Address: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565, United States
Phone: 281-535-8100
Kemah Boardwalk’s history dates back to the early 1900s when it served as a hub for shipping and fishing industries in Galveston Bay. In the 1960s, the area underwent significant development after the creation of a marina, a hotel, and several seafood restaurants. In the 1990s, Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. purchased the property and transformed it into the bustling boardwalk it is today. The renovations included the addition of amusement rides, dining and shopping options, and other attractions.
In 2001 it was open to the public. Since then it has become a popular entertainment complex and offers a wide range of attractions, experiences, and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. From thrilling amusement park rides and live entertainment to waterfront dining and shopping, there are countless reasons to visit Kemah Boardwalk. In this article, we’ll explore 20 of the top reasons why you should add this exciting destination to your bucket list and discover all that it has to offer.
1. Relax As You Enjoy the Incredible Views
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Kemah Boardwalk is the stunning views it offers. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Clear Lake, the boardwalk offers a picturesque view of the waterfront. Visitors can take a leisurely walk on the boardwalk and enjoy the view, or they can book a dinner cruise and enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful scenery.
2. Enjoy delicious Food from the aquarium restaurant
Kemah Boardwalk offers a wide variety of dining options that will please your taste buds. From seafood to Tex-Mex cuisine, visitors can find their favorite dishes at the many restaurants on the boardwalk. One of the most popular restaurants is the Aquarium Restaurant, which offers a unique dining experience where visitors can dine while admiring the marine life in the aquarium.
3. Have fun playing Midway Games
You can test your skills at the many midway games on the boardwalk. Games like Whack-a-Mole and basketball shooting offer a chance to win prizes, making it a fun activity for families and friends.
4. Make your Sunday night with Live Entertainment
Kemah Boardwalk has a vibrant entertainment scene, with live music performances, comedy shows, and street performers. Visitors can enjoy live music at the Boardwalk Beast, a speedboat ride that features a live DJ and dance party.
5. Diverse Water Activities
With its location on the coast, Kemah Boardwalk offers a range of water activities. Visitors can go sailing, fishing, or jet skiing, or take a tour on a paddle-boat or a pontoon boat. Visitors can also book a dolphin-watching tour and observe these magnificent creatures up close.
6. Relaxing and quiet serene
Kemah Boardwalk offers a serene atmosphere where visitors can relax and unwind. The boardwalk has several benches and seating areas where visitors can sit and enjoy the view. Visitors can also take a stroll on the boardwalk and enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the water.
7. Extra special Festivals
The boardwalk hosts several festivals throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to experience different cultures and traditions. The Mardi Gras festival is one of the most popular events, featuring a parade, live music, and Cajun cuisine. The Halloween festival features a haunted house and trick-or-treating for kids.
8. Learn the culture and History of the town
Kemah Boardwalk is rich in history, and visitors can learn about the area’s past through various exhibits and displays. The Kemah Historical Society Museum showcases the history of the town, while the Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster is built on the site of the old bullet train that once ran through Kemah.
9. Have fun watching the Wildlife in their natural habitats
The boardwalk is home to a range of wildlife, including dolphins, pelicans, and sea turtles. Visitors can observe these creatures up close and learn about their habitat and behavior. The Stingray Reef is a popular attraction where visitors can touch and feed stingrays.
10. They offer Private and Outdoor Events
The boardwalk hosts outdoor events throughout the year, including outdoor movie nights, concerts, and fireworks shows. These events provide a festive atmosphere and offer visitors a chance to enjoy the boardwalk at night.
Also, a range of private event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions are available. The boardwalk’s waterfront location and scenic views make it an ideal destination for a memorable event. For instance, they can organize your dream party at the galaxy adventures party room.
11. Stay in their Accommodations
Visitors can stay at the Kemah Boardwalk Inn, a boutique hotel located on the boardwalk. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations with scenic views of the waterfront.
12. Keep and maintain your mental and physical Fitness
The boardwalk offers a range of fitness activities, including yoga classes, jogging, and bike rides. Visitors can take a jog or bike ride along the boardwalk and enjoy the scenic views.
13. Community
Kemah Boardwalk is a beloved destination for the local community, and visitors can experience the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the town. The boardwalk’s events and activities bring people together, creating a sense of community and camaraderie.
14. Test Your Brain in Escape Kemah
Escape Kemah is a thrilling and challenging escape room experience located on Kemah Boardwalk. Visitors to Escape Kemah can test their wits and problem-solving skills as they work together to solve puzzles, riddles, and clues in a race against the clock.
The experience begins as visitors are “locked” into a themed room, such as a bank heist, a pirate’s treasure hunt, or a space station, and must work together to uncover clues and solve puzzles to escape the room before time runs out. The puzzles range in difficulty, ensuring that there is a challenge for everyone, from beginners to experienced escape room enthusiasts.
