Looking for some of the best Dallas getaways to take this summer? We are so excited to share a few of our favorite day trips from the city that may not be on your radar. Favorites among families and couples alike, these are spots that promisse hours of joy and memories.
"I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket." - Kellie Elmore
As the days get longer and warmer, it's time to plan this year's summer getaways. If you live in the Dallas Fortworth metroplex, or happen to be visiting you are in luck. There is no shortage of lakes, pools, water parks and yes, even sandy beaches, just a short drive away from the city.
We have put together some of the best Dallas getaways, which have been our favorites year after year. While very popular among the locals, some of the below attractions may not be as widely known, but absolutely worth checking out. All of them are family friendly and perfect for romantic getaways, so no matter who you are traveling with you are sure to have a blast.
This post is all about the best Dallas getaways to take this summer with the family or significant other.
Happy Travels!
BEST DALLAS GETAWAYS TO
TAKE THIS SUMMER
Island View Park's Sandy Beach
- Lake Texoma
It's no secret that Dallas is located inland, so you may be surprised to hear that there are plenty of sandy beaches just a short drive away. Some of the most popular ones are located on Lake Lewisville and Joe Pool Lake right in the metroplex. If you feel like taking a 5 hour road trip South to the coast there are pleanty of beaches to choose from. South Padre Island, Galveston, Grystal Beach, Corpus Christy, Boca Chica Beach to name a few offer so much to experience and discover.
We don't always have time to drive down South however and the beaches close to the city like Little Elm Beach and Lynn Creek Park can get quite crowded, so that's when we take off to Island View Park near the Texas Oklahoma Border. The spot is perfect for both day trips or weekend getaways. Check out Lighthouse Resort and Marina if you are staying the night. Located on Preson Point, the resort provides easy access to everything Lake Texoma has to offer. It is also only minutes away from the breathtaking Eisenhour State Park.
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The first time I visited Island View Park was with my sweetheart for a romantic day trip for his birthday. We loved it so much that a few weeks later we went back with the kids and the dog. After seeing pics and videos my sister, who came for a visit from California, insisted we take her there as well and we all loved it.
Needless to say it is now a tradition to visit at least once every summer. A little over an hour drive from Dallas, this beautiful lake park is a great spot to visit. Located on lake Texoma, it offers a golden sandy beach, kayak rentals, picnic tables, plenty of shady areas and is quite dog friendly. A bonus is the Island Bar & Grill restaurant at the nearby Highport Marina. With it being right on the lake, the views are fantastic, and they come with music, a great menu and one of the best deserts we have ever tasted - their signature Cheescake Eggrolls.
Burger's Lake & Beach
- Fort Worth
Burger's Lake & Beach is one of those hidden gems you'll be glad you discovered. Although, located in Fort Worth, it may as well be miles away from the city. As you through beautiful scenery you may be greeted by deer just hanging around the ticket booth, like we were. Once you pull up in the parking lot the view is truly unexpected. Pictures do not do justice to this wonderful summer swimming spot.
The spring-fed swimming lake is part of 30-acre park and is surrounded by trees making it quite secluded.It includes two sandy beaches, 6 diving boards, 20-foot slide, 25-foot trapeze and water fountains. Burger's Lake Park offers hundreds of picnic tables, charcoal grills, as well as food and beverage stand. Sand and grass voleyball courts, inner tubes for rentals, and life guards on duty, make this place the perfect Summer getaway in North Texas, whether you are traveling with family or your sweetheart.
Lake Grapevine
- Grapevine, TX
If you live in the Dallas area and have never been to Grapevine, you are missing out. Visiting Dallas or Fort Worth? It is a must see. I know this section is devoted mostly to Grapevine Lake, but the town is definitely worth a stop. Main street has the cutest shops, wineries, fantastic food, and festivals. Don't miss the Main Station and Vintage Railroad for themed train trip experiences. Lake Grapevine is without a doubt a destination in itself. You can spend a day or a weekend on the shores of this beautiful lake.
To read more about Grapevine visit our post on 7 Romantic Day Trips from Dallas
One of our favorite lakeside resorts is Twin Coves Park and Campgrounds, offering cabins, camping grounds and even party pavilions you can rent for the day. A favorite for families and couples alike is the inflatable floatable obstacle course WhoaZone. If you are looking for a great hangout spot by the lake, make sure to stop by Big Daddy's Ship Store. Located right on the Marina, this restaurant offers a great menu, music on Friday and Saturday nights (weather permitting), and beautiful views. Little ones will love the ducks and watching all the boats come and go, while you will enjoy the stunning sunset and lakeside vibe.
