Amarillo TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Amarillo, Texas.
1. Palo Duro Canyon
SECOND LARGEST US CANYON
Palo Duro Canyon offers spectacular views and outdoor recreation opportunities just a half-hour drive from Amarillo. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, camping, biking, and exploring the natural beauty under the vast West Texas sky. The canyon's dramatic landscape provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in the second largest canyon in the United States.
2. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
DESERT OASIS GETAWAY
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area provides a refreshing water escape in the Texas Panhandle with opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The reservoir stretches across nearly 10,000 acres, offering sandy beaches and cool waters that contrast beautifully with the surrounding arid landscape. Visitors can enjoy water sports during summer months or explore the surrounding trails that offer panoramic views of this unexpected desert oasis.
3. Caprock Canyon State Park
BISON AND SWIMMING HOLE
Caprock Canyon State Park features a swimming area where visitors can cool off while enjoying insanely beautiful views of the canyon landscape. The park is home to the official Texas State Bison Herd, offering a unique wildlife viewing experience alongside recreational water activities. With camping areas that provide stunning vistas to wake up to, Caprock Canyon offers a perfect blend of waterfront relaxation and natural wonder.
4. Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
WETLANDS WILDLIFE HAVEN
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge features seasonal wetlands and water areas that attract diverse wildlife and migratory birds near Amarillo. The refuge offers a serene waterfront setting where visitors can enjoy wildlife photography, bird watching, and hiking along waterside trails. Though water levels fluctuate seasonally, the area provides a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts looking to experience the unique ecosystem of the Texas Panhandle.
5. Thompson Park Aquatic Facility
URBAN WATER RECREATION
Thompson Park Aquatic Facility offers a refreshing urban waterfront experience for Amarillo residents and visitors looking to beat the Texas heat. The facility features water slides, swimming pools, and splash areas perfect for family-friendly fun during the summer months. Conveniently located within Thompson Park, this aquatic center provides a well-maintained recreational water escape without having to leave the city.
6. Greenbelt Lake
RELAXING RESERVOIR RETREAT
Greenbelt Lake offers a tranquil waterfront destination about an hour's drive east of Amarillo with opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The reservoir is surrounded by cottonwood trees and natural vegetation, creating a scenic environment for picnicking and camping along its shores. Visitors appreciate the relatively uncrowded setting, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful water escape in the Texas Panhandle.
7. Canadian River
WILD RIVER ADVENTURE
The Canadian River creates numerous swimming holes and waterfront recreation areas as it winds through the northeastern portion of the Texas Panhandle. During periods of good flow, the river offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and riverside exploration through rugged and scenic terrain. The river's sandy beaches and water access points provide welcome relief from the Texas heat while showcasing the wild beauty of the region's natural waterway.
8. Mackenzie Park
URBAN WATER PLAY
Mackenzie Park in nearby Lubbock offers water features and recreational opportunities for visitors seeking aquatic fun within an urban setting. The park includes Mackenzie Beach, a man-made swimming area that provides a family-friendly environment for cooling off during hot Texas summers. With additional attractions like Joyland Amusement Park nearby, Mackenzie Park creates a complete recreational experience centered around its refreshing water features.
9. McClellan Creek National Grassland
HIDDEN CREEK ESCAPES
McClellan Creek National Grassland features natural waterways and seasonal swimming holes nestled within the rolling grasslands northeast of Amarillo. Visitors can discover secluded spots along McClellan Creek where water pools create peaceful places to wade and cool off while surrounded by native prairie landscape. The grassland's natural water features offer a more primitive and untouched waterfront experience for those willing to explore its trails and creek beds.
10. Ute Lake State Park
CROSS-BORDER WATER PLAYGROUND
Ute Lake State Park is located just across the New Mexico border, offering Amarillo residents a worthwhile day trip to enjoy quality waterfront recreation. The large reservoir features sandy beaches, clear waters, and extensive shoreline perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. With stunning mesa views surrounding the water, Ute Lake provides a scenic escape that combines desert beauty with refreshing aquatic recreation approximately two hours from Amarillo.
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