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 ~
Coming to Seattle for the soccer championships?
Love Kitsap is your official Kitsap resource for the summer of 2026
Close to the action.
Miles from the crowds.
Kitsap County is the best place to stay for championship soccer in 2026!
Watch our Cascade PBS Special - ‘Northwest Explorer’.
Episodes of our second season, on location in Poulsbo and Port Gamble, are launching now.
Make sure to watch Season 1 from Bainbridge Island and Bremerton.
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Poulsbo Waterfront
Season 2, Episode 4
Front Street and Beyond -
SUQUAMISH
Season 2, Episode 3
Culture and Coastlines in North Kitsap -
PORT GAMBLE
Season 2, Episode 2
A History of Haunting -
HISTORIC POULSBO
Season 2, Episode 1
Home to Northwest Art and Artists -
BREMERTON
Season 1, Episode 6
Art, music and naval heritage -
BREMERTON
Season 1, Episode 5
Boardwalk and waterfront hotel -
BREMERTON
Season 1, Episode 4
Tasty Adventures -
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Season 1, Episode 3
Historic Coffeehouse and Museum of Art -
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Season 1, Episode 2
Farm-to-table dining at Heyday Farms -
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Season 1, Episode 1
Magical hideaways on the island
Explore each Kitsap Peninsula 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 charming experiences.
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.
Getting Here
Visiting Kitsap is simple once you have these easy travel tips in your back pocket.
Click here to learn more about traveling to Kitsap by car or by using one of our iconic ferry systems.
Iconic Kitsap Annual events
Visit Kitsap and explore ‘Like a Local’
These local guides live, work, play and pour into our Kitsap communities with enthusiasm and passion. They’re here to recommend their favorite eateries, watering holes and outdoor adventures to help you find the perfect Kitsap adventure for your next visit to Kitsap. Chances are, there’s at least one Kitsap local who loves all the same things you do.
Plan your visit around the seasonal events and activities you love most.
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 Christmas and holiday events, festivals, tree lightings, and Christmas markets on the Kitsap Peninsula. Holiday events and activities in Bainbridge Island, Port Gamble, Poulsbo, Kingston, Bremerton, and Port Orchard.
Keep reading for a list of fun, family-friendly activities & things to do in Port Orchard, Washington, rain or shine!
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.
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!
Your guide to Poulsbo’s Poulsbrew Fest - where to eat and stay during one of Kitsap’s favorite annual events.
Your guide to Silverdale’s Whaling Days - where to play, eat, and stay during one of Kitsap’s favorite annual events.
Your guide to Bainbridge Island’s Grand Old 4th of July celebrations - where to play, eat, and stay during one of Kitsap’s favorite annual summer events.
All the summer events, festivals, gardens, and farmers’ markets on the Kitsap Peninsula. Summer events and activities in Bainbridge Island, Port Gamble, Poulsbo, Kingston, Bremerton, and Port Orchard.
From Kingston to Port Orchard - here are 4 amazing 4th of July community celebrations and fireworks shows on the Kitsap Peninsula.
Your guide to Kingston Pirate Festival - what to expect, where to play, eat, and stay in Kingston, Washington.
Your guide to Port Orchard’s Mosquito Fleet Fest - what to expect, where to play, eat, and stay on the Port Orchard waterfront.
Your guide to Poulsbo’s Viking Fest - where to park, play, eat, and stay during one of Kitsap’s favorite annual events.
All the spring events, festivals, gardens, and farmers markets on the Kitsap Peninsula. Spring events and activities in Bainbridge Island, Port Gamble, Poulsbo, Kingston, Bremerton, and Port Orchard.
Visit Kitsap and stay for a while!
Book an overnight, weekend, or week-long adventure and make Kitsap your home base for adventure.
Waterfront bliss and views for days…perfectly nestled on the waterfront between Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.
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.
Centrally located, this peaceful waterfront home has all the amenities of the county nearby. Within 5-10 minutes grocery stores, shopping, gym, hospital, park/playground. Walk, bike, bus or drive. A great home base for a Kitsap & Olympic Peninsula getaway!
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.
Enjoy space for the whole family with all the comforts of home at this charming vacation house. Cozy up by the fireplace on chilly days, enjoy your coffee in the front garden, or head into the garage game room to find some arcade games and table tennis.
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.
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.
26 in 2026
2026 is your year to adventure in Kitsap!
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!
Kitsap Annual Events Calendar - Mark your Calendar with this Kitsap County community events overview! 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 Poulsbo’s Poulsbrew Fest - where to eat and stay during one of Kitsap’s favorite annual events.
Your guide to Silverdale’s Whaling Days - where to play, eat, and stay during one of Kitsap’s favorite annual events.
Your guide to Kingston Pirate Festival - what to expect, where to play, eat, and stay in Kingston, Washington.
Your guide to Port Orchard’s Mosquito Fleet Fest - what to expect, where to play, eat, and stay on the Port Orchard waterfront.
Your guide to Poulsbo’s Viking Fest - where to park, play, eat, and stay during one of Kitsap’s favorite annual events.
Read the guide!
Kitsap has an impressive list of annual events, all offering a uniquely different experience. From Viking festivals to maritime history, celebrations that toast to our local makers and crafts (and craft brews!), to parades, live music, art walks, and much, much more - our comprehensive guides help you connect with the events you’ll love most. Use these guides to plan your stay and make the most of Kitsap’s most anticipated events of the year.
explore
the Kitsap Peninsula
Endless outdoor adventures await your arrival in Kitsap. We’ve lived in Kitsap our entire lives, and we still haven’t turned over every rock, AKA, adventure, so here are a few guides to get started!
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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.
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Explore Farmers Markets
Each Farmer’s Market around the Kitsap Peninsula has its own notable flair, no two are alike.
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The Bremerton waterfront
Here’s a great walkable itinerary that takes you to easily accessible parks and public spaces to relax and play.
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Boozy Poulsbo
Kitsap is known for its craft beer and Poulsbo has the most breweries of any Kitsap community.
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Pup friendly
Kitsap is super pet friendly, so you don’t have to leave your best friend at home.
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Port Orchard Waterfront
A simple itinerary when you’re short on time but want to maximize your experience in downtown Port Orchard.






















Kitsap Annual Events Calendar - Mark your Calendar with this Kitsap County community events overview! 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!