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![visit kitsap this winter, holiday events, explore the kitsap peninsula]()
Your Guide to visiting kitsap
From local holiday events, to the local shops you don’t want to miss, to the best outdoor adventure spots on the Kitsap Peninsula - start here and explore Kitsap with ease.
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Local shops you must visit!
From Kingston to Port Orchard, this list will help you explore Kitsap more intentionally and shop the local towns you love.
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![Visit Kitsap, plan your trip to Kitsap with our super helpful Kitsap maps]()
Start planning your Kitsap adventure today!
We’ve created this collection of interactive maps to help you cut through the clutter and explore the Kitsap Peninsula. Have the experiences and adventures that appeal to you.
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Kitsap Peninsula Holiday Preview 2024
Christmas is just around the corner with all of the holiday fun and seasonal events and activities that come with it. Here’s your sneak peek at what to do this holiday season on the Kitsap Peninsula!
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all the need-to-know travel tips
Visiting Kitsap is easy once you know all these travel tips!
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The Official Kitsap Exploration Guide
The one and only Kitsap Exploration Guide! Our sister website ‘Explore Kitsap’ is one long-scrolling digital magazine filled with all the information you need to plan your visit and explore Kitsap to the fullest.
hundreds of Miles of shoreline, countless opportunities for adventure - the Kitsap Peninsula is PNW small town authenticity at its best. From farmers markets to local breweries to endless pine needle strewn trails winding through the evergreens, Kitsap is where exploration meets adoration.
northwest explorers
Visit Kitsap and explore hidden gems and hyper-local favorites with Chief Explorer, Angela Moorer, host of the new series ‘Northwest Explorer’ on Cascade PBS.
season 1
Episode 1 ~ A Luxury Village & Magical Hideaway on Bainbridge Island
This Northwest Explorer discovers some of Bainbridge Island's finest accommodations—from the upscale Pleasant Beach Village with its lively atmosphere and amenities, to the enchanting Marinwood Airbnb, a secluded retreat with its own private dock on Crystal Springs. Whether you crave social vibrancy or peaceful solitude, Bainbridge Island has the perfect getaway waiting for you.
Episode 2 ~ Hey Day Farm: Field to Fork with Chef Tad
Discover the heart of farm-to-table dining at Hay Day Farm with Chef Tad, who brings fresh, locally-grown produce straight from the fields to your plate. Join us as he shares the flavors of his vibrant arugula, tomatoes, and herbs, offering a true taste of the Northwest with every bite.
Episode 3 ~ Coffee, Art and Local Charm on Bainbridge Island
Explore Bainbridge Island’s vibrant activity offerings, starting with the historic Pegasus Coffee. From the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art to the vibrant shopping district on Winslow Way, we uncover some of the best spots to sip, see, and shop in style.
Episode 4 ~ Bremerton Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Join a Northwest Explorer journey through some of Bremerton’s culinary gems, starting with morning treats at Sweet Dahlia Bakery and ending with an evening of food, fun, and local charm. From breakfast to dinner, discover where the locals go for unforgettable bites and unique experiences.
Episode 5 ~ Bremerton’s Boardwalk Bliss
Discover Bremerton’s stunning waterfront boardwalk and make Marina Square Suites your cozy base for exploration. With local gems like the USS Turner Joy and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard just steps away, adventure awaits around every corner.
Episode 6 ~ Exploring Bremerton
From Quincy Square's musical murals to the historic Roxy Theatre, Angela takes you on a tour of Bremerton’s eclectic attractions. Dive into the city’s naval history and vibrant arts scene—there's so much to see, you might just want to extend your stay.
earn a discount stay!
It’s SO easy to explore Bremerton when you stay at Marina Square Suites on the waterfront! Steps away from the ferries and marina, walk over or sail in and enjoy the best views and eaccommodations Kitsap has to offer!
We are so proud to partner with Cascade PBS and host of the show Angela Moorer for Season 1 of ‘Northwest Explorer’ showcasing each of our wonderful Kitsap communities.
If you’re visiting between Nov 25 - Jan 3, use code HOLLY to enjoy a special rate.
✨ Book now ✨
holiday magic
Bainbridge Island is excited to welcome you for the holiday season! Stay awhile and catch the island’s holiday magic - meet Santa, build a gingerbread house, shop for the holidays on Winslow Way, and eat delicious meals all month long! View the Bainbridge Island Holiday Event Calendar below.
winter
On the Kitsap Peninsula
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Holiday preview
Find all the holiday markets and special events listed here.
