Galveston Bay’s old-school boardwalk is lined with great shopping and dining, plus amusement park rides and arcades.
A visit to vibrant, lively Kemah Boardwalk is like stepping back in time. The amusement park comes complete with old-fashioned arcade games, traditional carousels and a charming wooden roller coaster. The Boardwalk is a popular evening destination for those looking to sample some classic Texas BBQ food, and a number of the bars and restaurants host live music performances when the sun goes down.
Overlooking Galveston Bay and just a short drive south of Houston, Kemah Boardwalk was built in the 1990s and covers 17 hectares. The complex is filled with plenty of great boutique shops and independent restaurants, as well as plenty of theme park rides with names like “Fireball” and “The Inverter”. Children will love the traditional Ferris wheel, double-decker carousel and charming miniature train ride. The Dancing Water Fountains shoot up water from holes in the ground and provide entertaining relief from the hot Texan sun. The boardwalk itself is a peaceful promenade that offers breath-taking views over the water.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of restaurants available, but the speciality cuisine here is definitely seafood—don’t miss the delicious crab cakes or Cajun-style shrimp. Shopaholics will find a wide selection of shops selling everything from clothes to homeware, gifts and accessories.
The Kemah Boardwalk is popular with both visitors and residents, and can get quite busy at weekends. Although there are fewer people during the week, visiting during the weekend means you can experience the exciting carnival atmosphere as musicians and street performers fill the boardwalk until late in the evening.
Located 32 kilometres south of Houston, you can drive to the Kemah Boardwalk and leave your car in one of the reasonably priced car parks.
