One of the best things about Beaumont is its accessibility. Despite being in the deep south, we’re just 90 minutes from Houston, four hours from Austin, 4.5 hours from New Orleans, and five from San Antonio, which means you could go just about anywhere for a weekend. But what if you just want a quick getaway to enjoy the Gulf Coast and take full advantage of its wide range of attractions? We have some ideas…
Lake Charles, LA (1 hour)
Essentially the Vegas of the South, Lake Charles is known for its mega casinos, L'Auberge Casino Resort, the Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, and the new Golden Nugget where you can roll the dice and win big.Beyond gaming, the area also boasts the Creole Nature Trail where you can view birds, alligators and wildlife, taste culinary delights along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail, and visit the Mardi Gras Museum.
Baytown, TX (1 hour)
Locals tend to overlook Baytown as just another Houston suburb, but they actually have quite a few interesting attractions. Art-ventureis a self-guided tour of the murals and sculptures you can follow via an app. The Umbrella Alley is a top photo spot, but many people also come for their multi-day, city-wide geocaching tour. Grab a passport and uncover clues to find caches all over town – it’s a great family outing and excuse to be outside. Also, they have the closest Buc-ee’s. Enough said.
Kemah, TX (1 hour, 20 minutes)
You probably remember Kemah from your childhood days as a place of nostalgia, but isn’t it time to make some new memories at the sprawling entertainment complex? Spend a day riding the rides, boating the bay, or people watching on the Boardwalk.Essentially a year-round fairground better known as “Houston’s Bay-ground,” it’s a great place for anti-adulting and escaping responsibilities.
Houston, TX (1 hour, 30 minutes)
If you’re in need of a big city escape, Houston has plenty to offer discerning tourists. Their museum campus is one of the best in the country with the Space Center, Museum of Fine Arts, and Museum of Natural Scienceleading educational institutions. Beyond that, their neighborhoods are a mix of sumptuous restaurants and ethnic cuisine from authentic Mexican to a chaotic Chinatown. If you need a good meal, excuse to go shopping, or a spot of culture, make your way to H-Town for the day.
Sugar Land, TX (1 hour, 40 minutes)
Originally founded as a sugar plantation, Sugar Land is still a sweet time and eclectic day trip. You can learn about the area’s history at the Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, see dinosaurs at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, visit the colorful Insta popup Whimsy World, and marvel at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a 33,000-piece hand-carved Hindu temple that’s one of the most breathtaking architectural wonders in the area.
The Woodlands, TX (2 hours)
One of Texas’s masterfully planned communities, the Woodlands is Wisteria Lane on steroids. The Woodlands Resort’sin-house water park is great for kids while mom shops at Market Street. If you’d prefer to get some exercise, rent a bike, swan boat, or kayak the Waterway. The area is home to one of the best outdoor music venues in the world so be sure to catch a concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilionat some point in your life. They attract both big-name headliners and have offer regular symphony performances.
Galveston, TX (2 hours)
The best nearby beach getaway, Galveston is where you go if you want to get on island time. With 32-miles of sandy shores, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip or an excuse to let loose (no judgment), there’s a beach for everybody. With thrill rides, nature, and historic attractions, you could be as active or as lazy as you want.
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