Top Ten Summer Picks in the Cajun Capital of Texas

Looking for summer family fun in the official Cajun Capital of Texas? This area is packed with nature-inspired adventures and cultural offerings. We got it. Here’s a Top Ten list of reasons to try out Port Arthur picks:

1. Natural Beaches for Miles
We’re the Gulf Coast! Do you hear the roar of the beach? That’s Sea Rim State Park calling you to its boardwalks and seashell-filled beach! Keep an eye out for birds and consider camping overnight with the family. The kids won’t forget this seaside vacation!
The Port Arthur Shore is Calling

Sea Rim State Park
Where the Gulf Meets the Marsh At the far southeast corner of Texas lies a remote...

McFaddin Beach
20 Miles of Free Access Beach McFaddin Beach is one of Port Arthur’s...

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge Thousands of ducks visit this part of the Texas...

2. The Best BBQ, Tex Mex, Vietnamese Pho
Our diverse cultures, noted above, brought their flavors with them. Cajun gumbo, pho, sausage, barbecue, and tacos keep us craving more. Many of our local restaurants offer live music, too. Ready to dine? Look here.
Foodie Brags in Port Arthur

El Refu Tex Mex
El Refu Tex Mex has brought the vibrant flavors of authentic Tex-Mex cuisine to...

Uyen’s Restaurant
Uyen’s Restaurant in Port Arthur offers authentic Vietnamese dishes that...

3. Museum of the Gulf Coast is Everyone’s Pick
Museum of the Gulf Coast is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Our area’s most legendary figures are featured in stunning exhibits. Our local legends have take over the fields of music, sports, maritime, and film. Anyone ever heard of a Miss Janis Joplin? Interactive displays for youth and free family days make MOGC a local fave.
Nearby Top Tier Museums

Stark Museum of Art
The Stark Museum of Art houses one of the nation’s most significant collections...

Texas Energy Museum
Explore the fascinating world of petroleum science and technology from the...

Art Museum of Southeast Texas
AMSET offers world class art exhibits to the Southeast Texas community....

4. We’re Cajun and We Know It
We’re the official Cajun Capital of Texas! Maybe you are a Cajun, or feel you are when peeling crawfish or twirling to live music. We let the good times roll all year long with Cajun spirit and hospitality. Try some of our restaurants and all their flavors. This link will take you right to the bayou flavors.
Go Cajun in Port Arthur

Larry and Ritas Mexican Cajun Bar & Grill
Crawfish? A Cajun two-Step? Up for the buffet? Larry’s French Market is a...

La Maison Des Acadienne
Completed in 1976, La Maison Des Acadienne – or “house of...

Touch of Cajun Cafe
While Touch of Cajun Cafe is famous for crawfish and boiled seafood, they also...

5. Pleasure Island Views
Pleasure Island is a place of beauty. This man-made, 18.5 mile island off the coast of Port Arthur is a perfect day trip for boardwalks, disc golf, fishing piers, sailing adventures, birding trails and more!
Explore the Island

The Island Disc Golf Course
As of 2023, The Island Disc Golf Course has been restored to the Championship...

Lakefront Park on Pleasure Island
Pirate Ship Themed Playground Lakefront Park is Pleasure Island‘s newest...

6. You can Find your Faith
Our Culture/Faith Trail is a melting pot of Cajun, Hispanic, African American, Italian, and Vietnamese culture. As a matter of fact, Port Arthur’s corner of the Gulf Coast is one of the most diverse in all of Texas. One of the best ways to discover this for yourself is by following the Faith Trail.
Stops on the Faith Trail

Buu Mon Buddhist Temple
Stroll through gardens of towering bamboo with koi pond 2025 Garden Festival...

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Shrine
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine includes rocks from vision site in Mexico Our Lady...

Queen of Peace Shrine & Gardens
This Hoa-Binh (Area of Peace), featuring beautiful gardens and statue of the...

7. The Other Side of Sea Rim
Sea Rim State Park has crashing waves on one side and a quieter area along the marsh. Have you paddled Sea Rim’s three levels of trails? It’s a kayak adventure so close to home. The Marsh Unit puts you eye-to-eye with nature! Rent a kayak or bring your own.

8. Texas/Louisiana Border is Sabine Lake
Sabine Lake is so big, it’s in Louisiana, too. Several charter fishermen take groups way out for trout, redfish, and flounder. Head out amongst these 60,000 acres and catch a big one, then snap a photo so your family doesn’t think you’re lying! Check out Saltwater Anglers League of Texas for local tournaments. How about a chartered trip?
Sabine Lake is Fishing

9. Bird Bingo is For Real in Texas!
Bird Bingo! Stop by our office and get a card! Port Arthur CVB has sponsored an Upper Texas Gulf Coast card starring local birds such as the Brown Pelican, Roseate Spoonbill and Royal Tern. What a fun way to get the family in the know about our famous birding. We’re on the Central and Mississippi Flyways and visitors come from around the world to see our spring and fall migration. Shore birds flock to Sea Rim State Park year-round. PACVB is in the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center and offers brochures of more great area family activities.
Start Your Birding Trip Here

Cattail Marsh Wetlands & Boardwalk
Cattail Marsh Wetlands Educational Center Cattail Marsh encompasses over...

Big Thicket National Preserve
Explore the Big Thicket The Big Thicket National Preserve and Visitor Center...

10. Best Burgeoning Bar Scene
Throw an axe? Sip on local beer? Enjoy live music or karaoke on a patio? We’ve got you covered.
Date Nights, Family Nights & Local Brews

Avenue Axe Sports Bar
Discover Avenue Axe: Your Ultimate Sports Bar & Axe Throwing Destination...

Dylan’s Restaurant & Grill
Neighborhood bar with great food and live music.

Buckstin Brewing Company
Buckstin Brewing Company is the first brewery in Nederland, Texas, offering an...
Where to Stay Now
Spend the weekend in Port Arthur and soak up the summer sun. Stay with us!

Residence Inn by Marriott
Relax and unwind at Port Arthur’s newest hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott....

Holiday Inn Port Arthur – Park Central
The Holiday Inn Port Arthur – Park Central, formerly Holiday Homes, has...

Staybridge Suites
An IHG Hotel near Central Mall Welcome to Staybridge Suites Port Arthur Mall...