let’s make this the best summer ever!
SUMMER STARTS HERE: EAT, EXPLORE, HIKE, SWIM & SHOP YOUR WAY ACROSS THE KITSAP PENINSULA. HERE’S A WHOLE LIST OF WAYS TO THRIVE THIS SUMMER! this is your guide to mix and match summer endless fun on the Kitsap Peninsula.
We live for summer - the long days, the trips to the tidepools, the BBQs, and community gatherings…we love these few glorious months where everything is green, the weather is great! Love Kitsap is your resource for outdoor adventures, patio happy hours, and the best summer experiences on the Kitsap Peninsula.
SUMMER EVENINGS AND LIVE MUSIC ARE HEATING UP ON THE KITSAP PENINSULA.
Summer is when the true beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula is on full display…and the long, warm days are perfect for spending as much time outside as possible. You’ll find a wide variety of magnificent backdrops for live music and events from Gig Harbor all the way to Kingston and we’ve put all this information together in one place so you can easily experience your favorite bands amongst stunning views and tasty foods. It really can’t get any better than a beautiful location paired with live music.
Peruse the concert calendar to search by date or click the button below to search by concert location.
ice cream
July | national ice cream month
The average American eats about 4 gallons of ice cream per year...have you met your quota yet?! JULY is national ice cream month and we thought it only fitting this Friday to shout out a few great spots up and down the Peninsula to grab a scoop, or two...or three...
Emma and Otto’s Ice Cream | Bainbridge Island - Super cute ice cream shack featuring small batch 'fam to cone' ice cream and hand made waffle cones!
Mora Iced Creamery | Kingston, Bainbridge Island Poulsbo - Ice cream the old fashioned way, in small batches, using fresh milk, cane sugar, ripe fruit and imported chocolate
Scoops & Bites | Bremerton Ferry Terminal - his friendly shop specializes in yummy snacks, ice cream, loads of toppings and of course their SUPER SHAKES!
Sapling Gelato | Bremerton's Evergreen Park - Serveing legit gelato right next to Evergreen Park. Sit next to the fire pit outside.
Carter and Co. | Port Orchard - Bay Street is a much sweeter place thanks to their ice cream, chocolate and bakery goods.
Iscreamery | Gig Harbor - Inside Brimstone PNW with quirky flavors and friendly staff.
state parks
Gig Harbor | Kopachuck State Park
Gig Harbor | Cutts Island State Park
Port Orchard | Manchester State Park
Port Orchard | Blake Island State Park
Bremerton | Illahee State Park
Belfair | Belfair State Park
Seabeck | Scenic Beach State Park
Poulsbo | Kitsap Memorial State Park
scenic EATERIES
With hundreds and hundreds of shoreline miles, there are endless options for water view dining. Eat, drink and be merry all summer long at these favorite local foodie hangouts that have incredible views and outdoor seating options.
OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
Although there will never be enough summer days to fully experience EVERY adventure the Kitsap Peninsula extends, we can - and willl - TRY! Summer months on the Kitsap Peninsula enhance the already perfect trails, beaches, gardens, swimming holes, and unique outdoor experiences. Here is a round-up of some our favorite spots to hit up when the sun is shining its warmest.
KID FRIENDLY ADVENURES
Endless summer adventures are everywhere you turn around the Kitsap Peninsula. Here are some that are a bit more enjoyable for our younger adventure buddies. This list is geared towards shorter trails, playgrounds, splish-splashing, and might even be a bit educational. *wink*
GREAT SWIMMING HOLES
Kitsap Lake - Jump in and cool off in one of Kitsap’s biggest and most popular lakes.
Wildcat Lake - Grab the floaty and some friends for a day on the water on this CK lake.
Illahee State Park - In the summer the chilly waters of the Puget Sound are peeeerfect to cool off.
Island Lake - Just an all around awesome lake and park with a beloved camp on its shores.
Long Lake - Perennial Port Orchard local favorite for wakeboarding, fishing and swimming.
Horseshoe Lake - A small lakeside park in SK that has picnic areas, a boat launch and a nearby golf course and summer camp.
Olalla Bay - Home to the local polar plunge. But you can plunge in the summer too!
FARMER’S MARKETS
The days are longer, the dahlias are blooming and the weekends welcome local farmers, vendors and artisans. Each Farmer’s Market around the Kitsap Peninsula has its own notable flair, no two are alike. That’s why we’ve created this handy round-up so you can plan to experience them all!
waterfront neighbors
In the summer months, the Kitsap Peninsula’s waterfront areas are home to a variety of live music, festivals, and markets in addition to constant picturesque outdoor dining and shopping.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo’s waterfront sits along Liberty Bay in the northern part of Kitsap County. Liberty Bay is a protected arm of the Puget Sound and is thus calmer and more placid than other places. This makes Poulsbo a haven for boaters, especially in the beautiful summer months. Its picturesque downtown core features a Little Norway vibe, paying homage to its roots, with rosemaled storefronts and shopping areas.
PORT ORCHARD
A walk down Bay Street on the Port Orchard’s waterfront reveals a cluster of shops, restaurants and experiences that are perfect for a few hours with the family, friends or flying solo. Port Orchard isn’t glitzy or ostentatious but it does have great locals and tons of heart.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
The opposite end of the island is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. Winslow Way is the waterfront shopping mecca of the island with plenty of restaurants, bars, and wineries to give you reprieve from your shopping adventures.
MANETTE
Easy pedestrian access to many area shops, restaurants, parks are great - but we especially appreciate the ease in which one can walk from Manette to Downtown Port Orchard.
