Texas is hot these days, and we don’t just mean in terms of a popular vacation destination. 2023 marked the Lone Star State’s second-hottest summer on record, and temperatures have trended upward since the beginning of the century. The good news is that there are plenty of places to cool off. Around 150 major lakes provide a welcome respite during the toastiest parts of the year, while pretty swimming holes and state parks offer ample opportunities for incredible water adventures. Not only that, Texas has around 360 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline dotted with bucket-list beaches. But if you’re in North Texas and the seaside is a little far to travel, check out the Lakefront at Little Elm, one of the most underrated swimming spots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Located on the shore of the beautiful Lewisville Lake, about an hour’s drive from downtown Dallas, the complex at Little Elm has nearly everything you could need for a great day out by the water. The website pitches it as a family-friendly entertainment district, and the Lakefront delivers on that promise with plenty of amenities, sports, restaurants, and events. The highlight is a lovely sandy beach and swimming area that will keep sunseekers and kids happy for hours on end.
Things to do in Little Elm
When the weather is hot, the lake and the beach are the main draw of a visit to the Lakefront at Little Elm. The clean, golden sand is great for building sandcastles, and the designated swimming area is cordoned off to keep boats at bay. There are no lifeguards on duty, but free life jackets are available to borrow. Nearby are some beach volleyball courts, and umbrellas are also on hand to rent if it gets too scorching on the sand. Bring along your basket because there are picnic areas and public places for grilling. If the kids get bored with the beach, there is also a large playground with shady canopies to keep them entertained.
If you want to get out on the water, Little Elm has a boat ramp to launch your craft. For rentals, Cottonwood Creek Marina is just 5 minutes away on the opposite shore, with a range of ski boats, pontoons, and jet skis available. Other companies hire out equipment for kayaking, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding. For indoor water-based fun, The Cove waterpark has a great range of slides and a FlowRider surf machine.
You don’t need to get wet to stay active at Little Elm. There are 66 miles of shoreline and trails to explore in the area, making it a great destination for hikers and cyclists. Bikes are available to rent from DFW Surf. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do at the Lakefront.
Places to eat, drink, and stay in Little Elm
If you don’t fancy the effort of cooking out or picnicking at Little Elm, there are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants to choose from nearby. Tender Smokehouse is a popular family-run joint serving Texan BBQ favorites. If you are craving Tex-Mex fare, check out Fuzzy’s Taco Shop or Barracruda, which also fires up seafood specialties. For more spice, Sawaii offers authentic Indian cuisine. For handy snacks and refreshments without going far, you can grab a hot dog, ham and cheese, or a sno-cone from Lakefront Grill, located right on the beach.
For other tasty treats, there are regular events, like farmers’ markets with an array of local vendors and the Little Elm Craft Brew and Que Festival. The latter is an annual event that offers beer and wine tastings, BBQ pitmasters, hot pepper eating contests, and live music. A good time is sure to be had by all!
With all these activities and eating options, you might decide a day trip to the Lakefront isn’t long enough. For a longer stay, The Elm by Wyndham is the first hotel in the area, a fresh and modern boutique establishment with an outdoor pool, gym, and library available to its guests.
