BeaumontTexas

An oil-boom town with a side of spice

Beaumont is all about energy. Feel it in the spirit that powers the community, the pride of the people who live here and the upbeat vibe that makes Beaumont a fun and exciting destination. Experience all this dynamic city has to offer: a multitude of museums, delightful dining, exhilarating culture, fabulous shopping, nightlife and awesome outdoor adventures.

Learn how the discovery of oil created a new destiny for this farming and lumber town, transforming it into a center of culture and refinement built on the riches of black gold. Tour the spectacular mansions and landmarks built with oil money as well as historic homes that reflect life in earlier times.

See big Texas icons unique to Beaumont: the world’s largest working fire hydrant, the largest alligator living in captivity in Texas, and the spot where a 1901 gusher led to the most significant oil boom in U.S. history.

Explore awe-inspiring architecture, serene beauty and a blend of Louisiana Cajun and Texas cowboy culture. Sample crawfish, gumbo and, perhaps, fried alligator. Enjoy the mellow sounds of blues and jazz or the beat of country, rock or Zydeco music. Need more? Here are six reasons to visit Beaumont.

Alligators

Beloved and feared, American alligators are Texas’ most fascinating native creature. Gator County Adventure Park is home to about 300, including Big Al, the largest alligator in captivity certified by Texas Parks and Wildlife at nearly 4 meters long and over 1,000 pounds. Visitors are invited to hold a baby alligator at this wildlife park, which also features interactive animal shows with crocodiles, turtles and snakes.

Beaumont Rocks

The city has been producing music legends for much of the last century across all genres of music – country, jazz, rock, blues, hip-hop and Zydeco. Artists, old and new, keep the good times rolling. Learn to two-step or just enjoy live music at one of many local hot spots.

Birds and Boats

Birdwatchers are in for a treat at Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands, where over 300 species and thousands of birds roost year-round. From downtown's Riverfront Park, enjoy relaxing boat tours every Saturday, from March until November, with Neches River Adventures. See birds and animals living along the banks of the Neches, the gateway to the Big Thicket National Preserve.

Antiques and Boutiques

Local shop owners scour the world to find the most interesting and unique treasures to fill their shops. Browse the boutiques on Calder Avenue to find selections among fine quality furnishings, décor items and funky vintage statement pieces that sparkle.

Divinely Different Dining

The culinary landscape of southeast Texas is packed with bold taste. From the spice of Tex-Mex dishes to the flavor of slow-cooked Texas barbecue to the zest of Cajun cooking, the local cuisine is a food lover’s treat. Savor a plate of barbecued crabs, Gulf-fresh seafood, a juicy steak, Southern comfort food or the all-American favorite, the hamburger.

Oil Gushers

The Spindletop gusher spurred the greatest oil boom in the USA and changed Beaumont forever. Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum provides a look into the 1901 lifestyle complete with the replica Lucas gusher that blows water hundreds of feet into the air. The Texas Energy Museum showcases today’s energy industry and illustrates how southeast Texas continues to fuel the world.