15 Best Things To Do In Port Arthur, Texas

1. Learn at the Museum of the Gulf Coast

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Museum of the Gulf Coast is one of the most prominent Port Arthur attractions. Learn all about the history of the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast region (plus a little more) at the Museum of the Gulf Coast. There are some pretty cool exhibits to view here. Get connected to the music you love in the Music Hall of Fame Gallery, then walk over to the Sports Legend Gallery, where 60-star athletes are highlighted. Once you’ve seen those, check out the Notable People Gallery to find out more about the 35 featured people from the area who achieved national and/or international recognition professionally.

Take a step outside of the museum to witness the Pompeian Villa, built in 1900 to resemble the villas in ancient Pompeii. The house is furnished with 19th-century furniture and is a must-see. The museum has more than 35,000 items, though many of them are not even on display. There is so much to see here, making a visit well worth your time.

Museum of the Gulf Coast

Address: 700 Procter Street, 77640 Port Arthur, Texas

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Price: Adults – 6 USD, senior citizens (62+) – 5 USD, college students w/valid ID – 5 USD, children 4-18 – 3 USD, children 0-3 – free

Contact: (409) 982-7000

Website: Museum of the Gulf Coast

2. Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site, located on a Civil War battlefield, serves as a way to teach about Confederate Lt. Richard “Dick” Dowling and his army of 46 men who prevented an attempted Union attack at the Sabine Pass. The battle lasted less than an hour, as the Confederate side destroyed two gunboats, causing the Union forces to never come back. The Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site is an interesting place to visit, full of history that’s worth learning about.

Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site

Address: 6100 Dowling Rd., 77640 Port Arthur, TX

Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Website: Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site

3. McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges

If you’re looking for things to do near Port Arthur, consider visiting McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. It spans 23,000 hectares (58,861 acres) and contains the largest remaining freshwater marsh on the Texas coast. There are also thousands of acres of intermediate to brackish marsh. The landscape is important, as it supplies a feeding and resting habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl and other wildlife.

Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge protects 3,600 hectares (8,972 acres) of coastal marsh habitat. It includes tidal flats, shallow freshwater lakes, and ponds. It has been designated by the American Bird Conservancy as one of the Globally Important Bird Areas of the United States. Visitors of both refuges can hunt, fish, hike nature trails, and try their hand at nature photography, though Special Use Permits will be needed to hunt and fish. You can apply for permits on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges

Address: 7950 S Gulfway Dr, 77655 Sabine Pass, TX

Hours: Open to the public during daylight hours

Price: Free

Website: McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge

4. Kayak around Sea Rim State Park

Sea Rim State Park offers 8 kilometers (5.2 miles) of Gulf shoreline and 1,600 hectares (4,000 acres) of marshland to explore. Walk around the park, go birding and beachcombing, take a canoe or kayak on a water trail, swim, fish, hunt (in season), and camp.There are 15 different campsites with utilities, as well as a cabin you can rent. If you’d rather feel more one with nature, there is a primitive camping option to stay on the beach.

Fish in the surf or marshy areas of the park. There is also a boat ramp if you’d like to take your boat out to fish. Because Sea Rim is a state park, you do not need a license to fish here.

Explore the 3-kilometer (1.79-mile) easy trail or the 15.5-kilometer (9.59-mile) advanced trail by kayak or canoe. Bring your own, or rent one from the park. This is a great way to take in the view of the coastline from the water. While you’re free to be in the water, it’s important to remember that there may be alligators in there, as well. Be sure to be alert at all times and read up on safety tips before venturing out.

Sea Rim State Park

Address: 19335 S Gulfway Drive, 77655 Sabine Pass, TX

Hours: March through September, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and October through February, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Price: Adult – 3 USD daily, children 12 years and under – free

Website: Sea Rim State Park

5. Check out tanks and canons at the Veterans Memorial Park & Bridge

The Veterans Memorial Park & Bridge is a great trip for kids and adults alike to learn more about military history. The bridge is the only cable-stayed bridge built on a Texas highway, which in itself is cool to see. The park, on the other hand, has a tank, some canons, a boat, a jet fighter, and a helicopter to see.

