25 Best Things to Do in Beaumont, TX

The city of Beaumont in Jefferson County is the 30th most populous city in Texas.

Founded in 1835, the city experienced a boom when oil was discovered in 1901, earning the nickname "Boomtown."

Now, Beaumont brims with numerous museums, stunning gardens, restaurants, and architectural wonders that will undoubtedly leave you awestruck.

With the endless stuff you can do in Beaumont, Texas, you're guaranteed to have a fun-filled getaway.

Interested to know more about this city?

Here are the 25 best things to do in Beaumont, Texas:

Watch an Old Oil Gusher in Action at the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum

This was the first place in Spindletop where oil was discovered in 1901.

During that year, oil first arose from the gusher, and as many as 10,000 barrels of oil came out.

This led to a sugar rush, making the city's people earn a great deal of money, hence the nickname "Boomtown."

Today, the museum, owned and run by Lamar University, showcases many old oil derricks that used to run along Spindletop Hill during the 1900s.

There is also a particular gusher that blows up with water instead of oil to commemorate the first sighting of oil.

There is also an adorable little gift shop, with many commemorative gifts that showcase the history of this oil-rich area.

Pay a Visit to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas has come a long way since its inception in 1950.

Presently, it is famous for hosting a variety of cultural exhibits and regional folk art from the regions of the US and Mexico.

Works of the prime and famous artist Felix Harris were donated to the museum after his death.

Other temporary artworks you will find here include works of great artists like Richard Stout, John Gaston Fairey, and Ellen Tanner.

So make sure you visit this museum to get a look at eclectic art exhibitions.

Learn about the History of Oil Production at the Texas Energy Museum

Another museum honoring the rich petroleum industry is the Texas Energy Museum, located near the splendid Art Museum.

It also commemorates the Spindletop gusher since it was opened on January 10, 1990, which is the anniversary of the Spindletop gusher.

Some of the areas that the museum focuses on are geology and the history of oil production.

Oil production exhibits include rock formations and other exhibits related to various aspects, like the formation and drilling of oil.

The admission fee here is nominal. For adults, it is only $5 while for children it's $3.

But make sure that you visit it only from Tuesday to Saturday between 9 to 5 pm, and on Sundays between 1 to 5 pm.

Get Inspiration at the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum

This museum honors the record-breaking female athlete, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, who was famous during the 1932 Olympic tryouts.

She was regarded as the world's most outstanding woman Athlete of the first half of the 20th century by the Associated Press.

She was an all-rounder and could play basketball.

She also garnered gold and silver medal at Olympic track and field events.

Additionally, she was a three-time Western Women's Open gold champion.

The museum provides a glimpse into her life, and it's a very inspiring journey to look at.

Go Birdwatching at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens

Beaumont Botanical Gardens is also called the Tyrell Park Botanical Gardens.

The special attraction here is the Warren Lewis Conservatory, which is spread over an area of 10,000 square feet.

It is a part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, so do not miss out on the birdwatching experience.

There are various migratory birds that make this garden their home, and many different species visit this garden.

This beautiful park was damaged during the hurricanes Rita and Ike.

But with great efforts by the community, it was replenished and restored to its former glory.

The rose arbor, pond, rock waterfall, and Friendship Walk are not to be missed.

Take Some Pictures at the Fire Hydrant Statue

The world's largest working fire hydrant is located in the Fire Museum of Texas.

Built in 1927, it is considered a historic Texas landmark.

It pays an ode to the firefighters and, today, showcases many exhibits with state-of-the-art interactive fire safety.

There is also a memorial, where you can pay respects to all those firefighters who lost their lives saving others.

A commemorative walkway is also built near the memorial.

Another notable attraction is the two-story interactive Playhouse for children.

So if you're carrying your kids along, make sure you visit this museum to teach your children fire safety in a fun way.

Visit the McFaddin–Ward House Historic Museum

McFaddin–Ward House Historic Museum, a beautiful colonial home, is kept the exact way it was originally built in 1905-06.

Spread lavishly over an area of 12,800 square feet, the house and furnishings showcase the opulence and wealth of the McFaddin.

Today, it finds a spot in the National Register of Historic Places.

There are tours conducted in the house, from Tuesday to Saturday.

The house was converted to a museum in the year 1986.

When visiting, it would be best to offer a guided tour and ask for reservations in advance.

You can also go for a self-guided tour, which is available on the first floor.

You may also have dinner before taking a guided tour through the house.

This dinner includes exclusive McFaddin family recipes and eggnog.

