orange travel information

Texas Travel Information Center

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Texas Travel Information Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (1.19 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orange, an IHG Hotel
• (1.57 mi) Hampton Inn Orange
• (1.12 mi) Days Inn by Wyndham Orange
• (1.04 mi) SureStay By Best Western Orange
• (2.55 mi) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orange
• (0.42 mi) Lucy's Cafe and Bakery
• (0.76 mi) Roberts Steakhouse and Catering
• (2.00 mi) Luigi's Italian Grill
• (2.07 mi) The Hut - Orange, Tx
• (0.93 mi) Roberts Steakhouse

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What Made Orange Great: Texas Highway Information Bureau Centers, Keeping Travelers Informed

Published 6:27 am Wednesday, August 18, 2021

By Dawn Burleigh

Courtesy photos Texas Highway Information Bureau Center in Orange when it was first constructed and days before it was demolished.

By Mike Louviere

Orange Leader

In 1905 the Texas Legislature created the Office of Public Roads to begin to bring standardization to the highways and roadways of Texas. They began to issue material specifications, testing procedures, construction guidelines, and bridge specifications to all road construction and maintenance in the state. In 1915 it was renamed The Bureau of Public Roads.

Following the Federal Road Act of 1916, the Texas Highway Department (THD) was established in 1917. It became a centralized system of funding and construction standards.

The THD shifted control from localities and provided money to build rural roads as well as trails in national forests. The state gained power to design and supervise improvements.

In 1921 the Federal-Aid Highway Act changed control of road and bridge projects and upkeep from county and local governments to the THD.

As the responsibility of building and maintaining roads and highways in Texas grew, so did the numbers of travelers on the roads and highways. One of the projects being discussed by the THD was the formation of a bureau to give travelers on Texas highways information about Texas and provide rest stops at entrances to Texas on major highways.

The first information station in Texas was built in Orange as travelers entered the state from Louisiana on Highway 90. The station was a small log cabin located on Green Avenue (Highway 90) about three blocks from the Sabine River, the state line between Texas and Louisiana.

The building was constructed of cypress logs and contained a room that spanned the width of the building with two smaller rooms in the back half of the building. The building was only about 24 feet by 24 feet but was adequate for the needs at the time. The first personnel to staff the building were cadets from Texas A&M College. One of the small rooms in the back was used for sleeping quarters for the personnel.

The persons working in the station distributed road maps and gave some information about sights to see and things to do in Texas. There was drinking water available, but no restrooms on site.

After the Highway 90 route through Orange changed with the construction of MacArthur Drive connecting to Green Avenue, the log cabin station was moved to a location among the pine trees on the north side of MacArthur Drive about a quarter mile west of Adam’s Bayou.

When the new highway was built that bypassed Orange proper and eventually became Interstate-10, a new modern information station was built on the north side of the highway just inside Texas at the Sabine River.

The old log cabin was vacated and sold. It would end its public use as a liquor store. When it was no longer in that use, it was taken by the City of Orange and moved to a site on Simmons Drive. Several options for use of the log cabin were discussed. None came to fruition and the small log cabin was left to deteriorate until it finally had to be demolished.

The new station on the new highway began to see more and more use as the number of travelers on the new interstate highway increased.

The amount of information available grew, there were restrooms, drinking water and vending machines available. The site was a nice rest area.

From only one highway information station in Texas in 1936, today there are 12 Texas Travel Information Centers located on major entrances to Texas. The centers are located at Amarillo, Anthony, Austin, Denison, Gainesville, Harlingen, Laredo, Orange, Texarkana, Waskom, Wichita Falls, and the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center at Langtry.

The centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week with the exception of the Austin center, located at the state capitol which has the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The centers are to “Create a positive impression of the Lone Star State. Centers are staffed by professional travel counselors to provide visitors with routing assistance and give information on points of interest and road conditions.”

Services available at the centers include Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) travel literature, including the Texas State Parks Travel Guide, the Texas Official Travel Map, literature about Texas public campgrounds, and the Texas Events Calendar.

Additional literature includes maps, booklets, brochures, and pamphlets from local and statewide destinations, points of interest, special events, lodging and restaurants.

The center at Orange has a “Welcome to Texas” photo area, two sets of men’s and women’s restrooms open 24 hours per day, diaper changing stations, drinking water, a family assisted rest room, group picnic facility, handicap access, interpretive displays, motor carrier permits, TxTag, picnic tables, professional travel counselors, security surveillance, separate truck and passenger vehicle parking, vending machines, video theater, walking trail, weather information, and wireless internet access.

The picnic tables are covered and there is a boardwalk with interpretive exhibits of the Blue Elbow Swamp and a scenic deck with an overview of the wetland area and cypress forest.

