A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Beaumont by Jessica Serna

Explore on Your Own Or Meet New People

There are many reasons people choose to travel solo. They may have a psychological need to experience a new environment outside their comfort zone, or they may need to get away to clear their head. It may also be logistical; the timing didn’t work out when you needed a getaway, and no one could go with you.

Then there are those who just prefer that freeing feeling of being able to do exactly what they want to do when they want to do it without needing to compromise on behalf of a travel companion. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of things to do on your merry lonesome in Beaumont.

Copy of birdwatching

Relax and Reset

Undoubtedly the most serene place in town, Cattail Marsh, is a beautiful wetland wonder with a scenic boardwalk and 12 miles of trails. It also functions as the final stage in the city's wastewater treatment process. Catch an early morning sunrise, walk the trails, and take in the wildlife (see if you can spot a gator!). Enjoy some time in nature with free yoga every Saturday. Enjoy the landscape feeding the koi fish at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens or exploring the flora and fauna at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. Or, try a new hobby, birding, which was literally made to do solo. Enjoy the solitude of being totally present engulfed in the sounds of nature.

Kayaking Big Thicket

Have an Adventure

Kayak, hike, or bike around the Big ThicketCalled "America's Ark" or the "Biological Crossroads of North America," its where multiple habitats converge with thousands upon thousands of acres to explore. Meet the locals with a show at Gator Country, or opt for an airboat ride through the backwater bayou. Destress by throwing axes at Avenue Axe or make yourself a DIY mural crawl.

Spa

Treat Yourself

For some much-needed self-indulgence, pamper yourself at one of our award-winning day spas like the Meridian or relax with a flight of wine or sangria at Free State Cellars. Post up at the bar at J.Wilson’s, a beloved local favorite for oyster nachos and chicken and waffles. For Cajun/Creole delights, Crazy Cajun also has a large bar area with all the local delicacies from seafood boils to gumbo and jambalaya or make yourself a taco crawl down College Street. And of course, you can’t skip dessert. The Mexican ice cream and shakes from La Real Michoacana may be big enough to share, but why would you? Vacation calories don’t count, and they’re entirely worth the splurge.

Little Woodrow's swing

Meet Some New Faces

The weekly Farmer’s Market is a major community gathering place if you are keen on making friends. Little Woodrow’s patio makes it easy to mix and mingle over outdoor fire pits and lawn games. Or, time your visit around one of our many events like First Thursdays or Classic Movie Night.

Gator Country

  • 21559 FM 365 Rd

Gator Country is an alligator theme park where guests can see the lifespan of an alligator and get up close and personal with nature’s wild…

Neches River Adventures

  • 5390 Pine Street

Enjoy a leisurely trip on the ecologically diverse Neches River. The Neches has been called "The Last Wild River" in east Texas. Relax in a…

Tyrrell Park

  • 6088 Babe Zaharias Drive

Beaumont's largest and most extensive park is the pride of our city. This park exceeds all expectations of what a city park should include…

Beaumont Botanical Gardens

  • 6088 Babe Zaharias Drive

Beaumont Botanical Gardens is a 23 acre garden of ever-changing beauty located within the 500 acres of Tyrrell Park. It is also home to the Bert…

Big Thicket Outfitters

  • 115 Connolly Road

With over three decades of local experience and knowledge, Big Thicket Outfitters strives to provide visitors with the tools, and knowledge to…

Folsom Hike & Bike Trail

  • 6450 Folsom Dr

The Folsom Hike & Bike Trail is the perfect place to enjoy a walk or run along the 10 feet wide and 1.4 mile-long concrete trail. With…

Gator Country Swamp Tours

  • 3296 Pine Tree Road

Gator Country offers guided swamp tours of Taylor Bayou. During the tour, guides discuss the ecological importance of the bayou and the many…

Pleasure Island

  • 520 Pleasure Pier Blvd

Pleasure Island, an 18.5 mile long man-made body of land, extends from the mouth of the Neches River on the northwest to the Sabine Causeway on…

Sam Rayburn Lake

  • N. on Hwy 96,

The Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir was authorized and constructed for the purpose of flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and to…

Creole Nature Trail

A journey into the untamed yet vital coastal wetlands of Louisiana’s Outback. Right from the vehicle view alligators, over 400 bird species sighted each year and 26 miles of natural Gulf of Mexico…