The video above takes you on a trip through the Kemah Boardwalk and the surrounding coastal towns along Galveston Bay, about 30 miles southeast of Houston. It's a solid little escape from the city — roughly a 40-minute drive if traffic cooperates — and the area has a mix of waterfront dining, carnival-style attractions, and a few live music spots worth knowing about. David Bridwell was passing through Kemah on his way to a gig in nearby Baycliff, and the video captures the whole stretch of coastline along the way.
What Is There to Do at the Kemah Boardwalk?
The Kemah Boardwalk sits right up against the water, with restaurants and bars lining one side and carnival-style attractions on the other. There's a full section dedicated to rides, including roller coasters, drop towers, and spinning rides. The standout is the Boardwalk Bullet, a large wooden roller coaster that dominates the skyline. It looks like a massive structure built from popsicle sticks glued together — kind of intimidating and hard to miss when you're walking around. Beyond the rides, you can just stroll the boardwalk itself, grab a drink at one of the waterfront bars, and enjoy the breeze coming off Galveston Bay. It's more of a family-oriented amusement area during the day, but the bars and restaurants give it some after-dark appeal too.
Live Music Spots Near Kemah and Baycliff
The video covers a few stops along the coast that are worth checking out if you're in the area and looking for food, drinks, and live music:
- Noah's Ark Bar and Grill — A waterfront bar and grill in Baycliff with an open, breezy setup overlooking Galveston Bay. Matt and Maddie were performing live during the visit, making it an easy place to hang out and enjoy some music by the water.
- La Brisa — A large restaurant in Baycliff with thatched-roof styling that fits the coastal vibe of the area. David Bridwell performed here, playing original songs for a crowd that was settled in with food and drinks on a relaxed weekend evening. The place draws a good number of people and has that laid-back, beachside restaurant feel.
A Gulf Coast Day Trip Worth the Drive
If you're coming from Houston and want something different for an afternoon or evening, the route from Kemah through Baycliff covers a lot of ground without much driving. You can start at the Kemah Boardwalk for the rides and waterfront atmosphere, then head down the coast to spots like Noah's Ark Bar and Grill or La Brisa for live music and food right on the water. It's not the flashiest stretch of the Texas coast, but that's part of what makes it work — the places are casual, the water is right there, and you can actually hear the music without fighting through a packed downtown scene. For more videos covering live music spots and small-town Texas destinations like this one, check out the other posts on this site.