Spring on the Kitsap Peninsula is one of our best seasons!
Spring STARTS HERE! 👉👉👉 EAT, EXPLORE, HIKE, adventure & SHOP YOUR WAY ACROSS THE KITSAP PENINSULA. HERE’S A WHOLE LIST OF WAYS TO THRIVE THIS Spring! This is your guide to mixing and matching endless spring fun on the Kitsap Peninsula.
We live for spring - the longer days, the smell of rain and grass, unpredictable weather, floral blooms, and the pre-funk to summer community gatherings. We love these few glorious months when all the colors are popping, and the weather keeps us on our toes!
Love Kitsap is your resource for outdoor adventures, beach explorations, and the best spring experiences on the Kitsap Peninsula.
Annual spring events
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May 15-17
An iconic Poulsbo tradition.
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June 13
Kingston’s family-friendly pillage.
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May 23+24
Port Orchard’s homage to Maritime history.
Farmer’s Markets
Art + Experiences
Additional Spring events
Find the perfect spot to stay in Kitsap!
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![A person walking on a wooden pier at Illahee State Park over water with a forested shoreline in the background under a partly cloudy sky.]()
TRULY DISTINCT state parks in Kitsap
We love exploring our state parks, no matter the season…
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![Colorful flower bouquet with pink, white, purple, and orange flowers at an outdoor market.]()
Kitsap Peninsula's Farmers Markets Guide
Spring on the Kitsap Peninsula means the start of farmers market season and we couldn’t be happier!
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![Close-up of a roast beef sandwich on a bun, with chopped lettuce, onions, pickles, and a creamy dressing at Port Gamble restaurant Butcher & Baker.]()
BUTCHER & BAKER PROVISIONS IS THE TASTIEST SPOT
Well worth the drive, Port Gamble’s Butcher & Baker is a locally sourced farmhouse restaurant, butcher shop, and bakery.
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![A young girl walking on a dock in Port Orchard at the Port Orchard Marina towards a large sailing ship called the Lady washington with tall masts, surrounded by other boats at a marina on a sunny day.]()
Explore Downtown Port Orchard
Port Orchard’s unassuming waterfront is lined with local favorites.
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![A bowl of mixed Asian-inspired salad topped with cilantro, sliced green chilies, sesame seeds, and sesame oil. In the background, a side salad with radish slices, nuts, and leafy greens, and a piece of toast with avocado, tomato, and cilantro are visible on black and white plates respectively, with a menu and a wooden table surface beneath.]()
Bainbridge, rain or shine
Sometimes it seems like Kitsap experiences all 4 seasons on the same day. Especially in spring.
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![Person holding a moon snail at a PNW beach, with water in the background.]()
Kitsap Wildlife
From whale watching and fishing to encounters on the hiking trail, animals and wildlife are abundant on the Kitsap Peninsula.
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![A decorative chandelier with crystal accents hanging from a textured ceiling in Josephine's Mercantile in Port Orchard, with paintings and mirrors on the walls in the background.]()
Vintage Shops abound in Kitsap
From reclaimed barn wood furniture to shabby chic antique decor, Kitsap has a wonderful collection of vintage shops.
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![A person walking on a sandy beach at Point No Point beach near the ocean with the historic lighthouse on a rocky outcrop in the background under a clear blue sky in Hansville, WA.]()
Kingston Itinerary
Once you’ve booked your stay, you’re positioned for some unforgettable North Kitsap adventures…here is your ‘best life’ North Kitsap weekend itinerary!
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![assortment of colorful donuts with various toppings including chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, and glaze.]()
Kitsap Peninsula's Best Donuts
Sink your teeth into something sweet! Here are the Peninsula’s most delicious donuts.
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![A ferry boat sailing on a body of water with parked cars and greenery along the shoreline as seen from Port Orchard.]()
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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![A greenhouse with glass doors and walls, decorated with potted plants and rocks outside. A cat with black and orange fur is sitting on gravel in front of the door at Elanden Gardens.]()
Nursery & Garden Guide
Spring blooms are blossoming across Kitsap and there are many wonderful gardens, greenhouses and nurseries to visit to experience the very best of Spring!
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![A person in casual clothing holding a black dog in front of a Washington State ferry boat sailing from West Seattle to Southworth.]()
pup friendly adventures
The Kitsap Peninsula is an especially pet-friendly place to travel, you’re sure to find an adventure that you and your animal companions will love.
Easter Egg Hunts
Trail hikes
A true Kitsap Peninsula adventure is especially magical when seen through the eyes of a child. The stumphouse becomes the home of a fantastical troll, a simple trail transforms into an honorable quest, and beach missions turn into a piratey search for treasure!
Here are a few locations WITH a little extra flair for the mystical.
gardens + nurseries
Spring blooms are blossoming across Kitsap, and there are many wonderful gardens, greenhouses, and nurseries to visit to experience the very best of Spring! Here’s a round-up of Kitsap’s gardens & nurseries.
KID-FRIENDLY ADVENtURES
Easy spring adventures are everywhere you turn around the Kitsap Peninsula. The kids will be thrilled to get outside and explore the tidepools, forest floors, and PNW-themed playgrounds regardless of the weather. Be sure to pack layers for each child because you never know when you’ll need your rain boots or an extra pair of sunglasses.
Explore Illahee Preserve
Tucked away on the shoreline of East Bremerton, just a few minutes away from Manette and downtown Bremerton, is Illahee Preserve, adjacent to Rolling Hills Golf Course and Illahee State Park - 75 glorious acres of hiking, camping, & beach combing.
visit local eateries
explore
waterfront neighborhoods
Poulsbo
Front Street
Poulsbo’s waterfront sits along Liberty Bay in the northern part of Kitsap County. Liberty Bay is a protected arm of the Puget Sound and is thus calmer and more placid than other places. This makes Poulsbo a haven for boaters, especially on a beautiful spring day. Its picturesque downtown core features a Little Norway vibe, paying homage to its roots, with rosemaled storefronts and shopping areas.
PORT ORCHARD
Bay Street
A walk down Bay Street on the Port Orchard’s waterfront reveals a cluster of shops, restaurants and experiences perfect for a few hours with family, friends or simply flying solo. Port Orchard isn’t glitzy or ostentatious but it has great locals and tons of heart.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Winslow Way
The opposite end of the island is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. Winslow Way is the waterfront shopping mecca of the island with plenty of restaurants, bars, and wineries to give you a reprieve from your shopping adventures.
kingston
Ferry Terminal
Kingston’s main drag is lined with local spots crafted for enjoying food and drink. As Highway 104 winds down to its conclusion at the Kingston-Edmonds WSF terminal, it becomes a charming waterfront lane lined with pubs, shops, restaurants, cafes, and breweries - perfect for strolling.
Summer is right around the corner!
Start your summer adventure planning here! Learn what the locals love most about summer in Kitsap and how to explore Kitsap to the fullest by the ones who love to live in Kitsap.
Your guide to Poulsbo’s Viking Fest - where to park, play, eat, and stay during one of Kitsap’s favorite annual events.