port orchard
47.5404° N, 122.6362° W
Miles of shoreline and forests - Port Orchard is a quiet cluster of waterfront and inland neighborhoods with a keen sense of community.
Port Orchard is connected via the ferry system like no other Kitsap community is. Historic foot ferries carry passengers across Sinclair inlet to Bremerton, relics from the 100+ yearold Mosquito Fleet that buzzed along the waters in bygone days. The ferries leave from the Port Orchard and Bremerton waterfront every 30 minutes. 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.
Port Orchard boasts some of the region’s best grubbin’ food to be found! As far as pure comfort food goes, Spiro’s is a top hit - their Club Sub sandwich is the perfect combo of toasty and gooey and melty and the chocolate peanut butter pie is cry-on-your-plate good. Locals know that burgers and views at Whiskey Gulch is always a great experience. Locals know that the tiny Uncle Dave’s Cafe has the best biscuits and gravy this side of heaven and when all else fails, breakfast at That One Place is always a good idea.
We love exploring Port Orchard’s miles of shoreline. Whether we’re riding our bikes along the gentle surf of Beach Drive along the west-facing waterfront or exploring the tide pools in Manchester State Park - some of our favorite adventures involve the many, many miles of waterfront that Port Orchard offers. Sitting opposite Bremerton on Sinclair Inlet the waterfront access in downtown Port Orchard is plentiful - public piers, water access, and pocket parks dot the waterfront along Bay Street and Beach Drive. The Port Orchard Marina, Annapolis, and Waterman Pier are all good places to put a kayak in the water and follow along the shore. Sinclair Inlet is usually very calm and makes for pleasant kayaking with great views of the Olympic Mountains, especially at sunset.
visit
the waterfront
-
![historic purple church renovated to airbnb on the port orchard waterfront, Kitsap]()
STAY
The Chapel
Stay in a historic 1895 church featuring gorgeous stained glass windows and 21+ lounge on the lower level. -
![Child explores the Port Orchard marina and visits the Lady Washington Tall ship]()
Explore
Port Orchard Waterfront
Lined with local favorites like Khao Soi, Salmonberry Books, and Josephine's Mercantile, read more at the link below. -
![The Carlisle II sails Sinclair Inlet, floating museum, 100 year old Mosquito Fleet, Kitsap]()
2 hour guide
A detailed guide for maximizing your short visit to the Port Orchard Waterfront.
-
![Vintage chandeliers and antiques line the walls of Josephine's Mercantile]()
local
Josephine's Mercantile
5000 sq feet of used, restored, vintage and antique shopping on Port Orchard's waterfront with a Coffee Co. in the back! -
![]()
explore
Salmonberry Books
Local Port Orchard waterfront bookstore owner, Lizzy Rolando, shares some of her favorite spots in Kitsap to explore. -
![A crowd of passengers wait to sail away on the Carlisle II, floating museum, Sinclair Inlet, Port Orchard, Kitsap]()
Annual Event
Mosquito Fleet Fest
The Mosquito Fleet was a vast array of steamships used for Kitsap travel before the advent of automobiles. The annual celebration of these floating museums is mid-May on the waterfront. -
![Rows of flower bouquets for sale at the port Orchard farmer's market, Kitsap]()
local
Port Orchard Farmers Market
The longest running farmers market on the Kitsap Peninsula with sweeping views of the Olympics and an expansive variety of produce and made items. -
![Visit Port Orchard and stay at the Carriage House overlooking the Port Orchard Waterfront, views of the Olympic Mountains, Kitsap]()
STAY
Carriage House
Stunning views of Sinclair Inlet and the mighty Olympic Mountains, and steps away from downtown Port Orchard shops & restaurants. -
![A bird sitting atop pilings in Sinclair Inlet, watching the sun set over the Olympic Mountains, Kitsap]()
explore
Pedestrian Pathway
Watch the sunset dip behind the mighty Olympic Mountains, as herons stalk the tidelands, and ferries passage across the Inlet as you walk the waterfront. -
![Seagulls sail across the sky over the Port Orchard Marina while the sun sets over the Olympic Mountains]()
local
Port Orchard Marina
Sail into the Port Orchard Marina and find first-rate moorage and state-of-the-art facilities that will keep you sailing back again and again. -
![]()
annual event
Port Orchard Night Market
A community favorite, the night market boasts 60+ vendors & food trucks in the heart of downtown. -
![]()
STAY
Red Cottage Guest House
1.5-bathroom studio vacation rental in the heart of downtown Port Orchard!
