Kemah



Kemah is a city on the Gulf Coast of Texas. The boardwalk is a popular destination for people in the Houston area. The best time to come if you want to relax is during the week, but if you have kids and want them to be able to play in the fountains and things, come on the weekends.

Understand
In the mid-1990s, Landry's Restaurants bought the all the property along the south side of the Clear Creek channel. It was then rebuilt with a theme-park atmosphere and the energy in Kemah increased dramatically. All the boardwalk restaurants are chains owned by Landry's, and all the smaller shops lease space. Limited parking is free. There are plenty of other independent shops through the town, back off the boardwalk.

By car
Kemah is small enough to travel on foot or bike, but most people get there by car. From IH-10 in Baytown (east of Houston), turn south on TX-146. Kemah is just past the second or third very tall bridge. From Houston or Galveston, go towards the other on IH-45. Turn east on FM-517. Continue straight on FM-2004 until it ends in Kemah at TX-146 (if you accidentally "turn right" and stay on FM-517, just keep on going to TX-146 then turn left - you're only a couple of miles down the road).

By boat
Kemah Boardwalk Marina offers transient docking services for $1 per foot. Slips up to 30' are almost always available, 30-50' boats should call in advance.

Get around
Due to the small size of the town there is no public transportation. Taxis are available, and plenty of parking is available.

Do

 * - located in Kemah

Sail
There are several marinas that offer various yachting services. Consider chartering a sailboat for half a day, or looking into a weekend-long sailing certification course.

Fish
The area is renowned for its fishing. Red Drum are a popular hunt, as are croaker, flounder, and trout.

Go next

 * Galveston - With its sandy beaches and history it is a perfect place to go after a great stay on the boardwalk. Follow SR-146 south until it merges with IH-45, and continue south.
 * Houston - Go west on FM-2004 until it merges with FM-517 and continue west. Then go north (right) on IH-45.