Beaumont is part of “from Houston to Beyond,” a conglomerate of the 14 cities surrounding H-Town that you can get to within a few hours. In this new series, we’ll highlight what to do with 24 hours in each of our neighboring communities. First up, Baytown.
Often overlooked as just a suburb of Houston, Baytown has both waterfront attractions and innovative tourist programs that more than warrant a visit. They’re one of the leading spots in the country for geocaching, boast a robust art and food scene, and are proudly home to the closest Buc-Ee’s in the area. Swing by the next time you’re en route to the airport or plan a day trip to Baytown with your bae.
Breakfast: The Cuban Café
An awesomely affordable mom and pop ethnic joint that showcases the diversity of the area, The Cuban Café has both traditional Cuban sandwiches, rice and protein platters, and standard breakfast options like French toast and omelets. Be sure to try the Cuban coffee – it’ll definitely give you the jolt you need to take on the day!
Morning: The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center
Part museum part aquarium, the Wetlands Education Center is the place to really get to know the locals. Touch tanks and exhibits are populated with inhabitants collected from nearby bays and estuaries ranging from creepy crawlies like snakes and baby alligators to honeybees you can hold and feed.
Lunch: Wazabi
Not your mama’s sushi rolls, expect the unexpected with innovative ingredients like blue cheese and coconut. Artfully presented with an elaborate swirl of sauces, it’s as tasty as it is visually appealing. Don’t miss the deep-fried tuna nachos, they’re a thing of dreams.
Afternoon: Art Scavenger Hunt
A self-guided tour of downtown, follow the art-venture app to explore the murals and sculptures around town. Check-in and complete the corresponding trivia questions to win a prize. Even if you don’t have time to visit all nine, two of the not to miss spots are the highly Instagrammable umbrella alley and the Art League, which frequently updates their exhibits.
Dinner: Steve’s Landing
Waterfront dining with a prime view of the Fred Hartman Bridge, Steve’s Landing is classic surf and turf with Gulf quality seafood and Texas-sized steaks. Enjoy an amazing Texas winter outdoors and cheers to an epic sunset.
Dessert: Sabor of Mexico
Homemade Mexican ice cream, popsicles, mangonada, and horchata, end with a nightcap and mild sugar rush. Called “the unicorn of ice cream,” their colorful creations are beloved by children and adults alike.
And don’t forget to swing by Buc-Ee’s on your way out of town! Stock up on Beaver Nuggets and jerky before heading back to Beaumont!