The park’s walls have the names of Orange and Jefferson County’s living and deceased veterans, from the Spanish-American War up to Desert Storm. Additionally, the Tower of Honor has the names of local soldiers killed or missing in action. Come to Veterans Memorial Park & Bridge to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers and learn about the area’s military history.

Veterans Memorial Park & Bridge

Address: Hwy 87, 77642 Port Arthur, TX

Hours: Dawn to dusk, year round

Price: Free

Website: Veterans Memorial Park & Bridge

The following content is contributed by Trip101 writer, Barry

6. Explore the magnificent White Haven

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This building is a magnificent white mansion that is over a century old. White Haven stands in defiance of time and its vagaries, remaining stunning over 100 years since its construction. Its very facade betrays its era and promises lots of tales about its past. White Haven’s design is a cross between Colonial and Greek Revival styles. Inside, you’ll find a collection of antiques, some dating as far back as the 1700s. Tours of the mansion are offered by appointment only and give you the opportunity to learn more about the lives of past residents.

White Haven

Address: 2545 Lakeshore Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77640, United States

Price: free

7. Visit the historic Pompeiian Villa

This villa first stood here in the year 1900, designed to emulate the architecture of ancient Pompeiian homes. This explains its name: Pompeiian Villa. With a single-story, it may not be as grand as White Haven, however, it bears just as much history. Its stunning exterior portrays the beauty that lies inside. There are 10 rooms, each one taking on a Roman design and offering fascinating stories. From any one of the rooms, you can walk out onto a courtyard, a design that further re-inforces its Roman heritage. If you’re keen on learning more about Pompeiian Villa’s illustrious past, book a tour in advance. The maximum group size for each tour is 12 people.

Pompeiian Villa

Address: 1953 Lakeshore Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77640, United States

Website: Pompeiian Villa

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 3:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 4 USD

8. Admire artwork at Texas Artists Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Texas Artists Museum was conceptualized in the ‘70s by the then Mayor, Bernis Sadler in conjunction with Texas Artists Museum Society. From then on, the museum has morphed into what it is today, a center for artistic excellence. There were some turbulent times. In the year 2005, the museum was destroyed, almost to rubbles, by Hurricane Rita. Its entire front part was ruined as well as the open porch. From tragedy, Texas Artists Museum rose again, this time with a glass foyer where the open porch was found. Presently, the museum has entrenched itself as Port Arthur’s cultural hub. You can visit and admire the works of art or time your visit around the monthly Second Thursday event. This free event has lots of music, dancing and, of course, art displays.

Texas Artists Museum

Address: 3501 Cultural Center Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77642, United States

Website: Texas Artists Museum

9. Wander around Buu Mon Buddhist Temple

If you’re wondering what to do in Port Arthur, then pay a visit to Buu Mon Buddhist Temple. The temple’s first home was in Beaumont, Texas, thus lending it the name Buu Mon. However, Buu Mon Temple found its way to Port Arthur where it eventually settled in what used to be a church building. Today, it is a haven of serenity surrounded by a stunning garden. As soon as you enter the premises, you’ll probably first notice the gold Buddha statue standing in front of a pool. Dotting the grounds are towering bamboo and fruit trees. The temple grounds are open to the public. However, you’ll need permission to explore the temple.

Buu Mon Buddhist Temple

Address: 2701 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX 77640, United States

Website: Buu Mon Buddhist Temple

10. Enjoy a day at Walter Umphrey State Park

Walter Umphrey State Park sits on Pleasure Island in Port Arthur, offering all who visit an enchanting scenery to marvel at. Its position on Mesquite Point gives visitors a chance to enjoy the view of Sabine Lake. You can also head over to the fishing pier if you enjoy fishing. The park is popular among locals who seek to escape their daily life. Its serenity embraces all who visit, making sure you have a relaxing experience. You’ll probably notice lots of people enjoying picnics here; Walter Umphrey State Park is among the best spots for picnicking in Port Arthur. And if you love taking boat rides, you can enjoy one here.

