East Texas Travel Guide

East Texas Travel Guide
East Texas is filled with wide open spaces and many nature trails, as well as a plethora of sightseeing opportunities. With National Parks and recreational areas like Tyler State Park, the Beaumont Botanical Gardens, Pleasure Island and more, there are numerous adventures waiting for you in East Texas.

Tyler State Park

Spanning almost 1,000 acres of land, Tyler State Park is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy all kinds of activities from camping to hiking, fishing, swimming, sailing and more. The park includes a lake that covers 64 acres and has an area for boat rentals and equipment. Tyler State Park also features the Whispering Pines nature trail that winds for almost a mile through the park with a large variety of wildlife like squirrels, raccoons and deer, as well as many birds that make their homes here. The lakes are also filled with all types of fish from catfish to bass, perch and more. the campsite provide everything from running water and restrooms to electricity and picnic areas.
Tyler State Park
789 Park Road 16
Tyler, TX 75706
(903) 597-5338
tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/tyler

Beaumont Botanical Gardens

Located inside Terrell Park, Beaumont Botanical Gardens covers over 23 acres with themed gardens and displays featuring camellias, antique roses and many other native plants of southeast Texas. The gardens are open 365 days a year and are free to the public. There are walkways and nature trails winding through the park to connect each of the garden areas. Benches line the pathways. The gardens are also a great place for birdwatchers. Within the Botanical Gardens is the Warren Loose Conservatory, with more exhibits of native plants and foliage as well as information on growing and caring for these plants. The Conservatory does require a small admission fee, and is open every day except Monday.
Beaumont Botanical Gardens
6088 Babe Zaharias Dr.
Beaumont, TX 77705
(409) 842-3135
beaumontbotanicalgardens.com

Pleasure Island

Extending 18.5 miles along the East Texas coastline next to Port Arthur, Pleasure Island is a man-made stretch of land covering about 14,000 acres. It has been designed as a recreational area, and has rolling green hills, scenic vistas and intimate coves. Pleasure Island is a place where nature lovers can enjoy activities like sailing, hiking, bike trails, wind surfing and sightseeing. The island also provides an area for tent camping as well as fishing along the piers. There are several parks on Pleasure Island that include picnic areas with volleyball, tennis and golf courses.
Pleasure Island
Port Arthur, TX 77640
(409) 982-4675
pleasureislandtx.com

Article Written By Carl Pruit

Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.

Write for Trails.com
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