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Kitsap Peninsula, Washington
Visit Kitsap Peninsula, Washington
The Kitsap Peninsula is surrounded by 371 miles of shoreline and is officially part of the National Water Trails system, Washington State’s only such designation. Here one can experience an abundance of natural beauty with plenty of opportunities to enjoy safe and healthy outdoor recreational activities all year round. Experience the regional towns and cities, gardens, museums, art, naval heritage, waterfront strolls, and more.
Bainbridge Island is notable for its close proximity to Seattle. Downtown Winslow is filled with hip shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visit the world-famous Bloedel Reserve and the Japanese Exclusion Memorial.
Poulsbo, aka “Little Norway” is a favorite destination for visitors. Explore galleries, museums, and shops in Poulsbo’s growing Arts District, and eat & drink at one of the many restaurants and pubs.
Bremerton, the largest city in the region, is famous for its historic Naval and Maritime Heritage including the USS Turner Joy.
Kitsap Peninsula
This episode of Big Blend Radio features Beth Javens, Executive Director of Visit Kitsap who shares what there is to experience on the Kitsap Peninsula, which is just across from Seattle, and known as the Natural Side of Puget Sound. Watch her interview here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Podbean.
shops and restaurants, the Mosquito Fleet foot ferry Carlisle II which runs between Port Orchard and Bremerton’s historic waterfront.
Port Gamble, a historic 1850’s mill town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today this popular tourist destination is filled with gift shops, restaurants, a general store, museums, and a historic theater. It is also home to Olympic Outdoor Center which offers rentals for both kayakers and bikers to explore the miles of wooded trails and the picturesque waters of Gamble Bay.
Hansville, located on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, affords sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet, Whidbey Island, and Puget Sound. Built in 1879, Point no Point Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses and is notable for its wildlife viewing.
Kingston, a cozy waterfront community has a charming main street lined with shops, pubs with local brews, assorted restaurants, and waterfront park. Kingston is served by the EdmondsKingston WA ferry route and Kitsap Transit Passenger Fast Ferry.
Gig Harbor, “The Maritime City” historic waterfront district, is lined with art galleries, shops, and dozens of great dining choices. Attractions include the Harbor History Museum, boat building classes, and the Heritage Distillery.
The Kitsap Peninsula is rich in Native American tradition, maritime history, numerous events, and friendly port towns. It includes unincorporated communities of nearly 200,000 such as Kingston, Keyport, and Olalla, the independent communities of Suquamish and the Suquamish Tribe featuring the Suquamish Museum with its rotating exhibits, Old Man House, and grave of Chief Sealth. Little Boston is home to the S’Klallam Tribe. One of its most popular visitor attractions is Heronswood Nursery.
In 2014, the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails was designated as part of the National Water Trails Alliance and the only trail in Washington. It is a major destination for kayaking, SUP, boating, scuba, sailing, rowing, windsurfing, wind sailing, fishing and events.
The Kitsap Peninsula is the literal embodiment of the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area with federally recognized tribes, 2 counties, 5 incorporated cities, and several port districts, as well as innumerable harbors, inlets, peninsulas, island coasts, and parks.
