Bring It! 5 Port Arthur Must-Packs!
Bring It! Pack in Some Good Times in Port Arthur
Pack your bags and pack in the fun.
Adventure in the Cajun Capital of Texas covers all four seasons. No matter when you come, prep for Port Arthur highlights, including fishing, crabbing, birding, bowling, eating and beaching…. we’ve got you covered. Here are some extras to bring on your next road trip:
1. Binoculars
Scope out our views. If you’re a birder headed to Sabine Woods for spring or fall migration, you already have them packed. In this coastal oak mott, focus on the bright colors of the yellow-rumpled warbler and the fiery red of a scarlet tanager. At Sea Rim State Park, check out loaner binoculars to fall in love with delicate steps a Black-necked Stilt takes with long, rosy pink legs.
Not a birder (yet)? Use those field glasses to zero in on the scales of an alligator sunning on the Pleasure Island waterside. Sailboats, ships, bridges and coastlines also make for good spotting.
2. Janis Joplin T-Shirt(s) and Swag
Rock legend Janis Joplin is from Port Arthur. If you have a “Bobbie McGee” style traveling partner, you both need a T-shirt. Museum of the Gulf Coast has a replica of Janis’s psychedelic Porsche and a gift shop with T-shirts and groovy goodies to celebrate her music. Remember to snap a selfie by that car. Far out!
3. Artsy Stuff
Cameras, water colors, musical instruments… Area photographers such as Jerry Connally capture so many amazing images of our waterways and natural views that he often shares with us to promote Port Arthur’s beauty. Texas Artists Museum highlights work from local artists. Museum of the Gulf Coast features a whole gallery of people who have made audiences dance, smile and cry via all genres of music. Bring your medium’s supplies and get inspired!
4. Golf Clubs
Tee of and honor the GOAT who earned two gold medals in the 1932 Olympics and aced everything she tried. Mildred “Babe” Didrickson Zaharias was born in Port Arthur. Babe’s Greatest of All Time achievements included golfing excellence. The public Babe Didrickson Zaharias Memorial Golf Course will welcome you for some rounds. This Leon Howard-designed 18-holer is gets Gulf winds but is generally hacker-friendly. It tips out out at only 6,700 yards and offers minimal water hazards. Make sure you head to Museum of the Gulf Coast for more on our Babe.
5. Sense of Adventure
Do you dare to try some new flavor from a Vietnamese market? Think you can surpass your last disc golf score? Can you quiz your knowledge of notable people featured at Museum of the Gulf Coast? From outdoor conquests to new experiences, Port Arthur has you covered.
6. Bonus Bring
Your appetite. Right? We’re not saying you have to eat your weight in crawfish, like champion Kurt Benoit. But you’ll want to try our fare. The #flavorsofpatx include Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian, barbecue, sweet stuff and of course, Cajun.
Walk it off with a Sea Rim Sate Park hike!
Darragh Castillo loves to share her favorite parts of Port Arthur with visitors. As the Experience Manger for Visit Port Arthur, she’s encouraging you to pack your bags for a fun time.
Pack Gear for Port Arthur Adventures!
