How to Spend 24 Hours in Port Arthur, Texas
As you approach Texas from the East, Port Arthur is one of the first towns you will come to. It is 100 miles East of Houston.
This Gulf Coast town is home to the largest oil refinery in the state of Texas and several other oil companies. Petroleum is still a key industry and the culture is based around the black gold. Port Arthur has beaches, serene waterways, fun attractions, educational sites, and fantastic birding trails.
During a Texas road trip, Port Arthur was the first stop on the itinerary that my daughter, Taylor, and I chose to visit. See what we found to do with only 24 hours in Port Arthur, Texas, including what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in this unique Texas town.
What to Do in Port Arthur
Start with the biggest tourist attraction in town, the Museum of the Gulf Coast. Here, you will find treasures and exhibits that cover Port Arthur’s oil-entangled history, famous local residents, and area history. The Museum of the Gulf Coast also has a great Texas Navy maritime exhibit.
My favorite part of the museum was the tribute to noteworthy Port Arthur (and surrounding areas) residents.Would you have guessed that nearly 200 people are featured in the museum displays? These included George Jones, “The Big Bopper”, Jimmy Johnson (head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and 2 time Super Bowl winner), and Bum Phillips (head coach of the Houston Oilers/Saints), to name a few. They even have an Academy Award.
The Museum of the Gulf Coast’s Snell Gallery features a lovely selection of antique glassware from around the world as well as interesting furniture. Robert Rauscenberg, world-renowned painter and graphic artist, also has a gallery at the museum he helped create. It is said that his early works helped bring forth the pop art movement. Robert was an idol to pop icon Andy Warhol.
Janis Joplin: Port Arthur’s Most Famous Resident
Did you know legendary singer Janis Joplin was from Port Arthur? She was and is still one of the most influential artists and considered the “Queen of Rock”. Two of her biggest songs, “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee” earned the soulful singer #1 on the billboard charts and a place in the hearts of her fans, many whom travel internationally to Port Arthur to see the attractions.
You can see her childhood home still standing in Port Arthur at 4330 32nd Street. The Museum of the Gulf Coast has an impressive display of her artwork, photographs, and memorabilia on display permanently.
More Fun Stops
Next, head over to the Pompeiian Villa. This early 1900’s home was built by Isaac Elwood, the barbed wire king. Elwood sent architects to Italy to research the style of elaborate home he wanted and this villa replicated just that.
The Pompeiian Villa, in a beautiful shade of pink, is filled with elaborate antiques, beautiful decorations, and a docent (Monteel) who offers fantastic stories about the grand home, which was purchased by the Port Arthur Historical Society in 1973. Ask her about her connection with Janis Joplin if that interests you.
A visit to Port Arthur should definitely include a stroll through the pristine gardens of the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, dedicated in 1987. The lush landscape contains towering bamboo, koi ponds, lotuses, rose gardens, and many other beautiful blooms. If you take a tour, expect monks to lead you through the temple and meditation areas. The giant seven-foot tall golden Buddha statue will amaze you! The photo-ops here are more than impressive.
It may come as a shocker to see such a huge Buddhist attraction in Port Arthur. The Vietnamese landed here in the early 70’s for shrimping jobs and have made Port Arthur their home since. It is a lovely blend of cultures and certainly a cool offering in the United States.
We would hate for you to miss the beach so allow time to drive over to Sea Rim State Park located on the Gulf of Mexico. Here, you will find five miles of uncrowded beaches for swimming, paddling, and fishing. You can even drive on the beach!
In the marshy areas, be on the lookout for gators (we saw an adorable little one!), coyotes, wild pigs, and a great selection of birds. Take a stroll on the Gambusia Nature Trail or stay overnight via camper, tent, and even sleep on the beach.
