Top 5: Attractions in the Houston Bay Area That Make It a Great Place to Live

Named one of the top American boardwalks by Forbes Traveler, the Kemah Boardwalk overlooks Galveston Bay and is home to themed restaurants, retail shops, amusement rides and arcade games for people of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re a young family looking for somewhere to bring the kids on weekends or a couple that loves to be part of a happening scene, Kemah is a go-to destination for excellent entertainment and dining experiences. Some of Houston’s staple eateries are found at the Kemah Boardwalk, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Landry’s Seafood House and the Saltgrass Steak House.

With more than 400 space artifacts, interactive exhibits and attractions on site, Space Center Houston brings the universe together under one roof. The official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center, the museum is home to out-of-this-world experiences that include a tour of the Independence shuttle, VR simulators that include a space walk, and galleries including the Starship Gallery (which gives visitors an up-close look of flown spacecrafts) and the Astronaut Gallery (where space adventurers can explore their collection of spacesuits). The amount of things to see and do here are almost as limitless as the cosmos themselves, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

A theme park, amusement park and zoo all in one, Moody Gardens is easily recognized by the three distinctive pyramids on its complex. Whether you want to explore a tropical rainforest, dive into their on-site aquarium, discover unique museum exhibits (usually revolving around nature and science) or partake in a host of activities that include a ropes course, zip line, boat rides, water slides, a wave pool and golf course, there’s something for everyone at Moody Gardens.

Stretching 5.3 miles into Galveston Bay, the Texas City Dike is the longest man-made fishing pier in the world and one of the most popular boat launch and fishing areas on the Texas Gulf Coast. With events that include fishing tournaments, kite festivals and movie nights, and amenities that include parks and playgrounds, hike and bike trails, a disc golf course, boat ramps and picnic areas, the Texas City Dike is a major draw for anyone that can’t get enough of coastal living.

With over 2,500 acres of natural wetlands, forest, prairie and marsh habitats, the Armand Bayou Nature Center is home to over 270 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The largest urban wilderness preserve in the United States, the nature center is dedicated to preserving natural habitats for animals and for providing its visitors with the opportunity to experience and understand the local ecosystem. Visit to explore the incredible hiking trails, bird watch, canoe, cruise on a boat, go on a bat hike or partake in a number of other family-friendly activities.