23 Fun & Best Things to Do in Beaumont, Texas

If I had to describe Beaumont in three words they would be: food, history, and museums. I spent six years from my late teens to early 20s in The Golden Triangle (the Texas one – not the Indian one) and I can say with absolute certainty that this town is worth a visit.

The city, which borders Louisiana, blends together a mix of Cajun and Texas influences. It is steeped in rich history and unique culture, which is shown by each historical home that lines the streets, each museum and its relics, and every restaurant recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation.

Beaumont was my home and I explored every corner of the city. I worked my way through college at some of the best restaurants in Texas, went on field trips to almost every museum, and walked miles along the parks and gardens featured in this post. 

I didn’t experience Beaumont from a tourist perspective and I won’t pretend it isn’t a city with problems – but it’s real. It’s a bona fide American city, full of interesting people who love it and the best thing you can do when you visit is to talk to the people and let them tell you the real story. Or, I can save you the trouble and get you up to speed with the best things to do in Beaumont from a local’s perspective!

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown
• Best park – Tyrrell Park & Beaumont Botanical Gardens
• Best free activity – Cattail Marsh Wetlands
• Best activity for kids – Beaumont Children’s Museum
• Best activity for adults – Gator Country
• Best food – Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
• Best outdoor experience – Neches River Adventure
• Best all-around accommodation – MCM Elegante Hotel

Best & Fun Things to Do in Beaumont, Texas

1. Gator Country Adventure Park

Address: 21159 FM 365, Beaumont, TX

Gator Country is the largest alligator adventure park in the state. Visiting is my favorite thing to do in Beaumont, Texas – albeit, also the scariest. The park is filled with alligators of all teeth and tail sizes, and other scaly friends and foes.

Altogether, the park houses over 450 American alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles and mammals. All the animals within the park were received through rescues, donations, transfers, or abandonment. More than 90% of the park’s inhabitants were rescued or surrendered and received the proper enclosures, feeding, and care. 

I’d…