Kemah, TX

Travel Guide

A wooden structure with a sign that reads "Boardwalk Bullies."
A marina with numerous sailboats docked at wooden piers.
A wooden barrel with the words "Boardwalk Bull" painted on it, surrounded by a metal framework.
A wooden wall with a sign that reads "WIN A Prize" and a lifebuoy hanging on it.
A coastal amusement park with a Ferris wheel, palm trees, and a tall observation tower.

Bring the whole family to the marina and exciting entertainment district of this picturesque bayside city in the Houston suburbs.

Kemah is a pretty coastal town with an interesting boardwalk and scenic views of the Gulf Coast. In previous decades, it was a tranquil fishing town. Now it is an entertainment hub, with plenty of restaurants, bars and intriguing sights. Enjoy its hot Texas climate for fun outdoor activities and events overlooking the bay.

The heart of the city is the Kemah Entertainment District, which is based around the iconic Kemah Boardwalk. Take your kids to the amusement ride section, which opens daily from morning until late evening. Go on the Boardwalk Beast, a thrilling boat ride with music and entertainment.

Gaze up at the impressive wooden structure of the Boardwalk Bullet, with its many crossovers and twists. Other rides include the Wonder Wheel, the Double-Decker Carousel and the Ferris Wheel.

Make your way to the Stingray Reef and Rainforest Exhibit, where you and your family can touch swimming stingrays. Wander through the rainforest area to see scorpions, tarantulas, snakes and piranhas, among other exotic creatures.

Choose from the range of bars and eclectic dining options near Trinity Bay. Many of the restaurants specialize in seafood. Enjoy views of the boats in this region. The main local industry is shipping. The marina has one of the largest concentrations of boats in Texas.

Embark on a cruise from the Boardwalk Fantasea in the Clear Lake and Galveston Bay areas. The enormous charter yacht has upscale dinner trips, party cruises and sightseeing tours. Venture southwest from the boardwalk area to the shopping complex full of restaurants and stores.

Find the city in the northeastern part of Galveston County in southeastern Texas. It is west of Trinity Bay in the southeastern outskirts of Houston. Fly to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and drive south for 45 miles (72 kilometers) to get here in about 1 hour.

Kemah is perfect for a fun family day out enjoying the amusements and marina boardwalk.

Where to stay in Kemah

Find the best Kemah areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kemah
Learn more about Kemah

Clear Lake Shores

You'll enjoy the live music and parks in Clear Lake Shores. You might want to make time for a stop at Kemah Lighthouse District or Clear Lake.

Kemah Boardwalk Inn

Kemah Boardwalk Inn

3 out of 5
8 Kemah Waterfront Street Kemah TX
The price is $191 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$191 total
per night
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this hotel in Kemah. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,331 reviews)
"Super clean rooms Staff was very hospitable. Air conditioning was perfect for the Texas heat parking was so easy"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2026

Kemah Boardwalk Inn
Courtyard by Marriott Houston Kemah

Courtyard by Marriott Houston Kemah

3 out of 5
805 Harris Avenue Kemah TX
The price is $187 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$187 total
per night
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kemah. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Courtyard by Marriott Houston Kemah
Days Inn by Wyndham Kemah

Days Inn by Wyndham Kemah

2 out of 5
1413 Highway 146 Kemah TX
The price is $62 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$62 total
per night
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Stay at this hotel in Kemah. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"The location is convenient to my work activities and has all the basics that I find useful when in that area."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham Kemah
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cozy Cabin on the Water -Full Access

Cozy Cabin on the Water -Full Access

Kemah TX
Stay at this apartment in Kemah. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center Houston are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
"This was my third or fourth time staying at this tiny home. It has always been clean and well supplied. There was no issues."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2026

Cozy Cabin on the Water -Full Access
Blue Bay Waterfront Retreat – 230 ft Private Pier + Steps to Kemah Boardwalk!

Blue Bay Waterfront Retreat – 230 ft Private Pier + Steps to Kemah Boardwalk!

Kemah TX
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kemah. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Kemah Boardwalk and Space ...
10/10 Exceptional! (144 reviews)
"Hailey is great! The property is perfect!"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2026

Blue Bay Waterfront Retreat – 230 ft Private Pier + Steps to Kemah Boardwalk!
Kemah Pool Paradise, Walk to Park & Boardwalk

Kemah Pool Paradise, Walk to Park & Boardwalk

Kemah Area TX
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Kemah. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center ...
Kemah Pool Paradise, Walk to Park & Boardwalk
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Kemah attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Kemah worth visiting?
Kemah is worth visiting for its standout attractions, such as the lively Kemah Boardwalk, offering entertainment and dining, and the scenic Kemah Lighthouse District. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining options, with a variety of North American and Latin American cuisine available for different tastes.
When is the best time to visit Kemah?
The best time to visit Kemah is from May through July. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience. These months also typically see lower lodging rates.
What is Kemah known for?
Kemah is known for its waterfront attractions, especially the popular Kemah Boardwalk, offering entertainment and dining. Travelers can also explore the scenic Kemah Lighthouse District, which features the Kemah Lighthouse. The area also provides a range of North American food culture experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Kemah?
A good itinerary length for Kemah is one to two days to explore the Kemah Boardwalk and Kemah Lighthouse District. For an extended trip of three to four days, you can also enjoy activities like a Gulf Coast Party Boat or a Private Sailing Experience on Galveston Bay, allowing more time to relax and explore. See Kemah Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Kemah?
In Kemah, travelers can enjoy waterfront fun, outdoor activities, and local history:


How do I plan a trip to Kemah?
To plan your trip to Kemah, search for places to stay and book flights in advance. Explore the Kemah Boardwalk and consider activities like a Private Sailing Experience on Galveston Bay. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. A rental car can help you explore the surrounding area.
What cuisines can you find in Kemah?
In Kemah you can find Tex-Mex cuisine, with dishes like fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. You'll also find fresh seafood, Italian, and Mediterranean options. The area also offers coffee shops and places with wine, cocktail, and sports bars.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Kemah?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Kemah by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Kemah with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Kemah trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Kemah?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Kemah can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Kemah trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Kemah trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Kemah trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Kemah trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Kemah?
If it's your first trip to Kemah, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Kemah hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Kemah hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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