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. The Dock Bar and Eatery boasts the Governor’s favorite fish & chips and definitely order the French Onion Soup or their award winning Seafood Chowder! Locals know that the tiny Uncle Dave’s Cafe has the best biscuits and gravy this side of heaven and when all else fails, Phad Thai from Thai Charlie’s 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.

OLALLA

Olalla is a small community located on Colvos Passage 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 an event at Sunflower Farms Weddings & Events, 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.