14 Best Things To Do In Beaumont You Shouldn’t Miss

Wondering about things to do in Beaumont Texas? Well, we have curated this amazing list of fun things to do in Beaumont during a visit here.

Beaumont is famous for the oil discovery that resulted in the Texas oil boom in the 1900s. Located between Louisana and Houston, Beaumont is the perfect place to explore the history of oil discovery, the natural environment, and delicious Texas cuisine.

This city is also known as the museum capital of Texas since it is home to more than a dozen museums. From Fire Museum to Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, there are lots of Beaumont attractions to explore here.

Apart from the intriguing history, this city is home to several natural and haunted attractions as well. Botanical garden, Gator County, Cattail Marsh, etc. are just a few of the places to go in Beaumont.

Honestly, there is no shortage of things to do around Beaumont. So, get ready to explore this city with our list and explore what all it has to offer.

14 Best Things To Do In Beaumont You Shouldn’t Miss

Art Museum of Southeast Texas

Planning a visit to Beaumont soon? Confused about what to do in Beaumont? Well, for art lovers, one of the best things to do in Beaumont Texas is to visit the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.

Earlier known as Beaumont Art Museum, this museum began in 1950. Currently, it is located in the city’s Old Town history district and features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The temporary exhibits change every 2-3 months so, there is something new to see on each visit.

The main attraction of this museum is the permanent exhibition of Fox Harris. Somethin’ Out of Nothin’ exhibit displays art sculptures made from discarded objects by Harris. All these art sculptures were donated to the museum after his death.

If you enjoy art or unique works, then this is one of the top places to go in Beaumont.

Cattail Marsh Wetlands

Are you a nature lover? If yes, then one of the best things to do in Beaumont is to visit the Cattail Marsh Wetlands.

Located within Tyrrell Park, this is a 900-acre preserved wetland that was built in 1993 by the state department. Over 350 bird species, alligators, and other animals live in the wetlands.

This is one of the top Beaumont attractions that offers a lot of fun activities to the visitors. Take a stroll on the boardwalk, hike or bike on the gravel levee roads, or attend workshops and classes held at the Education Center.

Since this wetland is located on two migration paths, you have high chances of catching a glimpse of the barred owl, king rail, and more. Trust me, bird-watching is one of the top things to do in Beaumont Texas.

Village Creek State Park

Located 20 minutes from the city, Village Creek State Park offers a fun, outdoor experience for the entire family. This is why it is one of the top places to go in Beaumont.

This state park resides on the banks of Village Creek and offers lots of fun activities for the visitors. There is fishing, camping, mountain biking, watching wildlife, and a lot more to do around here.

For camping, visitors can bring their own tent or RV or they can rent out the cabins here. Enjoying a picnic meal in the covered picnic pavilion is another great thing to do here.

You also have the opportunity to canoe or kayak through the Village Creek Paddling Trail. Truly, there is no shortage of things to do around Beaumont.

Big Thicket National Reserve

A visit to the Big Thicket National Reserve is one of the top things to do around Beaumont to learn more about the biological diversity of this region.

One of the most fun things to do in Beaumont is to hike or kayak at this reserve. There are over 40 miles of hiking trails in this national reserve of varying lengths. So, whether you are looking for a short or a day-long hike, you will easily find a trail that interests you.

Another great way to experience this national reserve is by kayaking and you will find several access points throughout the reserve. That’s not all. Big Thicket National Reserve is great for bird-watching too and gives you an opportunity to see the migratory birds.

For nature and adventure lovers, one of the best things to do in Beaumont is to spend a day at Big Thicket National Reserve.

Fire Museum of Texas

If you are looking for fun things to do in Beaumont Texas, then what could be more fun than visiting the Renaissance revival-style Fire Museum.

Well, guess what? This museum was formerly a Fire Station and a Texas Historic Landmark. You can get your kids here to learn about the history of firefighting equipment and techniques. View the equipment that dates back to the 1800s.

One of the things to do in Beaumont with kids is to take a selfie in front of the largest working fire hydrant in the world. This fire hydrant was donated by Disney to the museum and is one of the most popular landmarks in the city.

Take a guided tour of the Fire Museum to learn about the artifacts. Also, kids can try the firefighter uniform and drive the fire truck simulator. Trust me, this museum is fun for all ages.

Neches River

Popularly known as the ‘last wild river in East Texas’, the Neches River is one of the top Beaumont attractions to visit.

This river is 669 km long and flows through Beaumont city and Big Thicket National Reserve. It is home to over 200 tree species and 47 mammals. You will also observe over 300 species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians in this river ecosystem.

If you are interested in an educational tour, then take a guided tour of the river Neches. In this tour, you will learn about the natural history of the area. Kayaking and canoeing are also fun activities to do on this river.

One of the most romantic things to do in Beaumont is to take a trip down the river during sunset. You will love the hues of the sky and the calm breeze that flows on the boat.