Texas Information Centers are part of the Travel Information Division that promotes travel to and within the State of Texas.

The Division distributes and produces travel literature and operates the 12 information centers, the Drive Texas program, and Texas Highways Magazine. The Division also manages the Don’t Mess with Texas, Adopt-A-Highway, and Drive Texas programs and partners with Keep Texas Beautiful.

The information center at Orange follows the same operation hours as the other centers. The centers are closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The Orange travel center may be reached by dialing 409-883-9416.

The phone number for travel information, trip planning, highway conditions information is 800-452-9292, available 8 am. to 6 p.m. daily. Automated road condition information is available 24 hours per day.

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Orange, Texas

The City of Orange is located in Orange County Texas on Interstate Highway I-10, about 30 miles east of Beaumont, and near the Louisiana border. The city is a point of what is known as the " Golden Triangle " along with Port Arthur  and  Beaumont .

The city came into existence in 1836, the year Texas won its independence from Mexico.  The dredging of the harbor in 1916 enabled the construction of ships during World War I. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, World War II had a dramatic impact on the city of Orange. Almost overnight the small town of 7,000 residents became a bustling “booming” city as shipyards began building ships again. Other local industries were expanded to meet tremendous wartime demands.

The Port of Orange became a deep-water port open to the Gulf of Mexico and the world's oceans when a 25-foot channel through Sabine Lake, past Sabine Pass, and out to the Gulf of Mexico was completed. The port continues today as an integral part of the East Texas economy and business environment.

Among the industries operating today in Orange are petrochemical products, steel fabrication, shipbuilding, rubber products, paper products, and plastics.

Today, Orange offers its 19,000 citizens an array of employment, recreation and shopping opportunities.

The Orange Zip Codes are 77630-77632, and its Area Code is 409. Commercial aviation service is located at nearby Southeast Texas Regional Airport, and general aviation service is provided by Orange County Airport.

Although Orange has been severely damaged by Hurricanes Rita, Ike and Harvey in recent years, its citizens remain strong and committed to rebuilding and continuing the East Texas lifestyle!

Lodging Options in the Orange Area

Area attractions.

Orange offers residents and visitors a wide-range of attractions and things to do. From museums to entertainment districts, from historic sites to a wealth of outdoor activities, Orange has it all!

Included below are highlights of popular Orange attractions ... but there are many more. For a complete review of attractions, maps, events and more, we highly recommend a visit to the website of the Orange Convention & Visitors Bureau .

Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts

The formal 252-acregardens contain more than 300 plant species.

Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens is a bird blind which allows visitors to observe nesting birds in Shangri La’s heronry.

The Nature Center includes a hands-on exhibit called the Nature Discovery Center, a laboratory, and three outdoor classrooms located deep in the cypress swamp. 

Website of Shangri La Botanical Gardens

W.H. Stark House

Built in 1894, the W.H. Stark House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

It is a restored, 14,000-square-foot Victorian home located on the corner between Green Avenue and Sixth Street in Orange.

Website of the W.H. Stark House

Lamar State College at Orange

Lamar State College Orange has a student body of approximately 2,700. Two-year academic programs are offered in business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, liberal arts, theater, natural science and sociology.

These academic programs lead to associate of science degrees and will transfer to four-year institutions for students seeking baccalaureate degrees. Thirty technical programs are available, leading to associate of applied science degrees, certificates of completion and institutional awards. Some of these degrees include process operating and industrial technology, instrumentation, and medical office.

It is located at 410 front Street in Orange. For more information, visit the Lamar State College Website

National Hurricane Center

Texas Media Outlets

KLTV Tyler ABC Tyler Weather KTRE-TV - Nacogdoches Weather KFDM-TV - Beaumont Weather KBTX-TV Bryan-College Station Weather

Houston Chronicle Weather WFAA Dallas Weather

Other Texas Weather Sources

TxDOT - Inclement Weather ERCOT - Weather

Orange, Texas Information & Resources

• City of Orange
• City of West Orange
• Port of Orange
• Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce
• Orange Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Orange County in Texas
• Lutcher Theater
• Things to Do in Orange at TripAdvisor

Map Showing Location of Orange in East Texas

Interactive Map of Orange Texas (courtesy of Google)

Other East Texas Attractions

While visiting the Orange area, tourists may want to take other interesting day trips:

