Sometimes the best way to unwind is behind the wheel — cruising along coastal roads with windows down and music up, destination unknown. But if you’re looking for a specific place where peace, nature, and Texas charm collide, set your GPS for Beaumont. Nestled in Southeast Texas near the Gulf Coast, Beaumont is a surprising sanctuary — and getting there can be just as rejuvenating as the stay itself. Whether you’re winding through marshy backroads, tracing the Gulf shoreline, or ferry-hopping along the Bolivar Peninsula, every route into Beaumont feels like part of the adventure. This road trip itinerary focuses on the scenic drives leading to Beaumont, with handpicked stops and experiences that transform your trip into something truly memorable.
Overview of Coastal Drives to Beaumont
Beaumont’s coastal proximity makes it a perfect destination for relaxed road trips that embrace Southeast Texas’s slower pace and natural beauty. Instead of rushing to the city, why not take the scenic route through hidden bayous, wildlife refuges, beach towns, and rural backroads? These drives highlight more than just asphalt — they reveal a region where nature, culture, and history coexist in quiet harmony.
In this itinerary, you’ll explore peaceful drives along Highways 87, 124, and 73 — linking Galveston, Crystal Beach, Port Arthur, and Sabine Pass with the welcoming streets of Beaumont. Along the way, expect wildlife lookouts, seafood shacks, windswept beaches, and rich local culture. Whether you’re looking for a solo escape, romantic weekend, or family-friendly route with minimal stress, these scenic roadways are your path to pure Texas serenity.
Scenic Routes and Destinations on the Way to Beaumont
1. Galveston Seawall to Bolivar Peninsula via Ferry
This route begins with coastal charm in Galveston, where you can drive along the famous seawall before boarding the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry. The free ferry ride across the bay is an unforgettable experience — you might spot dolphins playing in the wake. Once you land in Crystal Beach, the scenic drive continues east on Highway 87 through sleepy coastal towns.
Address: Galveston-Bolivar Ferry Terminal, Galveston, TX 77550
Hours: 24/7 ferry service (runs every 15–30 minutes)
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Dolphin sightings and peaceful beachside drive
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Take an early morning ferry for sunrise views over the Gulf.
2. Highway 124: High Island to Winnie
Highway 124 offers a scenic inland drive from the birding paradise of High Island to the rural community of Winnie. This peaceful stretch is known for its wide-open skies, roadside wildflowers, and lack of traffic. It’s a fantastic drive during spring migration when birds flock to the area’s sanctuaries.
Address: Start at High Island Audubon Sanctuary, High Island, TX
Hours: Open roads; best during daylight
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Spring bird migration and untouched prairie views
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Stop at Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary during spring — it’s world-famous among birders.
3. Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site
Sabine Pass marks the quiet confluence of Texas history and Gulf scenery. This site, which played a major role in the Civil War, sits right on the water with boardwalks, monuments, and interpretive signs. Drive in via Highway 87 or 73 and enjoy marshland views before heading north to Beaumont.
Address: 6100 Dick Dowling Rd, Sabine Pass, TX 77655
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Civil War battleground and coastal boardwalk trails
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy a peaceful lunch by the water.
4. Sea Rim State Park
Just a slight detour off the main road, Sea Rim is where Gulf beach meets swampy marsh — a striking and serene natural combo. Drive along the beachfront, take a kayak tour, or walk the boardwalk through brackish wetlands. This is coastal Southeast Texas at its wildest and most beautiful.
Address: 19335 TX-87, Sabine Pass, TX 77655
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $3 per person
Famous For: Remote beach access and scenic marsh boardwalk
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Keep bug spray handy — the mosquitoes here don’t mess around.
5. Port Arthur: Museum of the Gulf Coast
Port Arthur is a fascinating detour en route to Beaumont, offering both cultural depth and waterfront views. The Museum of the Gulf Coast covers everything from music legends to oil rigs, with exhibits that highlight the region’s wild history. The town’s quiet streets and sea breeze make for a calming stop.
Address: 700 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX 77640
Hours: Mon–Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $5–$10
Famous For: Janis Joplin’s memorabilia and Gulf Coast history exhibits
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Grab lunch in downtown Port Arthur and enjoy waterfront views before continuing your drive.
6. Keith Lake and J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area
This is a birder’s paradise and a scenic stretch of land between Port Arthur and Beaumont that many road-trippers skip. Keith Lake offers peaceful drives and potential wildlife sightings, while Murphree WMA boasts boardwalks and bird blinds ideal for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Address: Accessible via Highway 73 west of Port Arthur
Hours: Daylight hours only
Approx Cost: Free (WMA may require permit for access)
Famous For: Waterfowl watching and scenic marshland
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during winter migration for thousands of ducks and geese.
7. Tyrrell Park and Cattail Marsh, Beaumont
Your scenic drive wraps up at one of Beaumont’s most peaceful natural spaces — Tyrrell Park and the adjacent Cattail Marsh. This expansive wetland features miles of boardwalks, an elevated platform, and frequent sightings of herons, spoonbills, and even alligators. It’s a soothing end to your coastal drive and a wonderful place to stretch your legs before exploring more of Beaumont.