Great Wolf Lodge
- Grapevine, TX
Great Wolf Lodge is located in Grapevine, but I had to keep it in a category of it's own. There is so much to love about this incredible year round resort. Let's start with the indoor water park, making it perfect for those winter days or rainy spring whether in Texas. Of course for the summer, there is a large outdoor resort style beach entry pool with water slides, splash fountains and obstacle course.With too many attractions, activities and events to mention, the Lodge is a paradise for families.
Grab magic wands and venture on a quest across the many floors of the resort. Talking books, fairy lanterns, pictures coming to life, and fearsome dragons to name a few. MagicQuest is an absolute delight. Multiple dining options, pajama story time with characters, arcade, Spa for the little ones, rock mining, arts & crafts, surprises in the themed suites. Your kids will not want to leave and you will build memories to last you a lifetime. I know we did.
Rockwall Harbor
- Rockwall, TX
From the magnificent Lake Ray Hubbard views and boat cruises to splashgrounds, shopping and fine dining, The Harbor Rockwall has something for everyone. Couples will love the sunsets and walking by the water. Kids will enjoy the splashground, fountains and the ducks. Families will have a great time getting together at one of the many restaurants or having a picnic. The perfect spot to pop the question or tie the knot, the Rockwall Harbor is a beautiful waterfront wedding venue. So what to do if you are not getting engaged or married?
Bring the pets, the kids, that special someone or visit on your own for some well deserved me time. Check out Lake Cruises Rockwall and Sail With Scott, for variety of cruise experiences. Try some Texas BBQ at the Sideways or seafood at Dodies Cajun. After dinner take leisurly walk by the water and stop at Rocky Mountain Chocolate or Cold Stone Creamery for dessert. Whatever you choose to do when visiting, The Rockwall Harbor is without a doubt one of those Dallas getaways you do not want to miss.
SeaWorld & River Walk
- San Antonio, TX
San Antonio is a bit farther than the rest of the destinations on this list, but I had to include it because it really is a destination you and your loved ones will love. Home to SeaWorld and everything that comes with it, you are in for days of fun rides, shows, and activities. Interact with belugas, dolphins, sea lions at Discovery Point. Make friends with penguins, puffins and murres or visit Aquatica, known as Texas' best Water Park. From water slides to pools and rivers, you will have the time of your life.
When in San Diego, don't miss the RiverWalk, one of the best and most popular destinations in the state. Take a cruise down the river, stroll the riverside paths, and enjoy boutique shops, museums, and restaurants. Soak up some history at the Alamo and the Historic Perl neighborhood. With so much to see and do, and only 4 hour drive from Dallas, San Antonio on top of our list of unforgetable vacation destinations.
Hawaiian Falls Park
- Garland, TX
If you are looking for a great water park within 30 minutes from Dallas, you won't go wrong with Hawaiian Falls. Spend a few hours or a whole day, enjoying waterslides, wavepool, a lazy river, and a kid zone to name a few. Hawaiian Falls is great for family get-togethers or parties. You can rent Cabanas, bring in coolers with food and drinks for additional $15 charge and spend a day of fun under the sun. The park has lockers, showers and a shop. Life jackets and floaters are also provided.
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What we love most about Hawaiian Falls park, other than the amazing water features and pools, are the special events offered. Pool parties, dine-in movie nights, Luaus, wags n'waves so your fur baby can join in on the family fun, and live bands. They also offer late nights on occasion, which are a great opportunity to enjoy the park after sunset on those extra hot days. The ticket allowes you to go out and come back later that same day, so if needed you can go home for a nap after a morning of fun and come back for the evening fun.
Airfield Falls & Water Gardens
- Fort Worth, TX
When visiting Fort Worth, we discovered the picturesque Airfield park, home to a lovely natural waterfall. Not many waterfalls in Texas, so this one was a great surprise and we all loved it. The park sits on the east side of the Naval Air Station JRB and features parts from a McDonnell Douglas C-9 aircraft. Hit the trails, fish, and admire the beautiful vegitation and playful butterflies on the way to the falls.
Another favorite in Fort Worth are the fenomenal Water Gardens. Another one of those attractions where pictures don't do justice to this massive water feature. What we didn't know until our visit was that the gardens include not one, but multiple water features. To make this trip extra special, take a carriage ride through Fort Worth downtown and stop by Sundance Square Plaza to admire the beautiful fountains, clock tower and night life at this charming Texas city.
This post is all about
the best Dallas Getaways to take this summer.
With Summer approaching we are excited to share with you some of our favorite Dallas getaways that may not be on your radar quite yet. There is so much the city, the metroplex and the beautiful state of Texas have to offer and we would love to hear about your favorite spots. All listed destinations are perfect for day trips from Dallas and can be easily reached from any North Texas city. We hope you get a chance to visit one or all of the listed destinations in this post and you love them as much as we do.
Happy Travels!