• Livingston - Polk County Memorial Museum, Pedigo Park, Trade Days, Locomotive No. 5, Lake Livingston, Sam Rayburn Reservoir
• Coldspring - Davy Crockett National Forest, Sam Houston National Forest, Lake Livingston, Double Lake Recreational Area
• Groveton - Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, Davy  Crockett National Forest
• Crockett - Houston County Museum, Monroe-Cook House, Houston County Lake, Grapeland Drive-Thru Safari, Piney Woods Fine Arts Association
• Center - Toledo Bend Reservoir, Shelby County Museum, What-A-Melon Festival, bird watching
• Jasper - Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sandy Creek Park, Azalea Festival in March, Air Show in April, Jasper Lions Club Rodeo in May, a Fourth of July Celebration, and the Fall Festival in October. 
• Woodville - Tyler County Dogwood Festival, Festival of the Arts and the Harvest Festival. Outdoor activities abound in the nearby Martin Dies Jr. State Park and the Big Thicket National Preserve.
• Newton - Toledo Ben Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir
• Hemphill - Recreational opportunities abound in the Hemphill area, with its closeness to the Sabine National Forest, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Sam Rayburn Reservoir and the Trail Between the Lakes. Also popular attractions are the Sabine County Jail Museum and Vergie Speights Memorial Library. In town is the Patricia Huffman Smith NASA "Remembering Columbia" Museum
• Port Arthur - Pompeiian Villa, Sea Rim State Park, Museum of the Gulf Coast, Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park, Dutch Windmill Museum and the French House
• Beaumont - Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center, Beaumont Botanical Gardens, Crockett Street Entertainment District, McFaddin-Ward House and Museum, Texas Energy Museum, Fire Museum of Texas, Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Museum, St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, and the Big Thicket National Preserve
• Toledo Bend Reservoir - boating, fishing, swimming, marinas, hiking, camping, golf, resorts, restaurants

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Orange Travel - World eSIMs 4+

Affordable travel esim plans, designed for iphone.

• 1.5 • 24 Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Buy a prepaid Orange eSIM plan from anywhere in the world and stay connected during your trip abroad Don’t worry about staying connected in 4G or 5G during your trip abroad. With Orange Travel app, you can buy from home, top up and manage a generous local eSIM plan comfortably, in a few clics and avoid roaming fees. Orange thought about travelers and introduced this advanced eco friendly solution, to make communication abroad easier. Providing generous and affordable eSIM plans, for any destination in the world. Your next trip hack To save you time, we propose you a simple and very quick eSIM download with no QR code scanning, and an automatic identity verification thanks to eKYC technology when requested. No need to search for local SIM stores to get connectivity. No need to insert a physical SIM on your device. No need for a second smartphone during your trip to scan any QR code. No time wasted during your trip. What is eSIM?: It’s a downsized version of a SIM card that is fully integrated by manufacturers within a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or connected watch. It works just like a classic SIM card, providing calls, SMS, and the internet. All you need is a compatible device. With eSIM, you can enjoy the same services as with a plastic SIM card, you can use it immediately wherever you are! The eSIM just has to be recognized by the operator network from which you bought the eSIM Explore the world and keep in touch without fear with your relatives: catch up with your family and friends while enjoying your trip at its fullest. Use data, voice calls and sms to share your daily activities and look for the best spots to visit. In 1, 2 ,3 steps you got your plan. =>Choose the plan you’re interested in => Pay simply with your credit card =>Install your eSIM with no need QR code scanning Your eSIM is activated automatically More freedom for your trip We provide different plans covering any destination in the world, choose the plan that suits you best, only data or data + sms and calls, as you wish. If you plan to stay longer, or need more abundance, use our top up feature, and manage your eSIM according to your need. Orange is known for​: -Competitive prices for 253 million customers. -Network quality, with worldwide partnerships, presence in 26 countries -Investing in eco friendly and sustainable projects. List of main eSIM compatible Apple devices: Iphone Xs, Xs Max and Xr under iOS 12.2 at least Iphone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max Iphone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini & iPhone SE 2 (2020) and SE 3 (2022) Iphone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Mini, 13 Pro Max IPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Max iphone 15, 15 Plus iPad Air (3rd Gen or later) iPad (7th Gen or later) iPad mini (5th Gen or later) iPad Pro 11 and 12.9 Have a good trip with Orange

Version 1.5.0

We made it easier to contact customer care and access Frequently Asked Questions. We also improved the performance of the app.

Ratings and Reviews

Buying only.

The app is OK. It’s mediocre and incomplete. I bought an eSIM through the website, then added that account to this app. The eSIM I added before my trip worked flawlessly upon arriving, as did my spouse’s. However, inside this app, you can buy new eSIM cards or supposedly add money to your existing account, but the basic functionality of seeing how much data and minutes you have left on your account at the moment is notably and painfully absent from this app. Two stars.

