More and more millennials pick travel destinations based on how Instagrammable they are. In fact, a third of millennial travelers say posting pictures on social media is as important as the holiday itself. They look for destinations that offer unique experiences but are equally photogenic. Thankfully, Beaumont can satisfy both. So grab your selfie stick and make it a scavenger hunt to score these sweet Southeast Texas shots.
The Visit Beaumont Mural
1701 Calder St. Beaumont, TX 77701
Since the hashtag #Ihavethisthingwithwalls gained popularity, people have been buzzing over geometric prints and colorful murals, which are basically synonymous with Instagram these days. The perfect backdrop to a gorgeous portrait – this should be the first stop on your Texas world tour to announce that you’re in Beaumont.
Photo Tip: Plan ahead. Choose an outfit to match the wall and bring props like umbrellas and balloons to add visual interest.
La Real Michoacana
4882 Dowlen Rd. Beaumont, TX 77708
If you’re into outrageous desserts or eating for the ‘gram, let me tell you a little secret --- Mexican ice cream is far more colorful and decadent than American ice cream. The spicy, tropical, fruity, sweet, tangy blends are flavor explosions our palates haven’t even begun to explore. Beyond their elaborate ice cream creations, La Real Michoacana also has homemade horchata, popsicles (also super photogenic), and snow cones.
Photo Tip: There’s no English menu so go with your gut (or order based on the pictures). Be sure to take advantage of their neon wall as a backdrop.
The World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant
Fire Museum of Texas
400 Walnut St. Beaumont, TX 77701
This black and white speckled wonder stands 24-feet tall, weighs 4,500 lbs., and can blast up to 1,500 gallons of water a minute. A gift from the Walk Disney Company to celebrate the re-release of 101 Dalmatians,Beaumont was chosen from 300 potential sites in the country to be the permanent home of this quirky roadside attraction.
Photo Tip: Dogs obviously make the best accessory so grab your favorite four-legged friend (or five) and plan a puppy photo-shoot. No one will judge you if you decide to dress up like Cruella (in fact, we highly encourage it).
The Fannin Murals
Burris Transfer & Storage Company
660 Fannin St. Beaumont, TX 77701
Frida once said, “I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone because I am the person I know best.” If you can relate to her pain and passion (and really, who can’t?), pay homage to the famous Mexican artist in Beaumont. It's right next to the firefly and mermaid murals, so you actually get three for the price of one.
Photo Tip: The murals are a little elevated off the ground so it helps to stand on the cement parking blocks for a better angle (especially if you’re short like me).
Tacos La Bamba
2005 Calder Ave. Beaumont, TX 77701
For great indoor murals or the perfect inexpensive flat lay with colorful plates aplenty, the tasty tacos and hand-painted tables at Tacos La Bamba are a hungry photographer’s dream. One of Beaumont’s OG taco joints, Carlos first began selling his tacos out of the back of a video store in 1996. Videos may be dead (RIP), but his street tacos seem to have an eternal shelf life through the decades.
Photo Tip: Tacos La Bamba hosts monthly celebrations complete with elaborate decorations. Check the events calendar for your chance at photo ops complete with giant sombreros and Mexican blankets (or just bring your own).
Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk
4233 Babe Zaharias Dr. Beaumont, TX 77705
If you’re into birding, this is where you want to bring your longest lens. But there’s also plenty to see and capture right from the boardwalk. A wildlife refuge with over 900-acres of wetlands and eight miles of trails, Cattail Marsh is home to 250 species of waterfowl and photo ops aplenty.
Photo Tip: You don’t need a drone to get an epic shot from above. Visit the brand new educational center and viewing platform. Bring a friend to photograph you from the overlook sashaying down the runway. Photos are especially epic at sunrise and sunset.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
2111 W Park Ave, Orange, TX 77630
It’s a little-known secret if you need good photos in any city, head to the botanic gardens. And this one is incredibly free for the time being as they rebuild their patronage post-hurricane.
Photo Tip: Inspired by James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon, Pond of the Blue Moon’s angled boardwalks offer the perfect reflective pond and portrait backdrop for family photos or engagement shoots (not saying, just saying).
Gator Country
21159 FM 365 Rd. Beaumont, TX 77705
If you want to impress your friends with your affinity for creepy crawlies, Gator Country is a 15-acre rescue preserve that’s home to dozens of alligators and amphibians. If you’d prefer to observe from a distance, they also have swamp boat tours through the bayou, which are photogenic in their own right.
Photo Tip: While Gator Country is home to two world-record holders for size, they’ll also let you hold a baby gator or wade in the pool with them if you’re feeling brave (or just want to show off on the Internet).
McFaddin-Ward House
1906 Calder Ave. Beaumont, TX 77701
One of the original families that struck it rich during Beaumont’s oil boom, the McFaddin-Ward house is an early 1900s home designed in the Beaux-Arts Colonial Revival style. Lavishly furnished and beautifully appointed, it paints a picture of what life was like back in Texas’s heyday.
Photo Tip: Although photos are not allowed inside the home, the lawn, landscaping, and architecture are still incredibly beautiful. Stand as far back as you can for perspective. Old postcards are available for purchase in the tour office to enhance the scene.
"You Are the Best Thing About Me" Mural
701 Main St. Beaumont, TX 77701
Painted by local artist Summer Lydick, this mural is as inspirational as it is colorful. Located on the side of the Beaumont Civic Center, you can't be self-conscious about cars driving down Main Street if you want a good snap with this uplifting quote.
Tokyo Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar
4438 Dowlen Rd. Beaumont, TX 77706
If you like playing with your food, Tokyo is the place to go. Primarily known for their hibachi, it's actually the sushi that come creatively plated -- meaning they take caterpillar and dragon roll quite literally.
Photo Tip: They also have a heart-shaped roll perfect for impressing that special someone on Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, etc.