhower State Park
Distance: 79 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas
Right on the shores of Lake Texoma, one of the largest reservoir in the United States, Eisenhower State Park is home to a beautiful swimming cove and over 6 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Set up on a bluff overlooking the lake, Eisenhower State Park offers amazing views. It’s a beautiful and well-maintained State Park in Texas, ideal for a splash in a hot summer day.
Other activities there include fishing, paddling (bring your own equipment), hiking and camping.
5. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Distance: 80 miles/ 1 h 25 min from Dallas
Dinosaur Valley is a must-visit State Park in Texas, and Dallasites are lucky to have it only a short driving distance from the city!
Not only Dinosaur Valley State Park scenery is absolutely gorgeous, but the park is also home to unique real dinosaur footprints along Paluxy River riverbed. Looking for them and hiking the several nature trails are among the top activities there.
On summer, Paluxy River takes the center stage and is one of the best places near Dallas to cool off surrounded by nature. Crystal-clear waters, sandy beach areas and small cascades make Paluxy River the most perfect place to chill out under the sun.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is right next door from Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, another must-visit attraction in the area. Check in this post a complete weekend itinerary including both places (destination # 1, Glen Rose) and plan you summer adventure.
6. Tyler State Park
Distance: 97 miles/ 1 h 30 min from Dallas
The Piney Woods region of Texas is simply stunning. And Tyler State Park is one of the closest places to experience its beauty from Dallas.
Tyler State Park landscape is unexpected. A dramatic change of scenery from the plains we are used to see around Dallas. Head there and you’ll find yourself immersed in nature, surrounded by gorgeous 100-foot tall trees framing a beautiful 64-acre spring-feed pond, ideal for all sort of summerish leisure activities.
Tyler State Park has a great designated swimming area, with a jumping platform. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are available for rent on site, and paddling the pond is another great way to enjoy summer there.
On your way between Dallas and Tyler you’ll find Ham Orchards -open summer season only and a slight detour from your itinerary. For an amazing summer experience in the Dallas surroundings, stop there on your way back to the city and try their famous homemade peach ice cream.
7. Fairfield Lake State Park
Distance: 95 miles/ 1 h 25 min from Dallas
Fairfield Lake State Park is a great summer day trip destination from Dallas. Not far from the city, it’s home to over 10 miles of beautiful easy to moderate hiking trails and to a large sandy swimming area.
Besides the designated swimming area, Fairfield Lake State Park also offers lake access from every camping area, so it’s easy to find solitude and claim your own spot on the peaceful lake shores. Other activities at Fairfield Lake State Park include camping, boating, and horseback riding (bring your own horse).
Ennis is in your way back to Dallas and home to classic Galaxy Drive Inn Theatre. For the ultimate summer adventure, stop by and top off your fun-filled day by the lake with an old-fashioned movie session under the stars.
8. Turner Falls Park
Distance: 128 miles/ 1 h 55 min from Dallas
Turner Falls, in neighboring Oklahoma, is absolutely gorgeous.
The 77-foot cascade is the largest waterfall in Oklahoma and a popular summer travel destination for Texans. Besides the breathtaking waterfall, the park offers trails, small caves, zip-lining, and lodging.
Take advantage of your trip to Turner Falls Park to visit neighboring Little Niagara Falls, part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Other amazing nearby attractions include Arbuckle Wilderness Park and Chickasaw Cultural Center.
9. Lake Whitney State Park
Distance: 76 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas
Lake beaches, clear water, and solitude. Lake Whitney State Park is a true hidden gem only 1h15 driving from Dallas.
The State Park features a designated swimming area with 2 sandy beaches. And several swimmable spots along Whitney Lake shores, including hidden and beautiful rocky beaches, as the one shown in the picture.
The limestone bottom makes Lake Whitney clean and clear, with fresh waters perfect for a summer splash. It’s a great lake for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating.
Whitney Lake State Park also features 2 short nature trails – Towash Forest Trail and Two Bridges Trail – as well as cabins and waterfront camping spots. It’s overall a superb summer travel destination in Texas, for a quick day trip or even to spend the weekend camping surrounded by nature.
10. Meridian State Park
Distance: 92 miles/ 1 h 40 min from Dallas
Shady trails, a clean designated swimming area and a peaceful lake make this small and secluded Texas State Park a great quick summer getaway from Dallas.
