Texas: Kemah Boardwalk – A Relaxing Getaway

We had an evening free during a quick business trip to Houston, and decided to check out the Kemah Boardwalk. Twenty miles from downtown Houston, the boardwalk is loaded with charm – a refreshing getaway from the city that somehow manages to be busy and activity-filled and simultaneously immensely relaxing.

If you love a good roller coaster like I do, check out the Boardwalk Bullet, a good old fashioned wooden coaster on the gulf. It may have only opened in 2007, but it is reminiscent of the seaside classics dating back 100 years. The slice of Americana boasts 3,300 feet of track, crossing over its own tracks a record-breaking 42 times, and travels at more than 50 mph. There are plenty of other thrills to be had on the boardwalk, as well. Tickets are available individually or as a package.

Thrills are not the only thing offered at this little escape on the Gulf Coast. The sea air blowing through our hair was just the thing after a long day of meetings and work. We enjoyed an open-air dinner on the patio at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., then took a relaxing stroll along the boardwalk, tossing a handful of food to the catfish and exploring the shops.

The boardwalk also features an aquarium and a beautiful little inn. Check out their website to learn more.

We found ourselves at the boardwalk on Tribute Band Tuesday, which was a fun surprise. The evening featured “Walk This Way” and “Guns4Roses.”

It was a treat to unwind with a drink (check out the little booths around the square for the alcoholic and non-alcoholic sort alike – we partook in a yard long frozen concoction) and people watch to the tunes of these great bands.
Children splashed and danced on the splash pad, couples moved to the music, the smell of funnel cakes hanging in the air. There’s something special about summer nights on the water, and Kemah Boardwalk was a great place to spend this one.

The drive back to Houston was painless, too, which was an important feature. (They sure do have a lot of toll booths here, though! Have small cash ready to go to save time.)