Las Colinas is a 12,000-acre master-planned community in Irving, Texas. Elements of its visionary urban planning are emulated by architects from around the world. It is home to major corporate headquarters as well as the Irving Convention Center. There are also many single-family residences and apartment homes here. Thousands of residents also call Las Colinas home.
Water is a prominent feature in Las Colinas. The 125-acre Lake Carolyn is one of more than 50 lakes here, so there are countless ways to enjoy the water. Take a boat tour around Lake Carolyn and through the adjoining Mandalay canals. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, or hop on a water trike. Arrange for a gondolier to serenade you during a romantic gondola ride near sunset—dinner cruises accommodate up to 12 people!
Best Places to Swim Around Las Colinas
You’ll appreciate the water all the more during the Texas summer. Some swimming spots are minutes away, while others involve a bit of a drive. It’s always great to look forward to a quick dip in a pool at the end of a long day. Spend the day at a local aquatic park, or take a day trip to one of North Texas’ big lakes. Better yet, escape for a leisurely weekend getaway! Engineers spent decades harnessing the Trinity River and its tributaries. The resulting reservoirs deliver endless recreational possibilities.
Residents of the DFW metroplex enjoy swimming at major lakes, mainly to the north. When considering various swimming destinations, be sure to consider these variables to figure out which lake is best for you and your family’s needs:
- Type of beach – sand or gravel?
- Quality of water
- Type of lake bottom
- Are lifeguards present?
- Bathrooms and showers
- Is boat traffic present?
Lake Lewisville
Lake Lewisville is a 29,592-acre reservoir on the West Fork of the Trinity River. At Lake Park, the beach straddles the southern shore. Enjoy the convenience of a snack bar, grill, and parking close by. The park also has its own golf course and a disc golf layout.
Along the eastern shore, you’ll find Hidden Cove. Thanks to a full-service marina, you’ll also have access to various rentals. This includes kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, jet skis, and boats. Before or after your swim, commune with nature while hiking one of the trails. When you get hungry, head to the Rockin’ S Bar and Grill for a bite to eat.
Swimming is also possible at Willow Grove Park, Stewart Creek Park, and Copperas Branch Park.
Lake Grapevine
Lake Grapevine is an impoundment of Denton Creek, a tributary of the Trinity River. At Little Elm Park, enjoy a large sand beach with nearby bathrooms and showers. The no-wake area is spacious enough to allow for a 300-meter swim loop. The park also offers nine miles of wilderness trails. Watersports abound, including windsurfing, paddleboarding, and skiing. Sailing charters also ply the lake. At Sand Bass Point, you’ll find a scenic cove popular with swimmers. Fitness-minded swimmers jump in after a bike ride along the network of trails. Triathletes from Southern Methodist University have trained here.
Joe Pool Lake
Located on the northwest side of Joe Pool Lake, Lynn Creek Park is on the northwest shore in Grand Prairie. Visitors enjoy a sandy swimming beach. There’s also beach volleyball, a grassy picnic area, a playground, and concessions. A short drive takes you to a place that feels like it’s a world away. The 7500-acre Joe Pool Lake is less than 10 miles south-southeast of Las Colinas. After frolicking in the waters, grill out against an attractive wooded backdrop. Round out your day with some hiking, biking, or boating at Cedar Hill State Park. The DORBA trail is great for off-road biking. Tour the historic Penn family farm at the park. Experience the rural lifestyle of a century ago.
Ray Roberts Lake
Ray Roberts Lake is a beautiful lake about an hour north of Las Colinas. Isle Du Bois offers a large swim beach, kids fishing pond, and numerous hiking trails. At the marina, rent kayaks, canoes, and pontoons by the hour. Ray Roberts Lake is also a pretty good place to try your hand at some fishing. The lake record largemouth bass weighed in at a whopping 14.07 pounds. Crappie, white bass, and catfish are also plentiful here.
West Irving Aquatic Center
Irving residents enjoy family fun at the West Irving Aquatic Center. Summer hours extend from June 1 through Labor Day. The center is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 pm to 7 pm. Facilities include water slides, a current channel, and a splash pool. There’s also a shaded pool, four-lane lap pool, and wet deck.
Cool off at a Waterpark
When you prefer thrills, chills, and spills over swimming, consider a day at a Texas waterpark. For example, Hurricane Harbor Arlington is a Six Flags waterpark. It is southwest of Las Colinas, about 20 minutes away by car. Hurricane Harbor offers everything from pulse-pounding water slides to relaxing lazy rivers.
Luxury Apartment Living at Las Colinas
Crest at Las Colinas is a 374-unit luxury apartment community with studio, one-, and two-bedroom units. A full suite of shared amenities enhances the resident experience. There’s a social lounge, billiards area, and fitness center. Residents also enjoy a flex workstation and coffee bar. Outdoor amenities include a pool with a tanning shelf. Cool off without ever leaving home! Take advantage of the outdoor kitchen and grilling station as well.
Residents are only a 15-minute drive to downtown Dallas. There are also convenient mass transit options. Crest at Las Colinas is right by DART’s Las Colinas Urban Center Station. Enjoy direct connections to downtown Dallas and DFW Airport. A fleet of 692 buses complements the 93-mile DART rail system.
About Draper and Kramer
Draper and Kramer is a family-owned and operated real estate services firm founded in 1893. Visit our website to browse our entire selection of luxury apartment properties.