A nature retreat off the beaten path, and the place to go if you’re looking for quiet and privacy.
Lake Meridian is a ‘no wake lake’, making it the perfect place for a summer splash – you won’t have to worry about boats and jet-skis.
Meridian State Park has over 5 miles of trails for all skill levels. Don’t miss Bosque Hiking Trail, which circles the lake perimeter and takes you through the Civilian Conservation Corps dam and a scenic overlook.
Other activities at Meridian Lake State Park include paddling (rentals available on site), floating and fishing.
Summing Up
In need of a change of air but not in the mood for a sleepover?
Try one of the 10 superb State Parks and Preserves mentioned in this post and enjoy the best lake beaches, river beaches and cascades in the Dallas surroundings.
Cedar Hill State Park, Lake Ray Roberts State Park, Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Eisenhower State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Tyler State Park, Fairfield Lake State Park, Turner Falls Park, Lake Whitney State Park and Meridian State Park are all stunning nature spots with swimming areas and amazing places to explore this summer.
Places to breath in nature and cool off in style, all within 2 hours driving from Dallas and ideal for a summer day trip.
Which are your favorite swimming spots near Dallas? Leave a comment bellow!
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Heads up: my posts may contain affiliate links.
If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more. But I’ll earn a small commission that will help the Dallas Wanderer to keep the lights on as a free travel and leisure resource for our community.
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Best Lake Beaches near Dallas | With Pictures!
6 Top Lake Beaches in Dallas to Visit this Summer
Discover the best beaches in DFW and its surroundings, and have a blast every summer weekend!
Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about —John Mayer
Beach is calling, and there is no need to embark on a long road trip to bury your feet in the sand!
Dallas, believe it or not, is home to mind-blowing Lake Beaches that will make you forget for a moment you are so far from the coast.
Prairies and Lakes Region of Texas
DFW and its surroundings are no short of lake beaches.
The Big D is located in the Prairies & Lakes region of Texas, and a glance at Google Maps can make anyone aware that immense bodies of water surround us.
The trick here is to sort the wheat from the chaff: not all lake beaches are made the same.
And while most lakes are amazing to spend a day engaging in water activities, not many offer truly fantastic sandy lake beaches.
Best Lake Beaches in Dallas and surroundings
In this post, you will discover the top 6 beaches to spend a hot summer day in Dallas and its surroundings.
A list I wish I had in my hands when I first arrived in Dallas six years ago!
Outstanding summer day trip and staycation destinations, ideal for a fun summer weekend day or to watch a sunset any day of the week.
Visit these places, and you will be rewarded with white sand, clear water, clean and well-maintained facilities.
Ready to explore?
Check the recommendations and prepare for the best summer ever!
Little Elm | 0 h 40 min from Dallas
Only a short drive from Dallas, Little Elm Park, by Lake Lewisville, offers a superb and well-maintained sandy beach.
Access is free and amenities include volley courts, paddle and bike rentals, and an onsite grill.
A family-friendly location, Little Elm Beach is cleaned daily, and life jackets are available for use.
It is right next door to Hula Hut, a casual Tex-Mex restaurant with an outstanding lakefront patio and cool beach vibe.
Fort Worth | 50 min from Dallas
Twin Points Park, by Eagle Mountain Lake, is a local favorite on summer in Fort Worth.
The lakefront sandy beach is among the best to visit in DFW and its surroundings.
It features volley courts, a boat ramp, paddleboard rentals, a shaded natural area with trees, and large pavilions for rent.
Twin Points Beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. You must purchase a parking permit ($ 10 – $ 20) in advance to access the park.
Fort Worth | 45 min from Dallas
Crystal-clear and spring-fed Burgers Lake is a must-visit during summer in DFW.
This unique water park offers two white sand beach areas. And tons of water fun, with slides, diving boards, and trapezes over the lake.
Burgers Lake also features picnic tables, grills, volleyball courts, and a lot of shade along 30 acres.
The park is open Memorial Day Through Labor Day (after August 16 weekends only), and admission costs $ 15 per person.
Pilot Point | 1 h 00 from Dallas
Ray Roberts Lake features an outstanding sand beach totally worth the short drive from Dallas.
You can visit it as a day trip destination or even camp there for an immersive experience.
