24 Hour Itinerary
On a Texas Road Trip? Here are the top things to do on a quick, one-day visit to Beaumont
Home to world-class museums, perfectly prepared BBQ and one-of-a-kind attractions, Beaumont is a must stop on a Texas Road Trip. Plus, Beaumont sits on IH-10 at the Louisiana border, which means there’s plenty of Cajun culture here, too. If you’re planning a stop in Beaumont, this 24-hour guide will help you see and experience some of the best of Beaumont before venturing further across the South. From the local farmers market to historic museums, here are to the top things to do on a quick visit to Beaumont, Texas.
Shopping
Don’t spend your day exploring Beaumont without looking the part. Head over to Boot Barn or Cavendar’s to stock up on super cute Western wear like cowboy boots, hats, leather belts and more. Beaumont has a Wild West history, and high quality Western stores are still the norm here. Boot Barn, for example, has been selling crafted footwear since 1879, giving shoppers a taste of authentic leather boots. Also, cute and authentic Beaumont souvenirs are available at local boutiques, antique stores and museum gift shops.
All About You Beaumont
- 5955 Phelan
Ashton House
- 6250 Phelan Blvd.
Boot Barn: Beaumont
- 6420 Eastex Fwy
Cavender's Boot City
- 6185 Eastex Freeway
Ella + Scott
- 460 N MLK Pkwy
Gaudie & Company: Beaumont
- 6025 Phelan Blvd
Genie's Bridal and Formal
- 2350 Calder
Jackie's Boutique
- 6755 Phelan
La-Tee-Da Boutique
- 4004 Dowlen Rd
Mommy Dearest Formals & Accessories
- 4310 Dowlen
Sam's Western Store
- 5090 College Street
Art Museum of Southeast Texas
- 500 Main St.
Food!
Your mouth is already watering as you roll in, so you know it’s time to check out some of the best local seafood places. One of our favorites is Floyd’s Cajun Seafood and Texas Steakhouse off I-10 South. You can try dishes like Cajun-style pasta, gumbo, steaks and jambalaya. The restaurant’s menu is heavily inspired by the Gulf Coast and flavors from both Texas and Louisiana.
Another fantastic way to get your fill of seafood is to try out the shrimp and grits or fish tacos at Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp. All seafood dishes are served fresh from the gulf and made with Southwestern spices and flavors. Or head to Crazy Cajun.
Bayou Café: Beaumont
- 1255 N Major Drive
Catfish Kitchen
- 3620 College Street
Chili's: Beaumont
- 110 Interstate 10 S
Crazy Cajun Beaumont
- 2310 N. 11th Street
Floyd's Cajun Seafood & Steak House
- 2290 Interstate 10 S
J. Wilson's Restaurant & Bar
- 4190 Gladys Ave
Juju's Cajun Crawfish Shack
- 18277 FM 365 Road
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- 4040 Interstate 10 S
Pine Tree Lodge
- 3296 Pine Tree Road
Red's Icehouse Beaumont
- 7665 College St.
Sam's Southern Eatery: Beaumont
- 2949 College Street
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp
- 5555 Calder Ave
Afternoon: Explore Local Museums
Learn about the history and culture of Beaumont by visiting one or more of its local museums. The Texas Energy Museum is home to various artifacts from the town’s oil refinery days. You should also plan a stop to learn about the world-famous Spindletop, an oil field with a gusher that erupted for nine days in 1901—basically striking gold for all of its residents upon discovery. Today, a Spindletop replica gusher stands at Lamar University as an important reminder of Beaumont’s history.
Another popular option in the local arts and culture scene is the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, which is known for its contemporary paintings and sculptures. Exhibits rotate seasonally, so there’s always something new to see for repeat visitors. Finally, McFaddin-Ward House is a colonial-revival mansion-turned-museum and a haven for travelers who appreciate the finer things in life. Visitors can check out hundreds of artifacts once owned by wealthy residents like Beaux-Arts vases, fine china and silverware.
Spindletop Boomtown Museum
- 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd
Art Museum of Southeast Texas
- 500 Main St.
Texas Energy Museum
- 600 Main St.
McFaddin-Ward House
- 1906 Calder Avenue
Beaumont Children's Museum
- 701 Main Street
Hit up Cool Roadside Attractions
A Texas road trip isn't complete without a photo in front of some of the most talked-about roadside attractions in the area, all easily accessible with your car. Located off I-10 in Beaumont, a larger-than-life alligator statue (135 feet long to be exact) bears a toothy grin to drivers as they pass by. Downtown, the original world's largest fire hydrant stands, greeting those who stop to marvel at its massive form. Standing 24 feet tall in front of the Fire Museum, the hydrant is easily recognized by its Dalmatian pattern is always a fun stop for family photos. Other great photo spots are next to the world-famous Muffler Man that towers 25 feet high on 11th Street or the Lucas Gusher Replica at the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum.
Photo Spots
Lucas Gusher Replica
- 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd
Big Beau
- 21159 FM 365
Dalmatian Hydrant
- 400 Walnut
Happy Half Wit
- 830 South 11th
Downtown Mural Artwork - Fannin Street
- 660 Fannin Street
Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitor Center
- 5055 IH-10 South
Nightlife: Dinner and Live Music
Beaumont has a number of must-try restaurants, depending on your preference. If the weather’s nice, try J.W.'s Patio and enjoy their unique dishes and cocktails. For hearty burgers and large portions of french fries, Madison’s on Dowlen is the spot to go. The laid-back spot is a bastion of comfort. The restaurant doubles as a hip hangout with pool tables, regular happy hours and live music.
If you want to pair dinner with entertainment (and love a good selection of craft beers on tap), consider The Logon Café & Pub on Calder Avenue. Vintage musical instruments and posters hang on the walls here, and live music plays while you pick and choose from a menu of sandwiches, burgers and salads.
Relax and unwind, stay overnight
There’s no need to venture far from the highway on your road trip. Beaumont is home to clusters of hotels conveniently located near the interstate. The MCM Eleganté is a luxury hotel with a gorgeous pool surrounded by lounge chairs and a handful of covered cabanas. The new pool ushered in the start of dive-in movies. A large, 21-by-13-foot screen set up adjacent to the pool screens movies for guests, with great views from the water or deck chairs. Other hotels in the area near the highway are Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza, Residence Inn, Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Beaumont Plaza
- 3950 Walden Rd
MCM Eleganté Hotel & Conference Center
- 2355 Interstate 10 S
Candlewood Suites
- 5355 Clearwater Court
Courtyard by Marriott
- 2275 Interstate 10 S
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
- 2265 Interstate 10 S
Hampton Inn
- 3795 Interstate 10 S
Hilton Garden Inn
- 3755 Interstate 10 South
Holiday Inn Express Beaumont NW Parkdale
- 7140 Eastex Freeway
Homewood Suites
- 3745 Interstate 10
Red Roof Inn & Suites
- 2310 Interstate 10 S
Residence Inn by Marriott
- 5380 Clearwater Court
America's Best Value
- 1155 Interstate 10