Know More about Thomas Alva Edison at the Edison Museum

Edison Museum showcases the life and inventions of the great scientist Thomas Edison.

The famous incandescent light bulb and phonograph are some of the featured inventions you can find here.

There are as many as 1,400 artifacts in their expansive collection, and the tours are self-guided.

Though small in size, the museum showcases some of the best works that Edison curated in his lifetime.

But due to space constraints, only 40 visitors can attend at a time.

The interactive exhibits are also great for learning about science facts and experiments.

So make sure you get your kids along.

Play with Alligators at Gator Country

This 15-acre alligator sanctuary is the largest Alligator Adventure Park in Southeast Texas.

It provides a safe haven and resting place for various rescued crocodiles and alligators.

It houses two of the largest alligators in captivity.

You can take quirky pictures with you holding live alligators.

The educational tours here are also very fun.

Go to the John Jay French House

Constructed in 1845, John Jay French House is a typical example of a Texas home.

What makes it unique is that it marked the firsts in various house construction types.

It was the first two-story building that was made in the place, the first house made with milled lumber, and the first house that was painted.

The furnishings, clothing, and goods are well preserved and showcased inside the house.

You can also take self-tours of the ground and see the blacksmith shop and tannery along with the family's smokehouse.

The tours are free for children below four years old, while adults are charged a nominal fee.

Gaze at Stunning Local Works at Dishman Art Museum

Since its opening in 1983, the Dishman Art Museum on the Lamar University campus has served as a teaching facility and improved the quality of education at L.U.

Additionally, the museum features long-term exhibits.

Six thousand square feet of exhibition space is available for you to explore.

In addition to providing students with a chance to see and display their work, the museum offers them a wide range of styles representing international trends.

Aside from that, the museum serves as a showcase for the local arts community.

The Dishman Art Gallery has something for everyone, from solo exhibitions to collaborative projects.

A new collection is put on display each month throughout the school year.

Enjoy Italian Delights at Rao's Bakery

Since its inception in 1941, Rao's bakery has become a staple for the locals of Beaumont for its Italian baked goods.

There are three branches located all over the city.

Rao's bakery is famous for all the delicious Italian items that are served.

These include signature cakes and gelatos, along with Paninis and cappuccinos.

It is a great spot to have some fun quality time with your family or spouse.

If you visit this bakery during summer, then you can also enroll your kids in the summer bakery camp, where they can have fun learning about cake baking and cake decoration.

Spark Your Kids' Curiosity at Beaumont Children's Museum

Southeast Texans who wanted to deliver enjoyable and hands-on education to their children founded Beaumont Children's Museum in 2008.

The exhibits at this non-profit museum aim to foster a S.T.E.A.M. centered learning environment — from Science to Technology, to Engineering, to Art, and to Math.

Children can flourish and develop a keen interest in learning in a pleasant, family-friendly setting.

The "Museum without Walls" initiative is a part of the museum's outreach efforts.

The museum can introduce programs to new audiences outside of Southeast Texas.

Develop a Passion for the Arts at The Art Studio, Inc.

The Art Studio, Inc. was formed in December 1983 by a group of Southeast Texas artists who wanted to inspire other artists to pursue their artistic endeavors.

An artist's studio is ideal for keeping the best and brightest in the area while attracting more artists to the site.

Since its inception, The Art Studio has made community outreach a top priority to meet its resident artists' requirements.

For the most basic needs of artists, cheap studio space and access to ceramics, foundry, painting, metalworking, and woodworking tools are made accessible.

An alternative to commercial galleries and museums, its exhibition space encourages the experimental work of current artists rather than marketing after the financial potential.

For the artists, the Art Studio's educational activities are an effective method of gaining exposure to the community and generating additional revenue.

Explore Different Activities at Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk

Visitors to Cattail Marsh may explore this boardwalk and over eight miles of gravel levee roads for running and other recreational activities along the banks of Willow Marsh and Hildebrandt Bayous.

They can also go birdwatching and animal photography.

Many aquatic creatures and birds use the Cattail Marsh every year, including pelicans, egret, roseate spoonbill, duck, and red-winged blackbird.

The marsh serves as a nature sanctuary for these and other species.

The Beaumont Public Utilities Department built this natural and revolutionary procedure in 1993 as the final step of Beaumont's wastewater treatment system.

Since then, environmentalists and wildlife specialists from all around Texas have been interested in learning more about it.

Relax and Ask for Free Advice at Paradise Wellness Med Spa

Your one-stop wellness destination, Paradise Wellness Med Spa, offers various wellness services, including body contouring, teeth whitening, calming & medical-grade facials, massages, and wellness consultations.