Do Not Recommend - eSIM did not work

I have an iPhone 15 pro max. Buying an eSIM and installing it was easy. However, upon arriving to Spain, the eSIM did not work! I contacted customer support many times both in English and in Spanish and they claim different issues every time. I ensure to follow the instructions and active my eSIM upon arrival to Europe and they claim it will work once I get to my final destination. Then, they claimed I never bought an eSIM. I showed them my receipt and I can see my bank statement shows the charge but they refuse to acknowledged my transaction and will not issue a refund. They keep insisting to buy a new eSIM or to “recharge” to resolve my issue. I would not recommend Orange since I’ve been left in another country without service. Their customer service is the worst to deal with. Constantly, telling me to contact different numbers and all had similar conversations with no results. I had to fall back to my primary carrier (which I didn’t want to do since they have bad international rate).

Useless app, terrible service

As others have mentioned, the app will not tell you anything about your current usage. Also, as others have mentioned, the service is awful. It was complicated to set up, and I have had a problem when an incoming call from Ireland used up all my non-Europe minutes. My plan was supposed to have free usage within Europe, where I am. Ireland is also considered one of the European countries where this plan is valid. So I asked customer service, and I’ve had two days of email back-and-forth, mostly on my end. They are not giving a straight answer why Ireland is eating up all my non-Europe minutes. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking down on my 14 day validity, with a phone I can’t use to dial outside of Europe. And even if I did speak French, there’s no way to call them. You get to speak to a robot. And the robot obviously doesn’t answer your question.

Developer Response ,

Dear pezworld, We're truly sorry to hear about your experience. Regarding the issue with incoming calls from Ireland, we understand your frustration and apologize for the inconvenience. Our technical team is checking the issue, we will get back to you. As for usage monitoring, the Orange Travel developer team is working on bringing this feature to you as soon as possible. Orange Travels apologizes again for the inconvenience.

App Privacy

The developer, Orange , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• User Content

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, French, Spanish

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

Orange Money Africa

Orange News (Group)

Hello Learning

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Travel and vacation planning information for Orange County destinations.

Featured Services

Beaches & parks.

John Wayne Airport

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Visit Alabama Beaches

In gulf shores & orange beach.

Places To Stay

Things to Do

Restaurants

Explore Alabama's Gulf Coast

Beautiful white sand shores, outdoor adventures, the nation's best recreational trail , and unique attractions make Alabama Beaches the perfect destination for a fabulous spring  or summer vacation. From incredible live music to art and food festivals, there is no shortage of exciting events in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. Start planning your trip by booking a place to stay directly on our site and spend this season on Alabama Beaches.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to plan your vacation! Stay up to date with the daily beach safety report and learn how to play it safe while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to practice responsible tourism while visiting Alabama Beaches. You’ll find getting here is easy, whether by car, airplane, or ferry. Call , text , or chat with us for answers to your questions, and be sure to stop by our welcome centers when you arrive. Our area experts can help you make the most of your trip to the coast.

What Type of Trip are You Planning?

Whatever your vacation style, you’ll discover it all in the laid-back coastal lifestyle of the Alabama Gulf Coast. Select from the options below to help plan your perfect vacation. 

Family Vacations

Pet-Friendly Vacations

Couples Getaway

Girlfriends Getaway

Foodie Getaway

Upcoming Events & Festivals

The city of gulf shores independence day celebration.

Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier

Flora-Bama Bulls on the Beach

Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar

Brett Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon

Gulf Shores Main Public Beach (Gulf Place)

Plan Your Beach Vacation

Alabama Beaches have spectacular accommodations and rentals , award-winning restaurants , and amazing events . Our paradise is brimming with Southern hospitality, featuring one-of-a-kind things to do, like incredible  outdoor adventures , exciting  water sports , unique attractions , and thrilling  amusement parks (like the well-known Waterville USA ). Gulf Shores and Orange Beach give you plenty to do for your next beach family vacation, friend trip, or romantic weekend getaway along the Gulf of Mexico,

Whether you’re in the mood for adventure or lazy days on the beach, you can do it all in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Stroll the sugar-white sand or spot dolphins on a dolphin cruise . For an adventure location experience, cast your line into one of the country’s largest artificial fishing reefs during a deep-sea fishing trip. Discover history and travel back in time when cannons protected the waterways, and explore the nearly 200-year-old Fort Morgan .

Bring your crew to explore the waterways, relax on the beach , eat your fill of fresh seafood , visit Gulf State Park or practice your golf swing at one of our beautiful courses nearby. It’s all waiting to be discovered. You'll make unforgettable memories when you  plan your vacation  to Alabama Beaches. From gorgeous condos and waterfront  beach houses to pet-friendly accommodations , you'll discover the perfect place to stay along our shores. Book your beach trip today!

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