Walter Umphrey State Park

Address: 3964 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77640, United States

Website: Walter Umphrey State Park

11. Go camping in Port Arthur RV Resort

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Rent an RV and head to Port Arthur RV Resort. This award-winning camping space is a gem in Port Arthur, famous for being one of the city’s best camping spots. The area is quite peaceful with a magnificent landscape that includes water features. Their RV facilities are modern and world-class, ensuring you have all you need during your stay. Enjoy amenities like free WiFi, a swimming pool, shower and laundry facilities. And if you visit with kids, they can keep themselves busy on the playground. Port Arthur RV Resort is perfect for a long-term stay since they offer weekly and monthly rates. However, if you’re visiting for only a couple of days, their daily rates are quite affordable too.

Port Arthur RV Resort

Address: 2950 W, FM 365, Port Arthur, TX 77640, United States

Website: Port Arthur RV Resort

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

Price: 45 USD onwards

12. Have fun at MaxBowl - Port Arthur

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Those looking for fun things to do in Port Arthur will enjoy going bowling at MaxBowl Center - Port Arthur. This state-of-the-art complex is a fun destination that will impress everyone - from kids to adults. There’s plenty to keep you busy here aside from bowling. For instance, you can head over to their arcade and play some video games or enjoy their virtual reality rides. If you’re up for it, bring your group and enjoy the excitement of laser tag. If all you want to do is bowl, then take advantage of their facilities that include private seating areas as well as an on-site bar and grill.

Max Bowl - Port Arthur

Address: 3500 Regional Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77642, United States

Website: Max Bowl - Port Arthur

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm

13. Sample delicious seafood at Gulf Coast Seafood

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Gulf Coast Seafood boasts of being the area’s finest fried seafood restaurant. And this is no empty claim; their dishes are fresh and prepared using hand-picked ingredients. If you’re a fan of Chinese dishes, you can enjoy these right here. For instance, their egg rolls and shrimp fried rice is a fan-favorite. When in the area, you’ll probably hear lots of good things about Gulf Coast Seafood’s salt and pepper chicken wings and shrimp. This is their signature dish and is what attracts people to Gulf Coast Seafood. But don’t leave without trying their popcorn shrimp or the sumptuous catfish fillets.

Gulf Coast Seafood

Address: 6137 W Port Arthur Rd #1960, Port Arthur, TX 77640, United States

Website: Gulf Coast Seafood

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun)

14. Have some comfort food at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

After a day of exploration, take a load off and enjoy some comfort food at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. This eatery is located on Memorial Blvd in Port Arthur, a short distance from Adams Park. Their mouthwatering dishes are served in large portions, ideal for the entire family. You ought to try out their house-smoked baby back ribs bundle: baby back ribs served with a side of fries or rice along with six croissants. They also offer delightful seafood dishes like grilled salmon and white fish.

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

Address: 8005 Memorial Blvd, Port Arthur, TX 77640, United States

Website: Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

15. Catch a live performance at Port Arthur Little Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Catch a live performance at Port Arthur Little Theatre, an establishment that seeks to promote local talent. The theatre was started in 1939 and has showcased over 3000 performances thus far. Thousands of visitors come to this destination each year, a testament to its popularity. Whether you enjoy music or drama, you’ll find a show you like for an evening of entertainment. Tickets are sold online where you can choose to buy season tickets, if you’ll be in Port Arthur for a while, or single tickets if you’re around for a day or two.

Port Arthur Little Theatre

Address: 4701 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur, TX 77642, United States

Website: Port Arthur Little Theatre

Become one with nature – as long as you're cautious

Port Arthur is the perfect place to have a wilderness adventure. Thanks to its location on the coast of Texas, there are endless fishing, kayaking, and bird watching opportunities. It is worth noting again, though, that as much fun as it can be in the great outdoors, you should be mindful of alligators and other dangerous situations you may encounter while out. As long as you take the proper safety precautions, you’ll have a wonderful trip.