Beaumont is located on the banks of Neches River in Jefferson County. While most Texans don’t think highly of Beaumont, IMO the city has quite a bit going for it. It has a lively arts scene, excellent museums including the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum and the Fire Museum of Texas, as well as good food and entertainment.
Cool Fact – Did you know the area formed by the three cities of Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange is called the ‘Golden’ Triangle of Texas because of the Spindletop oil boom?
The beach is a hop and skip away, East Texas to the north has hiking and camping, cross the border into Louisiana and you can while your time away at the casinos. Beaumont is also great if you like beer – there are 3 breweries in this area of Southeast Texas. Buckstin Brewing, Neches Brewing, and Struggle Street Brewing are all good for their laid back atmosphere and craft beers! Beaumont also happens to be the best place to go in Texas if you’re in the mood for Cajun cuisine.
But first some history: Beaumont was founded in 1835 as a frontier post. It soon grew into a busy river port due to its location at the junction of the Neches and Sabine rivers. The city’s economy has been linked to the oil industry since earliest times.
Beaumont is just down the road from Houston and so we visit there often. And while down the road can mean anything in Texas, in the case of Beaumont it means a little under 2 hours – perfect for a day trip! Here are some iconic and some sleepy but fun attractions in Beaumont, TX
Downtown Beaumont Historic District
The Beaumont Historic District is a quaint collection of vintage shops, several antique stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and businesses in the heart of downtown Beaumont, Texas.
The area also features a number of historic buildings, including the Jefferson County Courthouse, historic Mildred Building, and the Beaumont Fire Museum.
The district is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Beaumont Farmers Market and the annual Festival of Lights.
The Fire Museum of Texas
The Fire Museum of Texas is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of firefighting.
Housed in a former fire station, the museum tells the story of firefighting in Beaumont and the surrounding area.
The museum has a collection of over 10,000 artifacts, including fire engines, equipment, and uniforms.
Visitors can see historic fire trucks and equipment, learn about the heroic efforts of local firefighters, and explore the science of fire.
The museum also features a interactive children’s area, making it a great place for families to visit.
The museum is a Texas historic landmark and one of the popular attractions in Beaumont.
Texas Energy Museum
The Texas Energy Museum in Beaumont tells the story of the discovery and development of oil and gas resources in Texas.
The museum is home to a collection of over 200,000 artifacts, documents, and photographs that chronicle the state’s energy history.
Visitors can see how the industry has changed over time, from the early days of hand-dug wells to the modern era of offshore drilling.
With its informative exhibits and engaging activities, the Texas Energy Museum is a great place to learn about the state’s rich energy heritage.
Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum
The Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Beaumont, Texas.
The museum tells the story of the city’s founding in the early 1800s, as well as the famous oil strike that made it a boomtown in the early 1900s.
Visitors can explore a variety of interactive exhibits that detail the city’s history, from its earliest days as a small settlement to its transformation into a major oil center after the Texas oil boom.
The Spindletop Gladys City museum also features a working replica of the Spindletop oil well, as well as a collection of historic buildings that have been relocated to the site.
McFaddin-Ward Museum
The McFaddin-Ward House is a grand Victorian home built in 1906, and today it is known as the McFaddin-Ward Museum.
The museum is located in Beaumont, Texas and is open to the public for tours.
Visitors can explore the restored home and learn about the history of the family who lived there.
The museum also has a large collection of furniture, art, and artifacts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In addition to the main house, the museum grounds include a carriage house, and several outbuildings.
The McFaddin-Ward Museum is a beautiful and interesting place to visit, and it provides a glimpse into the lives of early Texans.
Plus, the museum is located in one of Beaumont’s most historic neighborhoods, making it a great place to explore on foot.
John Jay French Museum
The John Jay French House Museum is located in Beaumont, Texas and is dedicated to preserving the historical legacy of early Texas settler John Jay French.
The museum houses a collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story of French’s life and work, as well as the history of the city of Beaumont.
The museum also features a variety of exhibits on the history of Texas, with a focus on the early years of statehood.
The John Jay French Museum is an important resource for anyone interested in the history of early Texas settlement or the development of Beaumont.
Chambers House Museum
The Chambers House Museum in Beaumont, Texas is a must-see for any history lover.
The museum is housed in a beautiful Victorian-style home that was built in 1894.
The home has been meticulously restored to its original splendor, and it is full of fascinating artifacts that tell the story of the Chambers family.
Visitors can tour the home and learn about the family’s history, or they can explore the museum’s grounds, which includes a historic garden.
The Chambers House Museum is a unique and charming place that provides a glimpse into the past.
Art Museum of Southeast Texas
The Art Museum of Southeast Texas is one of the hidden gems of Beaumont.
Located in the historic district, the museum is housed in a beautiful turn-of-the-century building.
