Hello, my lovely readers! Summer is just around the corner in Seattle, which means more sunny days and gorgeous sunsets for the next few months. To make the most of this time, we explored two quaint towns of Washington, nestled in the Kitsap Peninsula. One is known for its naval history, while the other is for its small-town charm and natural beauty.
In this blog post, I will share everything we did on our visit to these two beautiful towns, the best way to reach them using public transit, and some recommendations.
Reaching Bremerton from Seattle
Ferry is the easiest and best way to reach Bremerton from Seattle. Two types of ferries run between Bremerton and Seattle, and you can take either one depending on your requirements.
The WSDOT vehicular ferry takes 60 minutes, while the Kitsap Transit fast ferry ($12 round trip) takes 30 minutes and allows only passengers on foot or with bikes. The fast ferry only runs on weekdays, but during summer, Kitsap Transit operates on an extended schedule that also covers weekends.
To get to Port Orchard, you can take a Kitsap Transit Foot Ferry from Bremerton for a $4 round trip.
Things to do in Bremerton
Bremerton is a picturesque waterfront town known for its rich maritime heritage, vibrant downtown, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. It is home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the famous USS Turner Joy destroyer ship. Here’s a list of things we did in Bremerton and a few more recommendations you can explore on your trip.
USS Turner Joy
Our first stop in Bremerton was the famous naval destroyer, USS Turner Joy, which played a significant role in the Vietnam War. The ship was commissioned during the Cold War era in 1959 and was notably involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Located at the end of the Bremerton Boardwalk, the ship is now a museum open to visitors to explore and learn about its history and naval technology of the era.
Timing: Daily, 10 AM to 5 PM
Ticket: $22 per adult
Puget Sound Navy Museum
One museum we missed out on this visit was the Puget Sound Navy Museum, but we plan to see it on our next trip. The museum showcases the Pacific Northwest’s rich naval history and its role in national defense.
Puget Sound Navy Museum features a variety of exhibits highlighting various aspects of naval history, including shipbuilding, operations, technology, and the experiences of sailors and shipyard workers. You can take guided tours, lectures, workshops, and special events at the museum to deepen your understanding of naval history.
Timing: Daily, 10 AM to 4 PM (except Tuesdays)
Ticket: FREE
Harborside Fountain Park
Our next stop was a scenic public park adjacent to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal, offering a breathtaking view of the Sinclair Inlet. However, the main attraction of Harborside Fountain Park is the fountain, which blows up water every few seconds and is super fun to watch.
If you have kids, this is a great spot to enjoy water activity. You can let your kids run freely around the fountains and enjoy the splashes without any worry. Moreover, the park gets illuminated at night, creating a magical ambiance for evening strolls.
Timing: Daily, 10 AM to 4 PM (except Tuesdays)
Ticket: FREE
Downtown Bremerton
Lastly, we strolled around the downtown, exploring shops and eateries. We found some gems that we highly recommend visiting. All of them are small family-owned businesses, each offering something unique. Here’s a list of stores to save for your next trip, and keep reading the blog post for restaurant recommendations and more.
- Ballast Book Company – if you’re a book nerd, do visit this cute bookstore offering a vast collection of books, art supplies, and merch.
- The Game Wizard and Blue Sky Hobbies – this is by far the best comic book and game store I’ve been to in Washington. They have a vast collection of comics you won’t find anywhere else and a curated collection of games, dice, and collectibles.
- Harborside Market – if you’re looking for groceries or want to check out local brands, we recommend stopping by this convenience store. It is next to the ferry terminal and is a great place to explore local businesses.
Bonus Recommendation: Rodeo Drive-In Theatre
If you’re driving from Seattle, head to this one of the few last surviving outdoor movie theaters. The theater opened in 1949, next to Highway 3, offering a unique family experience. They run three shows every weekend (Friday to Sunday) during summer. You can book the tickets online and avail discounts. Moreover, they also have food stalls offering popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks.
Timing: Fri-Sun (7, 8 or 9 PM Show)
Ticket: $12 per adult & $7 per child or senior
Where to eat in Bremerton
Bremerton has a ton of family-owned restaurants offering delicious food and local cuisine. One of the best things to try would be seafood, but you can also find other cuisines.
We dined at a family-owned submarine-themed restaurant & pub named Horse & Cow Bar & Grill. It was a lively pub offering hearty food and drinks. Do try their specialty drink, Nuclear Waste, which many people recommended us to try. We were in the mood for some Fish and Chips, and it totally lived up to our expectations.
If you’re in the mood for a piping bowl of ramen, we recommend dining at Yoko Yoko Ramen and Izakaya. They offer custom ramen bowls and vegan options. Their popular Loaded Ramen Fries is a must-try that pair well with Japanese cocktails.
Another Asian eatery we highly recommend is Khao Soi, a local favorite. It is one of the best Thai restaurants in Bremerton, known for its delectable Thai cuisine that transports diners to Thailand. The top favorites are Pad See Eew Noodles and Penang Curry, and they also offer vegan options.
If you love Mexican food, head to Mezcalitos. This restaurant is all about chill vibes and good food. The portion size is great and everything is reasonably priced. Birria Tacos and Consommé are a must-try that you can enjoy with the free salsa and chips that they make from scratch.
Lastly, we recommend BoatShed, a popular eatery by the waterfront that offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, Bremerton Marina, and Manette Bridge. This family-owned restaurant is one of the oldest in the region and offers delectable Pacific Northwest cuisine, from Clam Chowder to all kinds of seafood.
For dessert, we grabbed the three-scoop flight from Scoops & Bites. This ice cream parlor cum snack shop offers a large variety of flavors to choose from. We picked licorice, cookie dough, and coffee flavors and loved the creamy texture of the ice cream. If you’re looking for pastries, head to Larry & Kristi’s Bakery to try their handcrafted delicacies dating back to four generations.
Things to do in Port Orchard
Port Orchard was the second destination of our short excursion. This quaint waterfront town exudes small-town charm and natural beauty. Our ride from Bremerton to Port Orchard on the Sinclair Inlet was nothing short of a painting with maritime buildings in the foreground and the picturesque Olympic Mountains in the backdrop.
Manchester State Park
We reached Port Orchard around 6 PM, and most shops were closed by then. So we walked around the dock area for a while and then booked a cab to Manchester State Park. This serene coastal park was once a torpedo warehouse. This was established during World War I to protect Puget Sound from naval attacks. We explored the remnants of the fort, including gun batteries and concrete bunkers. We then sat by the beach admiring the stunning views of Puget Sound and did some tide pooling before heading back.
Manchester State Park is a great spot for family outings, especially during summer for picnics and camping. The park is covered in lush forests and rocky beaches. Moreover, you might also spot Orcas and Gray Whales swimming in the Sinclair inlet.
Entry: $10
Cab cost: $40 round trip
Other spots to check out in Port Orchard
- Downtown – is a hub of boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, and eateries housed in historic buildings.
- Port Orchard Marina – is a bustling hub for boating enthusiasts and waterfront dining options. Peninsula Brewing Company is one of the best spots to enjoy a chilled beer with a captivating view of the Olympic range.
- Sidney Art Gallery & Museum – explore work done by local artists and the history of the region. The museum offers rotating art exhibits and artifacts about the area’s rich cultural heritage.
- Harper Pier – if you like to fish, head to Harper Pier and try your luck catching salmon, flounder, or perch.
Overall, we had an amazing time exploring the two quaint towns and learning about Puget Sound’s rich naval heritage. I highly recommend visiting Bremerton, especially during summer, as there’s so much to do here and a plethora of restaurants to explore.
