Kemah & The Not-So-Clear Nomenclature of Clear Lake, Texas

Something we get asked a lot, especially by our clients in other areas of the Gulf, is “What is Kemah?” In this article, we’ll explain what it is and what it isn’t.

Let’s clear something up right away: Kemah is not a trendy new grain your wife adds to her salad. It’s a coastal town in Texas – small in size yet big in personality – and central to one of the most vibrant boating regions along the Gulf Coast.

So, Where Is Kemah?

Kemah is located about 25 miles southeast of Houston, hugging the edge of Galveston Bay along State Highway 146. It’s in northeastern Galveston County, perfectly situated between the big-city buzz of Houston and the salt-sprayed shores of Galveston. Though technically a city in its own right, Kemah is often used as shorthand for a much larger region: the Clear Lake Area.

Why Does Kemah Represent the Clear Lake Area?

Think of Kemah as the face of the Clear Lake boating scene. With its boardwalk, marinas, and direct access to both Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, it’s a recognizable and accessible name, especially for out-of-towners or first-time boaters. It’s also home to a dense cluster of marine businesses, making it a convenient reference point even though it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

But don’t be fooled. The Clear Lake Area includes more than just Kemah. As defined by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, this region encompasses:

Clear Lake City
Clear Lake Shores
El Lago
Kemah
League City
Nassau Bay
Seabrook
Taylor Lake Village
Webster
Parts of Houston

Each town plays a unique role in the area’s culture, economy, and community, but all lie around Clear Lake, a brackish lake connected to Galveston Bay via the Clear Creek channel. The area is one of the largest concentrations of recreational boats in the U.S., home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and filled with marine service providers, yacht clubs, and waterfront neighborhoods.

Brief History

Kemah wasn’t always Kemah. It was originally called Evergreen when it was established in the late 1800s on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad. That name, however, was already taken by another Texas town, so when the post office opened in 1907, the town adopted the name “Kemah” – a native Karankawa word meaning “facing the wind.”

From hay farms and summer homes to shrimp boats and shipyards, Kemah has worn many hats over the decades. It was once a quiet shrimping village, home to just a couple hundred people. World War II brought industry and growth, and by 1970, the population hit a new benchmark of 2,000 residents.

Fast forward to today, and Kemah is a waterfront playground, thanks largely to the Kemah Boardwalk, a 60-acre entertainment complex developed by Landry’s Inc. You’ll also find the Lighthouse District, a vibrant hub of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and marine outfitters – many of whom cater to boaters cruising up and down the Gulf Coast.

A Gateway To The Gulf

Kemah may be small, but it anchors a huge and active marine community. For Texas boaters seeking an escape on the water, Kemah and the greater Clear Lake Area have you covered. On our Texas Yacht Sales Office Page, we share links to some of the top marine businesses and service providers in the area.

So the next time someone tells you they “keep their boat down in Kemah,” they could mean anywhere between Houston and Galveston that touches saltwater.