Port Arthur, Texas Travel Guide

Region: Gulf Coast

Port Arthur sits some 20 miles off I-10, the highway that frames East Texas on the south. It is a bustling port city through which millions of gallons of oil are transported annually, and a favorite with anglers and birders. Port Arthur is the hometown of the late Janis Joplin, former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson, and Joe Ligon, the mainstay of gospel's Mighty Clouds of Joy.

Attractions

Museum of the Gulf Coast. A former bank is now home to displays on local history, from Native American times through the Civil War to the present. Don't miss the Southeast Texas Musical Heritage Room, which contains memorabilia of Janis Joplin, as well as other local music legends. Located at 701 4th St.

Nederland Windmill Museum.This replica of a Dutch windmill is located in Nederland, five miles north of Port Arthur, and is home to a Tex Ritter museum.

Pleasure Island. The Army Corps of Engineers constructed this 18-mile island in 1899. Now connected to Port Arthur by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge and the Sabine Causeway, it's a great spot to try your hand at golfing, boating, fishing, horseback riding, crabbing, or other activities. Located at 520 Pleasure Pier Blvd.

Pompeiian Villa. Isaac Elwood, the "Barbed Wire King," built this copy of a Pompeiian villa as his winter residence in 1900. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Place and open for tours. Located at 1953 Lakeshore Drive.

Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens. Hear in the Hoahbinh area of the city stands a 40-foot statue of the Virgin Mary, dedicated to the city of Port Arthur by the Vietnamese community. At Christmas, nearly one million lights illuminate the statue and Biblical scenes decorate the surrounding gardens. Located at 801 9th Avenue.

Sabine Lake. Spanning 181,600 acres, this saltwater lake sits at the mouth of the Sabine River.

Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park. In 1863, Confederate troops defeated the Union at this site 15 miles south of Port Arthur. It is now a day-use park, great for hiking, picnicking, camping and fishing. Located on TX 87.

Sea Rim State Park. Camp, hike, or swim on this park's five miles of coastline, or visit its neighboring wetlands to view alligators, nutria, minks, raccoons, and occasionally even river otters, on a self-guided hike or a canoe tour. Located on TX 87.

Texas Artists Museum. Exhibits of artwork by contemporary local and regional artists are displayed here and change monthly. Admission is free. Located at 3501 Cultural Center Drive.

Festivals & Special Events

January: Gulf Coast Hall of Fame Show. Launched in 1987 as a tribute to Port Arthur's "Pearl," the former Janis Joplin Birthday Bash has transformed into an all-encompassing event, celebrating a potpourri of performers who have risen to the top in their chosen musical genres, ranging from big band to zydeco.

Map

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For More Information

• visit the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and CVB site

Photo courtesy Port Arthur CVB