Beaumont, Texas offers visitors an exciting combination of fun, history and nature. This lively destination exudes frontier charm and Cajun flare that make it a must-visit for travelers wanting to experience all that this southeastern Texas city has to offer.
Experience the city’s rich history at the John Jay French Museum and learn about frontier life in southeast Texas. Alternatively, head over to Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum for replica buildings and the only working oil gusher replica worldwide.
Art Museum of Southeast Texas
The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET), situated in downtown Beaumont, boasts an exciting collection of art that explores a range of topics. With rotating exhibitions, engaging educational programs and exciting family events, there’s something for everyone here!
The museum’s permanent and changing collections showcase American paintings, graphics, drawings, decorative arts and photography as well as contemporary folk art.
In addition to its extensive collection, AMSET also provides traveling lectures on black artists throughout history and high school art competitions. This is an excellent way to introduce children to the arts and encourage their creativity.
The Conn TakepArt Gallery also hosts an engaging exhibit to teach kids how to utilize various materials and create works of art. At different activity stations, children can explore art through making sugar skulls, edible sculptures and more.
Other activities to enjoy in Beaumont include visiting Edgewater Park, offering stunning views of Pine Island Bayou as you hike its 1.4-kilometer out-and-back trail. Furthermore, McFaddin-Ward House Museum is situated here; a 1900s residential building that houses an array of furniture and artifacts from the area’s past.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum
Visit Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias’ museum in Beaumont to gain an insight into her life and career as one of the world’s greatest female athletes. From track and field records to basketball, tennis, golf, swimming, boxing, diving, cycling bowling and handball – you can explore everything about Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias here!
This museum showcases memorabilia and photos related to Babe Didrikson Zaharias’ remarkable sports career. For sports enthusiasts, it’s an ideal starting point in learning about this legendary athlete.
While in town, be sure to visit the Texas Energy Museum which commemorates the early Spindletop oilfield. Plus, they feature a full rotary rig from that era as well!
For those who appreciate nature, don’t miss a trip to the 97,000-acre Big Thicket National Preserve. Here, you’ll find swamps, coastal prairies and piney woods coexist in harmony.
You can enjoy hiking along the Beaumont Faith Trail, which provides an educational and spiritual hike experience. This trail leads visitors to some of the city’s most significant churches and religious landmarks.
On your journey around Beaumont, take time to admire its breathtaking public murals. These free-to-view artworks can be found throughout different parts of town.
Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum
Beaumont boasts a vibrant history that can be explored through several attractions. For instance, Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum provides insight into how oil discovery revolutionized the local economy and usher in the petroleum age.
At about three miles south of Beaumont, Spindletop Hill was an important oil producing site during the early 20th century. The discovery of oil from this salt dome, known as “Lucas Gusher,” marked a pivotal moment for Texas and spurred on development of the oil industry.
At this museum, visitors can explore a recreation of a small town from the late 1800s that was designed to reflect the oil boom in the area. Here they’ll find buildings like a saloon, post office and general store.
While you’re there, you can learn more about the local oil industry. A replica of an oil well that sprays water to recreate its gusher can be seen.
Visit the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown when in Beaumont. Whether you prefer a self-guided tour or with an expert guide, this attraction won’t disappoint! Plus, they reenact the legendary Spindletop gusher with performers dressed in period costumes! Regardless of your interest in history or not, you are sure to enjoy every minute of this thrilling attraction!
Texas Energy Museum
The Texas Energy Museum in Beaumont is an excellent way to learn about the area’s vibrant oil history. Situated downtown, it commemorates both the oil industry and infamous Spindletop gusher of 1901 that changed everything.
This museum offers engaging exhibits that teach students about the oil industry’s history, from geology and exploration to production and refining. A replica of Spindletop oil well, complete with spraying water to recreate what gusher felt like, also stands in awe.
Another popular attraction in the city is the John Jay French House, one of the earliest homes constructed with milled lumber. You can take a tour or visit on your own to admire authentic pioneer household items and antiques.
Discover local history at the Jefferson Theatre, an iconic building dating back to 1927. Here, you can watch movies and enjoy musical performances in its iconic building.
For some live jazz while dining, Suga’s Deep South Cuisine and Jazz Bar is the perfect destination. Situated in a historic building, this restaurant serves up great Southern fare with an added twist of jazz.
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
If you’re searching for an ideal venue to worship and have a great time, this is it. Not only does it boast one of the top wedding venues, but also boasts an annex church with an incredible organ!
This cathedral is an iconic landmark along the Faith Trail in Beaumont and was completed within four years after beginning construction in 1903. Through various bishops and pastors, this church has seen many transformations over its 117 year lifespan.
Beaumont is an enjoyable destination with plenty of activities for visitors. No matter if you’re into art, food, or history – there’s something here for everyone.
Visit the Texas Energy Museum in Beaumont, which tells the captivating tale of oil. With state-of-the-art exhibits that cover geology and chemistry as well as oil production processes, this museum is a must-stop when visiting Beaumont.
Another free and stunning spot to visit is Beaumont Botanical Gardens. This park features trails that wind through vibrant blooms all year long, making it the ideal spot for taking a leisurely walk with family or friends.
If you’re an art enthusiast, make a visit to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET). This free museum showcases local and international artists through paintings, prints, sculptures, and mixed media pieces that change each time you visit! With such an expansive collection, AMSET promises an exciting new experience every time!
Beaumont Botanical Gardens
For an outdoor adventure, check out Beaumont Botanical Gardens in Tyrell Park. This 23-acre garden includes a rose garden, various plant species, relaxing benches and an idyllic pond with waterfall.
This stunning garden is home to the Bert and Jack Binks Horticultural Center and Warren Loose Conservatory – Texas’ second largest conservatory. Additionally, there are numerous theme gardens connected by a paved “Friendship Walk,” providing ample seating as well as accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
The garden is situated along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and attracts birdwatchers from far and wide. It also provides an opportunity to take a break from city life and appreciate nature’s splendor.
Visiting The Garden is one of the best activities to do in Beaumont Tx with your family during spring break. Kids will love exploring this place where they can play, learn new skills, and have a blast.
The best part of this place is that it’s completely secure for both kids and parents. There are water balls and other activities specifically tailored towards kids, while parents can have some fun on the trampoline area together.
Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk
Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk in Beaumont is one of the finest locations to go bird watching and witness alligators up close. It features a 520-foot boardwalk with two covered viewing platforms that offer breathtaking views of the wetlands and their abundant wildlife.
This 900-acre wildlife refuge is ideal for exercising, running, hiking, biking and horseback riding. With its new boardwalk and over eight miles of gravel levee roads to explore along Hildebrandt Bayou and Willow Marsh Bayou, visitors can observe aquatic mammals, migratory birds and other wildlife up close.
The wetlands are home to more than 250 species of birds and aquatic creatures such as fish, turtles, and alligators. They form part of the Big Thicket Loop of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and have become a favorite among nature enthusiasts.
In 1993, the boardwalk was constructed as the final phase of the city’s wastewater treatment system and has since drawn the attention of environmentalists and wildlife professionals from throughout the state. This natural process has helped boost local economies while increasing the city’s share of nature tourism – estimated at $19 billion annually.
