Before we dive into how we can enjoy everything that Kitsap’s ports have to offer, let’s take a quick step back and ask — what are ports? At a high level, ports are traditionally places where vessels dock and passengers and cargo are loaded and unloaded. Once upon a time, Kitsap was a maritime community traveling almost exclusively by boat.
Some ports are large and some are small, but for more than 100 years, they’ve all been vital to the community on the Greater Kitsap Peninsula. In the bygone days of the Mosquito Fleet, when hundreds of small vessels cruised all corners of Kitsap, the ports were the center of gravity for community life. These days, they are still of key importance for our communities by managing and maintaining marinas, ferry terminals, parks and public facilities.
As the weather swings back to the sunny side up, the Pacific Northwest turns its eyes to the water — as sailing, boating, swimming, fishing and kayaking dominate the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. Our 371 miles of shoreline are destined to be enjoyed and explored, and the ports of Kitsap County steward some of the best local places for water and shoreline access.
The list of recreational opportunities available at Kitsap ports are impressive. From sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding, to parks, children’s playgrounds, fishing opportunities, swimming, beach walking and more.
Let’s dive into opportunities this spring, summer and fall to play and explore at some of Kitsap’s ports.
Port of Kingston
North Kitsap’s most significant port is where ferry riders from Edmonds are welcomed to the quaint community of Kingston. Mike Wallace Park is a waterfront community gathering place where public events are hosted on lush green lawns on a regular basis. From markets to live music, to holiday lights, to Kingston’s iconic Pirate Fest and the popular Kingston Wine & Brew Fest, Mike Wallace Park is activated year-round for fun and festivities.
The Port of Kingston also maintains a beautiful marina that offers moorage and canoe and kayak storage. Marina amenities include picnic tables, Wi-Fi, laundry, showers, water hookups and holding tank pump-outs. Picnic at the park with yummy to-go options from Saucy Sailor, The Grub Hut, Argensol or Sourdough Willy’s and launch your kayak for an epic adventure.
Play at the Port of Kingston:
- Sail on in for guest moorage.
- Ride the Edmonds-Kingston ferry.
- Picnic on the lawn at Mike Wallace Park.
- Attend an event at the port.
- Go kayak and standup paddleboarding (SUP).
Port of Bremerton
The Port of Bremerton is the biggest port on the peninsula, constituting the waterfront ferry facilities and marina in Bremerton; the Bremerton National Airport; and the Port Orchard Marina, boat launch and facilities. Within that portfolio, there are a ton of opportunities to play, explore and get on the water (or up in the air).
Flying a private plane into Kitsap? Take advantage of the Bremerton airport’s hangars and tie-downs, as well as the kids’ playground, a pilot lounge with free Wi-Fi and the Amelia’s Lounge restaurant. The airport also hosts the exciting and extremely popular Bremerton Air Show (July 12-13) featuring vintage and military aircraft in a dazzling display of aeronautic acrobatics.
Sail on into Bremerton to enjoy the centrally located Bremerton Marina, from where you may explore all points along Puget Sound. The marina is within walking distance to several restaurants and attractions, such as the Puget Sound Navy Museum, Fraiche Cup cafe, Anthony’s Homeport restaurant and Quincy Square.
One of the most popular experiences in Washington state is a ride on the iconic Washington State Ferry system, and many visitors and locals find themselves on the Bremerton-Seattle route. Day-trippers and visitors share space with locals and commuters on the auto ferries that trundle across the deep blue waters of Puget Sound. Want to cut the ride time in half? Hop aboard the Kitsap Transit passenger-only fast ferry for a 30-minute connection to downtown Seattle.
Launch your kayak or SUP right on the waterfront at the new water-access point steps from the ferry and Marina Square. This tiny, naturalized access point is not only beautiful, it’s extremely convenient for folks looking for adventure on the water.
Port Orchard Marina offers guest moorage and excellent amenities, as well as a great place to stroll along the docks during business hours. It’s also the dock place of the Bremerton to Port Orchard passenger ferry, making a connection between the two waterfront communities quick and easy.
Also on the Port Orchard waterfront, the Water Street Boat Launch is a few hundred yards away from the Port Orchard Marina and is a convenient place to get your boat in the water on Sinclair Inlet.
