Beaumont Bucket List 

69 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 Buckstin Brewing

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

16. Find your favorite boudin balls in town

17. Dine overlooking the waterfront at Neches River Wheelhouse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

33. Hold or swim with baby alligators at Gator Country

34. Twirl in front of the downtown murals 

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

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

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

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

39. Feed the koi fish at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens

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

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

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

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

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

45. Snap a selfie at the Windmill Museum in Nederland

46. Try geocaching as a way to explore

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

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

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

50. Jump around at Urban Air Trampoline Park

51. Strike out at Crossroads Bowling Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

59. Shop back to school fashion at the local boutiques

60. Beat the heat at the MCM Elegante pool

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

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

63. Take the ferry to Galveston for the day

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

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

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

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

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

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