This Scenic, Lakeside Town In The South Is A Warm Getaway From A Harsh Winter

Some outdoor adventurers look forward to the arrival of winter, highly anticipating the time when ski resorts finally open for the season and fresh powder falls on the slopes. Others can't wait to escape the cold and have every intention of swapping it out for fun under the sun instead. If you're a traveler who falls into the latter camp, a trip to scenic Port Arthur, Texas might be just what you need this year.

This inviting lakeside town in the south is a place where you can easily leave all thoughts of a harsh winter behind and focus on pairing your outdoor activities with mild temperatures instead. According to Weather Spark, January is considered the city's coldest month, and even then, visitors can savor daytime averages lingering around 62 degrees Fahrenheit. The welcoming weather stems from Port Arthur's prime location along the upper Gulf Coast of Texas. A little less than 90 miles from Houston, Port Arthur sits on the shores of Sabine Lake, which separates the city from the state of Louisiana. That means a trip this way provides travelers with an exciting array of options for fun on the water, as well as Cajun-infused flavor selections that are sure to satisfy and warm you up on your winter getaway.

If you're an avid angler longing for a winter fishing adventure, or simply looking to try something new on the water, Sabine Lake is the place to be. Boasting dimensions of around 14 miles long and 7 miles wide, this lake is a picture-perfect location for reeling in everything from speckled trout and flounder to redfish as well. There are plenty of piers to settle in on if you want to fish closer to shore. Visitors who are looking to cast a line alongside a local guide will find Port Arthur hosts a wide variety of local outfitters who are happy to help you organize a custom charter. Captain Randy's Guide Service is just one of many options when you're looking for a half- or full-day of fishing fun on the lake.

Port Arthur-bound winter travelers looking to maximize their time outdoors will also want to include a stop at Sea Rim State Park on their itinerary. Covering 4,000 acres of marshlands and hosting over 5 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline, this state park is a beautiful place to spend a day canoeing, kayaking, shelling, or soaking up the sun from a place on the sand. If you're inclined to go for a stroll and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, the Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk here offers up gorgeous marsh views throughout every season. If you look closely, there's a good chance you'll spot an alligator in the waters below.

Travelers heading to Port Arthur who love golf can take advantage of the seasonal winter weather by booking a tee time. The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Golf Course is just as suitable for amateurs as it is for those who are more experienced and up for a challenge. Lessons are available upon request, and this course also hosts a golf shop, putting green, and driving range.

Birding enthusiasts will find plenty of reasons to linger in Port Arthur this winter too. Locations like Sabine Woods are a haven for hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, and indigo buntings. If you prefer to grab your binoculars and stick to the shorelines, you'll increase your chances of spotting roseate spoonbills during your stay.

Port Arthur is a vacation destination where you can always count on treating your taste buds to authentic Creole and Cajun specialty dishes. When you're looking to warm up with those bold flavors and spices, a winter getaway in this direction can include stops at local eateries like the Reel Cajun Seafood Restaurant and Bar. It's a great place to order Cajun-style crawfish with a side of Southern hospitality included. Over at the Boudain Hut, you can grab gumbo or boudin to go and enjoy a winter picnic at Walter Umphrey State Park. There are plenty of picnic tables to gather around, fishing piers to explore, and places to watch the ships passing through the Sabine Channel.