Beaumont, Texas is a city on the Gulf Coast of Texas and the county seat of Jefferson County. Originally, Beaumont was established in 1838 as a pioneer settlement, which had an economy centered around lumber, farming, and port industries. After Joseph Eloi Broussard opened the first successful rice mill factory in the state in 1892, rice farming became a popular industry in the Beaumont area. In 1901, it was discovered that there was a large oil field located near the city, which led to several energy companies developing in Beaumont. Soon, Beaumont would become a major area for petrochemical refining and experience rapid growth and development.
As of 2022, Beaumont has a population of approximately 116,000, and it's known as the "Museum Capital of Texas." The city is home to more than 12 unique museums, including the Texas Energy Museum, where you'll find two floors of fascinating interactive exhibits. There's also the Fire Museum of Texas, where you can learn about the history of firefighting techniques and equipment. Other museums worth checking out around Beaumont include the McFaddin-Ward Museum, the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum, and the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
If you're up for some shopping while you're in the city, consider heading to Calder Avenue to peruse the lovely antique shops. You should also visit the St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, which dates back to 1907 and features breathtaking stained-glass windows, mosaic floor tiles, and incredible architecture. If you want to sample some of the city's most delicious cuisine, you can do so by embarking on the Beaumont Cajun Food Trail.
The sun shines frequently in Texas, and Beaumont is home to plenty of beautiful parks and other outdoor areas where you can enjoy it. For example, you could go kayaking in the Big Thicket National Preserve, explore the bayou on a Neches River Adventure, or enjoy some birdwatching and wildlife viewing at the Cattail Marsh Wetlands. If you're looking for a unique activity for the whole family, head over to the Gator Country Adventure Park, which is home to more than 600 alligators.
Campgrounds Near Beaumont, Texas
There are many excellent campgrounds around Beaumont, including the Bearazinga RV Park, which offers 29 full-hookup RV campsites. The park provides convenient access to a nearby beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, or make use of the boat ramp. There's also an on-site indoor recreation center that's available for guests to rent out. You can stay in one of the campground's peaceful sites for $140-$150 per week.
You could also camp at the award-winning Port Arthur RV Resort, which has full-hookup RV campsites available and is known for its quiet atmosphere. The campsites are spacious and equipped with concrete pads, and the staff members at the park are quite helpful and friendly. You'll also have access to the park's pool and hot tub during your stay.
The Gulf Coast RV Resort, which boasts 125 full-hookup RV campsites, is a lovely campground offering lots of amenities. The park features an exercise room, a playground, games, a book exchange, a sundeck, a pool, and a convenience store. Guests are also provided with free breakfasts, and there are dining, shopping, and nightlife destinations within a few minutes of the campground.
State Parks Near Beaumont, Texas
You'll find Village Creek State Park just a few miles from the town of Lumberton, Texas. Comprising around 1,000 acres, the park provides convenient access to the 21-mile Village Creek Paddling Trail. The creek is a superb fishing spot as well, offering the opportunity to reel in catfish, bass, and sunfish. If you don't have your own fishing gear, you can pick some up at the park's office. Other features of the scenic area include a large pavilion that's great for get-togethers and eight miles of hiking and biking trails to explore.
Sea Rim State Park is a gorgeous coastal haven covering 4,141 acres and featuring five miles of pristine beaches. There are all sorts of excellent recreational opportunities around the park. For example, you could go kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico, ride horseback across the beach, or head to the marshlands to observe the local wildlife. You could also take a walk along the nearby boardwalk for some birdwatching, and certain areas of the park are great for swimming and fishing.
Sam Houston Jones State Park is a 1,087-acre park known for its beautiful scenery and abundance of wildlife. The picturesque park is home to tree-filled lagoons, hardwood and pine forests, several nature trails, and multiple boat launches. Visitors often enjoy a variety of recreational activities around the area, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching.
National Sites Near Beaumont, Texas
Big Thicket National Preserve is a diverse natural area featuring nine different ecosystems. The park contains stretches of arid desert, cypress-lined bayous, longleaf pine forests, and many other unique environments. The preserve is home to over 300 bird species, basking turtles, and many interesting plant species. While visiting the site, you can partake in hiking, paddling, hunting, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. There are over 40 miles of trails to explore, and a couple of the most popular are the Sundew Trail and the Big Sandy Trail.
If you're interested in the fascinating history of the Creole people and their culture, Cane River Creole National Historical Park is an excellent place to visit. The park is home to the Oakland and Magnolia Plantations, where many generations of families worked and lived for over two centuries. You can take a guided tour of the area's antebellum homes and see the places where many enslaved people worked and lived. While visiting the park, you'll want to try a famous meat pie at Natchitoches and stop by the general store, which has been operating since 1863.
Natchez National Historical Park is a large national site that's separated into four different areas. There's Fort Rosalie, which was built by the French in 1716. There's also the Melrose Estate, which dates back to before the Civil War and is one of the best-preserved homes from that era. The William Johnson House is another pre-Civil War house that was once owned by a free man of color, and the Natchez Preservation Area preserves a variety of historical sites. You can stop by all four of these unique sections of the park and learn about the area's history. You may also want to embark on the Civil War driving tour, where you can see an additional 30 historical sites.
National Forests Near Beaumont, Texas
Sam Houston National Forest lies about 50 miles north of Houston, Texas and is a popular forest for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most notable features is the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, which is definitely worth exploring. You may also want to go swimming in the Double Lake Recreation Area, take your boat out on Lake Conroe, or have a peaceful stay in one of the many primitive campgrounds. Fishing, birdwatching, geocaching, and stargazing are all popular activities in the forest as well.
Another lovely national forest in Texas is Sabine National Forest, which comprises 160,656 acres. Located near Hemphill, Texas, the forest forms the boundary of Toledo Bend, the fifth-largest artificial body of water in the country. The bend is revered as a superb fishing destination, and the area also boasts many excellent trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A few of the most popular trails to explore are the Between the Lakes Trail, the North Toledo Bend State Park Dogwood Trail, and the Lost Arrow Trail.
Angelina National Forest covers approximately 153,000 acres and spreads across four counties in Texas. The forest is home to Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which is the largest man-made reservoir in Texas and is a great spot for fishing and boating. Visitors can also navigate the area's many scenic hiking trails, including the Sawmill Hiking Trail and the Banita Creek Trail. While exploring the forest, you should keep your eyes open for bald eagles, wood ducks, and endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers.
