Summer 2020 Bucket List 

71 Things You Can Do in Southeast Texas Right Now

Whenever you travel, there are certain culinary, attractions, and events that define an area from the best restaurants to the must-see museums. These are our sought-out bites, the most memorable attractions, and the places that leave a lasting impression on guests. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, here are the quintessential Beaumont experiences you must have in Southeast Texas that are open to safely see and do right now. Plan your summer getaway today!

1. Try a kolache from Rao’s Bakery, which you can learn about from our A-Z Southeast Texas Cajun Food Guide

2. Grab a pitcher of margaritas to go from Tia Juanita’s (but be warned: they’re bigger than your head)

3. Grab some to-go food from the original Jason’s Deli to see a homegrown chain’s humble roots

4. Make it Taco Tuesday every day at Tacos La Bamba, which has both indoor and outdoor seating

5. Chow down a gourmet burger from Daddio’s, which has one of the most pup-friendly patios in town

6. Throw yourself a DIY gumbo crawl (some of our favorites can be found on our local foodie guide). 

7. You've heard of farm-to-table dining, but what about table to farm? Dine at a third generation pecan farm at Amelia Farm & Market

8. Try a local delicacy, BBQ crabs, which are available almost year-round

9. Get spicy with a seafood platter from Crazy Cajun, home to the largest patio in the area

10. Be an adventurous eater by trying alligator tail or frog’s legs

11. Check out the vintage airstream and grab a burger at Willy Burger

12. Go all out with a colorful freak shake or Mexican ice cream from La Real Michochana

13. Get creative with toppings at Crown Pizza – ever tried crawfish or boudin on a pie?

14. Get a growler to go from one of the four area microbreweries - Struggle Street, Pour Brothers, Neches Brewing and Buckstein Brewing

15. Cool off with liquid nitrogen ice cream creations from Sub Zero

16. Pack a picnic and eat by the fountain at the Event Centre

17. Find your favorite boudin balls in town

18. Dine overlooking the waterfront at Neches River Wheelhouse

19. Chow down on the hot mess fries from Sweet Basil full of Viet-cajun delights

20. Find your favorite bowl of pho from the 10+ area Vietnamese restaurants

21. Get your Asian fix with Thai to go. The signature dish at  Chaba, Pad Kee Mao, spicy basil noodles, is life-changing

22. Get a sugar high with Toasted Yolk’s donut tower

23. Get a gallon of queso to go. Carmela’s was named one of the top 10 in all of Texas.

24. Sip on a mule flight on Mellow Mushroom's patio

25. Eat at the oldest family-owned BBQ restaurant in Texas, Patillo’s

26. Feast on Cajun delights overlooking the bayou at Pine Tree Lodge and see how many gators you can spot

27. Get a java jolt at the Avenue in Port Neches

28. Go retro with the funnel cake sampler platter from Star Bowling

29. Try an authentic muffuletta at Jason's Deli.

30. Curb your coffee addiction at Happy Time Tea Lounge with their unique flowering teas

31. See how many different ways you can eat crawfish from pies to queso

32. Sip and swirl in the vineyards with sangria flights and charcuterie at Free State Cellars

33. Shop local at the weekly Farmer’s Market, which only features vendors from 150-mile radius

34. Feast on upscale Cajun cuisine on the patio at Suga’s

35. Hold or swim with baby alligators at Gator Country

36. Twirl in front of the three downtown murals (the dragonfly, Frida, and mermaid)

37. See where the Spindletop gusher changed the oil industry forever and explore a recreated 1901 Boomtown (it’s the best sprinkler in Texas)

38. Admire the free art at AMSET (Art Museum of Southeast Texas)

39. Kayak the paddle trails of the Big Thicket or Village Creek State Park

40. Admire the incredible architecture at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica

41. Feed the koi fish at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens

42. Photograph historic downtown Crockett Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

43. Take your stress out at Avenue Axe, cheaper than therapy

44. Swing life away at 5 Under Golf Center while you snack on injectable donuts

45. Take a pic with the giant Beaumont and LOVE sculptures at Ben J. Rogers Visitors Center

46. Give bird watching a try (you can borrow binoculars for free from Cattail Marsh)

47. Snap a selfie at the Windmill Museum in Nederland

48. Try geocaching as a way to explore

49. Get to know the history of the area at the Museum of the Gulf Coast

50. Cast a line and go fish at one of the area’s many estuaries

51. Act like a kid again with mini golf and laser tag at Colorado Canyon

52. Jump around at Urban Air Trampoline Park

53. Strike out at Crossroads Bowling Center

54. Explore on four hooves with a guided trail ride at Tyrrell Park Stables

55. Go for an airboat ride and spot gators on a Southern swamp safari

56. Catch a sunrise at Cattail Marsh, a reclaimed wastewater treatment plant turned wetlands boardwalk

57. Snap a selfie at the World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant

58. Follow the Faith Trail to the beautiful Buu Mon Buddhist Temple

59. Photograph the beautiful period homes like the McFaddin-Ward House and W H Stark Home

60. Take a trip across the state line to roll the dice in Lake Charles

61. Shop back to school fashion at the local boutiques

62. Beat the heat at the MCM Elegante pool

63. Take a road trip to Buc-ee’s for BBQ and jerky from a gas station (it’s a Texas thing)

64. Make it a beach day at Sea Rim State Park (reservations required)

65. Take the ferry to Galveston for the day

66. Take a day trip to Kemah for nostalgic fun on the boardwalk

67. Stretch your legs on 40+ miles of hiking trails at the Big Thicket

68. Break out your bike and get some exercise at the Gulf Terrace Hike & Bike Trail

69. Take a day trip to Bolivar Peninsula and enjoy water sports like parasailing and SUPing or sunning on the sand

70. Host a campfire cookout under the stars at Village Creek State Park

71. Relax and unwind at one of the area day spas like the award-winning Meridian