Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Beaumont, TX

  • Published 2023/01/07

Beaumont in Jefferson County, Texas, is renowned for being one of the first places discovered for oil, paving the way for the 1900s oil boom.

It is nestled in the southeastern portion of Texas.

This city meanders on the shores of the Neches River, which ultimately leads to the Sabine Lake and the Gulf of Mexico.

However, there is more to this city than meets the eye.

It’s popular for its local arts scene, natural attractions, gorgeous parks, and laidback vibes, perfect for a short vacation.

If you’re yearning to visit Beaumont but are on a tight budget, don’t worry; Beaumont is well-known for its plethora of attractions that are free to enjoy.

Here’s the roundup of the free things to do in Beaumont, Texas:

Spot Rare and Local Birds at the Cattail Marsh

Boardwalk trail at Cattail Marsh

jesmo5 / Shutterstock.com

The Cattail Marsh is a vast natural area teeming with local flora and fauna.

You can visit this natural attraction along Babe Zaharias Drive.

The whole place spans 900 acres comprising wetlands, marshes, and wooded areas, a popular outdoor destination for many locals.

While visiting, you can enjoy hiking through eight miles of gravel road, which is also perfect for biking and horseback riding.

The abundance of birds is what makes Cattail Marsh famous in Beaumont.

Landscape of Cattail Marsh

Ervin E Hanson Jr / Shutterstock.com

Birdwatchers, armed with their binoculars and long-lens cameras, flock to this area to see various bird species through its boardwalk and viewing deck.

This natural area is home to dozens of bird species, such as ducks, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, ibis, egrets, doves, and red-winged blackbirds.

Spend time in nature and spot birds at the Cattail Marsh during your trip to Beaumont.

A bird on the waters of Cattail Marsh

Bettina Arrigoni, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Search for Beaumont’s Public Murals

Beaumont’s public murals and art installations have added color and vibrance to the city’s streets.

Your Beaumont travel adventure will be more fun if you spend some time searching for these magnificent artworks.

These murals are scattered throughout Beaumont from its museum walls, alleyways, parks, bus stops, and other public places which usually welcome visitors to the city.

To explore Beaumont’s murals, you can join guided tours or have a more adventurous experience with a self-guided tour.

The Beaumont/Port Arthur area is one of the best places to see these colorful masterpieces which decorate the walls of warehouses and buildings.

Along the way, you’ll come across various murals from animals to tributes to famous personalities such as Frida Khalo, Janis Joplin, and Barbara Lynn.

Meanwhile, other murals comprise mermaids, dragonflies, tigers, and other colorful designs.

Wander through the city streets to see the impressive Beaumont public murals up close.

See Texan Masterpieces at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas

Aerial view of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas

R. Rothenberger, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas is an amazing place to discover genuine Texan artworks for free.

You can visit this art museum along Main Street.

Inside, you’ll come across over a thousand permanent artworks and rotating exhibitions by local and renowned artists.

Touring inside this art museum offers a splendid experience that allows you to see closer classical artworks to modern ones through its galleries and events.

For a more engaging experience, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas has plenty of interactive activities such as workshops, art talks, tours, and events.

Drop by this art museum upon arriving in Beaumont to start your travel adventure on a high note.

Let Your Pup Have Fun at the Ida Reed Dog Park

Ida Reed Dog Park is an off-leash open area dog park along Louisiana Avenue.

Dogs of all sizes are guaranteed to have fun at this spacious and fenced dog park, one of Beaumont’s locals’ favorite places to bring their pups.

The park is usually occupied by dog lovers and fur parents, which is a wonderful way to meet locals.

At the same time, this park has a hiking trail ideal for exploring with your dog.

Ida Reed Park has excellent amenities, such as a playground, a basketball court, a picnic area, and a gazebo for other outdoor activities.

Walk Down Memory Lane at the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum

Exterior of the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum honors the multi-sport legend Babe Didrikson Zaharias.

You can visit this museum for free along I-10 Frontage Road.

This museum houses some of the rarest and most pristine memorabilia of Didrikson Zaharias, who accomplished great feats in tennis, basketball, track & field, golf, swimming, baseball, boxing, diving, skating, cycling, billiards, volleyball, and handball.

Didrikson Zaharias bagged two gold medals and a silver in the 1932 Olympics and went on to win 82 golf tournaments, not to mention other accolades in sports.

Today, you can see up close the memorabilia, particularly her gear, personal belongings, news clippings, videos, trophies, and photographs at this museum.

Visiting the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you know more about this sports legend.

Have a Solemn Experience Traversing the Faith Trail

The Faith Trail offers a historical and religious hiking experience in Beaumont.

It takes you to some of the most relevant Catholic and Christian sites throughout Beaumont, as well as natural areas and sceneries.

This trail has been traversed by local Christians and faithful as part of their tradition of visiting various churches and religious sites.

Some of the most notable places you can stop by are St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Temple Emanuel, First United Methodist Church, and Tyrrell Historical Library.

You can also stop by St. Michael’s Antiochian Christian Church and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Some of the other religious sites and churches are located outside Beaumont.

To make your experience on the Faith Trail more solemn, you can stop by, pray, or reflect at one of these churches.

Embrace the Serene Beauty of the Botanical Gardens at Tyrell Park

Exterior of the Botanical Gardens at Tyrell Park

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Botanical Gardens at Tyrrell Park is one of the country’s most extensive public gardens.

You can visit it along Babe Zaharias Drive.

Also known as the Tyrrell Park Botanical Gardens, this place spans over 10,000 square feet, which includes the Warren Loose Conservatory.

Amazingly, this garden is part of the more extensive 500-acre Tyrrell Park.

