Kemah, Texas, is a coastal escape near Houston, offering a blend of entertainment and waterfront access on Galveston Bay. This vibrant destination combines the thrill of an amusement park with the relaxed atmosphere of a seaside town. The area provides a welcoming environment for families and travelers, solidifying its reputation as a premier day-trip or weekend getaway spot along the Gulf Coast.
Experiencing the Kemah Boardwalk
The centerpiece of the area’s entertainment is the Kemah Boardwalk, a sprawling complex featuring numerous amusement rides and attractions situated directly over the water. Adrenaline seekers often head for the Boardwalk Bullet, a wooden roller coaster that reaches speeds of 51 miles per hour and features a significant number of track crossovers. Other thrill rides include Pharaoh’s Fury, which swings passengers in a high arc, and the Flare coaster, which flips riders through a vertical loop.
The entertainment extends beyond high-speed rides with more relaxed, family-friendly attractions available throughout the area. The 65-foot Century Wheel provides riders with smooth, breezy views of the bay and the surrounding complex, acting as a scenic counterpoint to the faster rides. Younger visitors can enjoy the classic Double Decker Carousel, which features sea creatures alongside traditional horses, or the C.P. Huntington Train, a replica of an 1863 steam engine that offers a gentle tour around the park.
The Boardwalk experience includes supplementary entertainment options and seasonal events. Visitors can engage in classic carnival games or cool off indoors at the large arcade located near the Boardwalk Inn. The Stingray Reef offers a unique, interactive experience where guests can touch and feed live stingrays, alongside exhibits featuring other creatures like piranhas and tarantulas.
Throughout the year, the Boardwalk hosts numerous events. These include summer concert series like “Rock the Dock,” seasonal celebrations such as “Boo on the Boardwalk” in October, and weekly occurrences like Friday night fireworks over Galveston Bay during the summer months.
Coastal Dining and Waterfront Views
The culinary landscape in Kemah is defined by its proximity to the water, offering a wide array of dining experiences that capitalize on fresh seafood and panoramic bay views. Full-service restaurants provide opportunities for sit-down meals with a focus on Gulf Coast cuisine, often featuring outdoor decks perfect for enjoying the sea breeze. Establishments like Landry’s Seafood House and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. are prominent, serving up classic seafood platters and shrimp dishes with a backdrop of passing boats.
Dining options are varied enough to accommodate different tastes, extending beyond just seafood to include Texas-style comfort food and specialized international fare. Saltgrass Steak House provides a selection of Certified Angus Beef steaks and other chargrilled entrees for those seeking a heartier meal. For a unique experience, the Aquarium Restaurant features enormous floor-to-ceiling aquarium tanks that provide an immersive, underwater ambiance while guests dine on high-quality seafood.
The immediate area also offers several casual and specialty food vendors that cater to quick bites and unique dining concepts. A British-style eatery specializing in classic fish and chips is available. Additionally, specialty spots like Boardwalk Fudge offer confections and sweets, ensuring that visitors can easily find snacks and desserts to enjoy while strolling along the waterfront.
Navigating Galveston Bay
Activities on Galveston Bay offer a range of marine experiences that move beyond the fixed attractions of the land-based entertainment complex. For those interested in recreation on the water, various operators offer private boat tours that explore the bay area. These excursions can be tailored to specific interests, such as searching for dolphins or taking a ride to bird-watching locations like Bird Island.
Fishing is a popular activity, with several charter services specializing in trips for anglers of all skill levels on the generally calm inshore waters of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake. Charters typically target species such as Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead. Captains provide the necessary equipment, including rods, reels, and live bait. The trips generally last between four and six hours, offering ample time to fish in the bay or near the jetties.
Beyond private charters, more accessible water-based thrills are also available directly from the waterfront. The Boardwalk Beast is a high-speed boat that offers a thrilling, high-octane ride, crashing through the waves of Galveston Bay. Visitors can also engage in fishing directly from the Kemah Boardwalk Pier, which is specifically designed for anglers with features like rod holders and cleaning stations.