Nassau Bay

You’ll hear it said that Nassau Bay, Texas is an out-of-this-world kind of place—and that’s no joke. Originally established as a community for astronauts and space professionals working at NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Nassau Bay is a city defined by beautiful scenery, great food, friendly people, and, of course, the Johnson Space Center and its beloved visitors center, Space Center Houston. The excitement of space travel is an ever-present part of life in Nassau Bay. More than 60 of its residents have been to space, and you can even follow a neighborhood map to see where famous astronauts lived.

Located 30 miles southeast of Houston, Nassau Bay is part of the charming Bay Area, a cluster of four cities situated on Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. Visitors of all ages find plenty to do in Nassau Bay. Spend the day boating and fishing on Clear Lake, stroll through one of the many nature preserves, savor local and global cuisine, and soak in the dramatic and exciting history of America’s Space Program at Space Center Houston.

Founded in 1992, Space Center Houston is a $75 million, 180,000-square-foot complex that has wowed more than 11 million star-struck visitors from every corner of the globe. Space Center Houston features a multitude of permanent exhibits that illuminate the arduous task of sending Americans into space. Learn about science, see what astronauts eat in space, discover the next missions NASA is planning, rub a moon rock, and see Saturn V, the first rocket that brought men to the moon. With so much to see, and new exhibits opening all the time, repeat trips to Space Center Houston are never the same. Follow it up with a bite at Frenchie’s Villa Capri, where photos of American astronauts adorn the walls.

Along with its close relationship with Johnson Space Center, Nassau Bay stands out for its natural beauty. Located on Clear Lake, the third-largest recreation boating center in the United States, Nassau Bay is awash in opportunities to enjoy water activities. Charter a boat, rent a kayak, or grab your friends and hop aboard a bicycle-powered party barge. Spend your days catching fish, or just catching rays, and don’t forget to enjoy a dockside cocktail while the sun sets.

Located just off the waterfront, the Nassau Bay Wildlife Peninsula is a pristine, 76-acre wetland area where visitors enjoy the serenity of nature along a peaceful walking trail. Learn about the region’s many different flora and fauna through informational signage, and rest awhile on a shaded bench to enjoy the quiet. The park is open to the public year-round and is part of the Upper Coast Region of the well-known Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, a cluster of wildlife areas that host numerous species of native and migratory birds.

Along with its Wildlife Peninsula, Nassau Bay offers many parks and green spaces where a variety of amenities keep visitors of all ages satisfied. Stroll along a picturesque boardwalk or stretch your legs on a walking or jogging trail. Drop a line in a public fishing area, enjoy a youth baseball or basketball game, take Fido to the dog park, and breath in the fresh, sea air.

Nassau Bay’s easy vibe, range of accommodations, and many amenities make it the perfect headquarters for staging day trips to sister communities. Located minutes away, Seabrook, Kemah, and League City, round out the charming destinations that comprise Bay Area Houston.