Port Arthur TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Port Arthur, Texas.
1. McFaddin Beach
20 MILES OF FREEDOM
McFaddin Beach is one of Port Arthur's pristine upper Texas Gulf Coast beaches and is part of McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. The 20-mile, hard-packed beach extends from Sea Rim State Park on the east to High Island on the west, offering free public access, vehicle access, and overnight camping. This typically uncrowded beach serves as an official stop on the Upper Texas Coast Birding Trail, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.
2. Sea Rim State Park
WHERE GULF MEETS MARSH
Sea Rim State Park offers 5.2 miles of Gulf beaches and dunes perfect for shelling, sunning, and shore fishing. Visitors can hear the tempting waves of the Gulf of Mexico before viewing it from the high West Dune Boardwalk, their entry to the beach experience. The park presents a bounty of activities including fishing for black and red drum in the surf or marsh areas, making it an ideal destination for families or solo travelers.
3. Gambusia Trail
WILDLIFE OVER WATER
The Gambusia Trail is a mile-long winding boardwalk over water and through cane that looks different every season you visit. Shorebirds such as heron, coots and roseate spoonbill are regular sights along the path, while crabs and gambusia fish dart in the shallow waters below. Visitors will almost always spot an alligator nestled in the sea grass, making this trail a premier wildlife viewing experience in Port Arthur.
4. Sabine Lake
CROSS-BORDER SALTWATER PARADISE
Sabine Lake is a massive 90,000-acre saltwater estuary straddling the Texas-Louisiana border that defines Port Arthur's eastern shore. The lake offers exceptional fishing opportunities and water recreation activities against a backdrop of dramatic coastal scenery. Its unique position makes it a cultural crossroads where Texan and Cajun influences blend, creating a distinctive atmosphere for visitors.
5. Pleasure Island
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Pleasure Island in Port Arthur offers families a chance to get close to nature through activities like kayaking, sailing, fishing, and disc golf. The island is surrounded by scenic marshland and natural beaches that create a peaceful escape from urban life. Its soaring bridges provide spectacular views of the surrounding Gulf waters and coastal landscapes.
6. Little Florida Beach
CALM SECLUDED GETAWAY
Little Florida Beach offers a calm and secluded waterfront experience near Port Arthur, perfect for those seeking tranquility away from crowds. The beach's sheltered position creates gentle waters ideal for swimming and wading, especially for families with young children. Visitors appreciate the pristine shoreline and natural setting that feels like a hidden gem along the Texas Gulf Coast.
7. Crystal Beach
REMOTE UNCROWDED PARADISE
Crystal Beach is a remote and uncrowded coastal destination located on the Bolivar Peninsula near Port Arthur. The beach stretches along the Gulf of Mexico, offering visitors miles of sandy shoreline for relaxation, swimming, and beachcombing. Its relative isolation compared to more popular Texas beaches creates a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can truly connect with the natural coastal environment.
8. Holly Beach
WILD COASTAL FRONTIER
Holly Beach is a wild coastal area with few amenities just across the Texas-Louisiana border from Port Arthur. The untamed shoreline offers a genuine Gulf Coast experience without the commercial development found at more popular beaches. Visitors come for shell collecting, fishing, and experiencing the raw beauty of the Louisiana coastline in its natural state.
9. Walter Umphrey State Park
WATERFRONT RECREATION AREA
Walter Umphrey State Park provides Port Arthur residents and visitors with waterfront access and recreational facilities along Sabine Lake. The park features boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic areas that make it perfect for day trips and family outings. Its strategic location offers stunning views of both the lake and the impressive bridge connecting Texas and Louisiana.
10. McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge
COASTAL WETLANDS SANCTUARY
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge encompasses crucial coastal wetlands adjacent to McFaddin Beach, providing protected habitat for numerous bird species and aquatic wildlife. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystem where freshwater marsh meets saltwater influences from the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge offers wildlife viewing opportunities, photography spots, and educational experiences about coastal conservation.
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