Things to Do in Kemah

Looking for a destination that every member of your family will enjoy? Or seeking for a weekend getaway with friends? Kemah, TX, checks all the boxes! An iconic amusement park, outdoor recreation, inspired dining, and vibrant live entertainment and nightlife scenes are just the beginning. Read on for things to do on a sun-splashed BEST VACAY EVER in Kemah!

Take a Ride on Kemah’s Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk is an amusement park filled with rides, a splashpad and playground, a zip line course, and carnival games. Adrenaline junkies will get their fill of adventure at the Boardwalk with rides that spin, drop, and bounce! Those brave enough to hop on the Boardwalk Bullet will experience a record-breaking number of track crossovers on this thrilling roller coaster that’s perched near the bay.

If stomach dropping, heart stopping rides aren’t your thing, take a nostalgic ride on a unicorn or a zebra on the double decker carousel. Or chug around the park on the C.P. Huntington train, a replica of an 1863 steam engine. For a commanding view of Kemah and Galveston Bay, check out the Boardwalk Tower or the Century Ferris Wheel. Both offer breathtaking panoramas especially at sunset.

Hit the Water

If you live life at full throttle, the Boardwalk Beast is calling your name! Climb aboard Kemah Boardwalk’s premier speedboat, fasten your seatbelt, and crash through the waves of Galveston Bay.

For a lower octane experience, head to one of Kemah’s marinas where you can enjoy a private cruise aboard one of Yachtcation’s catamarans or Kemah Sailing’s sailboats. Both companies offer sailing lessons as well.

Fishermen are in luck, too. Drop a line off the Kemah Boardwalk Pier — a pier designed specifically for anglers with rod holders, cleaning stations, and lighting for nighttime fishing. Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are likely to bite. You can also book a private fishing charter to troll the bay waters.

Shop in Kemah’s Lighthouse District

Marked by the iconic blue and white lighthouse, Kemah Lighthouse District is packed with eateries, bars, and shops. You’ll find shops selling souvenirs and unique gifts, home décor, artwork created by local artists, and boutique clothing.

Rejuvenate Yourself

In need of a little pampering? Get your much needed “me time” at a day spa in the Kemah’s Lighthouse District. Or how about chartering a sunset dinner cruise aboard a Windward SeaVenture sailboat? The private three-hour tour features a sumptuous catered meal and a stunning view of the sunset.

Savor the Flavors of Texas and Beyond

Truly, an entire world of restaurants awaits you in both the Boardwalk and the Lighthouse District. If you’re traveling with little ones, you’ll find kid-friendly options at the Boardwalk, including the Aquarium Restaurant. You’ll dine as sharks, rays, and tropical fish circle in tanks around you!

Landry’s Seafood House and the Flying Dutchman Restaurant and Oyster Bar are crowd favorites with fresh caught seafood, pasta, and steaks. Their waterfront locations and gorgeous views are icing on the cake.

Fans of Food Network’s Dives, Drive-ins, and Diners will want to check out T-Bone Tom’s — a Kemah institution since 1974. Tookie’s, known for its specialty burgers, is equally legendary. Its vintage soda fountain vibe and kid-friendly menu make Tookie’s a great choice for your entire clan.

Several locally owned restaurants veer off the Texan flavor profile. Representing our neighboring state, Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack cooks up Cajun food, while Bakkhus Taverna serves Greek American fare with a southern twist. With British fish and chips, tasty Thai food, yummy treats from La Mer Café, and small-batch ice cream from Cool Cow Creamery, you’ll want to extend your stay indefinitely!

Have 5-Star Dining Experience at Ishtia by Eculent

On a quiet street in Kemah, Chef David Skinner introduces guests to sublime food at Ishtia, his restaurant in the Clear Creek Winery. Make reservations well in advance for your three-hour culinary journey into the heart of indigenous culture. The tasting menu includes cuisine from North and South America made from ethically sourced fresh ingredients and prepared in a live-fire hearth.

Sip, Dine, and Sail Away on a Fantasea Sunset Cruise

The Boardwalk Fantasea Yacht sets sail from Kemah Boardwalk for Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. Enjoy fine dining and themed music as you glide through calm waters at sunset and enjoy of a stunning view of the colorful coastline.

Enjoy Kemah’s Nightlife and Vibrant Live Entertainment Scene

As the sun dips below the horizon, make your way to Kemah’s Lighthouse District where cold brews, frosty margaritas, good eats, and live music are on tap. Popular hangouts for locals and visitors include Skallywags, the Monkey Bar and Grill, the VooDoo Hut, Kipp Rose, and the pup-friendly Palapa Bar. Check Kemah’s calendar of events for a schedule of performers, DJs, and parties at these popular watering holes.

Plan Your Trip Around an Event

Just like Kemah’s jam-packed live music calendar, this bustling community doesn’t need an excuse to throw a party! Along with celebrations surrounding holidays, you’ll find ‘just for the fun of it’ events year-round. Check out Kemah’s event calendar when planning your trip.

Have the BEST DAY EVER with Your Kids

With splash pads, a playground, an arcade, and kid-friendly rides, Kemah Boardwalk is a must visit for families. If your kiddos need a midday break from the sun, visit Stingray Reef — an aquarium/petting zoo for stingrays! This unique experience to interact with and feed stingrays is certain to be a highlight of your little one’s visit to Kemah.

Put your wits to the test in one of Escape Kemah themed escape rooms. Appropriate for those 10 years and up, Escape Kemah has four challenging rooms to choose from.

Check Out Nearby Attractions

Johnson Space Center is just six miles west of Kemah. You’ll not only see spacecrafts from prior NASA missions and be able to touch a moon rock, but you can also meet an astronaut and watch astronauts in training for a Mars mission.

Heading south, soak up some sun on one of Galveston’s pristine beaches or explore the historic waterfront town. Galveston is home to lovely Victorian homes, museums, and the legendary La King Confectionery.

Whether you spend the day or a long weekend at Kemah, you’ll find this list of things to do barely scratches the surface! Escape to Kemah and have the time of your life!
 

1401 SH 146
Kemah, TX 77565
281-334-1611 ext. 1101
discoverkemah.com/