The 10 Best Things to do in Port Arthur, Texas (TX)

The Museum of the Gulf Coast celebrates the biology, history, and unique culture of the southeastern Gulf Coast, covering the region between Houston and New Orleans. There are two floors of exhibits including features on biodiversity, archaeology and paleontology. The first floor focuses on the pre-history and history of the region and the early petroleum industry. The Gulf Coast Hall of Fame includes politicians, filmmakers, and several successful Hollywood actors including Evelyn Keyes (Gone with the Wind) and G.W. Bailey (Police Academy). Animator Kelly Asbury (Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Spirit), Karen Silkwood, and Major Tom Collins (one of the first pilots to break the sound barrier) have exhibits in this space along with accomplished individuals from many different fields (science, education, politics). There is also a rotating gallery which hosts a new exhibit every four months. The second floor showcases our decorative arts and maritime collections. We also pay tribute to artists, musicians, and athletes who have roots in this area including (but not limited to) Robert Rauschenberg, Janis Joplin, Edgar and Johnny Winter, Jimmy Johnson, and Babe Zaharias. The Museum offers customized tours and a wide variety of educational programming for pre-school children through adults.

A combination of a five-mile beach and wetlands for sighting wildlife and birds.

Max Bowl brings fun for the whole family to Port Arthur. Our lanes are perfect for all ages and any occasion. Looking for a fun, challenging activity that you can enjoy by yourself or with a group? Check out open bowling! Here at Max Bowl, our low rates make it easy for everyone to get in on the action, you can pay by the game or by the hour.

To visit the Pompeiian Villa GO TO THE MUSEUM OF THE GULF COAST AT 700 PROCTER STREET. From there a guide will accompany you to the Villa. We suggest yo call ahead to insure a guide is available. The Pompeiian Villa, was built in 1900 for Isaac L. Ellwood (1833-1910), principal developer of barbed wire. Architects G. C. Nimmons and W. K. Fellows, of Chicago, designed this beautiful structure in a classic revival style with a raised Roman Doric portico. The Villa changed hands for the first time in 1901 when James Hopkins of St. Louis purchased it. He leased it as a hunting and fishing getaway for his wealthy friends until 1903. George Craig purchased the villa for $10,000 in Texas Company stock, which at the time amounted to 10 percent of the company. We know this company today as Texaco, and that stock would be worth more than a billion dollars.