Where to Stay in Port Arthur
The TownePlace Suites is in a convenient part of Port Arthur. It provided Taylor and I a comfortable stay during our travels. The hotel showcases all of the wonderful features from Marriott Hotels that you would expect: a stylish lobby, swimming pool, and great gym, plus a functional room with plenty of space. Wi-Fi and parking were included with our stay, as well as a tasty piping hot breakfast buffet served each morning.
Rooms have either King or two Queen beds, attractive bed linens, a table with chairs, kitchen, and sitting area. There were plenty of plug-ins and lights–great for working. The sink area is outside of the bathroom, making it more convenient for two people sharing a room. Finally, the TownePlace Suites staff is exceptionally friendly and attentive.
Where to Eat in Port Arthur
Donut shops are everywhere in Port Arthur, Texas so you might as well join the locals and enjoy a sugary treat for breakfast. I didn’t have a preference, they were all good.
Cajun and Tex-Mex Lunches
For lunch, head over to Reel Cajun Seafood Restaurant and Bar. Although the menu is enormous and lists every kind of seafood you can imagine, it also has lunch priced items, a bonus in our book.
For our visit, Taylor had the RC Fried Chicken Sandwich with French Fries and I went with the Grilled Chicken Dinner with Cajun Creamed Corn and Green Beans. The food was very good and I loved the homemade goat cheese sauce that came on my grilled chicken. The cajun corn was something I’d never tried and it lit me up–good thing I like spicy food. The taste was exceptional!
Another great lunch or dinner choice is Rodair Roadhouse. This was my favorite restaurant in Port Arthur. Taylor and I had exceptional appetizers including Fried Green Tomatoes (which they are known for) and Hot & Crunchy Shrimp.
For my main course, I chose the Red Beans and Rice, a good choice. We also had Cajun Fried Ribs, a unique dish that is a big seller, where the St. Louis pork ribs are actually breaded and fried. Rodair’s country-west setting and decor was appealing to the eye while the comfort food menu items were really tasty. They often have live music of the evenings.
Mexican and Steakhouse Dinners
For dinner, get your Mexican food fix on at Rancho Grande or enjoy Saltgrass Steakhouse, a chain restaurant with all of your classic steakhouse favorites.
At Rancho Grande, start with creamy White Queso, warm tortilla chips, and salsa. The Chicken Fajita Flautas and Quesadillas are both good choices. The flautas are served with rice and beans and a tiny side of yellow cheese dip.
If you choose Saltgrass Steakhouse, a steak is a must. I had the 6 oz Filet Mignon with a side salad and macaroni and cheese. It was heavenly! The steak was cooked to perfection while the macaroni and cheese was creamy and tasty. Another dish we recommend is the Cheese Fries appetizer. Though more chunks of potato than fries, they are very good, with ample toppings (bacon, cheese, green onions) and a zesty Ranch dipping sauce.
Port Arthur: Worth A Look
Port Arthur was a nice laid-back place to start our Texas road trip. We enjoyed the area and learned a lot about the petroleum business and the Golden Triangle area, which refers to the towns of Orange, Port Arthur, and Beaumont.
Next time you are headed to Lake Charles/New Orleans, Louisiana or Houston, Texas along Route I-10, take a little detour and check out Port Arthur. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Thanks for the Port Arthur CVB for hosting our trip through the area. As with all of my posts, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
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Check out our other Texas articles:
Terlingua: Visiting a Texas Ghost Town
What to See, Do, Eat, and Drink in El Paso
10 Fun Things To Do in Bryan College Station
Matt Adams says
Looks very interesting with lots of places to check out! Looking forward to see all the amazing things.
Andy McCall says
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! I am so glad you enjoyed your visit to the Museum of the Gulf Coast and the rest of Port Arthur!! I LOVE the fried green tomatoes and fried ribs at Rodair! Now I’m hungry!
MelodyPittman says
We’ve been telling a bunch of people about the cool museum. 😉 SO many cool things, and I didn’t get address the products all made from petroleum, my personal fave. Thanks for being a great tour guide.