Visiting this place allows you to see rare and gorgeous plants and flowers that thrive in the garden.

At the same time, the garden offers a serene atmosphere which is perfect for those who want to take a momentary break from their city life.

Adding beauty and uniqueness to this garden is its themed sections that feature different flowers such as antique roses, camellias, bromeliads, and other rare flower species.

Visiting the Tyrrell Park Botanical Gardens is one of the best experiences you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Beaumont, so remember to include this in your itinerary.

Stretch Your Legs at Gulf TerraceHike and Bike Trail

Gulf TerraceHike and Bike Trail is one of Beaumont’s best places to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

You can visit this park along Phelan Boulevard.

Hikers, cyclists, joggers, and inline skaters usually flock to this park.

It has a 3.5-mile concrete trail which is everyone’s favorite place for outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, some locals bring their dogs on leashes to join everyone sweating out in the mornings or afternoons.

Besides the famous trail, Gulf Terrace Park also boasts a nice picnic area and other amenities to make your visit more convenient.

Take Photos of the World’s Biggest Fire Hydrant at the Fire Museum of Texas

Daytime view of the World's Biggest Fire Hydrant

LMPark Photos / Shutterstock.com

The Fire Museum of Texas is a fascinating place to explore the vast history of Texas firefighting professionals.

You can visit this museum along Walnut Street.

Upon arriving at this museum, you’ll be greeted by its huge 24-foot dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant, donated by Disney for relaunching the movie “101 Dalmatians.”

Posing with the huge fire hydrant as your background is an awesome souvenir for visiting this fire museum.

However, there is more to that since the Fire Museum of Texas has plenty of exhibits that detail its firefighting history.

The museum displays old and new firefighting equipment, gear, and firetrucks, making it a wonderful place to rekindle your childhood dreams of becoming a fireman.

Pass the Time at the Charlton Pollard Park

Charlton Pollard Park is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

You can visit this park along Sabine Pass.

Like most parks, it features a gorgeous picnic area, a children’s playground, and a splash pad.

At the same time, the park has a gazebo and a half-mile walking trail, and exercise stations.

Charlton Pollard Park also has numerous sports facilities for basketball and baseball.

This park is your ideal location to sit down, relax, pass the time, and enjoy the outdoors.

Learn about Thomas Edison’s Inventions at the Edison Museum

Exterior of the Edison Museum

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Edison Museum is dedicated to the world icon Thomas Edison.

This museum mainly features Edison’s famous inventions through its interactive exhibits.

A total of 1,400 historical artifacts and memorabilia are displayed at this fascinating museum.

You can tour inside and see the exhibits, some of which offer interactive experiences.

A tour inside the Edison Museum takes about an hour or less since the entire place only spans 1,100 square feet.

Nonetheless, you’re guaranteed a spectacular time discovering Edison’s famous inventions up close.

You can visit the museum for free along Pine Street.

Appreciate the Gorgeous Views at Edgewater Park

Edgewater Park is one of Beaumont’s most scenic parks.

Unlike other parks in Beaumont, this one is renowned for its gorgeous views of the Pine Island Bayou.

Many locals love to picnic at the bayou’s shores, while others cast their line to catch some fish.

Besides sightseeing and picnicking, you can also hike through its out-and-back trail stretching 1.4 kilometers to discover more scenic views.

Overall, Edgewater Park is recommended in Beaumont for outdoor activities or relaxation.

You can visit the park along Pine Cove Street.

Explore McFaddin-Ward House Museum

Exterior of the McFaddin-Ward House Museum

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The McFaddin-Ward House Museum is a 1900s historic residential home along Calder Avenue.

This house, constructed between 1905-1906, has gorgeous Beaux-Arts Colonial Revival architecture.

The entire house spans 12,800 square feet, and inside, you can see up close the original furnishings, furniture, and heirlooms that reflect the original owners’ lifestyle back in the day.

Visiting this historic house offers a deeper understanding of Beaumont’s rich history and allows you to learn about how locals lived their lives back in the day.

Outside the McFaddin-Ward House Museum are two huge oak trees that have been standing for over a century, adding interest to this historical attraction.

Watch a Soccer Game at the Cris Quinn Memorial Soccer Complex

The Cris Quinn Memorial Soccer Complex is a massive sports facility that hosts various soccer leagues in Jefferson County.

You can watch soccer games by visiting this place along Dishman Road.

The facility features 30 well-manicured and well-equipped soccer fields catering to young and grownups who want to test their soccer skills.

At the same time, this complex has an indoor soccer field in case of bad weather.

The Cris Quinn Memorial Soccer Complex regularly hosts different soccer leagues, which you and fellow soccer fans can watch on the sidelines.

Explore East Texas’ Last Wild River, Neches River

The waters of Neches River

IVAN KUZKIN / Shutterstock.com

Neches River is often considered the “Last Wild River in East Texas” because of its untamed natural beauty.

This river runs through Beaumont, perfect for exploring this hidden natural attraction.

The river flows through the Big Thicket National Preserve in the north.

Hiking and sightseeing are the two popular activities you can enjoy on this river.

Along the way, you can see over a hundred species of animals and plants that thrive in the nearby Big Thicket National preserve.

You can also join educational tours to explore the Neches River or have an adventure of your own.

Final Thoughts

This list of the free things to do in Beaumont, Texas, is a testament that enjoying your visit to this city won’t necessarily break the bank.

Your adventure in this Texan city will likely take you outdoors and to historical sites, which are all fascinating to experience.

Besides that, you can take a break by relaxing at one of its gorgeous parks.

If you’re into sightseeing, head out to its natural attractions and gardens for a more worthwhile travel experience.

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