Boating Industry in Houston

Boating Industry in Houston

When I think of boating or just being out on a body of water, some states that come to mind might be Michigan, Tennessee, Minnesota, or Missouri. If I were asked what comes to mind when you talk about Texas, I would say the desert, barbecue, college football, and Spanish culture. Now, these things are true, but Texas also has some lakes, one of which is in Houston. Yes, a lot of Texas is on the Gulf of Mexico, and we can look to cities like Padre Island and Galveston to see what kind of environment they offer for oceanfront living and experiences.

However, as we look closer into Houston, we see that there are actually multiple waterways and Lake Houston itself. Lake Houston starts on the northeast side of Houston that begins the major waterway. Believe it or not, this lake, even though in the south, is entirely freshwater. The Houston-Galveston area council tells us that the construction of the 62-foot-high earthen dam, completed in 1953, created Lake Houston.

Now this dam separates the lake from the rest of the watershed by boat, but it does continue south. After the dam, we lead into Muleshoe Lake, the last lake in this watershed. This lake is right off Highway Ninety and, believe it or not, only has one residential property off of it! Industrial properties and woods surround the rest. After that, the significant bays heading south to the gulf include Burnet, Scott, Tabbs, Trinity, and Galveston Bay. 

The waterways in Houston 

When looking at any large waterway or even just on the coast, there will always be businesses and residential property along it somewhere. This dates to mining and the logging industry; today, entertainment, food, and real estate are king.  

  • Restaurants 
  • Boating 

When looking into the different lakes that make up Houston’s waterways, Lake Houston itself is one of the central bodies of water. This lake is actually artificial and sits on the San Jacinto River watershed. The city of Houston is home to many excellent waterfront dining options that offer breathtaking views and delicious cuisine. Nestled right off the coast of Lake Houston is Shakrys. Their website claims their restaurant “Is The Freshest Restaurant On The Water And Serves The Freshest Seafood This Side Of The Harbor!”.

If fresh-caught seafood isn’t your favorite, they have The Great White Shark burger. Yes, it is another seafood name, but don’t worry, it’s ground chuck! Their menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, and gumbos. Their most popular dishes are the Texas Blacktip Burger, Cabo Fish or Shrimp Tacos or The White Shark Broiled Platter.

Another standout is Brennan’s on the Bayou, sitting right along the Buffalo Bayou. Known for its fusion of Southern and Creole dishes, Brennan’s offers an upscale dining experience with signature dishes like turtle soup and pecan-crusted fish. Don’t worry; it’s not actually a turtle! The restaurant’s outdoor seating allows diners to enjoy scenic views of the bayou and skyline.

Moving down the waterway we end up at The Marina at Clear Lake, located south of Houston near Kemah. This heavily seafood-focused dining experience features dockside seating where diners can enjoy fresh oysters, shrimp, and locally caught fish while watching boats glide across the lake. This casual, laid-back “Boater” kind of vibe makes this place exactly what I think of when I think of a seafood place on the water. And as a bonus, they have a stream of live bands entertaining on the regular. Moving down to the very end of our watershed, almost off in the gulf, we land at Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House In San Leon, offering stunning views of Galveston Bay. They are known for their farm-to-table oysters and ever-creative seafood dishes. Pier 6 combines a blended experience of coastal dining, upscale ideas, and modern takes on classic favorites. The restaurant has an expansive outdoor deck where diners can enjoy the breeze off the water and watch the sunset over the bay.

Now, yes, all of these restaurants and bars can be reached by car or foot. But how do we really want to get to them? By boat. Before leasing, buying, or just renting a boat for the day, you should always do thorough research. Taking into consideration the type of hull, how many feet, what size engine, or even how many engines, prop style, etc. I could go on.

Recreational boating industry in Houston

When looking at Lake Houston, we know it’s a smaller inland lake whose waves, currents, and weather conditions don’t ever venture to the seriousness of the ocean’s conditions.

When considering this, I can confidently recommend the following two boats. To start, let’s talk about the L line of pontoons from Bennington. This boat is well beyond premium both inside and out; the L Line offers many of the other most popular model options and is loaded with standards.

On the L line, Bennington tells us “Our engineers have pioneered the design of performance pontoons, creating boats more capable with greater confidence and handling than many traditional fiberglass boats. The L model offers performance options and power packages up to 300 HP.” Not only does the L line have immense power, but it also offers luxury seating layouts like The Stern Lounge. “Originally pioneered by Bennington, the Stern Lounge floor plan offers twin lounge seats for the ultimate in comfort while offering a vista view from the aft of the boat.” They also offer The L-Bench: “Over the last 20 years, the L-Bench established itself as one of the most popular floor plans by offering flexible seating with mass amounts of under storage and easy boat access.”

Boating industry in Houston

Lastly, Houston’s waterways offer more than just scenic beauty; they provide diverse opportunities for recreation, dining, and exploration. From man-made lakes like Lake Houston to the expansive Galveston Bay, the region’s waterfronts are home to vibrant restaurants and boating experiences. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a fresh seafood meal or cruise the waters, Houston’s waterways deliver a rich, multifaceted experience. Houston is a city with no limits!

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