Kemah

Kemah Boardwalk
A magnificent 60-acre waterfront entertainment complex home to 10 outstanding themed restaurants, 13 rides, a hotel, a 424-slip marina, and games on the Galveston Bay, Kemah Boardwalk is the premier dining and entertainment destination in the Houston-Galveston area. Recently named one of the top 10 American Boardwalks by ForbesTraveler.com, Kemah is the ultimate place to eat, shop and play, boasting an estimated three million visitors annually to its half-mile-long boardwalk spanning along the smartly landscaped waterfront property. With its theme park atmosphere and attractive design, Kemah Boardwalk is an unrivaled tourism destination in Texas with free live music each weekend on The Plaza and a host of year-round events. Located less than 20 miles from downtown Houston, Kemah has long been a destination for generations of Houstonians seeking an easy getaway for boating, fishing, dining or shopping for crafts, collectibles and other unique items.

Rides, Amusements and Shopping
Kemah Boardwalk offers the best in waterfront fun with a host of amusements and rides with something for everyone. The western-themed Boardwalk Bullet Roller Coaster, the most popular ride on the complex opened in August 2007, is the only roller coaster on the Texas Gulf Coast. Recently rated “The Best Roller Coaster in Texas”, by visiting Roller Coaster Fan Clubs, the Bullet’s unique design is sure to provide riders with unexpected thrills. Other new additions include a Double Decker Carousel and Wipeout. Additional rides include Aviator; Boardwalk Bouncer; Balloon Wheel; 140-ft. Drop Zone; Inverter, a 24-passenger ride that lifts riders more than 50 feet in the air then inverts and rotates 360 degrees; The Boardwalk Tower, a 200-foot tower ride that provides a panoramic view of Galveston Bay; the Boardwalk Beast, a super-charged 140-person speedboat that cruises the waters off of the boardwalk; and the Boardwalk FantaSea, a 149-passenger 117’ luxury yacht that serves as a floating restaurant taking passengers out on the Galveston Bay daily. One of Kemah Boardwalk’s most-loved activities is a ride on the C.P. Huntington, a gas-powered train which is a handcrafted replica of an 1863 Central Pacific Railroad train. Other amusements aligning the boardwalk include a 65-foot Century Ferris Wheel with gondola seating; The Red Baron, a family-themed family ride and Pharaoh’s Fury, an Egyptian style ship that swings 70 feet in the air.

Children love the dancing fountains with 75 different water jets that come up through the pavement with water shooting 10-12 feet high. Located on the plaza near the hotel, the fountains are illuminated at night with choreography to entertain visitors during the evening hours. Midway games abound up and down the boardwalk, and 25 retail stores, carts and kiosks offer a variety of shopping and souvenir options.

Restaurants on the Boardwalk
Visitors will not go hungry, with 10 restaurants to choose from, ranging from Mexican food and seafood to Sushi and steaks, and many with outdoor, waterfront patios perfect for alfresco dining. In addition to Aquarium, diners can select from Landry’s Seafood House, The Original Joe’s Crab Shack, Saltgrass Steak House, Lighthouse Buffet, The Flying Dutchman and Cadillac Bar, a festive Mexican restaurant offering “the best Mexican food north of the border.” Red Sushi, another scenic waterfront restaurant, provides guests with the experience of Hibachi dinning at its finest. In addition, The Pizza Oven, Bayside Grille, Sweet Scoops and Starbucks round out the boardwalk eateries.

The Boardwalk Inn
Kemah Boardwalk visitors can stay and play. The Boardwalk Inn, a first class hotel featuring Gulf coast architecture, is another highlight of the waterfront development. The hotel features 52 rooms, including four luxury suites, each with waterfront views, custom interiors and a balcony overlooking the plaza. The hotel also offers a 476-square-foot executive boardroom and 1,000 square-foot ballroom perfect for meetings and special gatherings for up to 100.