On the border between Louisiana and the Lone Star State, Beaumont is a little bit Cajun, a lot Texan, and 100% unique for the South. We made history as the place where oil changed the world forever and are constantly reinventing ourselves and finding new reasons for people to visit from birding and biodiversity to architectural wonders.
1. What is your destination most known for?
Black gold, Texas tea, whatever you call it, Beaumont’s Spindletop gusher ignited the American economy. Discover the oil industry’s origins at the recreated Spindletop Boomtown Museum and explore the Texas Energy Museum’s interactive exhibits. Immerse yourself in history with Beaumont’s preserved architecture.
2. During this season, what are some must-see attractions?
This season, be sure to make plans Bon Temps in Beaumont for Mardi Gras SETX February 28-March 1-2, 2025. Let the Good Times Roll with the best place to ride on a float in a Mardi Gras parade. With concerts, Cajun food, and an inflatable kids kingdom, everyone can enjoy the good times in Beaumont, y’all.
Visit Big Al, the oldest alligator in Texas, and Big Tex, the biggest, at Gator Country Adventure Park, a safe haven for alligators. Hold or wade with baby alligators in a pool and catch live shows every day with these creatures. Need a little more space? Book a swamp safari and explore the wildlife on the bayou on airboat or pontoon.
Beaumont boasts itself as a budget friendly destination with free museums and roadside attractions, like the World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant, donated by the Walt Disney Company, outside of the Fire Museum of Texas. Step into a world of creativity at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas and rent a Beaucycle and view over 40 murals that blanket the city, including one of the largest in the state of Texas.
3. What hidden gem should not be missed when visiting your destination?
Discover Beaumont’s birding paradise at Cattail Marsh. This reclaimed wetlands boardwalk, encompassing 900 acres, offers stunning views of over 250 bird species year-round. Located on two migratory flyways, witness even more diversity during migration seasons. Explore Beaumont’s 30+ birding hotspots within a 40-mile radius, each offering unique habitats.
4. What’s one feature that can’t be missed when visiting your website?
Get ready to explore Beaumont like never before! VisitBeaumontTx.com just launched interactive maps that make planning your trip a breeze. These maps go beyond basic directions – they provide regionally-focused itineraries, suggesting things to do, places to stay, and delicious restaurants in each area. Bird enthusiasts will also rejoice with our revamped Birding page, featuring seasonal migratory patterns and highlighting the best birding hotspots for all levels of birders: BeaumontCVB.com/Birding.
5. How did you learn about NATJA and why did you join?
Visit Beaumont has been part of NATJA for several years, and we are glad that we are part of a community that promotes destinations and provides opportunities to writers and destinations for continuous creative collaborations.
6. Is there anything else you feel travel media should know about your destination?
Beaumont is a culinary crossroads tanks to its strategic location on the Texas/Louisiana border, one of the best things about Beaumont is its unique blend of cuisine. A culinary crossroads that combines Cajun, Creole, and soul food with Texas-sized portions and Tex-Mex flavors. From award-winning barbecue to the oldest black- and family-owned restaurant in Texas, Beaumont offers a wealth of dining options. From crawfish season to menu staples like BBQ crab, pack your stretchy pants, come hungry, and explore our culinary melting pot.
