Kemah

 

Nestled in a half-moon pocket of Galveston Bay, Kemah offers waterside living at its finest. It has a quaint village feel, and the boardwalk and the lighthouse district are huge draws to both locals and tourists. With entertainment galore and a thriving small business community, it’s become the preferred place to escape the bustle and enjoy the delights of the coast.

 

In the early to mid-20th century, Kemah was a thriving tourist destination thanks to a vibrant hotel, the boardwalk, and a handful of casinos. However, the casinos were eventually closed and some of the tourism dwindled. The fishing industry sustained Kemah for several decades, and tourism eventually returned when the Johnson Space Center opened in nearby Clear Lake. Tourism, recreation, and the joys of waterfront living continue to bloom in Kemah today.

 

Kemah is home to several distinct neighborhoods and private communities. Lazy Bend, Waterford, Waterford Point, and Waterford Oaks are luxurious neighborhoods full of waterfront properties along Clear Lake and are home to the Waterford Harbor Yacht Club.

 

 

Full of small seafood shops, quaint boutiques, and even an amusement park, Kemah takes on an entertaining, vacation-like feel, even for its residents. It has wonderful schools and gorgeous residential areas, and many people come here for the cooler weather and recreation afforded by its location along the waterfront.

 

Eating in Kemah is a diverse and delicious affair, with everything from envelope-pushing food experiences to classic Texas favorites. The shopping on the boardwalk, with its quaint boutiques and kitschy gift shops, is a beloved part of Kemah.

 

T-Bone Tom’s was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” It has a menu packed with succulent steaks, BBQ, and seafood to enjoy while listening to the local live music. Take a tour and enjoy a tasting of local Texas wines at Clear Creek Vineyard. Dine on seafood favorites from your table set in the 50,000-gallon marine exhibit at the Aquarium Restaurant. Delivering a multisensory experience, Eculent’s elevated prix fixe menu is accompanied by technology and art.

 

Kemah’s Lighthouse District is the best shopping within the town’s borders. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a fashionable wardrobe staple, you’ll be able to find it on these streets. Small boutiques cluster together selling handmade crafts, delectable food goods, and charming tchotchkes.

 

Kemah Boardwalk is the heart of this community. With a charming amusement park, marina, and waterfront area, the boardwalk draws tourists and locals looking for fun.

 

Its waterfront location makes Kemah the perfect starting place to launch your day on the water. The Kemah Boardwalk Marina is in the heart of the action, but if you want a quieter launch, you can head just across the road to Portofino Harbour Marina.

 

The Kemah Crawfish Festival is a celebration of the seafood that makes Kemah so special. With piles of crawfish, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder it’s a Texas favorite. Another incredible festival is the Dickinson Festival of Lights. This beloved community sees locals walking through the neighborhood to connect and admire the brilliant holiday displays their neighbors have constructed.

 

Kemah is served by the incredible schools of Clear Creek Independent School District.