They will take the time to examine your habits and choose the appropriate technique for your particular needs if you are unsure of the therapy you require.

They provide free oxygen therapy, infrared saunas, foot detoxification, brain tapping, and therapeutic showers at their site.

They are always committed to assisting you in achieving and maintaining your ideal level of fitness and attractiveness!

They don't put a time restriction on the relaxation lounge since they want you to give your body the attention it deserves.

Come over to take a look around and get some free advice.

Stroll around the Walls of Parkdale Mall

Searching for a location to go for a relaxing afternoon of shopping?

The most prestigious shopping center in Beaumont, Texas, Parkdale, launched in 1973 and has more than 150 specialized stores.

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. is the proprietor of Parkdale Mall.

In addition to a Tilt Studio site that debuted in early 2017, the Parkdale Mall houses five department stores.

H&M, the Hollywood Theater, ULTA, and other stores and restaurants are all over the Parkdale Mall.

The previous Macy's became a joint venture between Dick's Sporting Goods, HomeGoods, Field & Stream, and Five Below.

Appreciate the Ambiance at Floyd's

Floyds Cajun Seafood Company is owned by Bret Floyd, Floyd Landry, and Gary Pearce.

Floyds Cajun Seafood Company makes an appeal on your palate with its over seven decades of combined Cajun seafood experience, "A Great Tradition from Louisiana to Texas."

The Gulf Coast greatly influences Floyds in terms of style, ambiance, food, and attitude.

From the cheerful welcome at the entrance to the garlic bread given to your table, Louisiana to Texas motif is present throughout the institution.

Take part in the lively conversation the bar is calling out to you, or just relax and enjoy Floyd's Authentic Bloody Mary.

Attend an Event at Jefferson Theatre

Along with a traditional season of events and performances, the historic Jefferson Theatre hosts monthly Classic Movie Nights.

On Fannin Street in the heart of Beaumont, Texas, you may find the iconic performing arts venue, The Jefferson Theatre.

It has more than 1400 seats and was erected in 1927 under Emile Weil's design and influence of the Old Spanish architectural style.

A recent extensive multimillion-dollar makeover of the theater took place.

A unique Morton organ built by the Robert Morton Organ Company is also found in this theater, among the rarest in the nation.

Pay a Visit to Chambers House and Enjoy a Tour around

The Chambers House was constructed in 1907 by a local lumberjack and was acquired by the Chambers family in 1914.

It is recognized as a local historical site.

The home had a significant renovation in 1924 and was never again altered or modified.

Most of the architectural and construction features of the Chambers home would have been seen in other homes erected along Calder Avenue when Beaumont's lumber and oil industries were both thriving and significantly fueled the region's development.

The Chambers house is among the few remaining samples of an upper-middle-class family's home in a city that underwent a fast transformation due to two prosperous businesses based on the local natural resources.

The house is still standing, and it is filled with a huge number of personal things that depict daily life in a long-ago era.

Anyone interested in learning more about how an upper-middle-class family experienced throughout the 1920s through 1940s may take a unique tour.

Other Things to Do Nearby

View Wildlife at the Village Creek State Park

For those who love outdoor experiences, Village Creek State Park is the best place to visit, with numerous recreational activities you can partake in, like camping, mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking.

Some of the wildlife species you will come across at this park include the snapping turtle, the possum, white-tailed deer, and the diamondback water snake.

There are also swamps featuring cypress, river birch, and yaupon holly trees, among others.

Fishing is another exciting sport you can try out.

If you wish to camp, you can get your camping equipment or bring an RV and rent a cabin if needed.

You can also enjoy some kayaking and canoeing in Village Creek State Park.

Take Photos at the Dutch Windmill Museum

The main attraction at this windmill museum is the 40-foot replica of a Dutch windmill.

Dutch Windmill Museum honors the Dutch heritage and displays various artifacts related to the Western and Dutch cultures.

It is spread over an area of three floors, and the ground floor is especially reserved for the celebrity of Texas, Tex Ritter, who was a famous Western singer.

Wooden shoes, a steamer trunk from a voyage, and an Olympic gold medal are some of the features on display.

There is also a tiny adorable gift shop here, where you can buy items originally made in the Netherlands.

Final Thoughts

Beaumont is a must-see destination on every Texas road trip, thanks to its world-class museums, mouthwatering B.B.Q., and one-of-a-kind attractions.

The best things to do are worth trying in Beaumont, Texas, from indoor enjoyment to outdoor adventure.

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