There’s always been something whimsical about going on a picnic. Rolling out the blanket, filling a basket with accouterments and noshery, choosing the perfect setting, and inviting the right company to waste away the day.
As people gravitate towards more outdoor dining options, beyond posting up on a patio, Beaumont has abundant options to enjoy the area’s outdoor spaces. Whether it’s at a park, the beach, your backyard, or somewhere less traditional, if you enjoy spread outing out with a spread, try one of these al fresco picnic spots for bites with a view.
Event Centre
Located in the heart of downtown, The Event Centre’s Great Lawn resides in front of a 2-acre lake with 35-foot water fountain. Enjoy some nibbles and bites as you watch the ducks wade in the pond. There are benches you can use or bring a blanket to set up in the shade by the tree-lined walking path.
What to Bring: Katharine & Co. or Current
The Julie Rogers Theater
Part of the historic downtown, the Julie Rogers Theater has some of the best landscaping in the city with live oaks and a calming water feature. Built in the 1920s, inside, it hosts Beaumont’s symphony, concerts and dance performances, but outside, the benches are a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic on the benches and lunch amongst the flower beds.
What to Bring: Chuck’s Sandwich Shop or Stir It Up Bistro
Cattail Marsh
A reclaimed wastewater treatment plant turned wetlands boardwalk; Cattail Marsh is Beaumont’s crown jewel. Enjoy a late afternoon lunch as you look out for the area’s 250+ bird species or native gators. Picnic tables are available under the wetlands education center, or you could explore the greater Tyrrell Park area, which is one of Texas’s largest urban parks.
What to Bring: Abbie’s Imports & Deli or Marisela's Tamales
Wuthering Heights Park
Follow the painted benches to find your favorite shaded spot for people watching. A local artist did each as a non-traditional canvas and another form of public art. With both an inner and outer loop, there’s plenty of space to spread out and picnic tables near both parking lots.
What to Bring: Elsa’s Greek or J.Wilson’s
Central Park
Round picnic tables are built into the ground overlooking “Imagination Station,” a unique castle-shaped playground meets challenge course. With swings, bars, and slides, it’s the perfect place for mom and dad to chill out as they watch the kids make their way through the obstacles or relax on the covered benches and tables at the palapa. There’s also a tennis court, soccer field and basketball court in the park so pack some equipment and make a day of it.
What to Bring: Jason’s Deli or Elena’s
Beaumont Botanical Gardens
Another gem of Tyrrell Park, the outdoor portion of the botanical gardens is free and open year-round. Find a bench along the “Friendship Walk” and make time to smell the blooms, post up by the pavilion, or spread a blanket on the lawn near the blue striped Maypole, the centerpiece for the annual Maypole Festival. Your soundtrack will be a combination of chirps and cicadas, a trademark of summer in the south.
What to Bring: Abbie’s Imports & Deli or Marisela's Tamales
Jefferson County Courthouse
Most people only go to court when they absolutely have to, but the Jefferson Country Courthouse is one of the prettiest buildings in town and an art deco architectural marvel. At fourteen stories tall, it was the city’s first “skyscraper,” and with an entrance flanked by two picnic tables and flowerbeds, why not enjoy the scenery? After you’re done eating, take a stroll by the port to watch the boats come in.
What to Bring: Current or New York Pizza & Past
