Beaumont, the unofficial Cajun Capital of Texas, is crawling with outdoor adventures, a delicious food scene, and a Cajun spirit that befits this bayou-filled region. The city is unmistakably Texan, but there’s also no denying the Cajun influence that began growing in the 1840s when early French settlers migrated from neighboring Louisiana to the area, bringing their traditions and cuisine.
Located in Southeast Texas, Beaumont is flush with bayous and wetlands. Take a pontoon boat out on the nearby Neches River, Sabine Lake, or the Gulf of Mexico, and you’ll spot a wide variety of critters from alligators to birds, with waterways full of crawfish and fresh seafood.
However, you don’t have to be a nature lover or a connoisseur of Cajun cooking to enjoy Beaumont. City dwellers appreciate its numerous museums, restaurants, city parks, and downtown arts scene. Pull up your boots and dive into our favorite ways to experience this Southeast Texas gem.
Eat
Beaumont boasts incredible food, thanks to its prime location near the Gulf of Mexico and Louisiana. The local Cajun Food Trail offers a wealth of dishes, from etouffee to seafood gumbo, boudin, and crawfish. For instance, Floyd’s Cajun Seafood and Steakhouse brings more than 70 years of Cajun cooking expertise, while Crazy Cajun excels in serving crawfish etouffee and red beans and rice.
If your visit coincides with crawfish season, you’ll find numerous spots along the Cajun Food Trail dishing out delectable mudbugs – just inquire locally for recommendations. Moreover, for breakfast, don’t miss pastries from Rao’s Bakery, a Beaumont institution since 1941. At J. Wilson’s, savor crab cake benedict or, for dinner, their shrimp and grits.
Don’t forget to indulge in some true Tex-Mex delights as well; Beaumont has a vibrant selection of south-of-the-border flavors. Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant is renowned for its queso and fajitas, while Tacos La Bamba specializes in authentic Mexican street tacos, tortas, and more.
For a unique Southeast Texas fusion, try Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp for innovative “Mexicajun” items such as boudin quesadillas, seafood nachos, and shrimp tacos. Don’t miss Elena’s Mexican Restaurant which is another gem serving authentic Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex dishes. You can choose from a variety of tacos or an enchilada plate, grab a cold beer, and enjoy your meal on the patio.
For a sweet treat, La Real Michoacana offers homemade ice cream and photo-worthy Mexican desserts. Don’t miss the mangonada (mango sorbet with chamoy, red sauce, and chili powder) or a banana split with your choice of ice cream flavors.
Texas Tidbit: In Texas, crawfish season generally runs from January to May or June, so if you’re in Beaumont during those months, be sure to enjoy a crawfish boil or a meal at a local restaurant.
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Natural adventures abound among the cypress trees, swamps, and coastal wetlands of Beaumont, which is known for having the largest alligator population in Texas. At Gator Country, you can see an alligator feeding show, feed the Sulcata tortoises, or take a swamp boat tour – your guide will discuss the ecological importance of the bayou while pointing out wildlife.
For birding enthusiasts, Beaumont features over 285 bird species annually, including striking pink Roseate Spoonbills, Red-winged Blackbirds, pelicans, egrets, ducks, and doves. The Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands and Boardwalk offers a great spot for bird watching, while gravel levee trails provide opportunities for hiking, biking, jogging, horseback riding, or wildlife photography. Cattail Marsh serves as a wildlife refuge, encompassing around 900 acres of wetlands. Walk the boardwalk for outstanding views of the marsh and visit the excellent education center to learn about this important ecosystem.
Texas Tidbit: If you have kids, download the Beaumont Birdie Passport to engage in fun bird-finding activities around town. After collecting stamps from at least 10 birdhouses, you can take the passport to the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau for a plush Beaumont Birdie.
Enjoy
Back in town, history buffs will appreciate the McFaddin-Ward House Museum, a Beaux-Arts Colonial style home built in 1906 featuring original furnishings, a carriage house, and gardens. The McFaddins amassed their wealth from cattle, milling, rice farming, real estate, trapping, and oil, residing in the home for 75 years and frequently delighting guests with elegant parties. Today, guided tours of the home and its three furnished floors, as well as the grounds, reveal a fascinating slice of local history.
For a fun outdoor experience with art, you can walk, bike, or scooter your way through Beaumont using the Beaumont Mural Guide. Discover incredible works of art across building facades and see if you can spot Janis Joplin, Frida Kahlo, and the scales of justice. For a bit of relaxation, visit the Beaumont Botanical Gardens and meander through acres of vibrant flowers and garden pathways.
Above all, take time to embrace the rich Cajun culture. From the delectable cuisine to the lively music and spirit, you’ll want to ‘laissez les bon temps roulée!’
Texas Tidbit: On your mural tour, check out “Beaumont Betty,” an artistic and retro tribute to women. Within the mural, see if you can spot the hidden easter egg and the oil derrick, which pays homage to Beaumont’s oil boom past.
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