Overview
Kemah is a city on the Gulf Coast of Texas. The boardwalk is a popular destination for people in the Houston area. The best time to come if you want to relax is during the week, but if you have kids and want them to be able to play in the fountains and things, come on the weekends.
2 sights · 5 things to do · 5 places to eat · 4 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kemah
Johnson Space Center
Rocket park is available for personal tours, though the Saturn V rocket is covered for maintenance.
Kemah Boardwalk
Space Center Houston
Lots of exhibits and rides, tram tours of the Johnson Space Center working facilities.
Boardwalk Beast
A fun ride through Galveston Bay, on a big speed boat. Closed in the winter.
Boardwalk Train
A mini-train that follows a track around the boardwalk.
Kemah Boardwalk Marina
Can direct you to their resident services, but recommends you contact providers directly.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 95°F; winter lows dip to about 44°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Oct. (climate data from nearby Houston)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HOU William P. Hobby Airport, Houston — 17 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston — 36 mi away (major hub). Directions
Kemah is small enough to travel on foot or bike, but most people get there by car. From IH-10 in Baytown (east of Houston), turn south on TX-146. Kemah is just past the second or third very tall bridge. From Houston or Galveston, go towards the other on IH-45. Turn east on FM-517. Continue straight on FM-2004 until it ends in Kemah at TX-146 (if you accidentally "turn right" and stay on FM-517, just keep on going to TX-146 then turn left - you're only a couple of miles down the road).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $15–$100 a night (typical $95), from 7 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $18 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$170, comfortable ~$260.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge, Pet lodging in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Johnson Space Center, Kemah Boardwalk
- Lunch Saltgrass Steak House
- Afternoon Boardwalk Train, South Coast Sailing Adventures
- Dinner T-Bone Tom's
- Evening Molly's Pub
Day 2
- Morning Space Center Houston, Boardwalk Beast
- Lunch Aquarium
- Afternoon Kemah Boardwalk Marina
- Dinner The Flying Dutchman
- Evening Kipp Rose
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
In the mid-1990s, Landry's Restaurants bought the all the property along the south side of the Clear Creek channel. It was then rebuilt with a theme-park atmosphere and the energy in Kemah increased dramatically. All the boardwalk restaurants are chains owned by Landry's, and all the smaller shops lease space. Limited parking is free. There are plenty of other independent shops through the town, back off the boardwalk.
Get in
By car
Kemah is small enough to travel on foot or bike, but most people get there by car. From IH-10 in Baytown (east of Houston), turn south on TX-146. Kemah is just past the second or third very tall bridge. From Houston or Galveston, go towards the other on IH-45. Turn east on FM-517. Continue straight on FM-2004 until it ends in Kemah at TX-146 (if you accidentally "turn right" and stay on FM-517, just keep on going to TX-146 then turn left - you're only a couple of miles down the road).
By boat
Kemah Boardwalk Marina offers transient docking services for $1 per foot. Slips up to 30' are almost always available, 30-50' boats should call in advance.
Get around
Due to the small size of the town there is no public transportation. Taxis are available, and plenty of parking is available.
See
Do
- - located in Kemah
Sail
There are several marinas that offer various yachting services. Consider chartering a sailboat for half a day, or looking into a weekend-long sailing certification course.
*
Fish
The area is renowned for its fishing. Red Drum are a popular hunt, as are croaker, flounder, and trout.
Eat
Budget
Mid-range
Eat Saltgrass Steak House
A chain joint, but still decent. If you can handle a little heat try the trail rattlers (jalapenos stuffed with shrimp and stuffing, deep fried - they're not really that spicy).
Eat T-Bone Tom's
Steaks and country kitchen food. The burgers carry a good reputation.
Splurge
Eat Aquarium
"An Underwater Dining Adventure", the price is high, and the seafood is not the best, but only locals notice. The whole building is a huge aquarium with sharks, and exotic fish. This is a must, even if you just go to the bar, you have to go in and look.
Eat The Flying Dutchman
A local favorite, this was the first restaurant on the bay and will probably be the last too. The atmosphere is great, but like everything else on the boardwalk, the price is high.
Eat Landry's Seafood House
Wide selection of seafood, wine, and desserts.
Drink
Drink Molly's Pub
One of a series of local bars, frequented by locals. They go for the Americanized Irish pub feel and keep a vast selection of beers on tap. Ask for the current Saint Arnold Brewery seasonal.
Drink Kipp Rose
Bar with live entertainment.
Drink Monkey Bar
A more whimsical bar. You can find toucans in a big cage nearby.
Drink Palapa's
A tropical-themed bar. Expect near-overpriced fruity drinks, but good service.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Pet lodging
Go next
Nearby
Webster
City / town · 5 listings · 6 mi away
Texas City
City / town · 13 mi away
Baytown
City / town · 8 listings · 14 mi away
Pasadena
City / town · 4 listings · 15 mi away
Alvin
City / town · 3 listings · 16 mi away
Pearland
City / town · 2 listings · 17 mi away
Galveston
City / town · 68 listings · 21 mi away
Jamaica Beach
City / town · 1 listings · 24 mi away
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