Kaley says
I’m so glad y’all enjoyed your visit to my hometown! It usually gets bad reviews because it has a bad rep, but I’m proud of my home and y’all highlighted perfectly many of the reasons I love it!
MelodyPittman says
Thank you so much! I hate hearing that, we had nothing but positive experiences on our visit. You guys have really great food PLUS I’m wearing some new threads from both Port Arthur and Beaumont.
Jeremy says
Nice that you mentioned donuts ! Any recommendations ?
MelodyPittman says
Absolutely! Happy Donuts. :0
Arti @ artisdiary says
This sounds like an amazing trip to Port Arthur and this is definitely a very comprehensive guide for everyone planning to travel there! The Museum of the Gulf Coast gives such an in-depth insight into the unique history and culture of the region and its people. The beaches look so clean and pristine! The rooms are inviting as well and I would absolutely love to try all the vegetarian options there!
MelodyPittman says
Thanks so much! It was a really nice getaway with tremendous food. I love a good museum, too. 😉
Candy says
I have not heard of Port Arthur, TX and it looks like a great place for a visit. I definitely would check out the Gulf Coast Museum. I have always loved Janis Joplin’s music and had no idea she was from Port Arthur!
MelodyPittman says
Glad we could show you something that could possibly be a Jeopardy question/answer some day. LOL #themoreyouknowandshootingstar
Lance says
Cajun, Tex Mex, and donuts? I’m hoping in my car for a drive to Port Arthur right this minute. I had no idea that so many famous people lived in Port Arthur. And what a diverse crowd, from George Jones to Janis Joplin. The museum would be a must see for us. I also was surprised to find such a large Buddhist temple in Texas.
MelodyPittman says
I love a city with so many interesting things like this. Keeps travel unpredictable, don’t ya think? 😉
Heather says
I don’t think I’ve ever passed through Port Arthur even though I’ve driven through Texas so many times going home to Alabama while we were living in California. We always went 20 or 40 though. How cool that there is a Museum of the Gulf Coast. I would definitely have to check that out! I did not know that Janis Joplin was from Port Arthur! I really like that you feature a wide variety of hotels (especially mid-range) on your site because most of the time that is what people are looking for! And I totally want that spread at Rodair Roadhouse, yummy!!
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! Glad to show you something new. We did a four city road trip on this particular visit and they were all unique. 😉 Thanks for reading.
Punita Malhotra says
I was eyeing all that yummy food towards the second part of the post. A Tex-Mex meal is always welcome, anywhere one is. The hotel is great too. Tons of fun all the way at Port Arthur, Texas, huh?
Yukti says
There are many amazing things to do in Port Arthur, Texas. Glad you have covered a lot of things in 24 hours. I loved Sea Rim State Park.
Lara Dunning says
There is quite a bit going on in this small town! I’d love to see all the Janis Joplin memorabilia and be noisy and as Monteel her connect with the rock star. I was totally surprised by the Buddhist Temple, knowing that Vietnamese people migrated there to shrimp it makes sense. You know I love steak, so I’d definitely have to check out Saltgrass!
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! New road trip ideas. 🙂
Melissa Rogers says
You had me hooked on Port Arthur once you showed Sea Rim State Park and mentioned the WILD PIGS! That sounds like a dream! Thanks for sharing 🙂
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! I’m so glad. 😉 Thanks for reading.
Mei and Kerstin says
We’ve never heard about Port Arthur but Texas is high on our bucket list. It’s so cool that they have a seven foot tall golden Buddha there and also a replica of the Pompeiian Villa! Does that Pompeiian Villa look somewhat like the Getty Villa in California? We’ve visited the “original” Pompeiian Villa in Italy, so why not this one in Texas! Hehe… Also, good to learn that Janis Joplin came from Port Arthur!
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! Texas is a treasure trove of amazing things to see and do. I absolutely love it! Have a wonderful trip.