Bremerton: A Scenic Escape Near Seattle

The largest city on the Kitsap Peninsula, Bremerton is home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and many outdoor adventures.
The largest city on the Kitsap Peninsula, Bremerton is home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and many outdoor adventures.
(photo: Inspire Creative Co.)

A Navy town with small-town charm

written by Ryn Pfeuffer

Bremerton is that low-key, coastal charmer you’ve been sleeping on. Just a quick ferry ride from Seattle, this scenic Navy town on the Kitsap Peninsula offers an easy weekend escape. Whether you’re craving fresh sea air, quirky shops or a chance to slow down and reset, Bremerton delivers a relaxed vibe that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life. And if you’re up for a short drive, head to Silverdale or Poulsbo for even more small-town appeal.

Day 1

NAVAL HISTORY • THE WATERFRONT • ART WALK

Begin your trip with a one-hour ferry ride from Seattle to Bremerton, where the crisp air and skyline views of Seattle instantly set a relaxing tone.

From October to February, the Southern Resident orcas are often spotted in central Puget Sound, following salmon runs. You might see them from the Bremerton ferry. Transient (marine mammal-eating) orcas may show up at any time of year.

The USS Turner Joy, a 1950s warship that now serves as a floating museum.
The USS Turner Joy, a 1950s warship that now serves as a floating museum.
(photo: Erinn J. Hale Photography)

Once you dock, take a stroll along the Bremerton water-front. If you’re a history buff, your first stop should be the USS Turner Joy, a decommissioned 1950s warship now serving as a floating museum. Wander through its decks, learning about its role in naval history. Afterward, head to Harborside Fountain Park to watch the playful water fountains—they light up at night, too! Relax by the fountains or wander through the park’s well-maintained (read: stroller-friendly) walkways.

Bremerton’s Harborside Fountain Park at daytime. At night, the fountains light up for an intriguing experience.
Bremerton’s Harborside Fountain Park at daytime. At night, the fountains light up for an intriguing experience.
(photo: Brittany Kelley Photography)

Next, check out Bremerton Marina, where you can see the boats and yachts docked at the marina and spot harbor seals and other wildlife. Walk along the docks, chat with locals or even rent a kayak for a day out on the water. Don’t miss the Bremerton Boardwalk, where you can enjoy sweeping waterfront views, watch ferries come and go from the terminal and take a short walk while stopping for coffee or seeing local art installations.

By lunchtime, you’ll be craving something delicious. Swing by Café Alara, a charming local spot, and grab a quick sandwich or fresh pastry. Try The Point—rosemary bread slathered with garlic herb spread and stacked with roast beef and Havarti.

Head to Illahee State Park, where easy hikes and pretty views balance its small size. Take the Forest Loop Trail, a relaxing half-mile walk through a peaceful old-growth forest with towering firs. For stunning waterfront shots, the quick Illahee Dock Walk offers incredible views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier on clear days.

Food-wise, Bremerton’s culinary scene is a tasty blend of casual seafood joints and cozy cafes. Have an early dinner at Boat Shed, a beloved local institution perched over Dyes Inlet. With seafood being their specialty, start with crab and shrimp-stuffed mushrooms and follow it up with their lemon-thyme seared scallops. As the sun sets over the inlet, there’s no better place to sip on a glass of local wine.

Great views and seafood at Boat Shed on the Manette Waterfront in Bremerton.
Great views and seafood at Boat Shed on the Manette Waterfront in Bremerton.
(photo: Boat Shed)

Then, for a dose of local culture, explore the First Friday Art Walk, where you can meander through a handful of galleries showcasing works from regional artists. (It runs from 5-8 p.m.) Just around the corner, Harborside Fountain Park offers a peaceful spot to relax by the water features and enjoy the skyline reflecting in the whale-inspired copper fountains.

End your evening at the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites, where spacious rooms with waterfront views offer a peaceful retreat. Rest well.

