Midland TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Midland, Texas.
1. I-20 Wildlife Preserve
URBAN WETLAND ESCAPE
I-20 Wildlife Preserve offers a rare oasis of natural wetlands in the heart of Midland, featuring a boardwalk trail through lush habitat alongside a scenic playa lake. Visitors can enjoy bird-watching, nature walks, and photography by tranquil waters teeming with wildlife. The preserve creates a peaceful, natural retreat perfect for a brief waterfront escape within city limits.
2. Midland College Chaparral Center Pond
CAMPUS WATERSIDE SPOT
The Midland College Chaparral Center Pond is a charming campus feature with a small lake and shaded spots for relaxing by the water. Students and visitors alike can stroll, picnic, or watch ducks and local wildlife along the shoreline. This pond offers a modest but pleasant lakeside setting in the heart of Midland's academic community.
3. Comanche Trail Lake
COMMUNITY LAKESIDE RECREATION
Comanche Trail Lake in Odessa features a spacious, tree-lined park encircling a scenic lake with walking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy fishing, bird-watching, and relaxing by the water's edge, with playgrounds and sports facilities nearby. The lake is a favorite for locals seeking a family-friendly lakeside destination just a short drive from Midland.
4. Monahans Sandhills State Park
DESERT DUNES AND OASIS
Monahans Sandhills State Park features sweeping sand dunes stretching over 3,800 acres, with hidden water pockets and the occasional wetland after rains. While not a traditional beach, the park offers sand sledding, hiking, camping, and a feeling of desert adventure beside rare, ephemeral water features. Its shifting landscape and unique sandy escapes make it a top West Texas recreational wonder.
5. Lake Colorado City State Park
RESERVOIR RELAXATION GETAWAY
Lake Colorado City State Park surrounds a broad reservoir where visitors can swim, boat, and fish in a peaceful lakeside setting. Shaded picnic sites, camping facilities, and scenic viewpoints make it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Its blend of water recreation and rustic Texas scenery offers a refreshing escape from the West Texas heat.
6. Buffalo Wallow at Hogan Park
URBAN WILDLIFE POND
Buffalo Wallow at Hogan Park presents a serene pond surrounded by tall grasses and native plants, ideal for peaceful walks and wildlife observation. Visitors can enjoy the calming atmosphere, spot turtles and birds, or enjoy a laid-back afternoon by the water. Its tranquil setting provides a natural contrast to Midland's urban landscape.
7. Lake J. B. Thomas
REMOTE RESERVOIR ADVENTURE
Lake J. B. Thomas lies northeast of Midland and offers a vast reservoir for fishing, boating, and lakeside camping in a remote natural setting. The area is popular among anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and wide-open landscapes near the water. Its rugged shoreline and sunsets draw visitors looking for a classic Texas lake escape.
8. Big Spring State Park
SCENIC BLUFF AND STREAMS
Big Spring State Park boasts dramatic limestone bluffs, scenic overlooks, and intermittent spring waters flowing through lush patches after seasonal rains. The park's trails and picnic areas allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and occasional swimming holes. It's a destination that combines West Texas highland views with cooling waterfront features.
9. Lake Balmorhea
RECREATIONAL LAKE RETREAT
Lake Balmorhea offers clear waters for boating, fishing, and lakeside picnicking against a backdrop of desert mountains. The lake is a favorite for families and outdoor lovers looking for swimming and water sports away from coastal crowds. Wide-open spaces and peaceful waters make it a gem among West Texas reservoirs.
10. Balmorhea State Park
SPRING-FED SWIMMING OASIS
Balmorhea State Park features a world-renowned, spring-fed swimming pool with crystal-clear water kept at a refreshing temperature year-round. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or dive among fish and turtles in this unique desert oasis. Surrounded by mountain vistas and grassy lawns, the park's pool is a must-visit West Texas retreat.
Midland Things To Do
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