Kemah Boardwalk – Ultimate Visitor Cheat Sheet
🎟️ 1. Ticket Prices & Discounts
Admission to the Kemah Boardwalk is free; however, rides and attractions require tickets. You can purchase individual ride tickets or opt for an All Day Ride Pass, which allows unlimited access to select rides. Prices for the All Day Ride Pass are $22.99 for guests under 48 inches and $28.99 for those 48 inches and taller.
Occasionally, the Boardwalk offers promotions, such as the “Wintertime Blues Discount,” where purchasing one All Day Ride Pass at regular price allows you to get a second one for just $5. These promotions are time-sensitive and may have specific terms and conditions.
CTA: 🎟️ Purchase Tickets Here
🎢 2. Rides & Attractions List
Kemah Boardwalk features over 15 amusement rides suitable for all ages. Notable attractions include:
- Boardwalk Bullet: A unique wooden roller coaster standing at 96 feet tall, with a thrilling 92-foot first drop, reaching speeds over 51 mph. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall.
- Century Ferris Wheel: A 65-foot Ferris wheel offering scenic views of the area. Riders under 42 inches must be accompanied by an adult.
- Boardwalk Beast: A high-speed boat ride that takes passengers on a thrilling adventure in Galveston Bay.
- Stingray Reef: An interactive exhibit where visitors can touch and feed live stingrays.
Height restrictions and safety guidelines are posted at each ride entrance. It’s advisable to check these before queuing.
⭐ 3. Visitor Reviews & Ratings
Kemah Boardwalk holds a 4 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, based on over 2,200 reviews. Visitors often praise the cleanliness, variety of attractions, and family-friendly atmosphere. Some common pros and cons include:
Pros:
- Diverse dining options with waterfront views.
- Entertaining live music and events.
- Suitable for all age groups.
Cons:
- Can become crowded during peak times.
- Some rides may have operational downtimes.
For detailed visitor experiences, visit the TripAdvisor review page.
⏰ 4. Operating Hours & Best Times to Visit
Kemah Boardwalk operates daily, but ride hours can vary monthly and are subject to change due to maintenance or weather conditions. It’s recommended to check the current month’s schedule before planning your visit.
To avoid crowds and minimize wait times, consider visiting on weekdays or during non-peak hours, especially outside of major holidays and school vacation periods.
🍔 5. Food & Dining Options
The Boardwalk boasts a variety of waterfront dining establishments, including:
- Aquarium Restaurant: Offers a unique underwater dining experience.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Famous for its seafood dishes inspired by the movie “Forrest Gump.”
- Landry’s Seafood House: Serves fresh Gulf Coast seafood in a relaxed setting.
In addition to full-service restaurants, there are numerous snack stands and smaller eateries offering quick bites like funnel cakes and cotton candy. Please note, outside food and beverages are not permitted within the Boardwalk premises.
🎉 6. Special Events & Seasonal Attractions
Kemah Boardwalk hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as:
- Boardwalk Live: Free concerts featuring live music in the Main Event Plaza.
- Seasonal Festivals: Including holiday celebrations, parades, and themed events.
For the latest event schedule, visit the Events page.
💡 7. Insider Tips & Money-Saving Hacks
- Parking: On-site parking is available and is free when the gates are up. During weekends, holidays, and special events, parking is paid and accepts credit cards only. Consider arriving early to secure a spot.
- Promotions: Keep an eye on the Boardwalk’s official website or social media channels for special offers and discounts.
- Weather Preparedness: Given its waterfront location, weather can change rapidly. It’s advisable to check the forecast and dress accordingly.
🏨 8. Nearby Hotels & Accommodations
For those looking to stay overnight, the Boardwalk Inn is located directly on the Boardwalk, offering convenient access to all attractions. Additionally, the surrounding Kemah area has various lodging options ranging from budget-friendly motels to premium hotels.
♿ 🚗 9. Accessibility & Parking
- Wheelchair and Stroller Access: While the Boardwalk provides wheelchair access to all attractions, rentals are not available on-site. Guests are welcome to bring their own strollers, but they must be parked outside of attractions and not taken into ride lines.
🎁 10. Exclusive Deals & Coupons
- Current Promotions & Discounts:
- Wintertime Blues Discount – Buy one All Day Ride Pass at full price, get a second one for only $5.
- Military & First Responder Discount – Occasionally offered with valid ID (check for availability).
- Seasonal Online Deals – Kemah Boardwalk frequently runs special offers via their Deals & Discounts page.
- Birthday Specials:
- Guests celebrating their birthday can receive special perks when dining at select Boardwalk restaurants.
💡 Pro Tip: Follow Kemah Boardwalk on social media and sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on limited-time deals and coupon codes!
📍 Additional Information
⏳ How Long Does It Take to See the Whole Park?
- A full visit, including rides, dining, and exploring the Boardwalk, typically takes 4-6 hours.
- If visiting only for dining or entertainment, 2-3 hours is sufficient.
- To enjoy everything without feeling rushed, plan for a full day visit.
🌟 Other Attractions Near Kemah Boardwalk
- NASA Johnson Space Center (20 min drive) – Experience space exhibits and astronaut encounters.
- Armand Bayou Nature Center (25 min drive) – A scenic area for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
- Galveston Island (45 min drive) – A beachfront destination with historic sites, restaurants, and entertainment.
🎢 Closest Amusement Parks to Kemah Boardwalk & Driving Distances
- Pleasure Pier (Galveston, TX) – 45 min drive
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX) – 3.5-hour drive
- ZDT’s Amusement Park (Seguin, TX) – 3-hour drive
- Hurricane Harbor Splashtown (Houston, TX) – 45 min drive
🔥 Final Pro Tips for the Best Experience
✔️ Arrive early to find the best parking spots and enjoy shorter ride wait times.
✔️ Consider weekday visits for a more relaxed experience.
✔️ Bring sunscreen & stay hydrated, as Texas heat can be intense.
✔️ Check the event schedule, as concerts and fireworks shows can enhance your visit.