Beaumont’s Children Museum

Are you in search of fun things to do in Beaumont with kids? Beaumont’s Children Museum is one of the best places to visit with your kids.

This is an interactive museum that has 30 exhibits on science, art, math, technology, and more. It aims to build your child’s interest in these topics and lets them have some fun with them.

One of the best things to do in Beaumont with kids, you can enjoy yourself a lot here with your family. From Lego City Model to Puppet Theatre, to Dinosaur Den, there are many fun exhibits to explore here.

Willy Burger

One of the best things to do in Beaumont Texas is to try the delicious Texas cuisine that is quite famous here. This is why you must visit Willy Burger, a classic diner-style burger joint.

This diner has a retro vibe with the counter barstools and the classic neon sign. Plus, there is an Airstream event rental space in the back that you can book for parties and concerts.

Apart from its ambiance, this place is known for serving the best burgers in Texas. The ingredients used in the burgers are fresh and USDA-approved. While they do specialize in beef burgers, one can also find vegetarian and gluten-free burger options here.

So, if you are wondering what to do in Beaumont apart from sightseeing, then you should visit Willy Burger in Beaumont. Don’t forget to try the famous Cadillac onion rings here!

The McFaddin Ward House

Still don’t know what to do in Beaumont? You can always explore historic homes and museums in Beaumont.

The McFaddin-Ward House is a historic home in the city that is open for public visits. It was built in 1906 and the house-turned-museum gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of upper-middle-class families during the Texas oil boom period.

This is one of the top places to go in Beaumont to see how the homes were decorated in the 1900s. The home has been restored and still contains its original furnishings and decorations.

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of this house including the outdoor gardens and the carriage house.

Make sure you visit this house in December. The house is beautifully decorated in holiday spirit similar to how it would be decorated in the early 20^th century.

There are many fun things to do in Beaumont Texas but a visit to McFaddin-Ward House is the best.

Beaumont Botanical Gardens

Originally started in the 1950s by a local garden club, Beaumont Botanical Gardens is one of the best Beaumont attractions to explore.

This 23-acre of garden collection is a great place for a morning/evening stroll and to admire the themed gardens, water features, and more. You will find paved paths throughout the park which is perfect for moving wheelchairs and strollers.

Apart from the walk, you can visit the Horticulture Center here that keeps botanical art, and Warren Loose Conservatory that houses rainforest plants.

But taking a stroll here with your partner is one of the most romantic things to do in Beaumont.

Edison Museum

Edison Museum is one of the top Beaumont attractions to visit for science enthusiasts or Thomas Edison fans.

Dedicated to Edison, this museum displays objects related to this famous inventor. There are over 60 historical items in the interactive exhibits here. Apart from that, the museum features over 1400 artifacts and an expanding reference library.

This is a small museum with an area of 1,100 square feet so it can accommodate only 40 people at a time. The only museum of its kind in this region, it is one of the best things to do in Beaumont.

Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of this museum. Moreover, it is located close to other Beaumont attractions so, it is a good place to add to your trip.

Taylor Bayou

Are you looking for unique things to do around Beaumont? Then, you cannot miss out on a swamp tour through Taylor Bayou near the city.

Formed by the meeting of North Fork and South Fork, Taylor Bayou is an important landmark in Beaumont. A tour of this bayou will bring you close to the wildlife that calls it home.

These swamp tours are generally small and private where you will discuss the ecological aspects of this bayou and why is it important. Learn about the species that live here and if you are lucky, you might see them too.

Be on the lookout for birds such as pileated woodpeckers, wood ducks, great horned owls, and more. Trust me, if you want adventurous things to do in Beaumont, then visit Taylor Bayou.

John Jay French Museum

Another one of the top places to go in Beaumont is the John Jay French Museum, one of the oldest homes in the city. Built in 1845, this was the first two-story home in this area and the first home to be built using milled lumber.

John Jay French, a pioneer, built this home and stayed here with his family in the mid-1800s. Visitors can take a stroll through this museum and see the fine furnishings, households goods, and clothing used by the upper-middle class during that time.

This museum hosts several events throughout the year that you can attend. Christmas candlelight tour is a must-attend activity at this museum.

You will also observe the tannery, blacksmith shop, and smokehouse used by the family. One of the best things to do in Beaumont Texas is to take a tour of this property. There are self-guided tours available too.

Gator Country Adventure Park

Watching alligators in Gator Country Adventure Park is one of the most fun things to do in Beaumont with kids.

Home to over 600 alligators, this is the largest alligator adventure park in South Texas. It is also an alligator sanctuary where the rescued alligators and crocodiles live safely. The park hosts regular shows to educate the visitors about Texas gators’ lifestyles and feeding habits.

You can also feed the alligators and meet the two main alligators of Gator Country. You will meet Big Al, the oldest alligator in Texas, and Big Tex, the largest alligator in captivity.

One of the best things to do in Beaumont, this attraction allows visitors to enjoy a hands-on experience. Hold one of the snakes, feed the alligators, or pet the tortoise, there is a lot to do here.