Kemah Boardwalk

The basics

Kemah Boardwalk has more than 15 amusement park rides, which include a roller coaster, free-fall ride, zipline, double-decker carousel, and a Ferris wheel with views over Galveston Bay. You can also take speedboat trips into the bay or visit the Stingray Reef to observe marine life. Ride and attraction tickets can be purchased separately or as an all-day ride pass, which doesn’t include boat rides, the zipline, Stingray Reef, or midway games.

The boardwalk features on several sightseeing tours of Houston, which typically cover local highlights such as Market Square and Houston Zoo.

Things to know before you go

• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself while enjoying the boardwalk’s outdoor attractions.
• The boardwalk is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but rentals are not available.
• There’s an abundance of dining options on the boardwalk, which range from steak and burgers to coffee and chicken.
• Most businesses on the boardwalk accept major credit cards, while there’s also an ATM.

How to get there

Kemah Boardwalk is in a southern suburb of Houston, 32 miles (50 kilometers) from downtown. There’s no public transport to the boardwalk, so the best option is to drive (the boardwalk is along State Highway 146) or join a tour that includes round-trip transfers.

When to get there

The boardwalk is open throughout the week, with extended hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In the summer months, kids can cool off in the boardwalk’s Dancing Water Fountains. To avoid lines at the boardwalk’s top attractions, plan to visit on a weekday.

Things to Do in South Houston

South Houston is home to numerous popular attractions. First-time visitors, especially those with kids, shouldn’t miss a trip to Space Center Houston for a behind-the-scenes tour of the NASA facilities. If you’re looking for some retail therapy, the Tanger Outlets and the Baybrook Mall are nearby. Head further south to Galveston Island for an afternoon on the beach or at the Historic Pleasure Pier.

Can I walk around the Kemah Boardwalk for free?

Yes, you can enter and walk around the Kemah Boardwalk for free. However, to enjoy the rides and attractions, you must purchase individual ride tickets or all-day passes from the ticket booth off Kipp Avenue on the northeast side of the boardwalk.

Is parking at the Kemah Boardwalk free?

It depends on when and where you park. Parking at the Bradford and Kipp Avenue lots requires payment on weekends, holidays, and special events; parking on the Kipp Avenue and 6th Street lots always requires payment, and parking on the Texas Avenue lots is free and sometimes includes shuttle boats to the boardwalk.

What kind of rides are there at Kemah Boardwalk?

The Kemah Boardwalk has classic rides such as carousels, replica trains, Ferris wheels, and a wooden roller coaster, and more modern rides such as a pendulum ride, a drop zone, and a looping coaster. The boardwalk is also home to the Boardwalk Beast, which takes visitors on high-speed boat rides on Galveston Bay.

Are there restrooms at the Kemah Boardwalk?

Yes, there are public restrooms at the Kemah Boardwalk. Find them near the ticket booths on the northeast side of the boardwalk and in front of the dancing fountains near the ATMs and retail stores of the Boardwalk Inn near the northwest side of the boardwalk.

Is visiting the Kemah Boardwalk worth it?

The Kemah Boardwalk is worth visiting if you're looking for a day of family-friendly theme park rides within easy driving distance of Houston—think double-decker carousels, roller coasters, and drop towers. You can also visit the aquarium, take high-speed boat rides on Galveston Bay, and check out the arcade and game room.

Does the Kemah Boardwalk have a dress code?

Yes, while you can likely wear what you want when you visit, the Kemah Boardwalk does have a dress code. Visitors must always wear shirts, shoes, and shorts or pants, with pants pulled to the waist. Clothing with explicit language and shoes with wheels are never allowed on the boardwalk.

Ways to explore

Kemah Boardwalk is a go-to attraction for families, who typically buy all-day passes for unlimited rides on the wooden roller coaster, double-decker carousel, and Ferris wheel with views over the bay. Additional activities, such as the arcade and stingray touch tank, require separate tickets.

To admire Kemah Boardwalk from the water, you can charter a fishing or party boat in Galveston Bay. If you plan to visit more of Houston’s top attractions, such as the Houston Zoo and Downtown Aquarium, consider booking the Houston CityPASS® for discounts at Kemah Boardwalk and other destinations.

Accessibility

Kemah Boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and parking for people with disabilities, but you’ll need to bring your own mobility device.

Age limits

While most rides have minimum height requirements, the boardwalk is open to all ages.

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen

What to wear

Coastal Houston’s humidity is no joke, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for rides and walking.

Not allowed

Outside food and drink, non-service animals, fishing, biking, skating

Amenities

Restrooms, shops, dining options, ATM

Address 

Kemah Boardwalk is located in the city of Kemah, 32 miles (51 kilometers) southeast of downtown Houston. Most visitors drive, but you can also use a private transfer or rideshare service.

Driving

From Downtown Houston, take I-45 S for about 20 miles (32 kilometers), then take exit 24 to NASA Road 1. Turn right, following the coastline, and you’ll find parking for the boardwalk off Bradford Avenue.

Public transportation

There’s no direct public transportation to the boardwalk, but you can get closer by taking the 247 bus from Downtown Houston to the Bay Area Park and Ride station, then hop in a 10-minute taxi ride from there.

Best times to visit

To avoid the intense midday Texas sun, visit the boardwalk in the late afternoon; it’s not open before 12pm.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to visit Kemah Boardwalk, but rides may be closed on Mondays. Lines are usually shorter at games and rides on weekdays, while hours are extended on weekends.

Best months to visit

It rarely gets cold in Houston, which makes the outdoor boardwalk a year-round attraction. If you visit in the summer, cool off in the air-conditioned arcade or dancing water fountain.

Special events

Check online for Kemah Boardwalk’s frequent special events, from Fireworks Fridays in the summer to haunted houses and spooky movie nights around Halloween.