Bay Area Houston is a charming bayside region nestled midway between the big-city allure of Houston and the wide-open beaches of Galveston. Encompassing seven distinct cities, the region touches more than 35 miles of waterfront. It boasts succulent seafood, unique shopping, a booming boating community and awe-inspiring nature preserves. Bay Area Houston is also home to the NASA-Johnson Space Center, astronauts and a thriving aerospace industry. From the fascinating high-tech wonder of space to the casual atmosphere and natural beauty of the waterfront, Bay Area Houston offers endless opportunities for a relaxing weekend getaway for two or a fun-filled adventure for the entire family.

The Cities of Bay Area Houston
All of the above amenities are found within the independent cities that make up the Bay Area Houston region - Webster, Nassau Bay, League City, Kemah, Seabrook, La Porte and Clear Lake City (which was annexed by the city of Houston in 1978). From four-star resorts, golf courses, marinas and historic homes to theaters, museums, great restaurants, shopping and attractions, each Bay Area Houston city offers its own brand of Texas hospitality and charm.

The city of Webster features an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment. You'll find more than 100 restaurants - including American, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, German, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian and Brazilian fare - 11 hotels, a wealth of top-name retailers, and lots of options for family fun. The city offers special rates and discount coupons for many area attractions. For tourism information just call (888) 805-9000.

Nassau Bay was one of the first communities developed specifically in support of the space programs. Home to astronauts and rocket scientists, this tranquil community rests along the shores of Clear Lake, providing opportunities for boating and water-sport activities from the Nassau Bay Marina located directly across from the Johnson Space Center.

League City is home to a four-star resort, three golf courses, marinas, museums, historic homes, great restaurants and shopping. The city's newest attraction, Big League Dreams Sports Park is a destination for both national and international sporting events.

League City's luxurious planned development, South Shore Harbour, overlooks a beautiful yacht-filled marina and is both a productive resource for business and a great vacation experience. When coming by boat, watch for the League City Lighthouse guiding the way. Majestic oak trees line Main Street, where many historical homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have become charming shops and eateries. Antique shopping in this historical district is not to be missed.

Kemah on Galveston Bay is named for the Karankawa Indian word for "wind in the face." Browse the shops in the Kemah Lighthouse Shopping District, then stroll down to the restaurant-filled Kemah Boardwalk. Be sure to take a relaxing walk along the winding boardwalk on the bay. In addition to the plentiful shops and restaurants, the Kemah Boardwalk offers a Ferris wheel, The Red Train and eight other amusement rides, dancing fountains, an interactive Sting Ray Reef, midway games, live music on the plaza every weekend, and lots of great seafood. Call (281) 334-6181 for more information.

Keep your eye out for a flock of 30 six- to eight-foot tall, brightly painted pelicans. Businesses throughout the city sport these whimsical fiberglass pelican sculptures, collectively known as the Pelican Path Project, in honor of the return of the brown pelican to the area. For more information visit PelicanPathProject.com.

Shoppers will delight in the well-kept secret of Old Seabrook. Find art, gifts, photography, ceramics, jewelry, antiques, herbs, spices and more at the dozens of charming and unique merchants. Stop by Seabrook's seafood markets for fresh gulf shrimp, crab and fish right off the boat. Contact the Seabrook Visitor Information Center at (866) 611-4688.

Stroll along La Porte's Main Street and visit the quaint boutiques and a variety of family-owned tea rooms that give the term "Southern Hospitality" a new meaning.

Or enjoy the Gulf breeze at Sylvan Beach Park, a 32-acre county park site along the coast. Sylvan Beach Park - known for its famous resort and dance pavilion established in the early 1930s - has a waterfront picnic area, playground and boat launch ramp. For those anglers who yearn for the serenity of fishing, Sylvan Beach Park also offers a lighted fishing pier that stretches 1/4 mile into Galveston Bay.