Visitors can see a vast collection of artwork, ranging from traditional paintings to contemporary sculptures by local artists.
Whether you’re a diehard art fan or just looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon in Beaumont, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas is definitely worth a visit.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum
The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum in Beaumont, Texas is a must-see for any fan of the legendary athlete.
Named after one of the most accomplished women in sports history, the museum pays tribute to Didrikson’s many achievements, both on and off the field.
Visitors can learn about her incredible career, from her days as a world-class track star to her later years as a professional golfer.
The museum also features interactive exhibits that offer a glimpse into Didrikson’s private life.
Clifton Steamboat Museum
The Clifton Steamboat Museum in Beaumont, Texas is a must-see for anyone interested in maritime history.
The museum houses a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to steamboats, including scale models, photographs, and artwork.
Visitors can also learn about the role of steamboats in the development of the Texas economy and see firsthand how these vessels were built and operated.
Beaumont Children’s Museum
The Beaumont Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum designed to spark imagination, creativity and the love of learning in children.
The museum features exhibits on science, art, history and culture, as well as a variety of interactive games and activities.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for children of all ages.
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica in Beaumont, Texas is a beautiful and historic Catholic church.
The cathedral is located in the historic downtown area of Beaumont and is adjacent to the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Built in the late 19th century, the church is constructed of brick and stone in the Romanesque Revival style.
It features beautiful stained glass windows and intricate exterior detailing.
The interior of the church is just as stunning, with golden altars, marble columns, gilded dome, and mosaic tiles.
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica is a truly beautiful and awe-inspiring place of worship that is well worth a visit.
Tyrrell Park
Tyrrell Park is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Beaumont, Texas.
The park’s diverse ecosystem includes wetlands, prairies, and forests.
The park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including several attractions, playgrounds, a nature center, hiking trails, biking, fishing, and picnicking.
Tyrrell Park is a perfect place to spend a day in nature, and it is also an excellent spot for birdwatching.
Visitors can see a variety of birds, including cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers.
Beaumont Botanical Gardens
The Beaumont Botanical Gardens are a must-see for any nature lover visiting the area.
The gardens feature a wide variety of plant life, including both native and exotic species.
Visitors can explore the fragrant Rose Garden, explore the serene Japanese Garden, or take a stroll down memory lane in the Heritage Garden.
The children’s garden is a particular favorite, with its interactive water features and hands-on activities.
The gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Cattail Marsh Wetlands
Cattail Marsh Wetlands is an important site for migratory birds in Beaumont, Texas.
The wetlands provide a stopover for many species of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl as they travel along the Gulf Coast.
The marsh also supports a diverse population of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
In addition to its ecological importance, the marsh is also a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can hike along these East Texas nature trails, observe the wildlife from the observation deck, or paddle through the wetlands in a canoe or kayak.
In short, the Cattail Marsh Wetlands is a must-see for anyone visiting Beaumont.
Gator Country Adventure Park
Gator Country Adventure Park is a one-of-a-kind destination in Beaumont, Texas.
The park is home to more than 200 alligators, as well as a variety of other animals.
Visitors can watch alligators being fed, take a boat ride through a bayou, and even hold a baby alligator.
The park also features a variety of animals, including turtles, snakes, and lizards.
Neches River Cruise
The Neches River offers a unique and beautiful way to see Beaumont, Texas and the surrounding area.
The river, lined with trees and plants, provides a natural environment for wildlife.
You can see alligators, turtles, and birds as you cruise down the river.
The Neches River Cruise aboard the Ivory Bill Riverboat is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The cruise lasts for two hours, and you can sit back and enjoy the ride or take pictures of the scenic views.
Big Thicket National Preserve
The Big Thicket is a vast and unique ecosystem located in Southeast Texas.
It is one of the popular national park sites in Texas.
Comprising of wetlands and forest, the Big Thicket is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life.
Big Thicket National Preserve is a popular destination for hikers, birders, as well as nature enthusiasts from all over the world.
Cajun cuisine
Cajun cuisine is a style of cooking that originates from the Acadiana region of Louisiana.
Beaumont is home to many excellent Cajun restaurants, making it the perfect place to get a taste of this unique cuisine.
There are several restaurants that serve up traditional dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, as well as étouffée.
Best Time to Visit Beaumont
The best time to visit Beaumont is in the spring or fall. During these seasons, the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.
As a result, visitors can enjoy all that Beaumont has to offer without the crowds.
In addition, many events and festivals take place during the spring and fall, making it the perfect time to experience the city’s vibrant culture.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique city to explore in Texas, be sure to check out Beaumont.
This vibrant city has something for everyone, from its lively arts and culture scene to its delicious food.
Did we miss any popular things in Beaumont, Texas? Let us know below.