Play at the Port of Bremerton:
- Sail on in for guest moorage.
- Ride the Seattle-Bremerton ferry.
- Take in the views from the Port Orchard and Bremerton marinas.
- Take the foot ferry.
- Walk or picnic on the waterfront boardwalk.
- Kayak or SUP.
- Launch your boat in Port Orchard.
The Port of Bremerton hosts and sponsors a variety of events at its facilities and around the community all year long. Here is but a taste of the festivities:
- Hot Rod Social: Every Saturday (April-October) at the Bremerton National Airport
- First Friday Art Walk: Every first Friday of the month, 5-8 p.m. in downtown Bremerton
- Concerts by the Bay: June — Labor Day on Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. at the Port Orchard waterfront
- Fathoms O’ Fun Parade: Saturday, June 28, at the Port Orchard Marina and downtown Port Orchard
- Fireworks over Sinclair Inlet: Saturday, July 5
- Port Orchard Night Market: June 14, July 12, Aug. 16, Sept. 13 at the Port Orchard Marina
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Port Orchard waterfront Mosquito Fleet Days: Memorial Day weekend at the Port Orchard Marina
- Port Orchard Farmers Market: April-October, Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Port Orchard Waterfront Park
- Bremerton Air Show: July 12-13 at the Bremerton National Airport
- Taste of Kitsap: Aug 1-2 at the Bremerton Marina
- Kitsap Wine Festival: Aug. 9 at the Bremerton Marina
- Rock the Dock: Aug. 16-17 at the Bremerton Marina
- Blackberry Festival: Labor Day weekend at the Bremerton Marina
Port of Poulsbo
Located on the sublime shores of Liberty Bay, the Port of Poulsbo owns the Poulsbo Marina, a seaplane mooring, the SEA Discovery Center and Liberty Bay Waterfront Park. The park is a wonderful place to picnic and relax and is home to many annual events and festivals, such as Viking Fest and Poulsbrew.
As one of the most popular places for boaters to visit on Puget Sound, the Poulsbo Marina is a welcoming and well-run facility just a stone’s throw from waterfront shops, galleries, cafes, breweries and eateries. The SEA Discovery Center is a family-friendly, hands-on educational facility great for kids of all ages and anyone excited to learn about the marine life of Puget Sound.
The Poulsbo Marina has plenty of room, with 130 guest slips waiting for visitors and a newly opened fuel dock and a handy boat ramp to launch a vessel from.
Play at the Port of Poulsbo:
- Sail on in for guest moorage.
- Picnic at Liberty Bay Waterfront Park.
- Attend a community bonfire at one of the Sons of Norway annual events.
- Launch your boat, SUP or kayak.
- Touch sea life at the SEA Discovery Center.
Port of Silverdale
Located in Old Town Silverdale, this port is a great spot for park play and beach access. Amenities include:
- First-come, first-serve guest moorage (no more than three consecutive nights)
- Beach access
- Pier
- Kids’ playground and park
- Boat ramp
- Access to the Clear Creek trails
Port of Brownsville
The Port of Brownsville is located between Bremerton and Silverdale in a relatively sleepy corner of the Kitsap Peninsula. Amenities include:
- First-come, first-serve guest moorage
- Fuel dock
- Picnic area
- Beach access
Port of Waterman
Once a stop for the legendary Mosquito Fleet, the Port of Waterman is now a beloved local fishing dock and water trails access point near Port Orchard. It offers:
- Fishing dock
- Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails access point
Port of Eglon
This quaint North Kitsap port offers:
- Boat launch
- Picnic area
- Beach access
Port of Illahee
The Illahee dock is the central feature of this small central Kitsap port, with amenities such as:
- Hand boat launch (nonmotorized)
- Pier
- Beach access
Port of Indianola
Indianola rests between the communities of Suquamish and Kingston and has a long pier that undulates into Puget Sound. Amenities available:
- Pier
- Beach access
- Fishing
Port of Manchester
Manchester is a beautiful South Kitsap community with amazing views of Seattle. The port is small but welcoming and a joy to visit, and offers amenities such as:
- Pier
- Beach access
- Boat launch
- Park and picnic tables
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