8 Reasons to Road Trip to Port Arthur in 2022
Roadtrip Planner: Along the Texas Coast
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. Soo, we’ll teach you!
Here’s just 8 reasons to make a Port Arthur road trip your next travel goal:
You can 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. Bonus for enjoying #flavorsofPATX as live bands play on restaurant patios.
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 public gardens is a super zen thing to do for yourself 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 Buddhism 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 near 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.
The Museum of the Gulf Coast is full of legends
Port Arthur is all about extra, so here’s reason 6 of many… Janis Joplin. This sing-her-soul, speak-her-mind, colorful rock queen was born in Port Arthur and captured the world’s imagination. Fans from the world over come pay respects. The “Me and Bobby McGee” singer gave a piece of her heart and the Museum shares her story, displaying a replica of her psychedelic Porsche. The Big Bopper, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Tex Ritter and George Jones are famous music makers honored for their contributions. Our hits include blues, rock, country, swamp pop, rap and jazz.
Now’s the time
If you’ve never hit the road that leads to Port Arthur, now’s the time to pack up for good times. We’ve got year-round semi-tropical weather that gets you in a good mood to try new things. I’ve you’ve already visited us, we understand why you’ll want to come back to the “city by the sea.”
For an overview of fun this whole summer visit our calendar of events!
Show off your road trip memories by tagging: #loveportarthurtx #flavorsofpatx
