Sandwiched Between Houston And Galveston Is A Coastal Region For Fun Getaways And Mouthwatering Seafood

The Gulf Coast takes the lead for waterfront getaways in Texas, but that doesn't mean you won't experience the same fun anywhere else. If you look a little north of Galveston's lively downtown and immaculate beaches, you'll notice there's a lake. This region, dubbed "Bay Area Houston" by locals, offers both ocean bay and lakeside activities. 

The vibrant communities of Kemah, League City, Nassau Bay, and Seabrook form the heart of this area, with Clear Lake and Galveston Bay taking center stage. The 2,000-acre recreational lake feeds the bay and attracts boaters, anglers, and paddlers to explore its waters. Not to mention, the bay serves as a primary source for local seafood, meaning you're never far from a fresh meal.

There are almost too many activities to choose from while you're visiting the area. The wildlife parks in Nassau Bay are ideal for birdwatchers, Seabrook's museums open a window into the region's space-faring past, League City's culinary scene is as diverse as it is satisfying, and Kemah's boardwalk shopping and sunset boat rides are peak romantic. And at just a stone's throw from downtown Houston, the area represents a compelling weekend getaway package for those in the big city looking for something a little different.

Despite offering access to both Clear Lake and the bay, Kemah's bustling boardwalk and waterfront shops, rides, and dining draw visitors. This is a great place to ride a Ferris wheel, feed stingrays at the Stingray Reef aquarium, and enjoy bayside dining. Swing by some of the shops, too, for souvenirs. The Boardwalk FantaSea Yacht Charters operates here — book a themed or romantic dinner cruise to take in the bay views. Don't forget to check out the lighthouse while you're in the area.

Right next door is the coastal town of League City, which boasts oak-lined avenues, fresh seafood, and an extensive waterfront. Clear Lake draws in a large number of Jet skiers who flock here for its calm waters. You can expect to find numerous sailboats gliding across the lake on any given day. Anglers particularly love coming here to catch carp, bluegill, trout, and catfish. Besides the lake, you can kayak or canoe for 5.5. miles along the Clear Creek Paddle Trail. 

Meanwhile, the Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Park is a wonderful place to view wetlands and go birdwatching. Follow the 2.4-mile nature trail in this 76-acre haven to catch sight of ospreys and red-tailed hawks — you might encounter alligators, raccoons, and armadillos, too. If you find yourself in Seabrook, make your way to the Bay Area Museum to admire its NASA memorabilia, Indigenous Karankawa artifacts, and Lunar Rendezvous Festival history. If the water is still on your mind, keep El Jardin Beach in mind. This relatively secluded stretch of sand is ideal for swimming, fishing, and lounging in peace. This vantage point is also a prime spot to watch ships pass by.

The seafood in Bay Area Houston comes fresh from the water. Kemah offers plenty of options, like Joe Lee's Seafood Kitchen. The menu here features everything from shrimps and oysters to flounder and catfish. Landry's Seafood House is another spot in Kemah with an excellent menu and consistently positive testimonials across more than 4,400 reviews on Google. Over in League City, MiRu Seafood serves a wide range of fish, including red snapper, Alaskan halibut, and blackened tuna. Seabrook's Barge 295 is a floating bar and grill on Clear Lake, serving fried seafood, oysters, and sandwiches. And if all of that isn't enough to satisfy your cravings, take the 25-minute drive to Texas City on the Gulf Coast, which is famed for its culinary scene.

All four cities in Bay Area Houston are easily accessible from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), with the longest drive taking only 30 minutes. No matter which city you choose as your base, you'll find plenty of accommodations. If your heart is set on Seabrook, with its cute parks and coastal charm, you can book a stay at any number of chain hotels, or opt for a room at The Lakehouse bed-and-breakfast on Clear Lake. Nassau. 

The best time to visit Bay Area Houston is in April when the spring break crowds have left and the weather is getting warmer. Summer is the peak season, so be prepared for the humid weather and reserve everything well in advance. Whether you long for the lake and bay shores or the irresistible lure of seafood, this region delivers on both counts.