logo
The Pacific Northwest county primed for adventure lovers

The Pacific Northwest county primed for adventure lovers

Yahoo19-05-2025

Between the skyscrapers of Seattle and the wilds of the Olympic National Park you'll find Washington's Kitsap Peninsula, a waterfront spot that stretches across 375 miles of coastline. Aside from its tranquil natural beauty, this area offers a long list of adventures — from bioluminescent kayaking and forest hikes to art galleries and beer festivals, there's more than enough variety to keep you entertained.
If you're passing though Seattle for the 2026 FIFA events — or simply to experience one of the US's greatest cities — consider tagging on a visit to this beguiling region in the Puget Sound. Here's how to make the most of it.
Think national park adventures, Indigenous sites, museums, art galleries and more.
By day, fill your itinerary with experiences in Kitsap's great outdoors. Watch for orcas and collect sea glass at Point No Point County Park, catching reflections of Mount Rainier in the water. Also at the northern end of Kitsap, Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park — where locals are restoring former timber-company land — offers an idyllic spot for mountain biking. Follow the coastline southwest to go for a hike in the Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve, where you should keep an eye out for the iconic 'stump house', a large hollowed out Western Red Cedar stump that was fitted with a door, windows and a roof some time in the late 19th or early 20th century.
Alternatively, stay busy with cultural attractions. It takes around an hour to drive south from Port Gamble (home to colourful Maine-inspired architecture) to Bremerton, and en route there is much to discover. You can visit Chief Seattle's grave at the Suquamish Tribal Cemetery and learn about Coast Salish heritage at the Suquamish Museum or, for a slice of small town life, explore the many shops, cafes, bakeries and galleries in Norway-inspired Poulsbo. For military history, tour Keyport's US Naval Undersea Museum to discover the area's role in the evolution of submarine technology. Bremerton itself offers a more artsy vibe — catch a show at the Bremerton Roxy or the Admiral Theatre and explore the Kitsap History Museum.
If time allows, venture over to the incomparable Olympic National Park. There, you'll find ancient forests, rocky beaches and the wild, verdant slopes of Mount Olympus, all about an hour's drive from Port Gamble. Once night falls, be sure to get back on the peninsula. Head to the Olympic Outdoor Center, where you can paddle through bioluminescent algae on the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail — the etheral glow puts the lights of Seattle to shame.
Stick to the local classics — that is, fresh seafood and a pint — or try something completely new.
Kitsap is loaded with fabulous dining options morning, noon and night. For breakfast, take your pick of bakeries and cafes, like Poulsbo's famous Sluys Bakery — if nothing else, be sure to step in for a whiff and to eye the towering pastry displays in the window. Bremerton's creative Cafe Corvo, Manette's Saboteur Bakery and Silverdale's Oak Table will also keep you both cosy and caffeinated. For lunch, nowhere beats Butcher & Baker in Port Gamble, famous for its pimento cheese fried-chicken sandwiches, housemade cheesecakes and the views across the water.
For dinner, pick your passion: American South-inspired, elevated fare at Restaurant Lola, a Black-owned local fave; Poulsbo's Molly Ward Gardens, where you can dine amid antiques and wildflowers; Kingston's Sourdough Willy's, where the sourdough starter has been bubbling for 127 years; Port Orchard's Holy Water, where cafe grub gets served up in an old-school church; or Bremerton's hip, eclectic Hound + Bottle, a spot that feels every bit a neighbourhood restaurant.
After dark, head on over to Grumble & Wine, Tracyton Public House or The Kingston Ale House for some of the Pacific Northwest's best signature brews.
Choose between cosy farmstays, Nordic-inspired digs, waterfront accommodations and everything in between.
At approximately 600sq miles, the Kitsap Peninsula is roughly the same size as London. Which is to say there are plenty of accommodation options.
In downtown Poulsbo — known as 'Little Norway', thanks to the fjord-like Liberty Bay — boutique hotels and charming B&Bs like Hotel Scandi place you steps from waterfront dining and Scandinavian-inspired shops. Kingston and Bremerton offer waterfront holiday rentals, perfect for families or extended stays, many with small private beaches and boat docks. For example, the Marina Square Suites are situated between the ferry terminal and marina in downtown Bremerton — from here, you can catch a 30-minute ferry ride to Seattle or go on a paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing adventure.
For nature enthusiasts, campsites at Illahee State Park and Scenic Beach State Park allow you to sleep amid enormous Douglas firs and near the water. Or, for those who prefer to bed down in luxury, there's the Black Crane Treehouse and Raspberry Ridge Farm, both of which provide the seclusion and flexibility of a self-catered space.
Mark your calendar for the region's best events — or visit whenever the mood strikes.
With mild winters and less rain than Seattle, there's no bad time to explore the Kitsap Peninsula. May through October offers especially excellent weather, perfect for morning hikes or late-night paddles. Spring and fall are milder, but with smaller crowds in the big-ticket attractions like the Olympic National Park. Keep in mind, though, that the Olympics hit elevations of around 7,900ft, so be prepared for changing weather and snow at higher elevations.
As for events, time your visit during the annual Chief Seattle Days to celebrate the region's Indigenous community (August), taste the glories of the Bremerton Blackberry Festival (September), experience Viking Fest in Poulsbo (May), or catch FIFA World Cup and World Club Cup events in nearby Seattle (summer 2026).
This paid content article was created for the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Governor says N.J. World Cup will be ‘welcoming' to fans, despite Trump immigration crackdown
Governor says N.J. World Cup will be ‘welcoming' to fans, despite Trump immigration crackdown

