Meridian TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Meridian, Texas.
1. Meridian State Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE ESCAPE
Meridian State Park features a tranquil 72-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and shaded picnic spots, creating a peaceful lakeside atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Visitors enjoy swimming from the small rock beach, fishing in the well-stocked lake, and exploring diverse hiking trails through scenic Texas Hill Country terrain. With options to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, the park is a popular destination for families seeking a classic lakeside experience with a blend of water activities and nature walks.
2. Lake Whitney State Park
EXPANSIVE LAKEFRONT RETREAT
Lake Whitney State Park, located on the shore of Lake Whitney, is renowned for its broad swimming beaches, boating facilities, and fishing opportunities. Visitors can swim in inviting coves, relax on sandy banks, or explore the lake by kayak for a refreshing water adventure. The park's sweeping views and abundant wildlife make it an ideal spot for both relaxation and recreation along a major Texas reservoir.
3. Dinosaur Valley State Park
PREHISTORIC RIVER ADVENTURE
Dinosaur Valley State Park offers unique swimming holes and beachy sandbars along the clear Paluxy River, set amid lush greenery and dramatic limestone cliffs. Guests marvel at actual dinosaur tracks in the riverbed while cooling off in the shallow waters and enjoying scenic riverside picnics. The park's blend of natural history and riverside fun creates an unforgettable experience for families and nature lovers.
4. Lake Waxahachie
PEACEFUL WATERFRONT GETAWAY
Lake Waxahachie provides a calm lakeside environment with several designated swimming areas, fishing docks, and picnic spots under shady oak trees. Boaters and swimmers flock to the lake's accessible shoreline for a restful day on the water just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Its uncrowded beaches and easygoing atmosphere make it a favorite for those seeking a quiet retreat.
5. Cedar Hill State Park
URBAN LAKESIDE OASIS
Cedar Hill State Park sits on the shores of Joe Pool Lake, providing a sandy swimming beach, multiple fishing piers, and boat ramps just minutes from Dallas. The park's combination of shaded picnic groves and expansive water views makes it an ideal destination for both water sports and relaxation. With hiking and biking trails leading to quiet coves, it's a versatile waterfront escape for visitors of all ages.
6. Lake Granbury City Beach Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CITY BEACH
Lake Granbury City Beach Park features a sandy public beach right in the heart of Granbury, offering a lively swimming area along the scenic lakefront. With amenities like picnic pavilions, a splash pad, and convenient access to downtown shops and restaurants, it's popular for family outings. The urban beach's festive vibe and shallow waterfront make it an easy, accessible choice for a day in the sun.
7. Weatherford Lake
RELAXED LAKEFRONT RECREATION
Weatherford Lake offers a peaceful lakeside setting with boat ramps, fishing piers, and a designated swimming area perfect for cooling off during the hot Texas summer. The lake's rural location ensures a quieter, less crowded experience compared to larger reservoirs. Its natural shores and calm waters attract those looking for a laid-back day of swimming, kayaking, or fishing.
8. Possum Kingdom Lake
CRYSTAL-CLEAR DEEPWATER HAVEN
Possum Kingdom Lake boasts crystal-clear blue waters bordered by dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, making it a premier destination for swimming, boating, and scuba diving. Popular swimming areas like Sandy Beach offer gentle entry and stunning lake vistas. The lake's combination of scenic beauty and deepwater recreation makes it a favorite for both relaxation and adventure.
9. Brazos River at Glen Rose
RIVERSIDE RELAXATION SPOT
The Brazos River at Glen Rose features inviting sandy banks and gentle currents, ideal for swimming, tubing, or simply relaxing by the water. Visitors are drawn to its scenic, tree-lined setting and the opportunity to launch kayaks or fish in tranquil surroundings. Its accessibility and natural beauty make it a classic Texas riverside retreat.
10. Comanche Peak Lake
REMOTE LAKESIDE SOLITUDE
Comanche Peak Lake, just outside Glen Rose, is a quiet and relatively undeveloped lake perfect for those seeking solitude and lakeside swimming. The shoreline offers rustic spots for picnicking and nature observation, while calm waters invite a refreshing dip on warm days. Its peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere offers a true escape from crowds and city bustle.
Meridian Things To Do
Visit our list of attractions and things to do near Meridian, Texas.
Meridian Restaurants
Visit our list of restaurants and places to eat near Meridian, Texas.