Summer is gone, school has started, and most people didn’t get to spend as much time on the beach as they would have liked. Hot weather is certainly the perfect time to get in the water, but fall and winter are also great opportunities to hit the waterfront! Here are six beautiful, smaller spots to enjoy in all seasons.
Granbury City Beach Park – 37 miles from Fort Worth
The sandy beach on this man-made lake is the ideal spot for a picnic and a stroll. Amenities of the free park include pavilions, public restrooms, and kayak rentals. Be sure try your hand at the nearby Disc Golf Course.
Photo: @savsreality via Twenty20
Eisenhower State Park Beach – 80 miles from Dallas
This section of Lake Texoma boasts perfect fishing spots, places to boulder, and interesting geocaches. Four miles of hiking surrounds the area, making it easy to search for wildlife, plants, and fossils. Enjoy a game of horseshoes or catch a breeze on the swing set.
Ascarate Park – 7.4 miles from El Paso
The largest public-use recreational park in El Paso County, Ascarate Park is over 400 acres of fun things to do. Try the golf course, rent a pedal boat, play basketball, tennis, or handball. A boardwalk meander is another great way to take in the scenery! Pack a picnic and enjoy the autumn sunshine and dry desert breezes.
Photo: @Orilus via Twenty20
Whitecap Beach – 162 miles from San Antonio
This tiny beach connects with only 1.5 miles of coastline, which keeps Whitecap Beach a deliciously hidden place. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the relaxing sound of waves while flying a kite, blowing bubbles, or reading a book. No entrance fees are required, but you must have a permit to park on the beach.
Canyon Park Beach – 54 miles from Austin
Located on the northern side of Canyon Lake, Canyon Park Beach is great for casting a line, riding bikes, getting steps, and enjoying the scenery. Not too far from the city (it’s 55 miles from San Antonio), visiting here will feel like a whole other world. Get the travel experience without too much of a time commitment.
Photo: @yournameonstones via Twenty20
Huntsville State Park – 65.7 miles from Houston
At Huntsville State Park, bring your tent or RV and stay a while! Explore construction projects of the Civilian Conservation Corps company composed of African-American veterans like the recreation hall and the boathouse. Birdwatch in the bird blind and relive childhood on the playgrounds. If you’re lucky, you may spot one of the alligators who call the park home!
As with most public areas today, it’s best to check the official websites and social media regarding open hours and restrictions. Go discover!