Port Arthur is the official Cajun Capital of Texas. We already knew, but the state made it official. Since 1927 Cajuns have migrated to our corner of Texas, where marsh meets the Gulf of Mexico. Cajun hospitality here means gumbo, crawfish, music, and dancing. Fish Sabine Lake, bird Sabine Woods and enjoy Pleasure Island views. Mild winters keep our gators and wildlife happy. Grab a camera and see for yourself, cher.
1. What is your destination most known for?
Port Arthur is the official Cajun Capital of Texas and we’ve got spicy food and attitude. Several cultures call us home and people come here to bird Sabine Woods and fish Sabine Lake.
2. During this season, what are some must-see attractions?
You can beat the heat with a dip in the Gulf of Mexico at Sea Rim State Park. Cool off and rock out at Museum of the Gulf Coast, which features a replica of Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche. Area personalities noted in the Museum include Joplin, The Big Bopper who died in the plane crash with Buddy Holly, bluesman Johnny Winter, rocker Edgar Winter, cowboy singer Tex Ritter, rapper Bun B, and other country and Swamp Pop artists.
3. What hidden gem should not be missed when visiting your destination?
Port Arthur’s seawall offers a drive or walk along the rocks where you can watch ships from around the world head to the port. Across the water is Pleasure Island, featuring a pirate ship playground, bird blind, marina and great shore fishing.
4. What’s one feature that can’t be missed when visiting your website?
We love blogging on our culture, scenery and events, but we’re especially proud of our Things to Do Section featuring faith trails, fishing and birding trails to keep our visitors enjoying the action. Our Golden Triangle Audubon Society members share their breathtaking bird images with us.
Find some at: www.visitportarthurtx.com
Birding: https://visitportarthurtx.com/things-to-do/birding/
5. How did you hear about NATJA, and why did you join?
Our director heard this group has played well with destinations and, BOOM, I got to go to Galveston. It was great to meet the team, journalists and presenters. Port Arthur is near Galveston, so I grew up visiting the area and I experienced some new things during this conference. Come to Texas, yall!
6. Is there anything else you feel travel media should know about your destination?
I love that so many cultures have found a home here. Cajun, Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, African American and others celebrate their foods, music and faith. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, Queen of Peace Shrine and Buu Mon Buddhist Temple reflect this diversity.
Pleasure Island
The Martin Luther King Bridge offers Inter-coastal Canal Waterway views. A new bird blind, pirate ship playground, and updated disc golf course await visitors. Sailboats dock at Pleasure Island Marina’s 300 float-ing slips. Fish Sabine Lake from kayaks, the boardwalk, levees, lighted piers, and Walter Umphrey State Park. S.A.L.T. Club hosts fishing tournaments and Port Arthur Yacht Club showcases their boats in weekly regattas.
Sabine Lake
Trout, flounder, and redfish sh fill Sabine Lake, right off Pleasure Island. Charter a boat or launch into more than 60,000 acres no deeper than 8 feet, set in two states. It’s technically a bay on the Texas-Louisiana border formed by the confluence of Neches and Sabine Rivers. Professional Elite Redfish Series anglers have returned for tournaments. Sail on over.
Birding
Sabine Woods is internationally known for spring and fall migration. The oak mott’s plant diversity offers habitat to woodland species resting and feeding as they migrate. Port Arthur lies in the Central and Mississippi flyways and is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail with 28 trails in a 40-mile radius. Sea Rim State Park’s shore birds offer life listers.
#BirdPortArthur