Day 2

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES • CRAFT BEER

Start your day by making the short drive to The Oak Table Café in nearby Silverdale for a truly indulgent start. Its famous apple pancake is a must—baked to fluffy perfection like a 3-inch soufflé filled with hand-cut apples. Pair it with a side of their thick-sliced bacon, which clocks in at over half a pound of smoky, hardwood-grilled goodness.

The apple pancake at The Oak Table Café in Silverdale, just outside of Bremerton.
The apple pancake at The Oak Table Café in Silverdale, just outside of Bremerton.
(photo: The Oak Table Cafe)

After breakfast, head out for an outdoor adventure at Green Mountain State Forest, just a twenty-five-minute drive from Bremerton. The 5-mile round-trip hike from the Gold Creek trailhead to the summit is a solid workout with stunning views of Puget Sound and Seattle at the top. Madrona trees line the path as you wind through the forest, but remember, this is a working forest, so occasional logging closures can happen. If you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, they’re welcome to join, but keep them leashed.

If you time your visit just right, Seabeck at low tide is an unforgettable experience. Also just a twenty-five-minute drive away, this charming spot is perfect for beach-combing. Wander along the shoreline looking for seashells and sea creatures, with plenty of time to explore before and after low tide.

For a laid-back, delicious dinner, head to Island Hut, a family-owned Hawaiian spot serving up Spam musubi, loco moco bowls and $12 mix plates featuring rice, mac salad, char siu chicken, beef teriyaki and kalua pork with cabbage.

Later, drop by Ridgeline Brewing for small-batch craft beers. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to settle in—especially with a pint of their chocolate-forward Dark Side of the Brew porter, a perfect pairing for pub snacks like tater tots and jalapeño poppers. Don’t be surprised if you join a lively cribbage game or trivia night.

Grab a local craft beer at Ridgeline Brewing in Bremerton.
Grab a local craft beer at Ridgeline Brewing in Bremerton.
(photo: Ridgeline Brewing)

Day 3

FAMILY FUN • PHỞ

Jump-start your morning with a caffeine kick at Bay Street Coffee Co., where friendly, longtime baristas whip up house-made flavored whipped cream to top your brew.

Afterward, escape the winter gloom with a visit to the Bug & Reptile Museum, where young nature lovers can marvel at live snakes, lizards and a massive, 8-foot ant farm. Don’t miss Angela, the Brazilian rainbow boa!

Then, swing by the Pacific Planetarium for a family-friendly show on the night sky, or let your little ones join the Astronauts in Training.

Cap off your day with a steaming bowl of phở at 4 Sisters Phở, leaving you with a cozy warmth and a deep sense of contentment.

Bottom line: Bremerton’s the perfect spot for a quick getaway where you can breathe easy, take in local history and soak up that irresistible small-town vibe.

BREMERTON, WASHINGTON

EAT

4 Sisters Phở
www.facebook.com/4sisterspho

Bay Street Coffee Co.
www.facebook.com/BayStreetCoffeeCo

Boat Shed
www.boatshedmenu.com

Café Alara
www.cafealara.com

Island Hut
www.facebook.com/@islandhut808

The Oak Table Café
www.oaktablecafesilverdale.com

Ridgeline Brewing
www.ridgelinebrewing.com

STAY

Hampton Inn
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pwtwahx-hampton-suites-bremerton

PLAY

Bug & Reptile Museum
www.bugmuseum.com

First Friday Art Walk
www.bremertonfirstfriday.org

Green Mountain—Gold Creek Trail
www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/green-mountain-1

Illahee Preserve Heritage Park
www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Pages/IllaheePreserveHeritagePark.aspx

Illahee State Park
www.parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/illahee-state-park

Pacific Planetarium
www.pacificplanetarium.com

USS Turner Joy (DD-951) Naval Destroyer Museum Ship
www.ussturnerjoy.org

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