The video above takes you on a ride through the Kemah Boardwalk and the surrounding coastal towns along Galveston Bay, about 30 miles southeast of Houston. Shot by a traveling musician passing through on his way to a gig, the footage captures the boardwalk's carnival atmosphere, the waterfront views, and a couple of spots serving up cold drinks and live music. If you've been thinking about making the 40-minute drive from Houston for a day trip, this gives you a solid look at what to expect.
What Is There to Do at the Kemah Boardwalk?
The Kemah Boardwalk sits right on the edge of Galveston Bay, and it's split into a few distinct sections. On one side you've got restaurants and bars lining the waterfront, and on the other you'll find carnival-style attractions and a full ride area. The standout ride is the Boardwalk Bullet, a wooden roller coaster that dominates the skyline. As the video's host puts it, it looks like someone glued a bunch of popsicle sticks together — a pretty accurate description of the thing towering over the boardwalk. Beyond the rides, the real draw is simply walking along the water, grabbing a drink, and letting the bay breeze do its thing. It's a low-key escape from Houston without having to commit to a full beach trip down to Galveston Island.
Live Music and Bars Near Kemah
The video doesn't just stay on the boardwalk. After exploring Kemah, the host cruised along the coast into neighboring Baycliff and found some good spots worth knowing about. Here are the venues featured in the video:
- Noah's Ark Bar and Grill — A waterfront bar and grill in Baycliff with outdoor seating overlooking Galveston Bay. Breezy, relaxed, and a good spot to catch local musicians on weekends. The duo Matt and Maddie were performing during the visit.
- La Brisa — A large restaurant in Baycliff with a thatched-roof, coastal look that fits the area perfectly. It draws solid weekend crowds for food, drinks, and live music. The host played a set here, performing original songs for a packed dining room.
Both of these places lean into the casual, waterfront vibe that defines this stretch of coast. They're not flashy music venues — they're the kind of spots where you sit outside, order some food, and happen to catch someone playing a really good set.
Exploring the Coast South of Houston
This whole corridor from Kemah down through Baycliff runs along the western shore of Galveston Bay and offers a different feel from the Houston bar scene. The towns are small, the pace is slower, and the live music tends to show up in restaurants and waterfront bars rather than dedicated clubs. If you're a Houston-area music fan looking for something different on a Saturday afternoon, the drive down to the Kemah Boardwalk area and the neighboring coastal towns is worth your time. Just follow the water and you'll find something playing.