Outdoor experiences and Cajun influences in Beaumont, Texas
Featuring: Lauren Monitz
Content Creator , Beaumont Convention & Visitor Bureau
Discover a wide variety of unique outdoor activities in Southeast Texas, where you can hold a live baby alligator and find extraordinary birding hot spots.
After a day of exploration, dive into the foodie scene and discover a creative group of local culinary experts, cooking up everything from traditional Texas BBQ and TexMex to Cajun bites. At Rediscover America, we sat down with destination expert Lauren Monitz to discover the hidden secrets in Beaumont.
Where do you take guests to show them the authentic side of Beaumont?
I’m a big foodie, so the food scene is always how I show people my home. There's no shortage of traditional Texas BBQ and TexMex food around the area. We have a lot of Cajun and seafood influences too, being so close to the Gulf and Cajun Coast. One of my favorites is The Crazy Cajun, it’s a must if you visit us in our little part of Texas.
Another really good local culinary expert is Carlos Zuniga from Tacos La Bamba. Make sure to start your day out with breakfast tacos and take in all the local art and mosaic tables scattered throughout the restaurant. It’s an incredible place with deep roots in Beaumont.
What are your favorite outdoor and open space activities around town?
You have the Sea Rim State Park, where you can camp and drive on the sandy beaches, plus a couple nature trails and the boardwalk that runs right along the beach and Scenic Texas State Highway 87. Just outside Beaumont, we have the Big Thicket National Preserve and kayaking trails, which are another way to explore. The best part about the Big Thicket is there are no crowds. You are pretty much uninterrupted with nature.
"The Big Thicket has four of the five species of carnivorous plants in the US, which is pretty unique." Lauren Monitz, Beaumont CVB
What is your family’s favorite place to explore on a day trip in your destination?
With any one of the tour operators, it's like going on a southern swamp safari. The landscape and habitat is so unique the best way to see it is on an airboat ride where you can spot gators, birds, and other local wildlife up close and personal, while feeling the wind through your hair.
What is the best spot for walking with your dog in Beaumont?
Just a few years ago, a reclaimed wastewater treatment plant was turned into wetlands boardwalk, which is now one of our city's pride and joy. At the nature center, you'll learn about the unique habitat and ecosystem of southeast Texas. Beaumont is located on two migratory flyways, which means it's great for birding and on any given day you can see more than 250 species (would you ever think of Texas as a birding destination?), plus local natives like alligators.
Who is a local maker or brand that you love supporting?
What started as Seaport Coffee company (which was submitted as a bill to become the official coffee of Texas) has morphed into a major spice manufacturer, producing dozens of seasoning blends that embody our unique Texan-Cajun culture perfect for BBQ, steak, seafood. They have some amazing recipes on their website!
What Is A Destination Organization?
A destination organization is responsible for promoting a community as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work.
We are looking for destination marketers who want to share the hidden gems and off-the-beaten path things to do in their hometowns.
