The Best Road Trip: From Beaumont, Texas to Port Neches, Texas!

Grab your keys and hit the road! This time we're heading from Beaumont, Texas to Port Neches, Texas. Sure, both cities are known for their oil refineries, but during this road trip, we'll show you that there's more to see and do along this route than what you'd expect. Here are our picks for the top places to visit during your drive.

Visit Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum

Just a short drive from downtown Beaumont, the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum will take you back in time to the early 1900s. This living history museum showcases what life was like for the oil-fueled boomtown that sprang up in this area more than a century ago. You can stroll around other parts of the museum, including an old-fashioned drugstore and a post office complete with old fashioned post boxes.

Take a break at Riverfront Park

After a drive from Beaumont, it's time to give the wheels a rest at Port Neches' Riverfront Park. This park is a total hidden gem! It has many trails to explore, excellent playgrounds for kids, a dog park for your furry friend and picnic areas. Grab a paddle boat rental and take a few hours to enjoy the park's lake while soaking your feet in the sand.

The Museum of the Gulf Coast

Moving onto Port Arthur, The Museum of the Gulf Coast is a can't miss stop for history buffs and admirers of cultural icons. The museum has a first-rate collection of regional history displays, including more than 19,000 objects and artifacts that document the heritage of Southeast Texas. The museum's most famous gallery is the Music Hall of Fame, which features exhibits honoring local music legends like Janis Joplin and ZZ Top.

Climb aboard the USS Orleck Naval Museum

While in Port Arthur, head to the water for more historical nostalgia, but this time, on the USS Orleck Naval Museum. The destroyer served from 1945 to 1982, and today, it's docked here as a living museum. Explore the guts of this vessel, now equipped with historical exhibits, and learn about the ship's role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Have a taste of Cajun cuisine at Larry's French Market

You don't have to go all the way to Louisiana to get a taste of Cajun Country. Instead, pop into Larry's French Market in Groves for an experience like no other. The atmosphere is electric with music, and the authentic Cajun delicacies are to die for! Go for gator, crawfish etouffee or a classic Po'boy, plus some horseradish or gumbo served with this traditional French bread. Don’t forget to try some Cajun spiced catfish or shrimp, either fried or blackened!

The Vinh Hung Asian Market

Last but not least, make a stop at the Vinh Hung Asian Market in Port Neches. This place is a local go-to for fresh and obscure Asian-imported groceries, seasonings, and medical products. You could almost get lost in the aisles, searching for strange fruits, vegetables, and even live Seafood for your Aquarium! Who knows – you might discover something new that you can incorporate into your home-cooking.

Conclusion

The journey from Beaumont to Port Neches is filled with fascinating history, local cuisine, and hidden gems. Plan to spend some time in each of these spots and on those hidden roads, so you can experience this trip to the fullest. Driving from Beaumont to Port Neches isn't just about the final destination, but the journey – enjoy the ride!