Kemah Boardwalk: Thrilling Rides & Waterfront Fun in Texas

The Kemah Boardwalk, located just 30 miles south of Houston, is a 60-acre waterfront entertainment complex offering a perfect blend of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and scenic Gulf Coast views. As reported by Tour Texas, this popular destination features amusement rides, midway games, waterfront restaurants, shopping, and live entertainment, making it one of the top attractions in Houston’s Bay Area.

Gulf Coast Entertainment Hub

The Kemah Boardwalk is a 60-acre Texas Gulf Coast theme park located in Kemah, Texas, approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Houston. Situated along the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake, this waterfront entertainment complex has become a major attraction in the Houston Bay Area since its opening in 1998. The boardwalk offers a diverse array of experiences, including:

• Thrilling amusement rides and midway games
• Waterfront dining options and restaurants
• Retail shops and boutiques
• A 400-slip marina and charter yacht services
• Live entertainment and seasonal festivals
• The Boardwalk Inn, a boutique waterfront hotel

Owned and operated by Landry’s, Inc., the Kemah Boardwalk has established itself as a premier destination for both locals and tourists, combining the charm of a coastal boardwalk with modern amenities and attractions. Its strategic location and wide range of offerings have made it a significant contributor to the region’s tourism industry and a beloved spot for family outings, romantic getaways, and exciting day trips along the Texas Gulf Coast.

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Thrilling Boardwalk Attractions

Kemah Boardwalk offers a diverse array of thrilling rides for visitors of all ages. From heart-pounding roller coasters to family-friendly attractions, the park has something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular rides:

• Roller Coasters
  1. Boardwalk Bullet: A 96-foot-tall wooden coaster with a 92-foot drop and speeds up to 51 mph
  2. The Flare: A 73-foot tall loop coaster that circles riders forward and backward
• Family-Friendly Rides
  • Double-decker Carousel: A beautifully-appointed classic carousel with two levels
  • C.P. Huntington Train: A replica of the famous 1863 train that takes passengers on a winding tour of the boardwalk
  • Century Ferris Wheel: A 65-foot Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the boardwalk and bay
• Thrill Rides
  • Drop Zone: A 140-foot free-fall tower (currently closed for maintenance)
  • Aviator: A pendulum ride that swings riders high above the boardwalk
  • Pharaoh’s Fury: A thrilling swinging boat ride

These rides, combined with midway games, an arcade, and dancing water fountains, create an exciting atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back for more.

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The Iconic Boardwalk Bullet Coaster

The Boardwalk Bullet, a wooden roller coaster at Kemah Boardwalk, stands out as one of the most compact and thrilling rides of its kind. Designed by The Gravity Group and opened in 2007, this 96-foot-tall coaster packs 3,236 feet of track into a mere 1-acre footprint. The ride features a 92-foot drop, reaches speeds of 51 mph, and boasts an impressive 42 track crossovers – the most ever designed into a wooden coaster.

• Height: 96 feet
• Drop: 92 feet
• Speed: 51 mph
• Track length: 3,236 feet
• Ride time: Approximately 1 minute and 45 seconds
• Maximum track banking: 75 degrees

Known for its intense layout and surprising elements, the Boardwalk Bullet offers riders a unique experience with its hidden drops, tight turns, and moments of airtime. The coaster’s popularity is evident in its consistent ranking among the top wooden roller coasters worldwide, having placed as high as 14th in the Golden Ticket Awards.

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Waterfront Culinary Delights

The Kemah Boardwalk offers a diverse array of waterfront dining experiences, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries and quick snack options. Here’s an overview of the culinary offerings:

• Popular Restaurants
  1. Aquarium Restaurant: Features floor-to-ceiling aquarium tanks and serves high-quality seafood in a tropical-themed setting.
  2. Landry’s Seafood House: Offers fresh seafood, steaks, and panoramic waterfront views.
  3. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Inspired by the movie “Forrest Gump,” serving shrimp dishes and American comfort food.
• Casual Dining Options
  • Joe’s Crab Shack: Known for its seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Saltgrass Steak House: Specializes in Certified Angus Beef steaks and Texas-inspired cuisine.
  • The Flying Dutchman: Offers a variety of seafood and American dishes.
• Snacks and Treats
  • Pizza Oven: Serves thin-crust pizzas baked in a stone hearth oven.
  • Sweet Scoops: Ice cream parlor offering sundaes, shakes, and malts.
  • Bayside Grille: Provides breakfast options, sandwiches, and quick bites.

The waterfront setting enhances the dining experience, with many restaurants offering outdoor seating and views of Galveston Bay. Visitors can enjoy everything from fine dining to casual meals and sweet treats while taking in the coastal atmosphere of the Kemah Boardwalk.

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Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit

The Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit, located on the first floor of the Aquarium Restaurant at Kemah Boardwalk, offers visitors a unique hands-on experience with marine life and exotic creatures. For a modest fee of $5.99 for entry or $7.50 for a value pass that includes fish food, guests can touch and feed live stingrays in specially designed touch tanks. The exhibit also features a fascinating rainforest section where visitors can observe piranhas, snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, turtles, and other intriguing creatures.

• Touch and feed live stingrays
• Explore rainforest exhibit with exotic animals
• Located in the Aquarium Restaurant, 1st level
• Affordable pricing: $5.99 entry, $7.50 with fish food
• Educational opportunity for all ages

This interactive attraction provides an excellent opportunity for families and nature enthusiasts to learn about marine ecosystems and rainforest habitats, making it a popular stop for visitors to the Kemah Boardwalk.