Address: 6088 Babe Zaharias Dr, Beaumont, TX 77705
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Birdwatching and peaceful marsh walks
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Don’t miss the free nature center — a great place to learn about local ecology.
Great Food Spots for the Drive and in Beaumont
1. Larry’s French Market
A lively Cajun restaurant and seafood market near Groves, Larry’s is a must-stop for gumbo, boiled crawfish, and live music on weekends. It feels like a Louisiana dancehall transplanted into Texas — casual, fun, and full of flavor.
Address: 3701 Pure Atlantic Rd, Groves, TX 77619
Hours: Tue–Sat, 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$25 per person
Famous For: Crawfish boils, gumbo, and live zydeco music
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Go Friday night for the full dancehall experience — it’s a local favorite.
2. Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
A festive mix of Tex-Mex and Gulf seafood, this restaurant is known for its shrimp tacos, seafood platters, and colorful décor. It’s relaxed, flavorful, and ideal for road-trippers who want casual but delicious dining near downtown Beaumont.
Address: 5555 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77706
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$25 per person
Famous For: Seafood tacos and Gulf Coast flair
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Order the shrimp and grits — it’s creamy, spicy, and unforgettable.
3. Katharine & Company
Located inside the historic Mildred Building, this charming café offers fresh salads, creative sandwiches, and desserts in a stylish setting. It’s a quieter choice, perfect for mid-day breaks or a light lunch while exploring downtown Beaumont.
Address: 1495 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701
Hours: Mon–Fri, 11 AM – 2 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Fresh, elegant lunch plates in a boutique setting
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Try the lemon bars for dessert — they’re legendary among locals.
Top Places to Stay After Your Scenic Drive
1. The Oaks Historic District Airbnb
Stay in a beautifully restored home in Beaumont’s charming Oaks Historic District. With vintage architecture and walkable streets, it’s a lovely base for couples or solo travelers wanting charm and convenience. Many homes include porches, gardens, and unique decor.
Address: Oaks Historic District, Beaumont, TX 77701
Hours: Check-in varies by listing
Approx Cost: $100–$160 per night
Famous For: Historic ambiance and central location
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Look for listings with front porches — perfect for evening wind-downs.
2. Residence Inn by Marriott Beaumont
This extended-stay hotel provides comfort, modern amenities, and full kitchens — ideal for travelers on longer trips or anyone who prefers to cook. It’s close to major highways and downtown, making it easy to explore after arrival.
Address: 5380 Clearwater Ct, Beaumont, TX 77705
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $120–$160 per night
Famous For: Spacious suites and great location for road trippers
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Book a suite with a full kitchen if staying more than two nights.
3. Elegante Hotel & Conference Center
This centrally located hotel offers classic lodging with a full-service experience — spa, restaurant, bar, pool, and fitness center. Ideal for travelers who want convenience and amenities after a long drive.
Address: 2355 Interstate 10 S, Beaumont, TX 77705
Hours: 24/7
Approx Cost: $130–$180 per night
Famous For: Full-service hotel with on-site dining and spa
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Request a room away from the freeway side for quieter nights.
Packing Tips for a Coastal Drive to Beaumont
- Pack layers — coastal weather changes quickly.
- Keep bug spray in the car for marsh and wetland stops.
- Bring a windbreaker for ferry rides and beach breezes.
- Download offline maps — cell service can drop in rural areas.
- Pack a pair of binoculars for birdwatching stops.
- Bring snacks and water — roadside options may be limited.
- Keep a travel blanket for beach or picnic stops.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, especially for mid-day drives.
- Carry a roadside safety kit for rural stretches.
- Have a playlist ready — scenic drives deserve good tunes.
Local Tips and Seasonal Travel Advice
- Spring and fall offer the best driving weather along the coast.
- Summer brings humidity and storms — check forecasts in advance.
- Early mornings mean lighter traffic and better birdwatching.
- Local seafood shacks have seasonal hours — call ahead.
- Visit Sea Rim and Murphree WMA during migration seasons for epic sightings.
- Watch out for ferry delays during holidays or storms.
- Keep cash on hand for local shops or roadside vendors.
- Winter drives can be peaceful and nearly tourist-free.
Conclusion
A coastal drive to Beaumont isn’t just about reaching your destination — it’s about finding joy in the journey. With miles of beach roads, marshland boardwalks, quiet historic towns, and tranquil wildlife preserves, every route offers a chance to slow down, soak up the scenery, and reconnect with what matters. Whether you’re seeking solitude, romance, or a refreshing change of pace, these roads carve out a path to something deeper than just travel.
Beaumont welcomes you at the end of the line with Southern charm, savory seafood, and nature around every bend. But it’s the drives — the peaceful roads, the ferry crossings, the birdcalls in the distance — that leave an imprint on your heart. So grab your map, pack your curiosity, and set out on one of Southeast Texas’s most scenic, soul-soothing journeys.