Make reservations in advance through their website to avoid surprises (recommended).
The beach is clean and large and offers amenities such as nearby picnic tables and an on-site kids’ playground.
If you have kids in tow, consider stopping by Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch on your way there to feed the animals and interact with wildlife.
Pottsboro | 1h20 min from Dallas
By Lake Texoma, Island View Park is home to one of the most beautiful lake beaches in the Dallas surroundings.
It features two beaches. One with amenities such as picnic tables and paddle rentals, usually more crowded. And other in its natural state, that will make you forget for a second that you are not on the coast.
The park is open year-round, and the entrance fee is $7 per person (kids 7 and under are free).
Distance: 80 miles/ 1 h 20 min from Dallas
Also by Lake Texoma, Eisenhower State Park is home to the most scenic beaches near DFW.
It features white sand, clear water, shaded areas, and a small cave to explore.
The state park is close enough to Dallas for a day trip.
But if you want to spend the weekend, consider camping there in the Elm Point Camping area, with easy access to the beach.
Make online reservations before hitting the road to assure your entrance to the park, specially during the weekends.
Summing Up
Best Lake Beaches near Dallas-Fort Worth
Texas is surrounded by lakes, featuring beautiful sand beaches for a quick escape without the long drive to the coast.
In this post, we covered the 6 best ones.
The Beach at Little Elm Park, Twin Points Beach, Burgers Lake, Ray Roberts Lake State Park Beach, Island View Park, and Eisenhower State Park Beach are all alternatives worth checking this summer!
Texas is home to amazing ocean beaches too!
If you don’t mind driving further and have a few days to spare, know that Texas also offers superb ocean beaches that will blow your mind!
In this post, you will find the best Texas beaches to visit from Dallas, including gorgeous Malaquite Beach, Mustang Island, and South Padre Island.
Florida and Alabama Beaches
If a long drive doesn’t scare you, Florida and Alabama offer outstanding beach travel destinations up to 11 hours driving from DFW, popular among Dallasites.
Check our Beach Special and discover American gems such as Florida 30A, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach and prepare your next beach vacation.
What is your favorite lake beach near Dallas?
Throughout the years, I keep being surprised by mind-blowing hidden gems in the Dallas surroundings.
Every summer, I discover something new that, for some reason, hadn’t been on my radar before.
Do you know of any outstanding beaches near Dallas not mentioned in this post?
Share in the comments below. I will love to follow your recommendations and explore new spots!
Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!
Heads up: my posts may contain affiliate links.
If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more. But I’ll earn a small commission that will help the Dallas Wanderer to keep the lights on as a free travel and leisure resource for our community.
Thanks 🧡💙🧡
14 Texas State Parks near Dallas Fort Worth
Stunning nature preserves up to 1h30 from DFW to enjoy the outdoors
Discover the closest Texas State Parks to Dallas for hiking, camping and everything in between!
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”
― Henry David Thoreau
Texas State Parks: the best places for a nature fix in the Lone Star State
Texas is home to over 80 State Parks!
Amazing natural preserves with unique landscapes and features, perfect to enjoy the outdoors and contemplate nature and wildlife.
Texas State Parks are protected areas managed by the government, with controlled access, and feel safe, clean, and well-maintained. They are my first choice whenever I feel like getting a breath of fresh air and using my hiking boots!
At Texas State Parks you can hike, camp, stargaze, fish, swim. And engage in more specific activities, such as rock climbing, paddling, cycling and even horseback riding.
Each Texas State Park offers a distinctive set of activities, and the best way to discover your favorite ones is by simply start exploring them!
Texas State Parks around Dallas
No need to travel far to enjoy Texas nature. The Dallas surroundings are home to 14 of the Texas State Parks, only a short drive away from the city.
Here I share with you all the State Parks within a 1h30 driving distance from Dallas. I’ve included the relative location to Dallas, as well as the driving distance, so you can find the ones closest to you and start exploring from there.
While each Texas State Park near Dallas has its own beauty and offers something different, I do have my favorites! So, if you’re looking for specific recommendations on the best State Parks in Dallas and surroundings, look for the ones marked with 
throughout this article. Or check the recommended ones (and the reasons why) at the end of it.
