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City Cast Houston

Summer’s finally here. Here's how to make the most of it.

This summer, I’m sharing some iconic spots to check off your bucket list. 

 is just 20 miles from downtown Houston and once you’re there, you’ll find endless food, games, shops and fun. Below are some highlights of the famous boardwalk for the adventurers, foodies, shopaholics, and music lovers.

The best part about Kemah Boardwalk is that you won’t run out of activities to keep you entertained. If you love adventure and want to get your adrenaline pumping, then buy 

 to enjoy rides like The Boardwalk Bullet, Aviator, and Century Wheel. You can also check out their arcade and games.

While you’re there, grab a bite at one of the waterfront restaurants. 

 is a must-see because you get to dine around a 50,000 gallon aquarium featuring more than 100 species of tropical fish. For burger lovers, 

, which has been open since 1975 and has some of the best burgers in the state. At this new family-owned Vietnamese restaurant, 

 they’re offering two specialty drinks for only $8.

After you have your meal at The Aquarium, stop by the 

 to pick up toys, home decor, or another souvenir. Then, grab some of your favorite candy to take home and savor at The Candy Box on Kipp Avenue. Kemah Outfitters on Waterfront street is the perfect place to buy beach and surf apparel that you can use at Galveston and Surfside Beach.

If you decide to go surfing this summer, 

 on the podcast. [City Cast Houston 🎧]

 on Thursday nights until mid-August, featuring a range of rock artists, including Escape, Dude Ranch HTX and Green Daze, Velcro Pygmies, and more. Also, check out their 

 every Sunday evening through July, where you can dance the night away to artists such as John Lopez and  Silverado Band, Tony Ybarra, and Senzzible.

Summer Guide: Kemah Boardwalk 

Summer Guide

For the next few weeks. I’m sharing some iconic Houston spots to check off your bucket list for the summer. Although this venue will take you on a drive a little bit outside of Houston, it’s worth the trip! You won’t regret grabbing a blanket and catching a concert on the lawn at 

George P. Mitchell, founder of The Woodlands, and his wife Cynthia Woods Mitchell 

wanted a place for residents to see classical performances

, educational events, and live music. In 1990, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion opened, featuring national and local talent, including the Houston Symphony and a performance by Frank Sinatra on opening weekend. Since then, the venue has remained a place for world-class musicians to perform. From March to December, the Pavilion hosts around 50 to 65 events, featuring all genres of music.

Summer is the perfect time to catch a concert at the Pavillion. When you choose a concert, you’ll either purchase lawn seating or regular seats. Lawn seating is pretty affordable and usually sells out the fastest. You may be further away from the stage, but there’s something special about lounging on a blanket and listening to your favorite artist underneath the Texas sky.

 features a diverse range of artists and music genres, including Fall Out Boy, TLC, Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, Big Time Rush, Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. What I love about this venue is there is a concert for every music taste.

For example, my first concert ever at the Pavillion was Gwen Stefani. Then, last summer I saw gospel artist Kirk Franklin.

So, what’s your favorite concert memory at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion? Are you headed to a concert there soon this summer? I wanna know!

What's your favorite concert memory? 

Summer Guide: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

For the next few weeks, I’m sharing some iconic Houston spots to check off your bucket list this summer. Our first stop is 

, where you’ll find a beautiful waterfall to cool off in the heart of the city.

In the early 1980s, Gerald D. Hines, one of Houston’s most famous developers,

 near the iconic Williams Tower. To create Hines’ vision, John Burgee Architects with Philip Johnson built a 64-foot semi-circular, Postmodernist fountain. In 1985, the 2.77-acre park opened on Post Oak Boulevard.

If you’re looking to cool off, stand near the fountain as it pours out about 11,000 gallons of water per minute. At the park, stroll in the shade under more than 180 live oak trees. This is also a great place for a picnic with the family. If you’re looking to propose to your Houston love, this is one of the most iconic spots in the city for a proposal.

The Waterwall park, which is open every day from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., is extra popular during the summer months. So, I suggest visiting during off times in the early morning or late evening. During peak hours, parking can also get hectic. Street parking is limited. It may be worth spending a little extra and parking in a nearby garage at The Galleria, and walking over.

Did this get you itching to go outdoors? Revisit 

some of our favorite outdoor spots around Houston

Summer Guide

Summer Guide: Kemah Boardwalk

Summer Guide: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Summer Entertainment Guide: Houston Bucket List