White Rock Lake Park

Located five miles east of downtown, White Rock Lake Park provides an ideal escape without having to leave the city limits. And as one of Dallas' largest parks, over twice the size of New York City's Central Park, this urban oasis truly offers something for everyone. Visitors will find everything from lush forests and a variety of wildlife (it's an Audubon Society-designated bird watching area) to over 9 miles of trails for hiking and biking. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, a dog park and a cultural center, not to mention a 1,015-acre lake for activities like paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing and fishing. Speaking of activities, White Rock Lake also hosts a multitude of events, ranging from marathons to boat races and music festivals. Oh, and did we mention that there's a replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon house here? Head over to the west side of the lake if you want to check it out.