Yahoo

time32 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Governor says N.J. World Cup will be ‘welcoming' to fans, despite Trump immigration crackdown

Gov. Phil Murphy speaking at a World Cup-related event in Liberty State Park on June 11, 2025. (Jake Hirsch/Governor's Office.) As anticipation builds for New Jersey hosting the World Cup next summer, anxieties are also swirling among international soccer fans worried they'll be targeted by Trump administration immigration policies. But Gov. Phil Murphy, who championed bringing FIFA's soccer tournament to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, said he's not concerned about that and is optimistic it'll be a 'blowout success and a safe World Cup.' 'Based on all the vibrations I hear, and we hear a lot, we're obviously working very closely with the administration, with FIFA. This is going to be done in a first-class, welcoming way,' Murphy said at a World Cup-related event at Liberty State Park in Jersey City Wednesday. Next year's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with 48 teams and three host countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, with eight matches to be played at MetLife Stadium, including the final. More than 1 million people are expected to travel from across the world to attend the matches. Camille Varlack, a deputy mayor to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, claims it will generate as much as $3.4 billion in economic revenue for the region. Varlack said up to 70% of that will benefit New York City, which is New Jersey's host partner. Alex Lasry, CEO of the host committee for New Jersey's matches, urged tourists who may be worried to apply for a visa early and follow all the required steps. Lasry is focused on making sure everyone has a good time, he stressed. 'The world doesn't stop for these sporting events, and you have to go with the flow and make sure you're able to adapt, be a part of, and make sure that you're able to put on a successful event, despite geopolitics,' he said. Last month, Vice President J.D. Vance made an ominous warning to fans planning to visit for the most popular sporting event in the world. 'Of course everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event. I know we'll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries. We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game,' he said. 'But when the time is up, they'll have to go home. Otherwise, they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem,' referencing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Noem oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Adding to some fans' unease, President Donald Trump's travel ban and visa restrictions on nearly two dozen countries — including Iran, which qualified for the tournament — also went into effect this week. Officials Wednesday said that doesn't apply to athletes for the World Cup. 'I don't want to speak for the president, but where it is today versus where it lands a year from today, a long road to travel between now and then,' Murphy said. 'But anybody who qualifies, based on everything I know, is going to be welcomed whether their games are in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.' Philadelphia host committee CEO Meg Kane appears more anxious about how Trump administration policies will affect the tournament, telling The Guardian that officials are 'planning within uncertainty.' 'There are certainly things that are happening at the national level, the international level. There are going to be geopolitical issues that we don't even know right now that are going to affect the tournament next year,' Kane told the outlet. The focus of Wednesday's event was to mark the one-year countdown to the first match. Liberty State Park will be transformed into an official 'fan fest' site for watch parties for all 104 matches. Murphy noted that Major League Soccer, the professional league in the U.S. and Canada, was founded in response to the United States hosting the 1994 World Cup. 'I can only imagine what will be born out of this World Cup, and most importantly, in the communities in the region on both sides of the Hudson,' Murphy said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Countdown is on: One year until 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Massachusetts
Countdown is on: One year until 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Massachusetts

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Countdown is on: One year until 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Massachusetts

