Discover Kemah Boardwalk: The Gulf Coast’s Premier Waterfront Entertainment Destination

The fun in Kemah at the boardwalk begins at noon, seven days a week. People can pack Texas-sized fun into tiny Kemah, Texas, in a short time. The Kemah Boardwalk is where ocean culture meets yesteryear entertainment with modern twists on Galveston Bay, Texas.

Kemah, Texas, covers a whopping 1.8 square miles and is about a 30-minute drive south of Houston. A wee 0.4 miles of Kemah is Galveston Bay. Kemah, Texas, bears its name from the Karankawa word for “wind in my face” or “facing the wind.” This area was originally known as Evergreen in the late 19th century.

The Galveston, Houston, and Henderson Railroad (GH&H) railroad built the first line in Evergreen in the early 1900s. The town changed its name to Kemah in 1907 to reflect its coastal breezes and accessibility to Galveston Bay. Tilman J. Fertitta, Chairman, President and CEO of Landry’s Inc. a Houston native, is recognized as a world leader in the dining, entertainment, gaming, and hospitality sectors.

Landry’s, Inc. developed the Kemah Boardwalk in 1997. The concept for the boardwalk development was to create a premier waterfront entertainment destination, featuring restaurants, amusement rides, shops, and other attractions facing Galveston Bay. The boardwalk has significantly expanded since then, and it is one of Greater Houston’s premier attractions. 

Is the Kemah Boardwalk Free to Enter?

Yes, visitors can simply enjoy the views of Galveston Bay and the lively carnival spirit without having to spend on the rides or attractions. Boardwalk goers can take advantage of walking along the waterfront, browsing the shops, and experiencing the atmosphere without any admission fees.

Kemah Boardwalk’s attractions, rides, and activities, like the amusement park games, require tickets or wristbands. Dining at the boardwalk’s restaurants or attractions like feeding live stingrays at Stingray Reef will add to a more expensive tour of the boardwalk.  

Is There Free Parking at Kemah Boardwalk?

The gated parking lots at Bradford Avenue and Kipp Avenue have free parking only when the gate is up. Guests pay for parking on weekends, holidays, and during special events. Kemah built several parking lots to serve the boardwalk visitors, but there is a fee. Parking fees must be paid by credit only. 

The Kemah Boardwalk is not responsible for damage, fire, theft, or loss of vehicle, including articles left within. Guests can park and receive their parking ticket, scan the QR code sign on the ticket with a phone, or use the walk-up pay stations located on the first and second floor of the parking garage. Hold on to your ticket to exit out of the lot.

Does Kemah, Texas, Have a Beach?

No, it does not have a beach. Fishing is prohibited off of the Kemah Boardwalk. 

Other Items Prohibited at Kemah Boardwalk: 

• Aerosol cans, markers, and spray paint.
• Knives.
• Chains.
• Spiked clothing or jewelry.
• Fireworks and explosives.
• Unlicensed possession of a concealed weapon.
• Chemical weapons including mace or pepper spray.
• Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and surf boards.
• Kemah Boardwalk is not responsible for items that are stolen or left unattended. 
• All bags, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection if deemed necessary. 

Can You Bring Food to Kemah Boardwalk?

The answer is a definite no; you cannot bring your own food or drink. The Kemah Boardwalk offers multiple restaurants and several concession stands available. They are conveniently located up and down the Boardwalk. No off-premise food and/or drinks are allowed on the Boardwalk. 

The Following Food and Beverage Related Items Are Not Permitted:

• Bottled water.
• Excessive alcohol consumption is cause for ejection without refund. 
• Food: sandwiches, meals, snacks, etc.
• Glass containers.
• No tailgating or picnics allowed.
• Off-premise alcohol.
• Yeti cups/insulated tumblers.

How Many Rides Does the Kemah Boardwalk Have?

Kemah Boardwalk has about 15 rides. Some rides may be closed for maintenance or repair at any given time, but typically, all rides are running during peak season, June through August. An All Day Ride Pass is surprisingly budget friendly at $22.99 for kids under 48 inches, and $28.99 for people over 48 inches.

All Kemah Boardwalk rides have height requirements and ride rules posted at each entrance. The All Day Ride Pass does not include the Boardwalk Beast, Iron Eagle Zip Line, Stingray Reef, midway games, or arcade games. Single tickets for all rides are also available.

As of September 2024, an All Day Pass includes these 13 Kemah Boardwalk rides:

• Aviator
• Boardwalk Bullet Roller Coaster   
• Century Ferris Wheel
• CP Huntington Train
• Double Decker Carousel
• Drop Zone, currently down for maintenance in Sep. 2024
• Flare Coaster
• Rockin’ Rocket
• Wonder Wheel
• Boardwalk Tower
• Hypnospin
• Jungle Bounce
• Pharaoh’s Fury

What Is the Best Time to Go to Kemah Boardwalk? 

This depends on how you like to experience carnivals. If you want to avoid crowds, Mondays through Thursdays are much less crowded, and early mornings or afternoons are the quietest times on those days. Fridays through Sundays are the best times for events, music, and nightlife.

June through August is peak season at Kemah Boardwalk, when it becomes crowded, hot, and humid. This is a family vacation destination, and visitors can expect lots of children running around, mostly delighted. Kemah Boardwalk dresses up for Christmas. It boasts beautifully decorated lights and often hosts special Christmas events.

Kemah Boardwalk Restaurants and Waterfront Dining:

Aquarium: Features superb, high-quality seafood dining with enormous floor-to-ceiling aquarium tanks that provide breathtaking views, an imaginative menu that blends traditional tastes with eclectic dishes and delectable desserts. Open Monday through Sunday.

Saltgrass Steak House: Offers a wide variety of certified angus beef steaks, breads, and soups made fresh daily to complete steaks and other entrees. Open Monday through Sunday.

Joe’s Crab Shack and Burger Bar: A casual restaurant for the whole family where entertainment is king crab. Joe’s serves delicious coastal dishes, signature fish entrées, the famous steam pot, and over-sized, original cocktails. Joe’s Burger Bar sizzles with juicy burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and milkshakes on the deck overlooking the bay. Open Monday through Sunday. 

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: This menu includes out of this world seafood dishes, award-winning slow roasted baby back ribs, and Bubba’s hand shaken margaritas. Open Monday through Sunday.

Landry’s Seafood House: Serves fresh seafood, succulent steaks, mouthwatering desserts, and panoramic waterfront views from outside on its patio or inside its beautiful dining room. Open Monday through Sunday. 

The Flying Dutchman Restaurant & Oyster Bar: Guests enjoy leisurely waterfront dining in this relaxing dining room and on its spacious patio. It offers fresh seafood seasonally, like Louisiana Cajun gumbo, live crawfish, island redfish, mahi Acapulco, plus a variety of seafood platters or chicken, pastas, and steaks. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

The Pizza Oven: A wide selection of salads and a variety of hearty thin crust pizzas baked fresh in a stone hearth oven, plus wine and beer. Open Thursday through Sunday. 

Sweet Scoops: Features a variety of treats, including fresh waffle cones, shakes, malts, and specialty sundaes like Strawberry Cheesecake Delight and Peanut Butter Blast. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Bayside Grill: Enjoy morning coffee, beignets, and breakfast here. Select from an array of croissant sandwiches, paninis, salads, and soups, plus a kids’ menu. Open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

Additional Eats on Kemah Boardwalk:

• Chick-Fil-A Truck
• Chicken, Fries, & More
• Funnel Cakes & More
• Snack Express
• Starbucks Coffee