Though summer doesn’t officially end until Sept. 22, or so says the calendar, Labor Day usually reminds us that it’s really the last holiday to enjoy those outdoor activities especially at the beach (and the last time to wear white until Memorial Day in May).
Texas has more than 370 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico beginning with Sea Rim State Park near Sabine Pass. The park has 5.2 miles of Gulf shoreline and 4,000 acres of marshlands where you can camp, go birding and beach combing, paddle in a canoe or kayak, swim, fish and walk. Stroll along the Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk, which takes you through the marsh to view many different species of animals and birds.
Next door to Sea Rim in Jefferson County is McFaddin Beach. This is a 20-mile stretch of sandy beach extending from High Island to the west to Sea Rim State Park and can be accessed near Sea Rim on Highway 87. This extensive and spacious beachfront parcel consists of hard-packed sand, which is good for walking as well as driving. Entrance is free and overnight camping is allowed.
All 27 miles of Bolivar Peninsula are beachfront. Driving on the beach, campfires, grills, beach camping and beach combing are permitted on the Bolivar beaches including Crystal Beach, Port Bolivar, Gilchrist and High Island. If you go, you must visit the historic Bolivar Lighthouse, which was built in 1872, and Fort Travis – the first fort established by the Republic of Texas (1836) to protect the Galveston harbor entrance.
There will also be plenty of live music on Bolivar this weekend including concerts on Bolivar’s biggest beach club – Camp Margaritaville Crystal Beach. This resort sets itself apart from other RV destinations, providing a laid-back outdoor experience with all the comforts and conveniences of a luxurious resort. Located on the sunny, picturesque shoreline of the Bolivar Peninsula, this dynamic destination was reimagined from the ground up to offer campers, nomads and endless-road’ers an unparalleled, all-in-one beachside haven and entertainment hub. But you don’t need an RV to have fun.
Concerts at Camp Margaritaville this weekend includes Wesley Pruitt Band (Friday., Aug. 30); Wade Bowen along with Low Down Drifters (Saturday, Aug. 31); and Shinyribs (Sunday, Sept. 1). Tickets can be purchased online at margaritavilleresorts.com.
In nearby Dayton, Texas, Angel Lagoon is set to open Labor Day Weekend – Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to dusk. Located at 15 River Ranch Blvd., the 40-acre park includes several themed beaches as well as palapa, performance lawn and stage, food truck plaza, synthetic turf celebration lawn, watersports facility, boat docks, beach volleyball courts, swim-up bar, hammock lawn, and VIP cabanas.
Tickets are $15 for children, $25 adults and can be purchased online at angellagoon.com.
Beaumont also offers plenty of city parks to enjoy an afternoon or evening visits at multiple parks including Cattail Marsh at Tyrrell Park. Beaumont’s largest and most extensive park is the pride of the city. This park exceeds all expectations of what a city park should include. Whether you like to take a walk and enjoy beautiful wildlife in the 900- acre Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands – which provides a natural habitat for animals, birds and fish – or prefer to stroll among the gorgeous flowers, plants and trees at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens, Tyrrell Park has it all.
Don’t forget Bahama Beach Club located inside Brentwood Country Club in Beaumont. The Party by the Pool kicks off Thursday, Aug. 29, with music by Ethan Osborne. Free entry after 6 p.m.
If you would rather head to the woods, how about the Big Thicket? Located in Kountze, the Big Thicket National Preserve consists of 40-plus miles of official hiking trails that include the popular Kirby Nature Trail, Sundew Trail, and Pitcher Plant Trail, which all are available for daytime use.
Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking and motor-boating remains abundant along the Neches River, Village Creek, Turkey Creek and numerous other small tributaries throughout the preserve. All boat launches are open, including the Confluence Boat Launch in Orange County and McQueen’s Landing Boat Launch in Jasper County.
All picnic areas are accessible including Edgewater Day Use Area in Jefferson County, the picnic shelter at the Sundew Trail in Tyler County and many other informal picnic spots at trailheads throughout the park.
Entrance into the Big Thicket is free and overnight camping is available by calling (409) 951-6700.