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![Bowl of chowder while visiting Kingston Alehouse in Kitsap]()
5 kitsap soups we love
Here's a curated list of the top soups you must have in your life.
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![Child admiring the Lady Washington while visiting the Port Orchard Marina]()
Explore Downtown Port Orchard
Port Orchard’s unassuming waterfront is lined with local favorites.
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![Exploring Kitsap beaches with a dog]()
a guide to pet friendly adventures
Kitsap is especially pet friendly, you're certain to find some adventures you love.
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![Butcher and Baker mouthwatering sandwich]()
BUTCHER & BAKER PROVISIONS IS THE TASTIEST SPOT
Well worth the drive, Port Gamble’s Butcher & Baker is a locally sourced farmhouse restaurant, butcher shop, and bakery.
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![Riding the Carlisle II while visiting Port Orchard in Kitsap]()
2 hour guide to port Orchard
A detailed guide for maximizing your short visit to the Port Orchard Waterfront.
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![Peruse vintage chandeliers and other collectibles inside Josephine's Mercantile]()
Vintage Shops abound in Kitsap
From reclaimed barn wood furniture to shabby chic antique decor, Kitsap has a wonderful collection of vintage shops.
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![Sunset glow while visiting downtown Bremerton's art district]()
explore bremerton in 2 hours
Only have a couple hours to explore Bremerton? Here's what you don't want to miss!
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![The Roxy Theater in the glow of the sunset and theater lights]()
The Historic Local theatre scene
From intimate art house cinesmas to grand restored performance venues.
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pup adventures
Head out on an adventure with these furry friends and their companions!
Kitsap Events
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Bima winter music
Dec 6-20
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art -
Holiday Guide
All month long
Kitsap Peninsula -
First Friday Bremerton
Jan 3
Pacific Ave, Manette, Callow Ave -
First Friday
Jan 3
Downtown Bainbridge
explore
the Kitsap Peninsula
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![The iconic stumphouse while visiting Guilemot Cove in Seabeck]()
Explore Guillemot Cove
This little-known nut much beloved park is one part pine forest, one part wetland and one part hidden beach (hence, cove).
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![Child exploring beach treasures on a visit to Point No Point]()
Explore Point No Point
A historic lighthouse and a perfect beach await you at the northern tip of Kitsap County.
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![Family with children walking the beach on a visit to Fay Bainbridge]()
Explore Fay
A wind-swept stretch of beach strewn with a ba-zillion pieces of driftwood…
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![Father and son hike a forest trail to the beach]()
TRULY DISTINCT state parks in Kitsap
We love exploring our state parks, no matter the season…
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![Washington State Ferry pulling into the Kingston ferry terminal]()
Kingston, Rain or Shine
Especially in spring, Kitsap can go from sunshine to drizzle to a double rainbow and back to blue skies all in the same day.
Explore like a Local
These locals share their favorite (and possibly some fairly secret) spots to enjoy eats, drinks, and adventure on the Kitsap Peninsula. Secret Summer is an annual Summer Series that stays relevant year-round because there is never a bad time to visit and explore the Kitsap Peninsula!
EXPLORE by community
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![Port Orchard map location pin, visit Kitsap]()
Port Orchard
SOUTH KITSAP
Port Orchard is a quiet cluster of waterfront and inland neighborhoods with a keen sense of community.
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![Poulsbo map location pin, visit Kitsap]()
Poulsbo
NORTH KITSAP
Poulsbo is a charming city on Liberty Bay with a picturesque downtown core featuring a ‘Little Norway’ vibe.
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![Bainbridge Island map location pin, visit Kitsap]()
Bainbridge Island
NORTH KITSAP
The Island of Bainbridge, has become an increasingly affluent bedroom community of Seattle given its walkability from downtown Seattle.
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![Kingston map location pin, visit Kitsap]()
Kingston
NORTH KITSAP
Though Kingston is quiet and quaint, it plays an important role in anchoring the North Kitsap end. Several ferries service auto and walk-on passengers seeking passage to Edmonds.
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![Port Gamble map location pin, visit Kitsap]()
Port Gamble
NORTH KITSAP
A tiny but iconic PNW small town, Port Gamble is steeped in fascinating history.
