Smyer TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Smyer, Texas.
1. Buffalo Springs Lake
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKE DESTINATION
Buffalo Springs Lake offers two incredible beaches, Sandy Point Beach and Marina Beach, that are perfect spots to swim, float, wade, and relax. Visitors can enjoy these beautiful beaches for free with their admission to the lake. The beaches provide a fun environment where both kids and adults can share the space for sun-soaked activities until sunset.
2. Surfside Beach
CLEAR WATERS DEEP SURF
Surfside Beach is a small town gem located 40 miles southwest of Galveston with 4 miles of inviting sandy shoreline. It's celebrated for its clear waters and deep surf, making it a top spot for kayaking, jet skiing, and surfing enthusiasts. The clean, tranquil environment is ideal for sunbathing or relaxing with a good book, complemented by attractions like a scenic fishing jetty, the bird and butterfly trail, and a splash pad with fun water features.
3. Rockport Beach
CRESCENT-SHAPED FAMILY BEACH
Rockport Beach overlooks Aransas Bay, combining natural beauty with family-friendly amenities along its crescent-shaped shoreline. The beach features volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic tables, and a fishing pier for visitors to enjoy. Its unique blend of recreational facilities and scenic views makes it a perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation.
4. Matagorda Beach
EXPANSIVE UNDEVELOPED SHORELINE
Matagorda Beach boasts more than 20 miles of sandy shoreline with even more accessible by boat, just a 2-hour drive from Houston. The expansive sands and gentle surf make it a haven for paddle boarding and kayaking enthusiasts, while scenic dunes invite exploration on foot. This clean and uncrowded beach is a family favorite and a serene retreat for surfers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking quiet coastal charm.
5. Boca Chica Beach
SPACEX VIEWING BEACH
Boca Chica Beach is the ideal spot for a laid-back day by the sea with its gentle waves and natural setting. Adding to its unique charm, the beach is located near the SpaceX testing site where lucky visitors might catch a rocket launch for an unforgettable experience. The combination of coastal relaxation and potential space exploration viewing makes this beach a distinctive destination in Texas.
6. Lake Alan Henry
SCENIC RESERVOIR GETAWAY
Lake Alan Henry is a beautiful reservoir located approximately 65 miles southeast of Smyer, offering a peaceful retreat for water enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the clear waters surrounded by rugged canyon landscapes. The lake's relatively uncrowded setting makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a more natural and tranquil waterfront experience close to the Lubbock area.
7. White River Lake
FISHING AND RECREATION HAVEN
White River Lake provides a serene waterfront escape about 70 miles east of Smyer with opportunities for fishing, boating, and shoreline relaxation. The lake is known for its bass, catfish, and crappie fishing, making it a popular destination for anglers throughout the year. Its quiet atmosphere and distance from major cities offer visitors a chance to connect with nature while enjoying water activities in the West Texas landscape.
8. Lake Mackenzie
HIDDEN PANHANDLE GEM
Lake Mackenzie is a picturesque reservoir nestled in the Texas Panhandle, offering a welcome oasis from the surrounding plains. The lake features swimming areas, camping facilities, and boat ramps for visitors looking to enjoy water recreation not far from Smyer. Its relatively small size and friendly atmosphere make it a favorite local destination for fishing, picnicking, and weekend getaways.
9. Lake J.B. Thomas
DESERT OASIS RESERVOIR
Lake J.B. Thomas sits at the edge of the Llano Estacado region, providing a surprising waterfront experience in an otherwise arid landscape. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing for bass and catfish, and exploring the unique shoreline that transitions between desert and lake environments. The contrast of blue waters against the West Texas terrain creates a distinctive setting for outdoor recreation within driving distance of Smyer.
10. Possum Kingdom Lake
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
Possum Kingdom Lake is famous for its stunning clear blue waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, making it one of the most scenic lakes in Texas. Visitors can enjoy swimming at multiple beach areas, including the popular Hell's Gate area where towering cliffs create a natural amphitheater on the water. The lake's 300 miles of shoreline offer countless coves and beaches for exploration, creating an ideal destination for those willing to make the longer drive from the Smyer area.
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