Port Orchard’s unassuming waterfront is lined with local favorites.
As a waterfront community, Port Orchard offers numerous marinas and the downtown corridor has shopping, museums, live theater, pubs, and dining. With ferry access from Bremerton and Seattle, an excursion to Port Orchard is an easy day trip or a weekend getaway. It's hard to miss the majestic view of the sun setting behind the Olympic Mountains and the pride of military heritage just across the water at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where you can see aircraft carriers, destroyers, and battleships.
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 family, girl-time, or even a solo trip. Port Orchard isn’t glitzy or ostentatious but it does have great locals and tons of heart.
josephine’s mercantile & revival
701 Bay Street & 702 Bay St. Port Orchard
Josephine’s is a vintage market with one-of-a-kind treasures - vintage decor, reclaimed goods, repurposed furniture, and curated local artisan gifts. Grab a treat and a coffee from Mercantile Coffee Co in the back of the store and you’ll have everything you need to peruse for hours on end. Revival is a beloved small business in downtown Port Orchard, across the street from its sister store, Josephine's Mercantile. Visitors arriving via the Bremerton foot ferry will find Revival a welcome stop for local shopping and browsing on their South Kitsap adventure!
Revival is a gift shop featuring empowerment brands, local makers, and beautiful floral arrangements. Revival creates an environment that builds community, promotes inclusion, and connects local shoppers to the artistic makers in our area!
salmonberry books
715 Bay Street, Port Orchard
This Bay Street bookshop is full of treasures and full of heart. Owner Lizzy curates an excellent selection of books, gifts, records. and art that appeals to a wide variety of tastes. Stop by her shop and pick up a good read for all of your adventures around Kitsap!
Lizzy is also an expert at exploring up and down the Kitsap Peninsula. Click the link below to learn where Lizzy loves to hang out in Kitsap.
Damn Fine Pizza
1307 Bay Street
Damn Fine Pizza - the name says it all! Relatively new on the Port Orchard waterfront scene, this pizzeria has it all: amazing food, a hearty tap list, huge views of Sinclair Inlet (the sunsets at DFP are stunning!), a funky and fun vibe and, of course, a damn fine pinball room! Family friendly and perfect for a date night or get together, DFP has quickly become a Port Orchard favorite. Stop by on your next visit to South Kitsap to grab a slice and see what the fuss all is about.
OLALLA
Olalla (meaning ‘land of many berries’) is a small community on the waterfront of Colvos Passage snuggled in between Port Orchard and Gig Harbor. Despite being tucked away off the beaten path, there are plenty of great spots you don't want to miss like Olalla Vineyard & Winery, Olalla Bay Landing - owned by New York Times Best Selling Author, Gregg Olson - and Anderson Point County Park. If you're coming into town for a concert or event at the winery, or a wedding at The Edgewater House, or the famous Olalla Americana Music Festival (happening annually in August) plan to stay uber local at Olalla Forest Retreat. No matter what your preferred method of exploring is - biking, hiking, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, or paddling - you can fill your days driving past fields of horses, fresh floral and produce stands, and savoring the saltwater air (keep your eyes out for orcas and whales since Colvos Passage is a popular pathway). And it doesn't matter if you're enjoying Olalla's breathtaking water and mountain views or escaping into the forest, make sure to slow down long enough to watch the sunset fill the sky with golden rays.
