Kemah Boardwalk Day Trip from Crystal Beach: Rides, Restaurants, and Waterfront Fun

Getting to Kemah from Crystal Beach

Kemah is on the west shore of Galveston Bay, north of the bay bridge on Highway 146. From Crystal Beach, take the Bolivar Ferry to Galveston, then drive I-45 north to the Gulf Freeway and exit toward Kemah/NASA Parkway. Total drive time is about an hour plus ferry wait.

The ferry adds unpredictability to the timing. On weekdays, the crossing is quick. On summer weekends, budget extra time. An alternative route goes east from Crystal Beach to Highway 124 north, then west through Anahuac to Highway 146 south. It avoids the ferry but takes about 90 minutes.

What to Do at Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk is a waterfront entertainment complex on Clear Lake near where it meets Galveston Bay. There is a wooden roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, a drop tower, and several other rides. The boardwalk itself is free to walk. You pay per ride or buy an all-ride pass.

All-ride passes cost about $25 to $30. Individual ride tickets are $4 to $6 each. The rides are more family-friendly than thrill-seeker level. The roller coaster has some speed, but nothing that will terrify most kids over 8.

Restaurants on the Boardwalk

The restaurants are the real draw for a lot of people. Kemah Boardwalk has several waterfront spots with views of Clear Lake and the marina. The Aquarium restaurant lets you eat surrounded by fish tanks. Landry's Seafood and Saltgrass Steak House are the bigger names on the boardwalk.

Prices are moderate to high for the boardwalk restaurants. You are paying for the location and the view. For cheaper eats, the boardwalk has funnel cake stands, corn dog vendors, and other carnival-style food. Joe's Crab Shack started at Kemah before it became a national chain.

Beyond the Boardwalk

Kemah the town has a few things beyond the boardwalk. The marina area is nice for a walk. Fishing charter boats dock nearby. There are a few independent restaurants in the surrounding area that are less touristy and less expensive than the boardwalk spots.

If you have time, the Space Center Houston is about 15 minutes up the road. You could combine both into a full day: morning at the space center, lunch and afternoon at Kemah Boardwalk, then ferry back to Crystal Beach for sunset.

Planning Tips

Weekday visits are less crowded and less expensive. The boardwalk gets packed on summer weekends and holiday weekends. Arrive early for the best parking. Parking at the boardwalk costs about $10 to $15.

The boardwalk opens in the late morning on weekdays and earlier on weekends. Restaurant hours vary. If your main goal is dinner with a view, arrive in the late afternoon and ride a few rides before eating. Sunset over the bay from the Ferris wheel is the best view in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Stay in Crystal Beach

Most visitors to Crystal Beach stay in vacation rentals. If you want a property with a private pickleball court, game room, tiki bar, and fire pit that sleeps up to 15 guests, check out Pickle Beach by Insane Stays. Book direct and save 20% vs. Airbnb, Vrbo & Booking.com.