Beaumont, a city located on the Texas Gulf Coast, is often overlooked because of its close proximity to its bigger and more popular brother, Houston. However, this underrated city has a wealth of free activities and its own charm that's worth discovering.
Table of Contents
Beaumont, TX
Beaumont, TX, is a city situated on the Texas Gulf Coast, about 90 miles east of downtown Houston. It is the biggest city on the border of Louisiana and Texas. Initially, Beaumont served as an agricultural and port center in the region. However, in 1901, the discovery of oil at Spindletop Hill transformed the city's fortunes.
Nowadays, this original boomtown packs a big punch for anyone who wants to enjoy Texas-sized attractions and the mouthwatering flavors of Cajun cuisine to the nth degree.
Rich in history, family-friendly activities, and natural wonders, Beaumont is undoubtedly a local gem, albeit a lesser known one, that should be on your radar. And here are at least 7 reasons why.
1. The World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant & & Fire Museum
Where: 400 Walnut St, Beaumont, TX
Let's talk about a Texas-sized attraction and a larger-than-life photo op, because visiting this one is going to be the experience for the books. This towering monument was a gift from the Walt Disney Company to the City of Beaumont in March 1999 in honor of the re-release of the movie "101 Dalmatians." Covered in Dalmatian spots and soaring 24 feet into the sky, I've yet to see a tourist who wasn't captivated by the sight. Conveniently located just outside the Fire Museum of Texas, it's a perfect stop on your way to or from the historic district and Art Museum of Southeast Texas in downtown Beaumont.
A stone's throw away is another historical attraction that you shouldn't miss - the Texas Fire Museum. Located in the iconic 1927 Central Fire Station in the city of Beaumont, the interactive exhibit spans from the mid-1800s to the present day, offering an in-depth look at the evolution of fire-fighting equipment and methods. Rare vehicles and the interactive Fire Safety House, where you can practice escaping from a fire, were the best bits of our visit. Take a step back in time to experience the rich history of the fire service in Texas at no cost. Entry is free.
2. Gator Country
Where: 21159 FM 365, Beaumont, TX
Gator Country is a Texas bucket list adventure. As the largest alligator adventure park in the state, it houses close to 500 alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles. If you want to experience a more authentic slice of the Texas Coast, Gator Country is just your ticket. Highlights include educational and feeding shows with large alligators and a petting zoo.
On top of feeding alligators, you can also wade with baby gators and got to know snakes, tortoises, reptiles and even the bearded dragon up close and personal.
A key part of the park’s outreach initiative is efforts to rehabilitate and save injured animals. Gator Country provides a safe haven for more than 400 American Alligators, crocodiles, and many different reptiles.
3. Historic Downtown
Beaumont's downtown reflects its old good days of the oil boom and high society, boasting an array of architectural landmarks of different styles throughout the decades. Colonial-style and Art Deco buildings, including some beautiful Southern iterations of the Renaissance Revival style, look like a showpiece collection plucked straight out of Architectural Digest’s pages.
Make sure you check out these two key landmarks – St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica and Jefferson Theatre, both are beautiful structures with a bygone era feel. Built in 1927 at the height of the oil boom, Jefferson Theatre carries on the legacy of Italian palazzos and the glitz and glamor of the 1920s. Its unique facade and signage give it enough vibrancy to break through the monochromatic color palette of some commercial buildings around it.
4. Art Museum of Southeast Texas
Where: 500 Main St, Beaumont, TX 77701
Admission: Free
One of the most fascinating art experiences in town is the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. This 7,000-square-foot art hub has three galleries, sculpture courtyards, a library, a restaurant, and a gift shop. During our visit, we had the chance to explore the contemporary exhibit and admire the charming sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. It was a wonderful experience that we truly enjoyed.
We were thoroughly impressed by the art sculptures that blended so seamlessly with their surroundings. These three-dimensional art pieces were not only engaging and whimsical, but also made the art approachable and evocative. We could spend hours admiring them and discovering new, meaningful layers to their designs.
In addition to the permanent collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings, the museum also houses decorative art, porcelain, and glass collections.
5. Public Art
The best way to experience public art in Beaumont is to take a walk around downtown. Plenty of murals and sculptures are featured throughout the district. Over the years, the city has invested thousands of dollars in the beautification of the city through colorful artwork, making murals an important part of the urban landscape.
One of Beaumont’s most beloved murals is the Beaumont sign with a signature bold typeface and a plethora of colorful triangles making a unique vibrant pattern against the name.
6. Tyrrell Park & Beaumont Botanical Gardens
Where: 6088 Babe Zaharias Dr, Beaumont, TX
Admission: Free
Plant enthusiasts should definitely check out the 23-acre public garden located on the grounds of Tyrrell Park. This garden is compact and easy to navigate. Take a leisurely stroll through the landscaped grounds and enjoy the sweet fragrance of the various flowers such as orchids, azaleas, roses, bromeliads, camellias, and many others. The best time to visit is during spring when the azaleas are in full bloom and the temperature is still pleasant without having climbed up to the upper 90s.
7. Cattail Marsh Wetlands and Boardwalk
Where: 4233 Babe Zaharias Dr, Beaumont, TX
Admission: Free
The Texas coastal line has undoubtedly gathered some of the nation’s best natural attractions. One of the truly unspoiled places, Cattail Marsh is a great way to enjoy the nature’s scenic beauty and a variety of aquatic animals. Some of the state’s best active birding opportunities abound here too.
The wildlife refuge spans over an area of 900 acres and comprises of various wetlands, which offer more than eight miles of hiking and biking trails. One of the most remarkable features of the refuge is the boardwalk trail that includes a viewing platform, where you can enjoy bird-watching. During the migration season, you have the opportunity to spot over 250 bird species.
8. Beaumont Children’s Museum
Where: 701 Main St, Beaumont, TX
After taking all the self-guided tours, you can relax from the sun in the cool Beaumont Children's Museum.
If you're looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Houston, then a day trip to the peaceful town of Beaumont, located to the east of the city, could be a great idea. You don't have to take my word for it, though. Instead, hit the road and experience it for yourself.
What's More In and Around Beaumont?
– Oaks Historic District, the Largest Historic District in Texas
– Big Thicket National Preserve
– Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary
– Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge
0 comments:
Post a Comment