An active shipyard since the turn of the 19th century, Bremerton eventually became a key naval city on the West Coast during World War II. Today, the revitalized waterfront and walkable downtown hosts a vibrant cluster of restaurants, museums, shops, galleries, and parks, making this the perfect destination for history buffs and foodies.
From Seattle, take a 30-minute fast ferry, which delivers visitors to Bremerton’s waterfront with sweeping views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains along the way. Alternatively, you can also reach Bremerton by car (about 65 miles from Seattle) via a scenic drive through the Kitsap Peninsula.
Things to do in Bremerton
Outdoors
Nestled next to the ferry terminal downtown, Harborside Fountain Park is a 2.2-acre waterfront plaza full of interactive public art. Watch as five copper-plated fountains simulate submarine conning towers by periodically spouting water into shallow pools. During summer, it makes the perfect place for little ones to splash around and cool off. Nearby, the short but sweet Bremerton Boardwalk runs along the downtown waterfront with views of the Seattle skyline and distant mountains. Don’t miss the Night Market and free summer Rock the Dock concert series.
Head across the Port Washington Narrows to Vista Gardens, a four-acre refuge for plant and garden enthusiasts. Explore a variety of gardens, including a biofiltration garden, redwood sanctuary, conifer reserve, native madrone mini-ecosystem, and more. To the east, Illahee State Park occupies a lovely curve of Port Orchard Bay. Go crabbing or fishing from the pier, explore 82 acres of old-growth forest, and launch kayaks from the campground with glorious views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.
At the 446-acre Rhododendron Preserve, marvel at one of the largest remaining examples of lowland virgin forest in the Puget Sound Basin. Stroll through old-growth forest on the 1.5-mile Big Tree Trail, which is home to a Douglas fir aptly named Big Tree (its trunk is more than 30 feet around). Due west, you can access hiking trails in Green Mountain State Forest; the Gold Creek Trail offers spectacular views of Hood Canal.
Culture & History
History buffs will love Bremerton, especially those interested in Naval history. In downtown, don’t miss the USS Turner Joy docked off the Bremerton Boardwalk. This Vietnam-era warship is now the Naval Destroyer Museum, transporting visitors back in time as they explore the ship’s electronics, torpedo launchers, and vintage propulsion systems. Delve further into naval heritage at the nearby Puget Sound Navy Museum. Learn about everyday life on a U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carrier. For young visitors, the S.A.I.L. (Science, Art, and Interactive Learning) program explores topics like wave models and hydraulics.
Go beyond Naval history with a visit to the nearby Kitsap History Museum. The historic 1950s art deco building hosts exhibits covering everything from Native American trade routes to women trailblazers in Kitsap County’s history. Be sure to visit revitalized Quincy Square, a hub of arts and culture honoring the legacy of Quincy Jones, a celebrated musician from Bremerton. Spanning Pacific Avenue to Washington Avenue along 4th Street, the pavement design emulates giant piano keys, and a mural of music icons covers the parking garage.
The local art scene activates every month for the First Friday Art Walk, inspiring festivities across Bremerton. Peruse galleries, enjoy acoustic sets at breweries, and pop into events at shops and cafes. Catch the West Sound Film Festival or live performances at The Roxy Theatre, Kitsap County’s only nonprofit arthouse cinema and event venue. The Admiral Theatre, with an aesthetic that harkens back to whimsical 1940s Hollywood glamour, regularly hosts touring bands, comedians, and music festivals.
Enjoy a piece of history on a 10-minute foot ferry to Port Orchard. Most likely, the historic Carlisle II from the state’s Mosquito Fleet era will carry you across Sinclair Inlet. The tiny ferry runs daily and delivers visitors to the Port Orchard Boardwalk, a pedestrian waterfront full of antique shops, local boutiques, and cafes.
