No matter your preference, Southeast Texas town Big Thicket National Preserve provides something of interest for everyone. Take an Instagram-worthy photo at the world’s largest spotted fire hydrant or just relax in Big Thicket National Preserve; each has something special to offer visitors.
Learn about Beaumont’s role in the oil industry at Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum, while witnessing local artists at Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
1. Visit Gator Country
Gator Country is Texas’s premiere alligator adventure park. Offering shows, tours and one-of-a-kind personal interactions with alligators that have been rescued or surrendered as animals for adoption or rescue purposes.
Visitors to Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands and Big Thicket National Preserve can also explore wetlands by visiting these preserves, home to more than 250 bird species, with boardwalks designed for walking, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife photography.
Beaumont boasts an abundance of festivals and markets throughout the year. To stay abreast of these happenings, visit Visit Beaumont on Facebook for updates like Boomtown Night Market at Pour Brothers Brewery or Tour of Historic Homes. Art enthusiasts should stop by Museum of Southeast Texas; their exhibits change frequently but a semi-permanent collection by Felix “Fox” Harris should certainly not be missed.
2. Take a Horseback Ride
If you’ve always dreamt of experiencing the full connection between humans and horses, Beaumont offers plenty of opportunities for just this. Private ranches and state parks both provide trails which are safe and enjoyable for riders of all ages and abilities.
Beaumont has many unique roadside statues to delight visitors – from Big Beau, a 135-foot alligator at Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park, to Dalmatian Hydrant – a 24-foot-tall spotted fire hydrant outside Fire Museum of Texas – the city offers more than its share of whimsical roadside figures that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum features the Lucas Gusher Replica while Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum commemorates her great female athlete legacy. Music enthusiasts will delight in Symphony of Southeast Texas performances while art enthusiasts can discover exhibits at Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
3. Go to a Festival
Beaumont hosts many festivals every year, such as rodeos, marathon and bike rides, the second largest state fair in Texas as well as music, film and art festivals.
History in this town is showcased through numerous museums and historic sites, such as the John Jay French Museum that provides a look back into frontier life in southeast Texas and St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica which serves as both design heritage site and a Texas Historical Landmark.
Beaumont is an ideal family destination, where visitors can hold baby alligators at Gator Country, kayak the Neches River and feast on BBQ and gumbo. Beaumont also honors local artists with colorful murals showcasing local talent that you can visit and pose in front of. Furthermore, this area boasts some of the best restaurants and breweries in Texas!
4. Tour Historic Homes
Beaumont offers many historic houses to tour. One such home is the Chambers House Museum. Here visitors can get a sense of life during the oil and timber boom as middle-class families lived here during this period. Operated by Beaumont Heritage Society, they also provide guided tours.
At Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park there is also Big Beau, the 135-foot alligator who protects Gator Country, Happy Half Wit from MAD Magazine, and Dalmatian Hydrant, a 24-foot-tall painted fire hydrant at the fire museum. Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum provides insight into life during Texas’ oil boom; great place for kids and history lessons alike! Additionally Art Museum of Southeast Texas hosts changing art exhibits.
5. Go to a Museum
Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum provides visitors with an insight into the oil boom while McFaddin-Ward House displays early 1900s family life. Meanwhile, Art Museum of Southeast Texas showcases local artists’ works while Tyrrell Historical Library and Jefferson Theatre boast stunning architecture; kids will love Beaumont Children’s Museum while all visitors must take a picture with its world’s largest working fire hydrant!
There is also an assortment of unique roadside statues to discover, from Big Beau, the 135-foot alligator found at Gator Country, to Happy Half Wit and Dalmatian Hydrant found at Shelton Plaza. There’s also the Lucas Gusher Replica as well as Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum which pays homage to one of history’s greatest female athletes – Babe Didrikson Zaharias!
6. Go to a Concert
No matter your musical tastes or budget, Beaumont has something to offer – from country music legends like Dolly Parton to more contemporary options like concerts and shows with relatively affordable ticket prices.
Art enthusiasts will delight in this small town’s many opportunities to appreciate local and international pieces. The Art Museum of Southeast Texas was established in 1950 and exhibits range from 19th through 21st century pieces. Additionally, Art Studio Inc Gallery hosts rotating exhibits while providing classes.
Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum commemorates the city’s oil history by including a replica of its original gusher. Additionally, Dutch Windmill Museum pays homage to legendary singer/songwriter Tex Ritter with its first-floor display honoring his career.
7. Go to a Restaurant
Beaumont offers an eclectic blend of Lonestar cuisine and Southern staples in its food scene, providing mouthwatering BBQ, hearty gumbo and delectable pecan pie to satisfy every appetite.
The Dutch Windmill Museum honors country music superstar Tex Ritter, best known for his hit song, “The Purple Sage.” Additionally, this museum houses items owned and worn by him.
The Children’s Museum of Southeast Texas provides children with an interactive environment in which to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Exhibits at this museum include dinosaur dens, puppet theaters and maker spaces as well as bank branches that teach about money counting/counting/trading/health hygiene/etc. It’s open Tuesday-Saturday with ticket prices listed online – visit their website for hours/ticket prices/visits!
8. Go to a Bar
Local artists do an incredible job of celebrating their city with impressive murals all around town, creating fantastic photo op opportunities!
Beaumont is an idyllic Southeast Texas town that blends cowboy charm with Cajun flavor. Gator Country provides visitors with hands-on wildlife encounters while the historic neighborhoods provide insight into local culture.
Discover a vibrant downtown area featuring a giant fire hydrant with spots, the Clifton Steamboat Museum with exhibits about steamboats, wars fought in Texas and more, Chambers House and St Anthony Cathedral Basilica as designed heritage sites and Texas Historic Landmarks, along with delicious Cajun cuisine, traditional Tex-Mex dishes and modern American fare all within budget-friendly price tags! Plus don’t miss the food scene in Clifton Springs either – spice Cajun dishes meet traditional Tex-Mex dishes alongside modern American fare!
9. Go to a Yoga Class
Beaumont offers many free or affordable ways to enjoy yourself outdoors, such as visiting parks with large playgrounds, community center buildings and jogging trails; playing basketball or tennis on local courts; attending one of Beaumont’s festivals or discovering Cajun cuisine at local restaurants.
Learn something new every week with weekly Imagination Kits from the library or get crafty with weekly teen art classes at Lakeside Center, while practicing your photography at Cattail Marsh or taking free introductory lessons from local experts can expand your horizons further. Don’t forget to take a selfie in Shelton Plaza near Dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant! And afterwards unwind with yoga class at Love Yoga that offers everything from beginner classes all the way to advanced sessions!
10. Go to a Mural
Beaumont offers an abundance of street art. Additionally, an exciting mural festival is scheduled to bring national and international muralists to paint live and expand Beaumont’s public art scene.
When visiting, be sure to stop by the Lucas Gusher Replica and World’s Largest Fire Hydrant painted in Dalmatian spots, providing an ideal photo op! Additionally, there are multiple museums within walking distance – Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and Texas Energy Museum among them – perfect photo opps.
Beaumont boasts many unique attractions that will draw visitors back again and again, such as live gators or hearty Cajun cuisine – there is truly something special in this family-friendly and vibrant city.
