Start your visit at the Museum of the Gulf Coast and explore two floors of displays. You will tour Gulf Coast life starting before the arrival of humans and then moving through the role of Native Americans, first and subsequent European contacts, the Hispanic presence and legacy and the trauma of the Civil War. There are hands-on exhibits for kids, a jukebox that plays songs from the region and even a replica of Janis Joplin’s Porsche.
Take some time off from sightseeing for an afternoon at MaxBowl, where 40 lanes of bowling, arcade games and laser tag await you and your family. Or you may prefer to go in the evening, when there is glow bowling, where you bowl under a mixture of black, laser and disco lights. Either way, this is sure to be a family favorite.
Pleasure Island, a man-made island in Port Arthur that’s 18 miles in length, hosts a variety of family activities like picnicking, cycling, boating and crabbing—so plan to spend at least a day or two exploring it. Tugboat Island is a playground in Port Neches Park designed by children, built by volunteers and funded by donations. It’s the third-largest playground of its kind in the country. And if climbing, sliding and swinging aren’t enough, there is a smaller splash park right next door.
Local art is the fare at the Texas Artists Museum in Port Arthur, showcasing permanent and rotating exhibits by local and regional artists. The museum is a meeting place for local art groups and supports performing arts through a monthly program that features performances by area dance, musical and drama groups.
Texas' Gulf Coast brings everything right to your door: fishing, swimming, birding, kayaking and more are part of daily life. Stay with Choice Hotels in Port Arthur and explore the history and present wonders of this beautiful city.