8 Activities
Explore the Golden Triangle, Where Cajun Culture and Country Living Collide
Starts from
Houston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
8
Duration
9 hrs 30 min
Length
125 mi
Route details
Starts from
Houston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
9 hrs 30 min
Length
125 mi
- History and Culture
- Unusual Locations
Phoebe Suy
Travel Expert
- Marvel at old world beauty at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica.
- Bird-watch at Shangri La's Heronry Blind.
- Order boudin balls or alligator bites at Tia Juanita's.
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Anchored by the cities of Beaumont, Orange, and Port Arthur, the Golden Triangle is just a short trek away from Houston, Texas. Along the way, Interstate 10's scenery soon moves from urban sprawl to rural rice fields as far as the eye can see. Before too long, you'll officially arrive in Southeast Texas where Cajun eats and piney woods await. In this unique corner of the state, you'll see the world's largest working fire hydrant, marvel at one of the few basilicas in the state, and walk through one of the region's most beautiful gardens.
The diversity on this route speaks to the diversity of the region itself, where Texas bravado, Cajun culture, and Mexican influence collide.
The diversity on this route speaks to the diversity of the region itself, where Texas bravado, Cajun culture, and Mexican influence collide.
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Categories
- History and Culture
- Unusual Locations
Anchored by the cities of Beaumont, Orange, and Port Arthur, the Golden Triangle is just a short trek away from Houston, Texas. Along the way, Interstate 10's scenery soon moves from urban sprawl to rural rice fields as far as the eye can see. Before too long, you'll officially arrive in Southeast Texas where Cajun eats and piney woods await. In this unique corner of the state, you'll see the world's largest working fire hydrant, marvel at one of the few basilicas in the state, and walk through one of the region's most beautiful gardens.
The diversity on this route speaks to the diversity of the region itself, where Texas bravado, Cajun culture, and Mexican influence collide.
The diversity on this route speaks to the diversity of the region itself, where Texas bravado, Cajun culture, and Mexican influence collide.
Translated by
Phoebe Suy
Travel Expert
- Marvel at old world beauty at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica.
- Bird-watch at Shangri La's Heronry Blind.
- Order boudin balls or alligator bites at Tia Juanita's.
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Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
125 mi
Explore the Golden Triangle
East of Houston lies the heart of Southeast Texas. Nicknamed the Golden Triangle, this region is anchored by the cities of Beaumont, Orange, and Port Arthur. These mid-size Texas gems are where Cajun living, Texas bravado, and Latino culture collide. On this day trip, you'll eat well, explore historical gems and state-of-the-art gardens, and spend some time relaxing along the gulf.
As you leave Houston, stretches of Interstate 10 will move from urban sprawl to seemingly endless farm and rice fields, a telltale sign you're entering Southeast Texas territory.
As you leave Houston, stretches of Interstate 10 will move from urban sprawl to seemingly endless farm and rice fields, a telltale sign you're entering Southeast Texas territory.
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09:401 hr
The McFaddin-Ward House Historic Museum
Start off your Southeast Texas day trip at one of Beaumont's historic treasures. Built in 1906, the McFaddin-Ward House Museum offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent family whose fortune was built, in part, by the Spindletop oil boom that put Beaumont on the map.
Free self-guided audio tours and docent-led tours are available Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended.
Free self-guided audio tours and docent-led tours are available Wednesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended.
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1 mi
5 min
10:4515 min
World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant
Believe it or not, Beaumont is home to the world's largest working fire hydrant. The 24-foot-tall Dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant was donated to the City of Beaumont by the Walt Disney Company in 1999 to promote—you guessed it—the film 101 Dalmations. Visiting on a weekday? Take a detour at the nearby Fire Museum of Texas.
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1 mi
5 min
11:0515 min
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
Visit Beaumont's St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica for a taste of old world beauty. The impressive structure is one of four minor basilicas in the Lone Star State, a distinction only granted by the Pope. Designed in the early Christian Romanesque style, the Beaumont basilica is modeled after Rome's Basilica of San Clement that dates back to the 12th century.
Guided tours are available during parish office hours, and visitors are welcome to walk through if no activities are ongoing.
Guided tours are available during parish office hours, and visitors are welcome to walk through if no activities are ongoing.
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1.2 mi
5 min
12:001 hr
Katharine & Company
This locally-owned restaurant sits on the corner of the historic Mildred Building, a Mediterranean-Revival style structure that was built following the discovery of oil at Spindletop. With 11-foot-high ceilings, the restaurant offers delicious eats in a historic space dating back to 1919. Enjoy one of Katharine and Company's daily weekday specials or stop by for a weekend brunch on the second Sunday of the month.
Traveling to Beaumont on the weekend? Stop by the Mildred Building to get a glimpse of the beautiful architecture, and then head a few blocks down the street to 1701 Barbecue, one of the best barbecue joints in town.
Traveling to Beaumont on the weekend? Stop by the Mildred Building to get a glimpse of the beautiful architecture, and then head a few blocks down the street to 1701 Barbecue, one of the best barbecue joints in town.
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23.7 mi
25 min
13:301 hr 30 min
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Travel farther along Interstate 10 and soon enough you'll land in Orange, the easternmost city in all of Texas. Tucked away in Orange is Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, a truly world-class botanical garden that also happens to be free. This award-winning garden has so much to offer, including a children's garden, wetlands, a sculpture garden, greenhouses, and more.
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21.2 mi
40 min
15:4530 min
Museum of the Gulf Coast
Next, make your way to Port Arthur, hometown of rock star Janis Joplin, acclaimed artist Robert Rauschenberg, Olympic athlete Babe Zaharias, and former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson. At the Museum of the Gulf Coast, you'll find everything you need to know about southeast Texas history, culture, and more. Artifacts on permanent display include a replica of Janis Joplin's psychedelic Porsche, art by Rauschenberg, and one of the South's largest indoor murals.
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26.5 mi
40 min
17:351 hr
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge
Catch the evening sun at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, the largest remaining freshwater marsh on the Texas Coast. This refuge is a true retreat for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and folks simply looking to relax on the beach or on one of the trails. Hunting and fishing are also permitted here.
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50.8 mi
1 hr
19:451 hr
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp
Grab a bite to eat at Tia Juanita's Fish Camp on your way back to Houston. At Tia Juanita's you'll get a taste of the Tex-Mex–Cajun fusion that locals can't get enough of. Not sure what to order? Anything with "boudin" on the menu is sure to give you a taste of southeast Texas.
If it's crawfish season (generally from January through July), expect that there could be a longer wait at Tia Juanita's. It's just that good!
If it's crawfish season (generally from January through July), expect that there could be a longer wait at Tia Juanita's. It's just that good!
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