What’s stopping you? Afraid of having too much fun collecting shells or rocking to Janis Joplin tunes? Even if you’ve never peeled a crawfish before, know we have a reputation for hospitality – so we’ll teach you! We’re an hour east of Houston and a great weekend getaway for your friends and family this summer.

Here’s just 8 reasons to make a Port Arthur road trip your next travel goal:

Warm up from Winter at the Beach

It’s called Sea Rim State Park for a reason. We’re in the upper corner of Texas that rims the Gulf of Mexico. This quiet stretch of natural beach offers more than 5 miles of reflective shoreline to share with shorebirds, or your family. Get some shells, go fish and step up to platforms and boardwalks to spot gators, otter, mink and birds who call Sea Rim home. Was that a ruddy turnstone? The gulf side is a flurry of motion while the Marsh Unit is a quiet oasis with three paddle trails.

You’ll find McFaddin Beach next door – another 20 miles of pristine, hard packed beach where you can spend the day or camp overnight.

Crawfish Season is Legendary

 Crawfish Season in Southeast Texas runs from late March to early July. Foodies, you got this. We’re willing to peel our weight in crawfish to get to that savory, spicy tail. Remember, spicy doesn’t HAVE to mean hot, but we pretty much love it when it does. Cajuns and Creoles of Port Arthur have shared their cultural recipes and now everyone craves gumbo, shrimp, crawfish etoufée, boudain and other Louisiana-based cuisines. Enjoy the #flavorsofPATX at your favorite patio alongside live music and local brew.

We Have the Best Fishing and Birding in Texas

Anglers know Sabine Lake – so big it ends up in Louisiana – is home to trout, redfish and flounder that don’t need exaggerated “fish tales.” Lighted piers and multiple levees on Pleasure Island will are great options for bank fishing. Love the Beach? Sea Rim State Park is great for shore and kayak fishing. Want to book a guided trip? Check out our list of charter fishermen who will get you way out to the big catches.

New to birding adventures? Any level of birder can spot our famous shore and wading birds along the beach. Spring and fall migration bring colorful birdies through to famous spots like Sabine Woods. We invite you to experience birding at its best this season. Here is a weekend birding itinerary to get your planning underway.

Related: Port Arthur has the Best Spring Migration on the Upper Texas Coast

Strolling through the Gardens is a zen thing to do in 2022

Port Arthur is home to beautiful botanical gardens. Flowers are blooming and there are plenty of events and festivals to experience at the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, and Tyrrell Park. If you’re in town in June, be sure to check out Buu Mons’s annual Garden Festival. There, you can stroll the tropical gardens and lily ponds, get an exclusive guided tour of the Temple and shrines, and enjoy Vietnamese food and cultural traditions.

Summer Camping at the Beach should be on your Bucket List

Becoming one with nature could take a new meaning. Start with Sea Rim State Park’s newest boardwalk, Willow Pond, and get really, really out there by paddling to a private camping spot atop a floating platform in the marsh unit. It’s as “primitive” as it gets. You’ll be forever bragging about the starts at night, big and bright (clap, clap, clap, clap) deep in the heart of Texas. Too adventurous for you? Pop up a tent on the beach or plug in your RV for a beachside

The Local Brews are Delicious

What goes better with the sweet summer sunshine than a pint of local beer? When you want a taste of something local, you’ll have plenty to choose from local breweries in the area. From beer gardens, beer tours and traditional wood-fire oven baked pizza, patios with live music and food trucks in and around Southeast Texas’ best shopping districts, you don’t have to go far to find a lager, bock, ale or stout to your liking.

For more on Neches Brewery, Buckstin Brewing Co, Pour Brother’s Brewery, Struggle Street Brewing Company and Hop Avenue Brewing, take a look at the brew trail here.

Get Inspired on our Iconic Faith Trail

Our Faith Trail will inspire you. Port Arthur’s coastal community has drawn a wealth of cultures who have worked our waterways and refineries for generations. Steeples seem always in view as a call to worship. Cajuns, Hispanics, Vietnamese, African Americans, Italians and other cultures have formed faith communities in Port Arthur, Beaumont and Orange. Visit these areas for peaceful views, architectural studies and appreciation of artistic styles.  

The Museum of the Gulf Coast is full of Music Legends

Janis Joplin is one of the most iconic, enduring, influential musicians in the history of rock n’ roll.  She has been called "The Queen of Rock" and “The Queen of Psychedelic Soul." She was born right here in Port Arthur and fans come from around the globe to honor her spirited personality. The Music Hall of Fame features a range of performers and writers who helped make our area known for rock, blues, swamp pop, country, rap, zydeco and blues. Tex Ritter, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, The Big Bopper and Tracy Byrd are tips of the musical iceberg. Enjoy the new interactive exhibit where you can hear and see stories and interviews from the colorful collection of notable people who hailed from Southeast Texas.

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Can’t wait to plan your next weekend roadtrip? With first-rate fishing, beaches and other ways to enjoy the season, Port Arthur has some of the best the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer. Plan your visit here.