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Bremerton
Bremerton is a beautiful city and two scenic ferry crossings from Seattle, making it Kitsap County’s biggest city.
meet kitsap tourism coalition
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greater kingston Community chamber
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visit poulsbo
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south kitsap chamber
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downtown bainbridge island Association
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bainbridge island chamber
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Visit Bainbridge Island
ferry
adventures
Kitsap boasts the biggest and most beautiful ferry system in north america and for a visitor a ferry ride to kingston, port orchard, Bainbridge Island or bremerton can be a highlight of the journey. we encourage you to take to the water on a foot ferry, auto-ferry or a passenger only fast ferry to experience the relaxation and the thrill of sailing across the salish sea…
There are 4 ferry terminals on the Kitsap Peninsula: Kingston, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton & Southworth (Port Orchard). TWO types of ferry service help visitors and locals get to Kitsap from King County - the AUTO FERRY, a large vessel that you can drive your car onto and the FAST FERRY, operated by Kitsap Transit that provides passenger-only service to downtown Seattle in half the time of the auto ferry. Use the links below to check the current routes and schedules to plan your next ferry adventure to the Kitsap Peninsula.
FAST FERRY Schedules
Travel to Kitsap on foot!
AUTO Ferry Schedules
Travel to Kitsap in your car, drive onto the ferry.
spend the day in Kingston
ferry from Edmonds to Kingston in an afternoon
It’s a beautiful 30-minute crossing from Edmunds to Kingston and once you’ve landed on the Peninsula endless small-town PNW adventure awaits! Feet from the ferry terminal is some of North Kitsap’s best cafes, pizzerias, bars, ice cream shops, and eateries…not to mention dozens of wonderful local small businesses worth a stop. Use the link below to plan your next Kingston ferry adventure!
spend the day in Port Orchard
downtown Seattle > Bremerton > Port Orchard
Port Orchard is connected via the ferry system like no other Kitsap community is. Port Orchard boasts easy travel to Fauntleroy (West Seattle), Vashon Island, Bremerton, plus two options for traveling to Downtown Seattle. On the Port Orchard Waterfront you can easily board the last remaining historic ‘Mosquito Fleet’ foot ferry carrying passengers across Sinclair inlet to Bremerton. Visitors to Bremerton can travel to Port Orchard for an hour, an afternoon, or the entire day in exactly 12 minutes, ferries leave from the Port Orchard and Bremerton terminals every 30 minutes. Pick up a copy of Mosquito Fleet of South Puget Sound, by Images of America at Revival PNW to learn more about these relics that buzzed along the waters in bygone days.
Southworth (Port Orchard) > Vashon Island > Fauntleroy (W. Seattle)
Across Port Orchard in the eastern-facing shores, the community of Southworth is home to the Washington State Ferry System’s Southworth- Fauntleroy-Vashon route, a 30 minute crossing to West Seattle with a stop on Vashon Island. Port Orchard, having ferries that link to 3 cities, is the most ferry-connected community in a place known for its maritime history and celebrations. Check out the Mosquito Fleet Fest in Port Orchard on Memorial Day Weekend.
explore kitsap water trails
Kitsap is designated as a National Water Trails System.
Across the Peninsula, there are numerous spots to launch a kayak, SUP or SCUBA or sail. This vast network of constitutes the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails System.
water trails access point: fay bainbridge park
- 47.702654 / -122.506404 // 5446 Sunrise Dr NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Access Type: Beach with paved parking lot.
Loved for its long sandy beach strewn with driftwood logs, Fay Bainbridge Park is a great place to kayak or SUP while taking in the Puget Sound views.
water trails access point: Port of Manchester
-47.555648 / -122.543696 // 8067 E Main St, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Access Type: Dock, Boat Ramp, Beach with paved parking lot.
Launch your kayak from this beautiful South Kitsap water trail access point and take in the gorgeous views of the distant Seattle skyline and Blake Island. A small park and a sandy beach round out this favorite spot for water access. Just a few feet away the Manchester Pub and Carbon Mexican Steakhouse offer food, drink and merriment for all!
local
seafood
fresh from the hood canal
With over 371 miles of shoreline, Kitsap has always been known for fresh seafood options. From local favorite Kettlefish in Silverdale to the always fresh catch from native operated Suquamish Seafoods to the dozens of restaurants featuring PNW sourced shellfish, salmon, crab and seafood - there are so many ways to indulge in fresh local seafood!
local theaters
From intimate art house cinemas to grand restored performance venues, the Kitsap Peninsula is home to many locally owned, historic and independent theater spaces.
endless adventure
From food to parks to festivals to entertainment and shopping, there are thousands of potential adventures to be found on the Kitsap Peninsula! Here’s some inspiration to get you started on planning your next Kitsap Peninsula visit whether you are exploring solo, with friends, as a family with kids or with your favorite four legged friend.
Melissa Kittrell, owner of Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse in Poulsbo, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months.