Just three hours west of Baton Rouge, you’ll find Port Arthur, the “Cajun Capital of Texas,” and if you’re looking for a weekend retreat within easy driving distance, it’s a gem. Whether it’s a productive fishing spot, a spectacular birdwatching destination, or a vibrant cultural and culinary scene you’re searching for, Port Arthur has you covered. Those who enjoy a serene day chasing speckled trout on a glistening lake, or a dawn expedition to spot multihued rare birds, will find their home away from home exploring the lakes, marshes, beaches and parks that dot this distinctive region just across the Texas state line. Others who love a lively, fast-paced getaway will encounter spirited musicians playing their hearts out in iconic restaurants and community hotspots, bright and spicy Viet-Cajun cuisine, and discover distinctive treasures at the authentic Asian markets and notable boutiques that the town is renowned for. Come see for yourself – Port Arthur is the Cajun capital of Texas you need to get to know.
Cajun Heritage Fest 2025
Keepin’ it Cajun on Saturday, April 5
Who doesn’t love to pass a good time? Just like you can’t make a gumbo without the Holy Trinity of onions, celery and bell peppers, you can’t enjoy the perfect Cajun weekend without the essentials of good food, music and dancing. The Cajun Heritage Festival has all the right ingredients for the quintessential gulf coast weekend, where you’ll find tasty Louisiana fare like crawfish and jambalaya, a place to put on your dancing shoes and the perfect environment to enjoy classic Cajun tunes. The Cajun Heritage Festival attracts many Southeast Texans and Louisianans who gather to celebrate the unmatched tradition and legacy that unites communities on either side of the southwest Louisiana/southeast Texas state line.
The event kicks off at noon on April 5, 2025, at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center in Port Arthur, where the celebration continues until 10 pm.
During April's Cajun Heritage Fest, Port Arthur serves up boiled crawfish with the best of them.
Make It a Weekend
For the complete experience, plan to complete your Cajun heritage weekend by visiting La Maison Des Acadienne, a replica of an authentic Cajun dwelling, and save time to explore this region’s distinctive interpretations of Viet Cajun and Tex Mex cuisine, unmatched bird watching, one-of-a-kind fishing opportunities, Faith Trail and more.
Callie Summerlin
Tia Juanita's Fish Camp serves up live music alongside Cajun delicacies like alligator bites, boudin balls, and chargrilled oysters.
Arrive Friday to try out Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp and enjoy live music while savoring the mouth-watering alligator bites, pistolettes, boudin balls, grilled boudin quesadillas, po boys, fried fish and shrimp, grilled fish dishes and chargrilled oysters that keep this Port Arthur landmark packed. Quench your thirst with a Gator Bite, made with coconut rum, blue Curacao, vodka, pineapple juice, grenadine, a splash of cranberry and fresh squeezed lime. Try Tia’s Punch, proudly made with Louisiana’s Bayou Silver Rum, strawberry and peach puree, grenadine and lemon-lime soda. Or get to grips with a Michelada, which blends Louisiana Hot Sauce, Worcestershire, and your choice of beer in a chilled, salted glass topped with a fresh lime.
Other local Cajun favorites include The Schooner Restaurant, Touch of Cajun Café and Kevin Rico’s. Find all of Port Arthur’s Cajun eats here.
Overnight Accommodations
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Sea Rim State Park offers family-friendly accommodation options, from comfortable cabins to beach side tent camping.
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A new addition to Port Arthur's accommodation options Staybridge Inn and Suites delivers comfort and convenience, with extended-stay options available.
The area’s many accommodations range from cozy hotels to primitive and beach side tent camping sites at Sea Rim State Park. Check into one of the area’s many RV parks, or the comfort of a cabin at Sea Rim State Park.
Colorful shops and boutiques are clustered in historic downtown Port Neches, Boston Avenue in Nederland, and along Lincoln Avenue in Groves.
Shop Clothing, Jewelry, Sporting Goods and More
Treasure awaits in the many shops and boutiques around Port Arthur. Whether it’s unique antiques, a nice new pair of boots, a fashionable outfit, sparkling jewelry, sporting goods, furniture and home décor you’re in the market for, you’re in luck. Spend a morning or an entire day exploring the local merchants clustered in nearby historic downtown Port Neches, Boston Avenue in Nederland, or Lincoln Avenue in Groves, where you won't want to miss Snooper's Paradise. Established in 1952, this local icon stocks one of the largest collections of quality European antiques in the South.
International Flavors
While in town, don’t miss trying one (or more) of the authentic Viet Cajun restaurants (link back to the “Taste Incredible Cuisine” article) that showcase the thriving Vietnamese-American community that took shape in Port Arthur beginning in the 1970s. Offering flavorful pho, savory banh mi (aka the “Vietnamese po-boy”), succulent ramen and more, Port Arthur’s distinctive Vietnamese/Cajun cuisine will provide good fuel for stretching your legs along the Vietnamese trail, or heading over to the Cajun Heritage Festival for music, dancing, drinks, and more food, of course.
Photo courtesy of Leo weeks Photographers
Grammy Award-winning musicians like Wayne Toups (above) and Jo-El Sonnier have performed at Cajun Heritage Fest.
Each spring, Cajun Heritage Fest attracts award-winning musicians; past acts have included Grammy winners Jo-El Sonnier and Wayne Toups. For more information about this year’s featured performers, visit csir.live/cajunheritagefest.
