Set against the beautiful backdrop of Galveston Bay, the Kemah Boardwalk is a great place to come for dinner, drinks and a spin on the rides. It has a host of trendy shops and upmarket boutiques – just the thing for a spot of retail therapy!
Although the park was opened in 1997, it has a quaint old-world feel. This is created by the vintage arcade games, ornately painted carousels and picturesque wooden rollercoasters. See the bay from a stomach-churning angle on the Inverter or ramp up the excitement with a whirl on the Boardwalk Bullet, which gets up to speeds of 82 kilometres per hour. You can pay for rides individually or treat yourself to a day pass and go back for as many turns as you like.
Playing in the Dancing Water Fountains doesn’t cost a thing and is the perfect way to keep everyone happy on a hot day. You’ll have heaps of fun dodging the jets of water as they shoot up with no discernible pattern from holes in the ground.
The waterfront is calmer during the week, with smaller queues and fewer crowds. It’s worth braving the throngs of people at the weekend, though, as the whole place comes to life with bright lights, live music and street performers.
Soak up the atmosphere with a wander along the boardwalk and stop outside one of the many restaurants to pick up some freshly cooked seafood. The Cajun-style shrimp is absolutely delicious and the local crab cakes are difficult to beat!
Kemah Boardwalk can be found 32 kilometres to the south of Houston. Park in one of the designated car parks and you’ll get swept across the water in a free shuttle boat.
