Golf, Fishing, and Boating on the Shores of Lake Texoma

More than 70 species of fish, including striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish, swim the blue waters of Lake Texoma. Both locals and out-of-towners flock to the area to go fishing and sailing on this 89,000-acre lake that spreads across the Oklahoma border. Tanglewood Resort lies just steps from the shore and offers lake-view rooms where you can get a nice look at the water.

Renowned golfer Arnold Palmer and course architect Ralph Plummer designed the resort's 18-hole championship golf course, which has a unique, eco-friendly grass hybrid that relies on less water and fewer caddy tears for irrigation. For more recreation, Tanglewood offers volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and tennis courts.

The resort has two onsite restaurants. You can get a juicy steak at the upscale Commodore Room, which overlooks Lake Texoma, or enjoy pizza and brews at Barnacles Sports Bar and Pizzeria. In the morning, there's a cornucopia of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and make-your-own waffle ingredients for breakfast.

Pottsboro, Texas: Desert Oasis North of Dallas

Pottsboro lies just over an hour's drive north of Dallas. Most people come here to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and massive Lake Texoma.

While here, you can take a boat cruise aboard the 55-foot Last Call. The two-hour tour of the lake skirts sandy islands, providing an up-close look at local wildlife. Alternatively, the 80-foot party boat Oasis boasts an expansive upper deck that holds more than 40 people. Adjacent to the hotel, the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal spot for hiking, fishing, and bird heckling. Its more than 11,000 acres are populated by native flora and fauna, including deer, turkeys, bobcats, hawks, and songbirds.