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Boardwalk Beast Speedboat Adventure

The Boardwalk Beast Speedboat Adventure is a thrilling attraction that takes visitors on an exhilarating ride across Galveston Bay. This 25-minute experience offers speeds up to 40 mph, blasting passengers with wind, music, and entertainment. The 70-foot open-deck speedboat departs from the Kemah Boardwalk and travels approximately 4 miles out into the bay.

• Tickets: Adults $25, Children (12 & under) $20
• Height requirement: Must be at least 36″ tall to ride
• Warning: Expect to get wet during the ride
• Accessibility: Not 100% wheelchair accessible; guests must be able to transfer to a regular seat
• Schedule: Operates seasonally; check the Boardwalk Beast calendar for up-to-date cruising times

The Boardwalk Beast is a popular attraction, offering a unique way to experience the coastal waters and providing an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers visiting the Kemah Boardwalk.

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Entertainment and Attractions Galore

The Kemah Boardwalk offers a diverse range of entertainment options and attractions beyond its rides and restaurants. Here’s a look at some of the unique experiences visitors can enjoy:

• Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit
  • Touch and feed live stingrays in specially designed tanks
  • Explore a rainforest exhibit featuring piranhas, snakes, scorpions, and more
  • Located on the first floor of the Aquarium Restaurant
• Boardwalk Beast Speedboat Thrill Ride
  • 25-minute high-speed boat ride on Galveston Bay
  • Reaches speeds up to 40 mph and travels 4 miles out into the bay
  • Features music and entertainment during the ride
• Midway Games and Arcade
  • Classic carnival-style games with prizes
  • Indoor arcade with a variety of video and skill games
• Live Entertainment and Special Events
  • Rock the Dock summer concert series every Thursday night
  • Fireworks Fridays during summer months
  • Seasonal events like Memorial Day Weekend celebrations and Mother’s Day festivities
  • Tejano Music Nights on Sundays during summer

These attractions complement the rides and dining options, providing a well-rounded entertainment experience for visitors of all ages at the Kemah Boardwalk.

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Boardwalk Shopping Experience

The Kemah Boardwalk offers a diverse shopping experience with a variety of retail stores, boutiques, and souvenir shops. Here’s an overview of the shopping options available to visitors:

• Retail Stores and Boutiques
  • Style & Trend: Features popular brands like Pandora, Kendra Scott, and Simply Southern, offering gifts under $20
  • Blayne’s Boardwalk Fashions: Specializes in ladies’ apparel and accessories
  • Kemah Lighthouse District: A shopping mall area with quaint shops, open from 11 a.m. until the boardwalk closes
• Souvenir Shops
  • The Treasure Chest Gift Shop: Offers a wide range of Kemah-themed souvenirs and gifts
  • Boardwalk Supply: Provides Boardwalk Inn gifts and souvenir items
  • The Candy Box: Features an array of classic candies, chocolates, and novelty items
• Specialty Shops
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop: Allows visitors to create custom stuffed animals
  • Kemah Outfitters: Offers outdoor and nautical-themed merchandise
  • Christmas at Kemah: Specializes in Radko ornaments and Snow Village collectibles

Many shops are located adjacent to the Boardwalk Inn, with hours varying seasonally. The Kemah Boardwalk’s shopping options cater to various interests, from fashion and accessories to unique local souvenirs, providing visitors with memorable keepsakes from their Gulf Coast adventure.

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Plan Your Boardwalk Adventure

Planning a visit to Kemah Boardwalk requires consideration of several factors to ensure an enjoyable experience. Here’s what you need to know:

• Best Times to Visit
  • Weekdays are generally less crowded, especially Monday through Thursday
  • June through August is peak season, with larger crowds and hotter weather
  • Christmas season offers special decorations and events
• Ticket Options and All-Day Ride Passes
  • All Day Ride Pass: $22.99 for kids under 48 inches, $28.99 for those over 48 inches
  • Pass includes access to 13 rides (as of September 2024)
  • Excludes Boardwalk Beast, Iron Eagle Zip Line, Stingray Reef, midway games, and arcade
• Parking Information
  • On-site parking available in multiple lots
  • Parking fee is $5 per vehicle
  • Free parking available at Shuttle Boat parking lots on Texas Road
• Accommodation: Boardwalk Inn
  • 54 guestrooms with private balconies overlooking Clear Lake and Galveston Bay
  • Located on the corner of Kemah Boardwalk
  • Amenities include free WiFi, flat-screen cable TV, and a hot tub
  • Check-in from 4:00 PM, check-out until 11:00 AM

When planning your visit, consider purchasing a Houston CityPASS to save up to 50% on admission to Kemah Boardwalk and other attractions. Remember that ride hours are seasonal, so check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

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Gulf Coast Must-Visit Destination

Kemah Boardwalk stands out as a premier Gulf Coast destination, offering a unique blend of thrilling rides, waterfront dining, and family-friendly entertainment. With its iconic wooden roller coaster, the Boardwalk Bullet, reaching speeds of 51 mph, and the exhilarating Boardwalk Beast speedboat adventure that zips across Galveston Bay at 40 mph, adrenaline seekers are well catered for. Families can enjoy gentler attractions like the double-decker carousel and C.P. Huntington Train.

The boardwalk’s waterfront location provides a picturesque backdrop for its diverse dining options, from seafood restaurants to casual eateries. With year-round events, interactive exhibits like the Stingray Reef, and charming retail stores, Kemah Boardwalk offers a complete coastal experience. Whether you’re seeking a day of excitement or a relaxing weekend getaway at the Boardwalk Inn, this 60-acre entertainment complex promises unforgettable memories along the Texas Gulf Coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions