Discover the Best places to eat, stay, experience, & explore with Love Kitsap -Your kitsap peninsula local travel guides.

Hundreds of miles of shoreline, countless opportunities for adventure - the Kitsap Peninsula is PNW smalltown authenticity at its best.
~ Kitsap’s only digital exploration guide ~
Explore the Kitsap Peninsula by City

Bainbridge Island
Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island feels like a world away—where towering evergreens meet rocky beaches, and small-town charm blends seamlessly with sophisticated Pacific Northwest culture. This island gem is a haven for art lovers, foodies, and outdoor adventurers alike, with boutique shops, award-winning wineries, forested trails, and stunning waterfront views around every corner. Whether you're strolling Winslow’s walkable downtown or kayaking along the shoreline, Bainbridge Island invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and experience Kitsap County at its most enchanting.

Kingston
Welcome to the heart of Kitsap’s coastal magic. Tucked along the shores of the Puget Sound, Kingston, Washington is the perfect blend of small-town charm and Pacific Northwest adventure. Known as the “Little City by the Sea,” Kingston welcomes visitors with waterfront dining, walkable marinas, scenic hiking trails, and a vibrant local arts scene. Whether you’re arriving by ferry from Edmonds or road-tripping through Kitsap County, Kingston is your gateway to relaxed coastal living, farm-fresh flavors, and unforgettable views of the Olympic Mountains. It’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Kitsap experience.

Port Gamble
A perfectly preserved 19th-century mill town nestled along the Hood Canal. With its historic New England-style architecture, sweeping waterfront views, and tree-lined streets, Port Gamble feels like a step back in time with all the warmth of the Pacific Northwest. Explore quaint shops, sip locally roasted coffee, or wander through forested trails that lead to hidden beaches. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a historic adventure, or just a peaceful escape, Port Gamble offers one of Kitsap County’s most unforgettable and

Poulsbo
Fondly known as “Little Norway”— Poulsbo welcomes visitors with old-world charm and stunning Pacific Northwest beauty. Stroll along its vibrant waterfront boardwalk, where Scandinavian bakeries, boutique shops, and waterfront cafés create a storybook downtown that feels both cozy and full of discovery. With its rich Nordic heritage, spectacular mountain views, and easy access to kayaking, hiking, and weekend events, Poulsbo offers a magical Kitsap County experience that blends culture, nature, and small-town warmth in every season.

Silverdale
Silverdale is where modern convenience meets the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Perched between the shimmering waters of Dyes Inlet and the rolling foothills of the Olympics, Silverdale offers a dynamic mix of shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation—all with breathtaking views at every turn. Whether you're paddleboarding on the bay, exploring local trails, or unwinding at a waterfront bistro, Silverdale is the heart of Kitsap County's energy and charm, inviting travelers to experience the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Bremerton
Bremerton, Washington is a vibrant waterfront city where naval history, arts, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest come together. Just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, Bremerton invites visitors to explore its walkable downtown, tour the historic USS Turner Joy, and discover galleries, cafés, and waterfront parks along the bustling marina. With mountain views, rich maritime culture, and easy access to Kitsap’s outdoor adventures, Bremerton is the perfect jumping-off point for travelers looking to experience the soul of Washington’s west side—authentic, welcoming, and full of discovery.

Port Orchard
Port Orchard, Washington is a charming seaside town that captures the heart of Kitsap County with its relaxed vibe, scenic marina, and friendly, small-town spirit. Just across the water from Bremerton, this historic community offers travelers a peaceful escape with waterfront dining, antique shopping, local art, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Whether you're strolling the boardwalk, exploring nearby trails, or hopping on a foot ferry to catch a sunset, Port Orchard is the kind of place where you can slow down, soak up the scenery, and experience the authentic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Check out these Annual Kitsap events we love!
Plan your visit to Kitsap By Season
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Spring
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summer
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Autumn
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Winter
Stay in Kitsap
Book an overnight, weekend or week long adventure and make Kitsap your home base for adventure.
Featuring 27 acres, 4 bedrooms + loft with 6 beds + 2 fold-down sofas, 4 bathrooms. Enjoy the Steinway grand piano, outdoor cedar hot tub, and organic lavender farm.
Stunning beachfront on the shores of Port Orchard with unobstructed, waterfront vistas from inside the window-lined living area and furnished deck beneath by a canopy of trees.
The Baymont offers comfy, no-fuss stays with easy access to all Bremerton + Silverdale amenities, like ferries, local shopping, markets, and laid-back Kitsap vibes.
5 acres full of unique scenery, wildlife, and a small fruit tree orchard overlooking the Bremerton waterfront.
400 sq ft waterfront studio cottage and gazebo with amazing views of Mount Rainier! Bella Rosa Cottage is the perfect couples’ cozy getaway!
There is something for everyone at this award-winning hotel with well-appointed rooms, friendly service, and waterfront views.
With stunning views of Sinclair Inlet and the mighty Olympic Mountains, the historic Carriage House is the perfect place for a South Kitsap adventure.
The custom built studio cabin is a unique design, with wood floors, a vaulted wood ceiling and a large wrap around deck.
An 1895 historic chapel featuring gorgeous stained glass windows, open space design, 25 ft ceilings, loft bedrooms, huge work space, and fabulous art!
Overlooking Agate Pass with beautifully manicured grounds and a relaxing atmosphere, Clearwater Casino Resort isn’t *just a Kitsap destination…it’s one of the best casino resorts in WA.
The only hotel located on the Port Orchard waterfront pathway, you’ll be just a few steps away from countless adventures.
Stay right in the center of the action, in a cottage that feels like it’s in another world.
A beautiful, petite boutique hotel overlooking the Bainbridge Island waterfront, The Eagle Harbor Inn offers relaxing overnight accommodations in five one-of-a-kind hotel rooms and two custom townhomes.
Escape to Enchanted Forest Cottage in an evergreen forest of towering trees nestled between Poulsbo and Suquamish.
A dreamy geodesic dome tucked among towering firs and cozy cabin stay options. Glamping at it’s finest!
Located a short walk to many downtown landmarks, such as the Bremerton waterfront boardwalk, Kitsap Conference Center, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton ferry terminals, Bremerton marina, and the USS Turner Joy Museum.
Overlooking Liberty Bay, Fairfield Inn & Suites is close to all the well-loved amenities of downtown Poulsbo—with delicious restaurants, local shops, and big-name businesses nearby.
This charming Tudor-style fairyland cottage with pristine bay views, 50-feet beachfront for clamming, crabbing, or kayaking.
Sweeping views of Puget Sound, Cascade Mountain range, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and features sandy beaches.
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Oyster Bay and framed by the majestic Olympic Mountains, the Flagship Inn offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.
Nestled on the shores of Port Gamble Bay is an escape that is perfect for groups, families and anyone who wants to escape the noise and connect with PNW perfection in North Kitsap.
An ideal location for visitors to Naval Base Bangor, Naval Base Kitsap, and Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport.
Located along the Bremerton waterfront boardwalk and moments from the entrance to the ferry terminals, Bremerton marina, USS Turner Joy Museum, Puget Sound Navy Museum, and Kitsap Conference Center, the Hampton offers a relaxed home base with unmistakable Puget Sound charm.
Heron Haus is a sleek, artfully appointed retreat with unparalleled views of Mount Rainier, Bainbridge & Blake Islands.
This Hobbit Hole may be small but it’s big on character and adventure! Perfect for a fantasy enthusiast or anyone looking for a unique glamping experience.
Originally built in the 1890’s, this boutique, 9-room hotel has been restored to its former Scandinavian glory. Book one room or the entire hotel!
This stunning space connects you directly with the serene beauty of the Hood Canal in the beautiful rural region of Kitsap known as Seabeck.
Tucked away in a timeless place on the Puget Sound. Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Bainbridge Island, Agate Pass, and the Olympic Mountains from atop a 30 foot bluff.
This beautiful & tranquil getaway on the shores of historic Crystal Springs is one of the best beaches & neighborhoods on the island.
25 in ‘25

2025 is your year for Kitsap adventure!
It's your year for beach walking, coffee sipping, and sailing.
It's your year for incredible food, farmers' markets, and festivals.
2025 is your year to explore the Kitsap Peninsula.
From local breweries to legendary lighthouses, Kitsap is bursting with unique experiences for solo travelers, families, corporate excursions, and friend groups. From Hansville to Bainbridge Island to Olalla and beyond, here are 25 unforgettable Kitsap experiences to get you started for 2025…
We could easily go on for days with all the fun things to do, see, eat, and explore on the Peninsula; narrowing it down to just 25 experiences is harder than you might think! We could easily rattle off 250 more, but hey, you’ve got to start somewhere!
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
bainbridge island
Episode 1 ~ A Luxury Village & Magical Hideaway
Episode 2 ~ Hey Day Farm: Field to Fork with Chef Tad
Episode 3 ~ Coffee, Art and Local Charm
bremerton
Episode 4 ~ Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Episode 5 ~ Waterfront Boardwalk Bliss
Episode 6 ~ Exploring Bremerton
Sometimes it seems like Kitsap experiences all 4 seasons on the same day. Especially in Spring, the Kitsap Peninsula can go from sunshine to drizzle to a double rainbow and back to blue skies all in the same day.
Things to do on Bainbridge Island in any weather - rain or shine! Let’s explore indoor activities for day when you want to avoid the rain and outdoor adventures when you want to be outside!
All of the fall events, festivals, trick or treating and fun on the Kitsap Peninsula. Pumpkin patches, Halloween events and family fun in Bainbridge Island, Port Gamble, Poulsbo, Kingston, Bremerton, and Port Orchard.
Your guide to Kitsap County's breweries, taprooms & ciderys. From Bainbridge Island to Kingston to Bremerton to Silverdale & Port Orchard - here is your beer tour of the Peninsula!
Keep reading for a list of fun, family-friendly activities & things to do in Port Orchard, Washington, rain or shine!
Kitsap Annual Events Calendar 2025 - Mark your Calendar with this Kitsap County community events overview for 2025! Featuring events on Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard this guide will help you plan your Kitsap Peninsula travels, road trip, weekend or staycation. Farmers Markets, Summer festivities, Holiday fun and so much more!
Your guide to Kitsap events!
A comprehensive guide to the events you love most. Use these guides to plan your stay and make the most of Kitsap’s most anticipated events of the year.

Explore Bremerton with Cascade PBS!
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.
autumn
On the Kitsap Peninsula
October on the Kitsap Peninsula - the days grow shorter, darker, and as we approach Halloween, the family festivities and fun go into full swing. Kingston,Bremerton, Poulsbo, and beyond host a variety of pumpkin patches and Halloween events for families.
Your guide to the Bremerton National Airport, Kitsap’s largest and most well appointed airport!
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet friendly place to travel, adventure and explore. Here’s our list of 20 dog friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup!
Sometimes it seems like Kitsap experiences all 4 seasons on the same day. Especially in Spring, the Kitsap Peninsula can go from sunshine to drizzle to a double rainbow and back to blue skies all in the same day.
Things to do on Bainbridge Island in any weather - rain or shine! Let’s explore indoor activities for day when you want to avoid the rain and outdoor adventures when you want to be outside!
All of the fall events, festivals, trick or treating and fun on the Kitsap Peninsula. Pumpkin patches, Halloween events and family fun in Bainbridge Island, Port Gamble, Poulsbo, Kingston, Bremerton, and Port Orchard.
Your guide to Kitsap County's breweries, taprooms & ciderys. From Bainbridge Island to Kingston to Bremerton to Silverdale & Port Orchard - here is your beer tour of the Peninsula!
We love exploring our state parks, no matter the season…but summer is a truly special time to get outside and appreciate all that the Kitsap Peninsula has to offer.
These are the vintage shops that you can get lost in, wandering slowly lost in your imagination as you imagine each unique piece in your home.
Ready, set…SNAP! Who doesn’t love to take a selfie in front of something beautiful, unique, extraordinary and hashtag worthy? Finding yourself in front of a colorful mural or a giant wooden gnome is a PERFECT excuse to memorialize the moment with a selfie for Facebook and Insta. Here is a round up of just a few of the amazing places on the Kitsap Peninsula to take photos in front of!
Keep reading for a list of fun, family-friendly activities & things to do in Port Orchard, Washington, rain or shine!
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet-friendly place to travel, adventure, and explore. Explore the Port Orchard waterfront with Moby, plus check out our list of 20 dog-friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup in Kitsap!
Kitsap Annual Events Calendar 2025 - Mark your Calendar with this Kitsap County community events overview for 2025! Featuring events on Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard this guide will help you plan your Kitsap Peninsula travels, road trip, weekend or staycation. Farmers Markets, Summer festivities, Holiday fun and so much more!
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet-friendly place to travel, adventure, and explore. Explore the Illahee Preserve with Autumn, plus check out our list of 20 dog-friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup in Kitsap!
This historic state park sits on the eastern shores of Port Orchard and offers camping, beach exploration, event facilities, and hours of fun. Watch Seattle/Bremerton ferries chug past as juvenile bald eagles roost overhead among the thick pine boughs.
75 acres of perfect park and 1785 feet of saltwater shoreline, Illahee (ill-uh-hee!) State Park is a local favorite for diving, beach combing, hiking, boating and waterfront adventures.
A wind-swept stretch of beach strewn with a ba-zillion pieces of driftwood - Fay Bainbridge Park on the Kitsap Peninsula, is a local Bainbridge Island favorite for picnics, beachcombing, and taking in the huge views of the Puget Sound.
The Kitsap Peninsula has an incredible collection of historic theaters. From intimate art house cinemas to grand restored performance venues, the Kitsap Peninsula is home to the following beautiful theater spaces.
The downtown district of Bremerton is the perfect hosting spot for local arts and events on the Kitsap Peninsula. Here is a list of Bremerton events you can always count on each year PLUS a list of live entertainment happening at the Admiral Theatre.
When the sun goes down, the Admiral Theatre shines with its varying lineup of shows and the combination of abundant options for food and drink makes downtown Bremerton one of the top places on the Kitsap Peninsula to go for date night.
explore
the Kitsap Peninsula
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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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Explore Point No Point
A historic lighthouse and a perfect beach await you at the northern tip of Kitsap County.
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Explore Fay
A wind-swept stretch of beach strewn with a ba-zillion pieces of driftwood…
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TRULY DISTINCT state parks in Kitsap
We love exploring our state parks, no matter the season…
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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!
Molly Brahmer, local muralist and owner of Molly Brahmer Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Brittany Hess, owner of Dos Casas Thrift, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Danielle Rimbert, local artist, community leader, and owner of Rimbert Illustration, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Coreen Haydock, Port Orchard’s Citizen of the Year and co-owner of Waterman Mitigation Partners, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Korum Bischoff, Deputy Director of Bainbridge Island Museum Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Jake + Jackie are local veterans, teachers and authors from the South Kitsap community. They’re sharing their favorite local adventures, swimming holes, tours and eateries in this episode of Secret Summer.
Explore with local Port Gamble Town Manager, Pete Orbea, or as he’s known in the paranormal realms - Paranormal Pete! Port Gamble is a small historic town in North Kitsap known for its beautiful views, small town charm and paranormal activities.
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.
Kylie Danskin, owner of Northmade Marketing + The Cedar Bar, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Anna Carson is a Bainbridge Island photographer and entrepreneur who loves her island and the vibrant community that lives there - let’s get the scoop on all of Anna’s favorite places to eat, drink, shop & play in Kitsap!
Lizzy Rolando, the friendly owner of the magical bookstore Salmonberry Books in Port Orchard, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Mike Barnet is what happens when talent, passion and love for community collide into one awesome human. Mike shares his ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months.
Ryan Brewer, pastor of newlife south in Port Orchard, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months.
Katie Diamond, a quintessential PNW adventurer and hiking extraordinaire shares her ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months.
Kirsten Judkins, owner of Kirsten Judkins Designs in Poulsbo, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months.
Alex Marshall, co-owner of Harbor Haute Dogs in Port Orchard, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months.
EXPLORE by community
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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
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
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
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
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.
Waterfront bliss and views for days…perfectly nestled on the waterfront between Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.