El Paso TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near El Paso, Texas.
1. Oasis Water Park
DESERT WATER FUN OASIS
Oasis Water Park in El Paso offers a vibrant summer retreat featuring wave pools, water slides, and the city's only surfing machine. Set within Eastside Regional Park, it provides a refreshing and lively escape from the desert heat. The park's signature rides and family-friendly atmosphere make it a top destination for aquatic fun in El Paso.
2. Ascarate Park Lake
URBAN LAKESIDE RECREATION
Ascarate Park Lake is the largest public-use recreational park in El Paso and features a scenic 48-acre lake perfect for kayaking, paddle boating, and shoreline fishing. The surrounding park landscape invites picnicking, walking, and seasonal community festivals by the water. Its relaxed lakeside setting offers a welcome slice of nature in the heart of the city.
3. Elephant Butte Lake State Park
NEW MEXICO'S LARGEST LAKE
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, about two hours from El Paso, is renowned for its expansive blue waters, sandy beaches, and abundant opportunities for swimming, boating, and watersports. The park's shores attract campers and day-trippers seeking both relaxation and adventure under sweeping desert skies. Its vastness and resort-like atmosphere make it a premier waterfront destination for the El Paso area.
4. White Sands National Park
UNIQUE DESERT PLAYA
White Sands National Park, though not a traditional beach, features dazzling gypsum sand dunes that evoke a surreal oceanfront setting. Visitors often picnic, sled down sandy slopes, and enjoy sunset walks in this otherworldly landscape. Its luminous white sands offer one of the Southwest's most photogenic escapes for waterless, beach-like adventure.
5. Rio Bosque Wetlands Park
RESTORED RIVERSIDE HABITAT
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park offers visitors a rare glimpse of the historic Rio Grande riverbank ecosystem through miles of nature trails and tranquil ponds. This restored wetland serves as a haven for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and peaceful riverside strolls. The park's serene, water-rich environment stands as a green oasis on the city's edge.
6. Caballo Lake State Park
WATERFRONT RECREATIONAL GETAWAY
Caballo Lake State Park, north of Las Cruces, features a broad reservoir framed by mountains, with accessible swimming, boating, and fishing. Sandy and rocky beaches provide ample space for sunbathing and lakeside picnics. Its quiet, scenic shores are ideal for those seeking a less-crowded alternative for waterfront fun.
7. Falcon Lake
REMOTE FISHING RETREAT
Falcon Lake, reached by a longer drive from El Paso, sits along the Rio Grande and is renowned for its trophy bass fishing and rugged shoreline. The lake's borderland setting offers tranquil waters and isolated beaches perfect for anglers and kayakers. Its off-the-beaten-path atmosphere makes it a coveted spot for peaceful water escapes.
8. Lake Lucero
SALT FLAT ADVENTURE
Lake Lucero is a seasonal playa within White Sands National Park, known for its otherworldly landscape of shimmering salt flats and rare gypsum crystals. Guided tours provide insight into its natural history, while the dry lakebed offers unique photographic and hiking opportunities. The crystalline setting produces a striking, beach-like experience found nowhere else in the region.
9. Ute Lake State Park
HIGH PLAINS RESERVOIR
Ute Lake State Park, though farther from El Paso, is a favorite for swimming, water sports, and lakeside camping with miles of accessible shoreline. The park's clear waters and gentle breezes create an inviting atmosphere for boaters and families alike. Its well-maintained beaches make it a top choice for extended waterfront getaways.
10. Indian Cliffs Ranch (Cattleman's Lake)
LAKESIDE WESTERN RETREAT
Indian Cliffs Ranch, home to Cattleman's Steakhouse, features a scenic man-made lake that provides a rustic, western-style escape near El Paso. Guests can stroll lakeside paths, spot wildlife, or enjoy a meal with sweeping water views. The ranch's blend of Old West charm and waterfront relaxation makes it a unique local favorite.
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