Gulf Coast
VisitBayAreaHouston.com; @VisitBayAreaHouston
Bay Area Houston’s niche lies in its combination of space exploration and seaside relaxation. Covering a vibrant cluster of cities south of Houston, the area offers an array of hotels, marinas, and waterfront meeting venues with views of Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.
Top venues include the 14,000-square-foot Doyle Convention Center in Texas City, which accommodates gatherings of up to 800 people. West of Interstate 45, the 35-acre Ball Park at League City offers a multipurpose sports facility and a 20,000-square-foot indoor pavilion for corporate and social events.
The 237-room South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center has 25,000 square feet of meeting space across 25 meeting rooms. The resort’s largest space, 8,800 square feet, can host 1,000 guests theater style, 700 for banquets, and 600 for classroom seating. Outdoor space and party boat rentals are available. Next to the iconic Johnson Space Center, the 242-room Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake boasts 14,892 square feet of meeting space, including a 5,000-square-foot ballroom seating 400 people theater style and 120 for conference configuration.
In 2024, a new Great Wolf Lodge opened in Webster with more than 500 guest rooms and 13,351 square feet of adaptable event spaces, including an 8,373-square-foot ballroom with a capacity of 930 people theater style.
Visit Bay Area Houston executive director Colton Trout says he commonly sees repeat business from planners who enjoy the area’s easy access to diverse experiences, including boating, kayaking, and proximity to such attractions as the Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center Houston.
“We have plenty of spots to pull a boat up to and get a meal or walkable areas to sample multiple restaurants, bars, and live music,” he says. Popular Bay Area dining establishments include the chef-driven Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, casual Tookies Seafood, and the waterfront Galveston Bay Brewing, which offers event space and brewery tours.
