Southlake TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Southlake, Texas.
1. Lake Lewisville
VAST RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Lake Lewisville offers numerous parks and amenities for water enthusiasts near Southlake. Visitors can enjoy boat ramps, beaches, picnic areas, and hiking trails at popular spots like Lewisville Lake Park and Hidden Cove Park. The expansive lake provides ample opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and other water recreation activities.
2. Hidden Cove Park and Marina
SECLUDED WATERFRONT RETREAT
Hidden Cove Park and Marina is a beloved destination on Lake Lewisville offering a range of waterfront amenities. The park features beaches, boat ramps, and picnic areas perfect for day trips with family and friends. Visitors appreciate the slightly more secluded atmosphere compared to other lakefront parks in the area.
3. Cedar Hill State Park
NATURAL LAKESIDE BEAUTY
Cedar Hill State Park provides a beautiful natural setting on Joe Pool Lake not far from Southlake. The park offers swimming beaches, hiking trails, and camping areas amid rolling hills and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy water recreation while also experiencing the unique Penn Farm Agricultural History Center within the park.
4. Bahama Beach
TROPICAL WATERPARK EXPERIENCE
Bahama Beach brings a tropical waterpark experience to the Dallas area, providing a fun alternative to natural lakes. The waterpark features multiple slides, a lazy river, and wave pools that create a beach-like atmosphere for families. Visitors can enjoy the controlled swimming environment with lifeguards and amenities not found at natural beaches.
5. Ray Roberts Lake State Park
PRISTINE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers pristine beaches and swimming areas across multiple units surrounding the large reservoir. The park provides extensive outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, camping, and hiking along scenic shorelines. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and relatively uncrowded atmosphere compared to lakes closer to Dallas.
6. Lake Grapevine
VERSATILE WATERFRONT PLAYGROUND
Lake Grapevine provides multiple beach and swimming options close to Southlake, with different characteristics on the north and south shores. Meadowmere Park offers the most prominent officially designated swim area on the south shore, featuring straightforward access and a roped-off swimming area. The lake's varied terrain includes everything from family-friendly beaches to more secluded coves ideal for experienced swimmers.
7. Little Elm Beach
PICTURE-PERFECT SANDY SHORES
Little Elm Beach is a picture-perfect sandy beach situated on the shores of Lewisville Lake near Southlake. The spacious beach area includes ten beach volleyball courts overlooking the lake and provides ample space for building sandcastles or simply relaxing in the sun. Visitors can enjoy various water activities through DFW Surf, Hydrous Wake, and The Cove at The Lakefront®, or rent boats for skiing, tubing, and cruising.
8. Rockledge Park
SCENIC NORTH SHORE SWIMMING
Rockledge Park sits on the north shore of Lake Grapevine offering swimming spots with unique terrain features. While access can be more challenging than south shore locations, many visitors appreciate the scenic views and slightly less crowded environment. The park's rocky shoreline creates interesting swimming areas that appeal particularly to older children and adults rather than young families.
9. Gaylord Texan Resort
LUXURY WATERPARK EXPERIENCE
The Gaylord Texan Resort features a beautiful 10-acre outdoor swimming area located right on Lake Grapevine. Visitors can enjoy a lazy river, outdoor pool, rocky grotto-style whirlpool, and an indoor pool in an upscale resort setting. The resort's Paradise Springs water park adds family-friendly play structures with plenty of cabanas and lounge areas for relaxation.
10. Katie's Woods
SHELTERED COVE RETREAT
Katie's Woods offers a popular unofficial swimming spot in a sheltered cove on Lake Grapevine. Though not designated as an official swim area, the location provides easy access to waters protected from boat traffic, making it safer for swimmers. Locals appreciate this hidden gem for its more natural setting compared to the designated beach areas around the lake.

Southlake Things To Do
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