Shopping
Bremerton’s downtown is home to plenty of shopping options. Find your next favorite read at Ballast Book Company, a locally-owned independent bookstore that regularly hosts author events and book clubs at neighboring wine and cider bar, Grumble and Wine, and Ashley’s Pub, a beer and boardgame epicenter located downstairs.
For locally-sourced gifts and trinkets, peruse the aisles of Downtown Mercantile. At Bigfoot’s House of Vinyl, a giant stuffed yeti in sunglasses greets shoppers, who can explore used turntables, stereo gear, and a deep selection of records. Check Instagram for updates about live shows at the shop.
Across the bridge in the Manette neighborhood, discover items from bygone eras at Manette Antiques. Find everything from antique microphones and vintage chandeliers to stained glass and cowboy boots; they also sell wares from local vendors and artists.
Annual Events
Held in May, the Armed Forces Day Parade has been a tradition since 1948 and is the largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day Parade west of the Mississippi. More than 20,000 people line the streets to celebrate and support all the branches of the U.S. armed forces. Bonus events include a pancake breakfast and the Hero’s Barbecue.
Art fans won’t want to miss the Wayzgoose Kitsap Festival in July, with steamroller printing demonstrations, live music, food trucks, an art market, and kids’ activities. In August, come hungry to the Taste of Kitsap, where local chefs and food trucks display their talent. During the two-day festival, sample delicious cuisines, from Asian fusion to Southern American and more. While noshing, hang out in the beer garden or by the mainstage with live music. Later in August, the three-day Blackberry Festival on the Bremerton Boardwalk celebrates the hallowed bramble. Festival goers try blackberry-themed food and drink, shop from local vendors, and enjoy a packed live music schedule.
Come December, Krampusnacht Bremerton celebrates the goatlike creature from Bavarian lore, which pre-dates St. Nicholas. Take part in costumed revelries at the family-friendly Krampus Parade and the Krampus Market, where you’ll find food trucks and vendors selling folklore-inspired wares.
Where to Eat
Near the boardwalk, Axe & Arrow Gastropub serves American favorites, from burgers and sandwiches to pasta and steak. Those with dietary restrictions and preferences, like gluten-free and vegetarian, will also find plenty to enjoy, as well as an extensive cocktail and draft beer menu. Just a block away, savor Japanese dishes at Yoko Yoko Ramen, which is open late on the weekends. Customize a ramen bowl or munch on furikake fries, shitake gyoza, and pork katsu sandwiches.
Across the Manette Bridge, the Boat Shed’s location on a pier over the water is hard to beat. Tuck into a fish sandwich while watching boaters moor right on the dock. Around the corner, Saboteur Bakery is run by a former pastry chef of Michelin-starred restaurants and draws a devoted following. Nibble on an egg Danish or twice-baked chocolate almond croissant. Tip: Get there early before they sell out.
North of downtown on the edge of Evergreen Rotary Park, Evergreen Pizza Co. has a lovely patio with firepits where diners enjoy wood-fired pizzas and small plates like marinated olives and house-made sourdough focaccia. To the north, visit Restaurant Lola, the brainchild of Chef John Hal. This intimate eatery always features local Hama Hama oysters and curates a highly seasonal menu—think lamb ragu with cured olives or sablefish with andouille sausage. Don’t miss one of their elevated cocktails, like the Golden Hour with reposado, ginger-lemongrass syrup, lime juice, and orange curaçao.
Where to Stay
For water views along the Bremerton Boardwalk, check into Marina Square Suites, a locally owned boutique hotel that’s walkable to food and nightlife. The room views and rooftop patio are supreme, and the property makes a nice base for extended stays. One block north, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is equally walkable and has an indoor pool. Head 10 minutes west of town to the Flagship Inn on quiet Oyster Bay. Its simpler accommodations have balconies with stellar views across the water to the Olympic Mountains, and guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool.
About the Author
Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks, Alaska Airlines Magazine, and Adventure Cyclist Magazine. When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands.