The fun never ends at Kemah Boardwalk! Located just 20 miles outside of Houston, this fun-tastic complex includes tummy-satisfying restaurants, wildly entertaining shows, thrilling rides, and enticing shops.
If you’re in Houston and looking for a fun way to spend a day, Kemah Boardwalk won’t let you down. Some people refer to Kemah Boardwalk as the "Houston boardwalk," given that’s such a short ride away from the largest city in Texas. It encompasses all the enjoyable elements you’d expect at a waterfront boardwalk, from deliciously fragrant funnel cakes to a heart-stopping roller coaster that whips you over 42 crossovers during your ride.
Kemah Boardwalk Rides
Whether you’re looking for more relaxed rides suitable for young kids and the faint of heart, or itching to clamber aboard the fastest, meanest coaster you can find, Kemah Boardwalk outside Houston is the place to be. Some of its most popular attractions aren’t even rides—you’ll have the chance to feed and touch live stingrays and journey through a rainforest in the Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit, and there are festivals every weekend! Here are the top must-do rides at Kemah Boardwalk:
- Boardwalk Beast Speedboat Thrill Ride: Zip along the rolling waters of Galveston Bay at a swift 40 miles per hour for 25 minutes of pure fun.
- Boardwalk Bullet: Fans of classic roller coasters will love this 96-foot-tall wooden coaster that reaches speeds of over 50 miles per hour.
- Pharaoh's Fury: This pendulum ride will make you giddy with the feeling of stomach-dropping weightlessness.
- Boardwalk Tower: Hold onto your hats, because you’ll be lifted high enough in the air to get a fabulous aerial view of the entire Boardwalk and sun-dappled Galveston Bay.
- Drop Zone: If the Boardwalk Bullet wasn’t enough of an adrenaline rush for you, try this 140-foot free fall that will leave you breathless.
- Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit: Touch the surprisingly rough skin of a stingray as they glide through the water, then feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as you observe creepy crawlers like scorpions, tarantulas, and admittedly less fear-inducing animals like turtles in the Rainforest section.
Kemah Boardwalk Restaurants
Bring your appetite and enjoy some tasty treats from a variety of restaurants located inside the complex. If seafood makes your mouth water, try Landry’s Seafood or The Flying Dutchman. Both are located right on the water; you’ll get to enjoy fresh seafood in full view of the glittering Bay and its many boats bobbing atop it. The Pizza Oven’s thin crust, hearth-baked pizzas will make any pizza-lover’s taste buds tingle with excitement. There’s even a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co that will thrill you with Forrest Gump paraphernalia and award-winning slow roasted baby back ribs. For sugar cravings, look no further than Sweet Scoops, Kemah Boardwalk’s resident ice cream shop. It serves up everything from specialty sundaes to shakes and malts in a fun, energetic atmosphere.
Kemah Boardwalk Tickets
You have a few options when it comes to buying tickets for Kemah Boardwalk. If you’re more interested in riding just a few rides and having a bite to eat, you can purchase individual ride tickets. However, those planning to spend a full day or more at the park may want to consider an All-Day Ride pass, which gives you free rein to take unlimited rides on most attractions (the Iron Eagle Zipline, Boardwalk Beast Speedboat, and Stingray Reef cost extra).
If you’re looking to snag a great deal on Kemah Boardwalk tickets, consider Houston CityPASS® tickets. Not only do you get an All-Day Pass at a steep discount, but you’ll also get access to Houston’s top tourist spots for almost 50% less than listed cost.
Kemah Boardwalk Hours and Parking
Kemah Boardwalk is open seven days a week, but ride hours are seasonal. Be sure to check the official website before you visit to get the most up-to-date information.
With several parking lots on site, parking for Kemah Boardwalk is plentiful. While you can pay with cash or card, prices are listed on the Kemah Boardwalk website and are subject to change without notice. You also have the option of free parking at the Shuttle Boat parking lots, located on Texas Road.
Kemah Boardwalk Hotels
Those looking to stay on site will enjoy the charming Boardwalk Inn, the only hotel located on the Kemah Boardwalk. With its spacious rooms, balconies on every room, and live entertainment on weekends, the Boardwalk Inn keeps the fun even when you’ve left the main part of the Boardwalk.
If you’re not keen on staying right in the middle of the action or the Boardwalk Inn is all booked, there are several other generously equipped hotels close by in Kemah. Some, like the Holiday Inn Kemah, are within walking distance of the Boardwalk.
Kemah Boardwalk is a never-ending party and you’re invited! Don’t miss this fun-filled park on your next trip to Houston, or if you’re a resident of the city, mark a day on your calendar to let loose.
Nearby Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Houston, we recommend finding lodging near Houston's top attractions like Kemah Boardwalk. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comVisit the Kemah Boardwalk for Less With CityPASS® Tickets
With deep discounts on Houston’s most popular attractions, CityPASS® tickets let you hit all the must-see sites on your list. When you plan your visit, grab CityPASS® tickets to score discounted admission to Kemah Boardwalk, Space Center Houston, Houston Zoo and more! Use the money you save on ticket prices to hop on an extra ride or grab some souvenirs to take home so you’ll never forget your visit!