Texas Summer Getaway: Weekend in Port Arthur
Ready to hit the road?
Have you ever been more ready to head out? Our natural coast and outdoors are waiting for you. Let the little ones wiggle their toes in the foamy Gulf of Mexico shoreline, paddle the marsh or cast a line in Sabine Lake. Pack up the family and experience a corner of Texas that’s Lone Star all the way with a Cajun flair for seafood and hospitality.
Plenty of Room for Plenty of Adventure
It’s not too late to get your much anticipated summer tan. Roam the shore for shells and shore birds along more than 5 miles of natural beach. Sea Rim State Park has both a roaring coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and a quiet marsh area in the back. Paddle the peaceful marsh unit and witness nature at its purest. Look out, you just might spot an alligator. Now that’s a road trip adventure.
Just next door is McFaddin Beach, where you’ll find up to 30-miles of hard packed, natural sandy shoreline for shelling, birding, camping or just a good ole fashioned day at the beach!
Big on Birding
Port Arthur is birdy all year long. While shore and wading birds are native to Port Arthur and easy to spot on our beaches and in the marsh, our Free Birding Guide will help you navigate internationally famous Sabine Woods, Texas Point, Pleasure Island and other stops. Catch them again during fall migration and get those summer shore birds on your list. McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, just down the road, is known for ducks, geese and other waterfowl.
Sabine Lake and Pleasure Island Fishing
Trout, flounder and redfish are prevalent in the salt waters that stretch from Southeast Texas to Southwest Louisiana. If you don’t have your own boat, book a guided inshore or offshore fishing trip here.
Sabine Lake is off of Pleasure Island, great for pier fishing and gazing at sailboats leaving Pleasure Island Marina.
Faith Trail: Peaceful, Architectural, Inspired
Buu Mon Buddhist Temple gardens are a perfect place to reflect and enjoy traditional water features, statues, bamboo patches and fruit trees. Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine features larger-than-life bronze statues of Mary and Juan Diego. The Queen of Peace Shrine features another large Mary statue to honor the warm welcome Vietnamese immigrants received in Port Arthur as they established themselves in the local shrimping industry. This trail stretches between counties and is a great way to see the architecture and history that tells the story of our area’s past and present.
Legendary Musicians and Athletes
Pose at the gator selfie station and head in to be impressed at how kid-friendly this museum is. Who is your favorite performer or athlete honored at Museum of the Gulf Coast? You may have gone to school with or danced the night away with some of the greats featured here. Music and sports honorees include
- Janis Joplin
- The Big Bopper
- Jimmy Johnson
- Johnny Winter
- Bum Phillips
- Jamaal Charles
Now that’s a list! Want to soak up road trip vibes? Head upstairs and check out the ultimate ride: The Museum houses a replica of Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche along with other items from her high school years including some original artwork. We’re serious about our music here.
Cajun Capital of Texas, Yum!
A bit of “pigging out” is a road trip must. We’re famous for Cajun gumbo, Mexican flavors, Texas barbecue and the kind of soul food that fills your stomach and your heart. Scan our foodie scene and check into their hours, pick-ups, patios and any specials they are promoting as you navigate your way through our area. #flavorsofPATX
Port Arthur is ready for your road trip. Are you ready for us? #loveportarthurtx
