Things to Do in Little Elm, Texas: The Ultimate Lake Lewisville Resource Guide

The Little Elm Lakefront District has become one of the most vibrant Little Elm destinations. At the heart of the district is The Cove at the Lakefront, which is a massive waterpark that offers year-round surfing, sliding, and swimming. Thrill seekers will appreciate the District’s Hydrous Wake Park, offering guests a world-class cable wakeboarding experience with no need for a tow boat.

After the waterpark, it’s worth heading over to The Lawn, a sprawling community greenspace that hosts the popular Little Elm Lakefront Concert Series and other seasonal festivals.

Looking for a quintessential beach day? You’d never know you were in North Texas at Little Elm Beach. Located within Little Elm Park, this is the largest beach in North Texas and offers a genuine coastal feel with soft sand and designated swimming areas. Little Elm Beach is an excellent destination for families looking for lakeside relaxation.

Note that the entry fee is charged per car, with a standard rate of $10 per car, per entry.

Should you prefer inland exploration, Little Elm has ample opportunity to get your nature fix. Little Elm Lakefront Trail, Cottonwood Trail, Beard Park, and Johnny Broyles Nature Trail offer miles of scenic paths in close proximity to town. Nature lovers and birdwatchers are especially likely to enjoy supplementing their visit to Little Elm with the soothing backdrop of waves lapping along Lake Lewisville.

Learn more about hiking (and camping) in Little Elm from the Lakefront District website and view trail maps on the official City of Little Elm website.

Cottonwood Park is the place for you if you are looking to sit back and relax in a serene, less-trafficked spot with family and friends.

Cottonwood Park is a more secluded sanctuary on Lake Lewisville that strikes the perfect balance of tranquility and fun for a day at the park in Little Elm.

Once you leave the docks, Lake Lewisville offers nearly 30,000 acres for exploration. The most famous destination is Party Cove. Located near the I-35E bridge and Westlake Park (33.0560º N, 97.0260º W), this is the place to see and be seen on a busy Saturday.

Party Cove is difficult to miss and the perfect place to visit if you are out on the water and looking for a lively spot to drop anchor for the afternoon.

For a more relaxed pace, head over to Family Cove, located on the northern end of Lake Lewisville near the Oak Point shoreline. Within the protected waters of Nix Slough (33.1611º N, 97.0268º W), this area is situated just west of Little Elm Park. Family Cove harbors a quieter no-wake atmosphere and is a kid-friendly environment where you can go to enjoy the water at your own pace.

Boaters can easily reach this haven by launching from the Little Elm Park boat ramp and heading slightly northwest into the sheltered slough.

Another local favorite is the nearly two-mile Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge. Architectural enthusiasts enjoy observing this tied arch bridge from the water below, and fishermen appreciate the shade the bridge offers while awaiting a bite.

Fun in Little Elm extends well beyond the water’s edge. The Little Elm culinary scene offers an array of flavors to satisfy any lake-day appetite.

Tender Smokehouse is a local favorite for award-winning pit BBQ and is famous for its signature beef ribs and family-friendly turf patio.

Prefer to keep the water in sight? Check out Towers Tap House. Nestled within Beard Park and overlooking the wake park, Towers Tap House provides a “come as you are” atmosphere.

Finally, check out Domingo’s Homestyle Mexican Kitchen in Little Elm for fantastic authentic Mexican food, or Thai in Town Little Elm for delicious Thai cuisine.

After you fuel up, animal lovers will enjoy taking a 30-minute drive over to Sharkarosa Zoo. A top-tier activity for families, this 126-acre educational park offers up-close encounters with exotic animals like lemurs, camels, and zebras.

Consider supplementing a morning spent on the water with a land-based “safari” experience at Sharkarosa Zoo.

As a central hub for lake activity, Cottonwood Creek Marina provides direct access to the water for the seasoned boater and lake-curious alike.

For those looking to rent a pontoon, tritoon, or kayak, Cottonwood Creek’s robust boat rental program will equip you with your preferred vessel for a family outing or solo fishing trip.

Before heading out on the water, stopping in at the marina’s floating ship store is a must. Situated in the heart of the marina, the ship store is your go-to place for essential boater necessities, including 89-octane fuel, sunscreen, skis, tubes, wakeboards, snacks, and drinks.

Whatever your intentions for a Lake Lewisville voyage, the crew at Cottonwood Creek Marina is prepared to get you all set up for an incredible day.