Located nearly 90 miles east of Houston, Beaumont earned its place in the Texas history books with the 1901 discovery of oil at Spindletop, a salt dome. Beaumont quickly became a boomtown. Today Beaumont is a port city and is also a gateway to Big Thicket National Preserve.
Dog-Friendly Beaumont Attractions
Big Thicket National Preserve. This huge wilderness area was established to preserve the rich natural diversity of East Texas. Covering some 108,000 acres, the preserve offers miles of hiking trails. Visitors (and their dogs) can enjoy all the trails at Big Thicket (on a leash no longer than six feet long). Near the Big Thicket Information Center lies the Kirby Nature Trail, a good choice for those visiting the park for the first time. 6102 FM 420.
Gulf Terrace Hike & Bike Trail. Leashed dogs are welcome on this 3.5-mile trail near the Cris Quinn Soccer Complex. A 10-foot-wide cement trail is shared by the one-way traffic including cyclists, runners, and walkers. Info: 9310 Phelan Blvd. Free.
Fire Museum of Texas. Don’t forget to pack the camera for a visit to this museum, home of what was once the world’s largest fire hydrant! The 24-foot-tall, 4500-pound, Dalmation-spotted hydrant that sits in front of the Fire Museum was donated by Walt Disney Studios to celebrate the re-release of 101 Dalmations. For special events, the fire hydrant sprays water but every day it’s available for some fun photos with your dog. Unless packed with school groups, dogs are generally permitted inside the museum as well where you’ll find a doghouse in the shape of a fire hydrant, displays on the history of fire dogs, and much more. Info: 400 Walnut St.; (409) 880-3927; www.firemuseumoftexas.org.
Ira Reed Dog Park. This dog park, located just off I-10, is open from dawn to dusk, Dogs under 30 pounds are allowed only on the south side of the park; dogs over 30 pounds are allowed only on the north side of the park. Info: 2348 Louisiana St., beaumonttexas.gov.
Dog-Friendly Beaumont Hotels
If you’d like to extend your Beaumont day trip into an overnight stay, Beaumont is home to numerous dog-friendly chain hotels including America’s Best Value Inn, Candlewood Suites, Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, La Quinta, Red Roof Inn, Residence Inn, Rodeway Inn, Studio 6, Super 6, and more.
MCM Elegante Beaumont. Dogs of 50 pounds or less are welcome at this hotel that’s often lauded as one of the town’s best. Up to two dogs per room are accepted, and guests will need to show Fido’s proof of immunizations at check-in. Pet rooms are found in the non-poolside portion of Cabana Building. The hotel does not charge a fee for pets but there is a refundable deposit at this hotel that includes a fitness center, a day spa, three restaurants, a tropical outdoor pool, and free wireless Internet. Info: 2355 I-10 South; 409-842-3600; mcmelegantebeaumont.com. $$.
Dog Festivals
October: DOG-tober Fest. This free event puts the spotlight on Fido starting with the Strut your Mutt parade which kicks off a full slate of dog-centric activities including paw readings, Neiman Barkus shopping area, a lookalike contest, best tail wagging contest, most talented dog contest, and much more. Info: www.dogtoberfestbeaumont.com
Map
For More Information
- Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau; www.beaumontcvb.com
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Photo courtesy Beaumont CVB