Escape Kemah is designed for groups of two to eight people and is a great activity for families, friends, or coworkers looking for a fun and engaging team-building experience. The escape rooms are also a popular option for birthday parties and other special events.
15. Enjoy a drink from the voodoo hut
The Voodoo Hut is a popular tiki bar located on Kemah Boardwalk that offers a unique and lively experience for visitors. This bar offers a variety of signature cocktails, tropical drinks, and local craft beers in a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
The Voodoo Hut’s interior is decorated with colorful tiki masks, tropical foliage, and island-inspired decor, creating a fun and festive environment. Visitors can enjoy their drinks inside the bar or outside on the spacious patio, which offers stunning views of the Kemah Boardwalk waterfront.
In addition to its delicious drinks, the Voodoo Hut is also known for its live music and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of musical genres, ranging from reggae and rock to country and blues, and can dance the night away on the outdoor dance floor.
16. Sample the Wine at Fantasia Winery
Visitors to Kemah Boardwalk can enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience at the Boardwalk FantaSea Winery. This winery, located on the boardwalk, offers a range of handcrafted wines made from locally sourced grapes. Guests can choose from red, white, and sparkling wines, and can also purchase bottles of their favorite blends to take home as souvenirs.
At the winery, visitors can participate in a guided wine-tasting experience. The wine tasting is led by knowledgeable staff. They will share information about the wine-making process and the unique characteristics of each blend. The tasting room is elegantly decorated with a modern flair, providing a sophisticated atmosphere in which to sample the wines.
In addition to the wine-tasting experience, Boardwalk FantaSea Winery also offers private tours and tastings, making it a perfect location for a romantic date or a fun girls’ day out. The winery is open daily, and visitors can also enjoy live music and entertainment on select evenings throughout the year.
17. Explore the hunted house
At Kemah Boardwalk there is a Dungeon of Doom haunted house attraction. It is a popular and thrilling experience that draws visitors from all over to test their courage and see if they can make it through the haunted house’s spooky twists and turns.
The Dungeon of Doom is designed to be an intense and immersive haunted house experience. It features eerie sets, live actors, and special effects that will leave visitors on edge. It is not recommended for young children or those who are easily scared, as it can be quite frightening.
Visitors can purchase tickets in advance online or at the entrance to the hunted house. It is open during the Halloween season and on select evenings throughout the year for special events.
18. Get Cooled By the Dancing Water Fountain
Kemah Boardwalk does have a dancing water fountain, known as the Boardwalk Beast. The Boardwalk Beast is a thrilling boat ride that takes visitors on a wild and wet adventure, speeding across Galveston Bay and splashing through the Boardwalk Beast’s 25-foot-tall fountain.
The Boardwalk Beast ride lasts for approximately 20 minutes and is a great way to cool off on a hot day. The ride is not for the faint of heart, as it can be quite bumpy and wet, so visitors are advised to bring a change of clothes and prepare to get soaked.
The Boardwalk Beast is open daily, weather permitting, and tickets can be purchased at the Boardwalk Beast ticket booth located on the Kemah Boardwalk. It is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages and a great way to experience the fun and excitement of Kemah Boardwalk’s unique offerings.
19. Watch colorful boat lineup in a parade
Kemah Boardwalk is located on the shores of Galveston Bay, and there are several marinas and docks in the area where boats of all shapes and sizes are moored. Visitors to Kemah Boardwalk can often see a colorful array of boats and yachts along the waterfront, including everything from small fishing boats and sailboats to large luxury yachts and party boats.
In addition to admiring the boats from the boardwalk, visitors can also take a scenic boat tour or charter a fishing trip to explore the waters of Galveston Bay. There are several boat tour companies and fishing charters operating in the area, offering a variety of experiences and options for visitors of all ages and interests.
20. Stroll along Kemah Lighthouse District
Visitors can stroll along the Kemah Lighthouse District, which is a charming and historic area located just a short walk from Kemah Boardwalk. The Kemah Lighthouse District is a picturesque waterfront district that features a variety of boutique shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Clear Lake.
You can take a stroll through the Kemah Lighthouse District, admiring the architecture and enjoying the quaint and cozy atmosphere. The area is also home to several art galleries and studios. Here, you can view and purchase works by local artists.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, a shopaholic, or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, Kemah Boardwalk is the ideal space for you. From the iconic Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster to the scenic waterfront promenade, there are countless experiences to enjoy and make memories at this unique and lively entertainment complex. So why not plan your visit today and discover all that Kemah Boardwalk has to offer? You won’t be disappointed!