Tucked into the far southeast corner of Texas, sunny Port Arthur is a springboard for inshore recreation along the Gulf of Mexico. Situated on the brackish Sabine Lake, just across the water from Louisiana, Port Arthur is a paradise for birders, wildlife watchers and waterfowl hunters, and it might be the best home base in Texas for inshore anglers in pursuit of everything from redfish and speckled trout to sheepshead and black drum. And, just a short drive south through the scenic coastal marshes, visitors to this secret corner of the Lone Star State can find almost total seclusion on miles of uncrowded Gulf of Mexico beaches, where the soft surf is ideal for a summertime swim. Here, travelers can find a similar experience to Surfside Beach, one of the best water adventures in all of Texas.
Port Arthur is also a surprisingly impressive foodie enclave, where Cajun and Creole fare reign supreme. During crawfish season from March through July, the tails from these delicious crustaceans are easy to come by in the “Cajun Capital of Texas,” and they’re a staple in nearly every dish, from etoufée to gumbo. Throw in lively waterfront dining opportunities, live music and that patented coastal vibe, and Port Arthur is a worthy, under-the-radar destination for travelers looking for the ideal long-weekend destination.
Check out the coastal marshes and the unspoiled beaches around Port Arthur
There are no less than six wildlife management areas or national wildlife refuges within a short drive of Port Arthur, plus, for history buffs, a state historic battleground site. Yes, this corner of Texas is home to one of the largest oil refineries in the world, but nature lovers can easily look past the refinery skyline and see why this area is also a prime destination for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Just over 30 minutes from Port Arthur is McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to hundreds of watchable bird species, as well as river otters and American alligators. The 59,000-acre refuge was established in 1980, and it’s free to visit during daylight hours, seven days a week.
The prominence of these protected public lands and waters make for perhaps the best waterfowl hunting along the Texas coast, and, for anglers willing to take the water in a skiff or a kayak, some of the best inshore fishing in the state. Here, in the shallow marshes, tailing redfish will hit a well-cast fly, and delicious sheepshead will gobble down a shrimp with no hesitation. If fishing or hunting aren’t on the list of things to do, perhaps the perfect day at the beach is. Sea Rim State Park, situated right on the Gulf of Mexico, is a 30-minute drive from Port Arthur and could easily be among the 10 most breathtaking beaches in Texas.
Dive into the local foodie scene for some Cajun treats
