Salt Air and Roller Coasters: A Day at the Kemah Boardwalk

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Kemah Boardwalk Texas

The sparkling jewel of the Texas Gulf Coast.

The Backstory

The name "Kemah" comes from a Karankawa Indian word meaning "wind in my face," and that’s exactly what you get at this waterfront destination. While the area has been a hub for shrimping and fishing for a century, the Kemah Boardwalk as we know it today was developed by Tilman Fertitta’s Landry’s Inc. in the late 1990s. It was designed to bring the classic Atlantic City or Santa Monica "pleasure pier" vibe to the Lone Star State.

The boardwalk has survived its fair share of Texas weather, including a devastating hit from Hurricane Ike in 2008. But like a true Texan, it came back bigger and better, serving as a hub for dining, thrill rides, and live music that draws millions of visitors every year.

📍 At a Glance

  • Location: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
  • Region: Gulf Coast
  • Typical Timeframe: 4 - 6 hours
  • Must Ride: The Boardwalk Bullet wooden roller coaster.

Thrills on the Water

The star of the show for thrill-seekers is the Boardwalk Bullet, a one-of-a-kind wooden roller coaster that is built on a footprint of only one acre—making it one of the most compact and intense wooden coasters in the world. If you prefer something slower, the 65-foot Ferris Wheel offers stunning views of Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, especially at sunset.

Aside from the rides, the boardwalk is a seafood mecca. You can grab anything from high-end steaks to a basket of fried shrimp while watching the sailboats and massive tankers navigate the channel. The atmosphere is a constant carnival, with midway games, street performers, and a massive dancing fountain that is a favorite for kids looking to cool off in the humidity.

Our Pro-Tip

If you want to save some cash, it is free to walk the boardwalk—you only pay for individual rides or an all-day pass. This makes it a great spot just to grab an ice cream and watch the boats. Our secret move: Head over to the "Stingray Reef" inside the Aquarium Restaurant where you can touch and feed live stingrays. It’s a great indoor break from the heat. Also, keep an eye on the Friday night schedule during the summer for their massive firework displays over the water!

Note: Parking can be tricky and expensive on weekends. There are cheaper shuttle lots a few blocks away if the main lot is full.


 

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