League City, Texas, is a must-see Texas destination with a seemingly endless list of nearby attractions. Located in the Bay Area of Houston, this slice of coastal wonderland offers quaint and cozy waterside restaurants, amusements for all ages, and a wide variety of attractions to experience.
The Space Center Houston is a favored attraction and the official visitor center of NASA Space Center, and it spreads out over 250,000 square feet and houses over 400 impressive space artifacts. Blast off into an outer space journey like no other as you are engrossed in rarities that include space capsules from the Mercury 9, Gemini 5, and Apollo 17, to name only a few.
Through interactive experiences, learn about the work NASA is engaged in as they plan for near-future travel to Mars via an interactive, virtual reality wall. Gaze in awe at the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket and the Saturn V Rocket at Rocket Park and observe the evolution of space suits used by both men and women in flight. Known as one of the nation’s leading science-education resources, Space Center Houston is an “out of this world” experience that League City is proud to share with visitors.
1601 E NASA Pkwy
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 244-2100
Located only minutes from League City and overlooking Galveston Bay, Kemah Boardwalk is open to guests daily, promising adventure for everyone. The boardwalk’s picturesque waterfront restaurants are the perfect destination for food connoisseurs to relax and feast while enjoying the beautiful coastal view. Next, head over to the amusement rides, where an all-day pass allows you to experience exhilarating rides like the Boardwalk Beast and the Stingray Reef as many times as you would like.
If shopping is your forte, you will enjoy a unique selection of retail stores open year-round. If wildlife piques your interest, you will want to be sure to visit the live stingrays that can be touched and fed. Visit the Rainforest Exhibit, where you will find piranhas, snakes, and tantalizing tarantulas.
Enjoy the ocean by taking a cruise aboard the Boardwalk Fantasea Yacht or get drenched and cool down on the Boardwalk Beast speedboat. Kids can cut loose on the Splash Pad, where they can dodge the waterspouts while you enjoy an adult beverage, relax and reflect on a fun-filled day. End the day at Kemah Boardwalk with a sunset stroll along the water, and rest assured you have created a memory that will last a lifetime.
215 Kipp Ave.
Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 535-8100
Historic aviation enthusiasts only dream of seeing iconic warbirds like the B-17 Flying Fortress, the P-47 Thunderbolt, and the F4U-5 Corsair up close and in person. Visit the Lone Star Flight Museum to view their renowned flying collection of historic aircraft. Flight enthusiasts will not want to miss this array of immaculately restored and flyable aircraft, including many World War II birds and civilian planes. Visitors can even schedule a flight in one of three World War II warbirds.
Kids always enjoy learning about the history of flight in Texas and the power of military aviation in the Aviation Learning Center, where they can participate in realistic flight simulations and hands-on exhibits.
11551 Aerospace Ave.
Houston, TX 77034
(346) 708-2517
Experience authentic Texas culture when visiting the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. This is where the decisive 18-minute Battle of San Jacinto took place, shaping a free Texas in 1836.
This 1,200-acre park is home to the San Jacinto Monument that houses the San Jacinto Museum of History. Here you will observe treasures from the Spanish conquest, French Texas, Spanish colonial life, the Mexican Revolution, and the Anglo colonization of Mexican Texas. The monument is the tallest masonry column globally and holds a 220-ton spectacular star on top.
Find a seat in the Jesse H. Jones Theatre to hear the retelling of how Texas gained its independence. A breathtaking, panoramic view awaits all who ride the express elevator to the tip-top of the monument. The Butler Longhorn Museum is where you can learn how the longhorn cattle were saved from near extinction. This spectacular site features a vintage movie theater with popcorn and refreshments, a gift shop, an art gallery, and a research center.
1 Monument Cir.
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 479-2421
League City’s Historic District showcases the city’s authentically Texan roots, distinct southern flair, and iconic live oak trees. Historic homes and buildings are scattered throughout the district, along with museums, gardens, parks, boutiques, and restaurants.
Located within the 500-900 block of E. Main Street (FM 518) in League City, TX 77573
With 2,500 acres of protected natural wetlands, forest, prairie, and marsh environment, Armand Bayou Nature Center is one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the country. The center allows hundreds of animal species and thousands of native plants to thrive. Visitors can get away from the busy city and immerse themselves in nature at ABNC through hiking, paddle trails, bayou cruises, canoe trips, and other unique outdoor experiences.
See indigenous wildlife like American alligators, hawks, river otters, white-tail deer, turtles, and more. Say hello to the resident bison that graze one of ABNC’s prairies or get an up-close view of spiders and snakes at the facility’s education center. The site is one of the top birding locations in the Galveston Bay area and attracts bird enthusiasts worldwide. The center also features the restored 1890s Martyn Family Farm, where guests can experience life on a 19th-century farm in Southeast Texas.
8500 Bay Area Blvd.
Pasadena, TX 77507
(281) 474-2551
Experience 26 acres of waterpark adventures at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark for the whole family. With over 30 fun attractions, rides, and slides, this Galveston getaway is the perfect place to beat the heat. With super-speed slides for thrill-seekers, a next-level lazy river, a boogie board endless wave to surf, and plenty of designated water-play areas for tots, this famous island park offers a fun-filled day for everyone. If you’ve got the need for speed, don’t miss the world’s tallest water coaster— the MASSIV Monster Blaster, towering above the park at a whopping 81 feet.
Spend the day splashing, smiling, and snacking with your family, and even bring your picnic to enjoy. Schlitterbahn also offers an award-winning, heated indoor waterpark open early spring through December.
2109 Gene Lucas Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77554
(409) 770-9283
You can’t miss the enormous pyramid-shaped buildings where you will find animal exhibits, amusement park attractions, and a luxurious hotel. There are plenty of activities for the family that include a paddlewheel boat day cruise and a premier golf course. It is easy to spot this beautiful weekend getaway, so spend an entire day or stay for a lovely long weekend to escape the rat race.
It is a good idea to make time to visit the Rainforest Pyramid that holds ten stories over 1,000 species of exotic plants, birds, reptiles, and more that make their home in the rainforests worldwide. Plunge into the Aquarium Pyramid and say hello to penguins, seals, turtles, sharks, stingrays, and more. Don’t miss the Discovery Pyramid, devoted to traveling exhibits focused on science and learning.
Finally, among the newest attractions is a ropes course, including a 5-story enclosure and 48 obstacles for adults and older kids to tackle. There is a minor course with nine obstacles for younger children that parents can walk alongside and assist with if needed.
Attractions at Palm Beach are open seasonally and include a 650-foot-long lazy river, a 6,100 square-foot wave pool, water slides, and a splash pad. Moody Gardens also features the annual Festival of Lights during the winter season. This extensive holiday celebration puts more than 1 million lights on display and features an ice-skating rink, ice sculptures, an arctic slide, a Santa photo-op, and a holiday buffet.
All-day value passes are available and allow guests to experience everything this sprawling property offers, or visitors may also purchase tickets to individual attractions.
One Hope Boulevard
Galveston, Texas 77554
409-744-4673
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