I’ve also included some insider tips below, so you can make the most of your visits and hopefully avoid some headaches – such as being turned away by lack of reservations 
, yep, you need them.
Read this post, click on the links to see what each State Park near Dallas offers, choose your favorites, and go enjoy the outdoors!
More outdoor things to do in and around Dallas?
Check this post, with 60 fun outdoor activities in Dallas and surroundings!
Texas State Parks up to 1h30 from Dallas
State Parks North of Dallas
Ray Roberts Lake State Park (1h00)Eisenhower State Park (1h15) Bonham State Park (1h15)
State Parks South of Dallas
📍Cedar Hill State Park (0h25)
📍Purtis Creek State Park (1h00)
📍Cleburne State Park (1h10)
📍Lake Whitney State Park (1h15)
📍Dinosaur Valley State Park (1h20)
📍Fort Parker State Park (1h25)
📍Fairfield Lake State Park (1h25)
State Parks West of Dallas
Lake Mineral Wells State Park (1h15) Fort Richardson State Park (1h30)
State Parks East of Dallas
Lake Tawakoni State Park (1h00)Tyler State Park (1h30)
Insider Tips
Make online reservations
Reservations to visit the Texas State Parks are required and should be made in advance through their online reservation system.
Plan ahead
For the most sought-after State Parks in Texas, reservations need to be made weeks in advance for day passes. And months in advance for camping spots.
Score last minute reservations
Getting last-minute reservations to visit Texas State Parks can be trick but is not impossible. Leave the “location” field blank in the Texas State Parks reservation system and search to see all State Parks with available passes for the date you wish to visit.
While you probably won’t find spots available in the most popular parks this way, you can end up scoring a last-minute reservation in a hidden gem soon to become your favorite camping or hiking spot in Texas! (I discovered some of my favorite State Parks around this way).
Check for current conditions before hitting the road
Trails, swimming areas and other State Parks facilities can close unexpectedly due to weather increment, water levels or other reasons. Other more specific limitations can be found – dinosaur footprints are not always visible at Dinosaur Valley, for example (it depends on the water levels).
It’s always a clever idea to check on current conditions before hitting the road to avoid disappointments. Along this post you find the links to each State Park website. Click on it and check the alerts in effect (at the top of the page) prior to your visit.
Get a Texas State Park Pass
If you are planning to visit State Parks frequently, getting a Texas State Park Pass just makes sense.
For USD 70.00 you (and whoever is in the car with you) gets free entrance in all Texas State Parks for one year. And you also get camping and State Park stores discounts.
Summing Up
Looking for the best places to camp, hike, and paddle around Dallas?
Try Texas State Parks!
You have 14 options to choose from up to 1h30 driving from Dallas. Each one of them with its own set of features and activities, and special in their own way.
Here we listed all of them, with the distances from the city and relative location to DFW. Use the links along to post to check what each of these amazing Texas State Parks offer and start exploring!
My favorite Texas State Parks near Dallas
Yes, they are all very cool and worth the drive. But I do have my favorite State Parks near Dallas lol! They are marked with starts along the post, but for a quick glimpse these are the ones I would highly recommend you visit and why:
Eisenhower State Park
Has a stunning lake beach (really, impressive) and an amazing camping area overlooking lake Texoma.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Real dinosaur footprints along the riverbed! Oh, and a gorgeous crystal-clear river framed by sandy beaches. And a great trail system as well.
Lake Whitney State Park
Crystal-clear lake, with beautiful beach areas. The lake bottom is made of limestone, what prevents it from being muddy as other lakes – under the right weather conditions, of course.
Lake Mineral Wells State Parks
Top-rated trails, rock climbing and unique Penitentiary Hollow rock formation.
Tyler State Park
Tall pine trees! It’s a landscape you wouldn’t expect to find in Texas, specially so close to Dallas. The fall foliage reflecting in the lake there is beautiful. Shady trails and water activities, such as swimming and paddling, make Tyler a local favorite under the Texas heat as well.
Go enjoy the outdoors!
Enjoy nature to the fullest without going too far! In this post you discovered the 14 best places in the Dallas surroundings to do that.
Now go check them out and get back here to let me know how it was.
Have you been to any of these State Parks before? Has any of them surprised you? What are your favorite places to go for hiking, camping, swimming and other outdoor activities near Dallas?
Leave a comment below.