-
![A magical and unique forest retreat in the Olalla woods]()
STAY
Olalla Forest Retreat
An enchanting 1970’s storybook cottage deep in the magical forests of Olalla. -
![Blue skies and crystal clear waters, visit for a cup of coffee]()
Local
Olalla Bay Market & Landing
Sit outside above the deep waters of Colvos Passage with a menu of local wines, espresso, PNW craft beer, salads, sandwiches and pizza. Take in the views of Mount Rainier or stroll the beach. -
![Sunshine filled backyard winery retreat]()
Local
Olalla Vineyard & Winery
An Olalla oasis, a vision of absolute tranquility and beauty for sharing a glass or bottle among friends and loved ones. -
![Music group sings to a crowd in the Olalla Valley]()
Annual Event
Olalla Americana Music Festival
Channeling the spirit of Americana, this one-day festival in mid-August also features food trucks, a local market, and the legendary Berry Pie Contest.
explore
mosquito fleet ferry
A uniquely Kitsap experience, riding the foot ferry between Bremerton and Port Orchard is a fun, affordable, and low-key way to explore these two waterfront communities. If you're lucky enough you may even get a ride on the 'Floating Museum' - the historic Carlisle II, the last of the 'Mosquito Fleet' foot ferries that once crisscrossed the Puget Sound.
Depending on the weather it can either be a foggy excursion or bright and sunny boating…either way, you’re on a historic wooden passenger ferry that harkens back to bygone days when dozens of private ferry operators shipped passengers hither and yon amid the vast network of coastline cities such as Olympia, Seattle, Shelton, and Port Townsend.
The ride is under 10 minutes and allows you to experience the best of Bremerton's and Port Orchard's waterfront shopping, sightseeing and dining options.
banner forest
Deep in the rural wilds of South Kitsap is a 635 acre forest park with nearly 30 miles of criss-crossing trails perfect for mountain biking, foraging, dog walking, horse-back riding, and trail running.
Banner Forest is a huge swath of evergreen forest and wetland in Port Orchard that has been used for decades by those with a penchant for adventure and a love for nature. Easily accessed by visitors arriving via the West Seattle auto ferry - throw your bikes/dogs/kids in the car and make the 30-minute ferry crossing to explore the wild side of South Kitsap.
manchester state park
Being an easy and low key escape into nature and a playground for Kitsap Peninsula residents and visitors alike, Manchester State Park is known for its historic military bunkers, lush PNW landscapes and the barking of distant sea lions.
Learn more about Port Orchard
Port orchard BRANDS, BUSINESSES + ENTREPRENEURS
Learn more about the local businesses you love.
Get to know the unique people who create the adventurous environment that Kitsap is known for in our BB+E article series. Let their origin stories inspire you to go after your own dreams. Take notes on where our business owners love to eat and drink and the epic places around the Kitsap Penisula they frequent.
local gift guide
GIFT IDEAS FOR SHOPPING LOCAL in Port Orchard!
brick ally • brothers greenhouse • the candy shoppe • carters & co • c-side records • crows curiosities • dos casas • find the path books • gigi’s emporium • josephine’s mercantile • Linzie jo & co • mainline music • Olalla bay market • Olde central antique • revival • Salmonberry books • sidney art gallery • smith metal works • tbd pottery • unity skate shop • willow treats
EXPLORE more kitsap!
-
![]()
Port Orchard
SOUTH KITSAP
Port Orchard is a quiet cluster of waterfront and inland neighborhoods with a keen sense of community.
-
![]()
Poulsbo
NORTH KITSAP
Poulsbo is a charming city on Liberty Bay with a picturesque downtown core featuring a ‘Little Norway’ vibe.
-
![]()
Bainbridge Island
NORTH KITSAP
The Island of Bainbridge, has become an increasingly affluent bedroom community of Seattle given its walkability from downtown Seattle.
-
![]()
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.
-
![]()
Port Gamble
Description goes here
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!