A year-round carnival by the bay, Kemah Boardwalk boasts themed restaurants, retail shops, and fun for the whole family.  There’s a parade of good seafood, with heavy-hitting chains like Joe's Crab Shack, Landry's Seafood House, The Cadillac Bar, and The Crab House, among others. The Aquarium Restaurant is built around a stunning 50,000-gallon aquarium brimming with marine life.  Shopping is mostly limited to toys, candy, and small gifts, such as Christmas at Kemah, which offers winter-themed collectibles. But the fun hasn’t started! Kemah’s 35 acres feature a 36-foot carousel, a 65-foot Ferris wheel, and rides like the Aviator, the Inverter and the Boardwalk Tower. (A day pass for the rides is $20.)  Don’t miss the arcade and Midway games, too. Weekdays are naturally slower here, and some rides may close for maintenance in the winter.

Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipps Ave.
Kemah, TX 77565
(877) AT-KEMAH
www.kemahboardwalk.com

Recently taken over by a two sisters, this old house, converted into a chic New American eatery, is a hidden gem of the Bay dining scene. The atmosphere inside—black linens, simple art on the warm-colored walls, good tableware—is just enough to announce you’re in a place with ambition. And the food lives up to it. 

At lunch there's the Texas Kobe Burger, made of thickly marbled prime Japanese beef, grilled to perfection and served with succulent mushrooms. For dinner, the Lobster Ravioli is a delicate balance of sweetness, richness, and texture, while the Texas Striped Bass, sauteed in sauvignon blanc sauce, is a light, savory masterpiece. Cornish Hen dazzles with tenderness, and the apple brie salad features strong but nuanced cheese. Everything is locally sourced so it’s at the peak of freshness. Delicious tapas are served in the bar from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Sunday, when brunch is a creative success. Signature Bistro boasts an extensive wine list, and there’s engaging piano music in the evenings. 

Signature Bistro
1918 Nasa Parkway
Seabrook, TX 77586
(281) 474-4455
www.signaturebistro.com

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