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 ~
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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![A smiling woman wearing a beige trench coat and earrings standing on the Carlisle II foot ferry in Bremerton, holding onto the railing, with a building or dock in the background.]()
Poulsbo Waterfront
Season 2, Episode 4
Front Street and Beyond -
![A woman standing in front of a sign for the Suquamish Museum, pointing at the sign. The sign displays the museum's name, hours, and website, and has a graphic of three people canoeing.]()
SUQUAMISH
Season 2, Episode 3
Culture and Coastlines in North Kitsap -
![A man and woman smiling at each other in front of a sign that says 'Port Gamble General Store and Cafe'.]()
PORT GAMBLE
Season 2, Episode 2
A History of Haunting -
![A woman with earrings and rings standing in front of an art display wall with various sculptures and artworks in a gallery.]()
HISTORIC POULSBO
Season 2, Episode 1
Home to Northwest Art and Artists -
![A woman standing in front of a colorful mural in Quincy Square in Bremerton.]()
BREMERTON
Season 1, Episode 6
Art, music and naval heritage -
![Bronze statues on the Bremerton waterfront boardwalk.]()
BREMERTON
Season 1, Episode 5
Boardwalk and waterfront hotel -
![A man with a green cap and woman with blonde dreadlocks sitting at a table in the Hound and Bottle restaurant in Bremerton engaging in conversation, with warm lighting and wall decor visible in the background.]()
BREMERTON
Season 1, Episode 4
Tasty Adventures -
![A smiling woman with blonde dreadlocks standing in front of a coffee shop on Bainbridge Island. The window has a sign with a bird and the word ' PEGASUS COFFEE'.]()
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Season 1, Episode 3
Historic Coffeehouse and Museum of Art -
![A man and woman engaging in conversation in a garden filled with colorful flowers, including daisies and dahlias, during daytime.]()
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Season 1, Episode 2
Farm-to-table dining at Heyday Farms -
![Person with dreadlocks wearing a beige coat, standing and looking at a lakeside dock with a railing, benches, and trees in the background.]()
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.
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 to Kitsap By Season
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Spring
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summer
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Autumn
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Winter
Plan your visit around the seasonal events and activities you love most.
Visit Kitsap and stay for a while!
Book an overnight, weekend, or week-long adventure and make Kitsap your home base for adventure.
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!
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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![The iconic stumphouse while visiting Guilemot Cove in Seabeck]()
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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![Child exploring beach treasures on a visit to Point No Point]()
Explore Point No Point
A historic lighthouse and a perfect beach await you at the northern tip of Kitsap County.
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![Family with children walking the beach on a visit to Fay Bainbridge]()
Explore Fay
A wind-swept stretch of beach strewn with a ba-zillion pieces of driftwood…
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![Father and son hike a forest trail to the beach]()
TRULY DISTINCT state parks in Kitsap
We love exploring our state parks, no matter the season…
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![Washington State Ferry pulling into the Kingston ferry terminal]()
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!