BOSTON (WPRI) — With a year to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials in Boston unveiled a countdown clock at Faneuil Hall. The international soccer tournament will be played in 16 host cities, including Boston. Seven games will be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro from June 13 to July 9, including a quarterfinal matchup. The stadium is slated to undergo extensive renovations ahead of the tournament and will temporarily be named 'Boston Stadium' for the World Cup matches. RELATED: Providence leaders 'actively involved' in conversations to host 2026 World Cup team Since the tournament is expected to bring an influx of tourists and revenue to Southern New England, Providence leaders are already warning about the level of planning that needs to be done. Providence is looking to host one of the teams after FIFA released 14 base camp options, which the organization described as a 'training site and accommodation pairing that will serve as the primary base for teams during the group stage, where they will train, rest, and prepare for their matches.' Currently, only New York and New Jersey are the closest base camp options to New England. A FIFA spokesperson told 12 News that more options will be announced later this year. Separately, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is meeting monthly to prepare for the matches, which will increase to bimonthly in August. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Just Unveiled the Largest All-inclusive Luxury Cruise Ship Suite in History—Starting at $25,000 Per Night
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Just Unveiled the Largest All-inclusive Luxury Cruise Ship Suite in History—Starting at $25,000 Per Night

Yahoo

time8 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Just Unveiled the Largest All-inclusive Luxury Cruise Ship Suite in History—Starting at $25,000 Per Night

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is launching its newest ship, , in 2026 and gave an exclusive first look at the renderings of its Skyview Regent Suite, which it says is the 'largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite in history."There are luxury cruise ships, and then there's the 822-passenger Seven Seas Prestige—the most recent addition to Regent Seven Seas' fleet. Last month, Travel + Leisure got an inside look at the new ship and its Renaissance-inspired interiors, but today, the cruise line unveiled one of the most exciting features of the vessel: the Skyview Regent Suite. Billed as the 'largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite in history,' the 8,794-square-foot, two-level suite is a far cry from the small, slightly cramped rooms most people associate with this type of travel. The palatial accommodations fit up to six guests, and anyone willing to pay the staggering $25,000 per night rate will get to take advantage of all of the perks that come with the booking—including a personal butler, daily spa treatments, private fitness sessions, and access to a private car and driver at each port. And while the ship will dock at some of the most incredible places around the world—the maiden voyage will sail from Barcelona on Dec. 13, 2026, calling on Málaga, Spain; Madeira, Portugal; and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands before arriving in Miami—there's hardly a reason to leave the suite. Along with 3,703 square feet of wraparound balcony space, there's a personal gym, massage room, formal dining area, and all the panoramic ocean views you could ever need. On the main level, you'll enter via the grand foyer and transition into the reception area (complete with a floating natural stone staircase and an in-suite elevator) before discovering the dining area with a library-style seating nook, bar, living room, and secondary full guest suite. Upon ascending to the upper level, you'll enter the main suite—an ultra-luxe space with a sitting area, ocean-facing bed, and spacious walk-in closet. The real highlight of the bedroom, though, just might be its spa-inspired bathroom, designed with a floating tub, sauna, walk-in shower, and twin vanities. 'In the Skyview Regent Suite, we aimed to capture the essence of modern Italian design, combining clean, elegant lines with exquisite craftsmanship to create a truly unforgettable experience,' Elias Sol, a senior associate at Studio DADO, said in a press release shared with T+L. The design elements are complemented by a range of thoughtful, high-end amenities—from a curated pillow and linen menu and personalized stationery to in-suite caviar service and a welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne and Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac. Even if you don't snag the ship's highly coveted suite, there's still a chance to experience the other privileges and activities the Seven Seas Prestige provides its passengers. All guests will enjoy unlimited shore excursions, 11 different dining experiences, wines and spirits, high-speed Wi-Fi, various entertainment, laundry, and pre-paid gratuities. 'As Seven Seas Prestige sets sail on her inaugural season in December 2026, visiting the Caribbean and Europe's most iconic destinations, the ship's 12 suite categories, including the Skyview Regent Suite, will offer our discerning guests a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience the world—with all the comfort, elegance, and heartfelt hospitality that defines Regent,' Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, shared in the press release. Learn more about the Skyview Regent Suite and upcoming Seven Seas Prestige voyages at Read the original article on Travel & Leisure

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store