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As urban as the metroplex is, North Texans are lucky to be nearby so many beaches! Within an hours drive, DFW folks can dip their toes in the cool, refreshing waters of many sandy shores and both reservoir and natural-spring fed lakes. Overflowing with amenities that will keep both excitement-seekers and relaxation-buffs satisfied, these sites keep summer day trips options flooding in.

Burgers Lake 1200 Meandering Road Fort Worth, TX 76114 (817) 737-3414 http://www.burgerslake.com Burgers Lake is one of the few spring-fed lakes in North Texas, teeming with fresh water and a family atmosphere dating back to the 1930s. Nostalgia blooms at this spot, where grills and coolers are welcome. This 30-acre park boasts purified water that is safe for young swimmers. Admission to the park is only $5 for children to age 6 and $12 per person for ages 7 and up, good for the entire summer day. Bubbling up in Fort Worth, metroplex residents can access this natural joy in a car ride of an hour or less.

White Rock Lake1152 N. Buckner Blvd. Dallas, TX 75218 (214) 660-1100 http://www.whiterocklake.org White Rock Lake may not have the sandiest of shorelines, but it has enough unique attractions to be one of the areas most popular water spots. Well-traveled by runners, bikers and strollers, White Rock Lakes trails give spectacular views of the water, flora and areas of interest for families and culture-buffs. Surrounding the lake sits the Bath House Cultural Center for artistic inspiration, White Rock Lake Museum where visitors can learn more about the history and development of the lake, the Dallas Arboretum (separate admission fee) and green, grassy picnic spots aplenty. A day kayaking up to the shore by the Arboretum just in time for an open air concert cant be beat.

Joe Pool Lake Lynn Creek Marina 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway Grand Prairie, TX 75052 (817) 640-4200 http://www.joe-pool-lake.org Joe Pool Lake just might call itself the birthplace of summer fun. Between the boat docks and Oasis on the water restaurant and the breezy good times at Lynn Creek Park, few would argue with that statement. Lynn Creek Parks beach was recently renovated and is now plentiful in smooth sand. Nearby visitors will find a concession stand, a playground and even covered picnic tables. For those who dont want to leave when the park closes at 10 p.m., Joe Pool Lake has campsites and even cabins decorated with themes from various regions of Texas. Admission starts at 6 a.m. and is free to Grand Prairie residents. Non-residents pay $10 most days, or $15 for holiday excursions to the lake.

Related:Tips To Adding Some Beach To Your Wardrobe Lake Grapevine Meadowmere Park 3000 Meadowmere Lane Grapevine, TX 75061 (817) 488-5272 http://www.lake-grapevine.com Lake Grapevine spans far and wide, but Meadowmere Park is likely its most visited spot. Migratory birds fly past its numerous amenities, including a swimming area, boat ramp, fishing piers, camping spots and even kayak, paddle board and pavilion rentals. Open from 8 a.m. to dusk, admission for day use is only $5 per car; a great deal for an entire day of sandy beaches and wooded trails.

Lake LewisvilleLake Park Road & Mill St. Lewisville,TX 75057 (972) 219-3550 http://www.cityoflewisville.com

Lake Lewisville is adventure-packed with party boats, jet skis, windsurfing and even sailboats. However, relaxing family time isnt hard to find here either. Lake Lewisville has its share of picnic areas and a pavilion and even designated swimming areas for those who need a splash to cool down. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Labor Day, residents of Lewisville only pay $3 admission per car and non-residents pay $10. At that affordable price, where else can you see all that action?

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Kena Sosa is a freelance writer in Dallas. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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Best Public Beaches For A DFW Summer Day CBS Dallas / Fort ...