15 Absolutely Amazing Things to do in Bremerton

Looking for a weekend getaway in the South Sound? Try the largest city in the Kitsap Peninsula! Before you go, learn about the best things to do in Bremerton, Washington.

Disclaimer: This blog post was created in partnership with Visit Kitsap Peninsula. All thoughts, opinions, and recommendations are my own!

First Timer’s Guide to Bremerton, WA

Washington State is packed with hidden gems, and Bremerton is a treasure you don’t want to miss. This vibrant spot brims with naval and maritime history, diverse culture, and gorgeous natural spaces. Oh, and did I mention it hugs the salty shores of Puget Sound? That’s an automatic win in my book. Beaches, salty air, and maybe even an orca sighting? Yes, please!

For a little geography refresher, the Kitsap Peninsula is just west of Seattle and is home to charming towns like Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, Port Orchard, and Seabeck. As a true peninsula, it’s surrounded by water on three sides, with the Hood Canal to the west and the Puget Sound to the east. On a clear day, you’ll even catch views of the Olympic Mountains across the water.

Getting here is part of the fun! From Seattle, you can hop on a ferry and be in Bremerton in about an hour. If you’re coming from Tacoma, just cross the Narrows Bridge and head north past Gig Harbor.

Ready to explore Bremerton? Keep scrolling for a roundup of the best things to do. Bonus: everything on this list is within a six-mile radius, so you’ll spend less time driving and more time adventuring. You can thank me later!

Where to Stay

Do you love the Puget Sound as much as I do? Then why not stay in a new, modern suite with your very own water view?

We stayed at Marina Square Suites, and it was seriously 10/10. Besides the breathtaking view, our room had a full kitchen, dining area, desk, & a washer and dryer. You’ll probably notice that their suites feel more like apartments than hotel rooms — and that’s because the buildings are mixed use. So, you will share the building with the people who call Bremerton home.

Here are a few things you should expect:

• Paid garage parking is available
• Dog friendly
• Easy to walk downtown (plus popular attractions like the U.S.S Turner Joy)

Fun Activities to Try in 2025

See Stunning Sights While Park Hopping

One of the things I adore about Bremerton is how it feels like there’s a park waiting around every corner! As we drove around, we couldn’t resist making impromptu stops at parks that looked too stunning to pass up.

Of the nearly 50 parks, here are the ones you definitely can’t miss:

Lions Park

One cloudy morning, as Kyle and I drove across the Manette Bridge, we caught a glimpse of the Olympic Mountains peeking out from beneath the clouds—it was one of those magical Pacific Northwest moments. Hoping to find the perfect spot to soak in the view, we crossed our fingers for a nearby park. To our delight, we stumbled upon Lions Park!

This 17-acre city gem offers a little something for everyone: a scenic walking path beloved by locals (and their furry companions), a rocky shoreline teeming with birds, and sports facilities for softball and tennis enthusiasts.

But the real showstopper? The jaw-dropping view of the Olympics. Trust me, a visit to Lions Park is an absolute must!

Ilahee State Park

Located 3 miles east of Lyons Park is the only state park in Bremerton. With the last remaining old growth forest in Kitsap County, a display featuring two historic naval guns from the U.S.S. West Virginia, and sandy saltwater shoreline complete with a pier, Illahee State Park is a place to hold dear.

Interestingly, this park is home to one of the biggest yew trees in the country! Take a stroll on the ~2 miles of trails to spot it.

Looking for a place to camp? You can make reservations year-round at one of Ilahee’s 24 forested sites. Note that only one has full hook-ups. If not reserved, sites are first come first serve.

Bestie Tip: Since this is a state park, you will need to display a Discover Pass ($30 annually) or pay the $10 day use fee.

{RELATED POST: Top 10 Scenic Washington State Parks}

Forest Ridge Park

Perched above downtown Bremerton, Forest Ridge Park is a small but enchanting wooded escape. Before checking out of our hotel, we ventured here for a peaceful morning walk. The day was foggy, yet the fall colors still popped vividly—a delightful surprise for early December. The atmosphere was perfectly moody, like a scene out of a Pacific Northwest postcard.

What photos can’t capture are the sounds of the wildlife around us. We heard the croaky calls of ravens perched high in the trees and, surprisingly, the distant bark of a sea lion carrying all the way from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. How the sound traveled that far remains a mystery, but it added a magical touch to the experience.

We also loved the interpretive signs scattered along the trail, offering tidbits about the park’s plant life. And if you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll even spot one for Sasquatch! (Sadly, I didn’t have any sightings to report—but there’s always next time!)

Reconnect with Nature and Relax at Vista Gardens

Since Vista Gardens is privately owned rather than a traditional park, it earns its own special category—and trust me, it more than deserves it!

I’ve never met a botanical garden I didn’t love, but Vista Gardens is truly in a league of its own. Tucked into a quiet residential area and accessed via a gated driveway, this hidden gem is the brainchild of John Albers and his wife, Santica Marcovina. Their passion for sustainable gardening shines through every corner of this lush, lovingly curated space. With their home located on-site, the gardens have a uniquely personal and intimate vibe that makes you feel like an invited guest.

When you visit this local attraction, you’ll park in their driveway, grab a brochure with a handy map, and then wander through 15 distinctive garden spaces. Here are a few highlights that Kyle and I especially loved:

• An ancient redwood tree estimated to be around 95 years old
• A serene Madrona grove, where we watched birds feeding on berries even in late fall
• Two varieties of larch trees, which light up the garden in stunning golden hues

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for birds as you explore. During our visit, we spotted bald eagles, hummingbirds, and flocks of robins—a birdwatcher’s paradise!

Bestie Tip: Plan your outing ahead of time by either scheduling a visit or attending a special event like a tour, guided tour or gardening workshop.

Dive Deep into the Region’s Naval History

Of course, a guide of things to do in Bremerton has to include learning more about what makes the city unique. In large part, its roots trace back to the late 19th century when the U.S. Navy established a base here, shaping the city into the vibrant waterfront community it is today.

Puget Sound Navy Museum

Hands down, the best way to dive deeper into Bremerton’s naval heritage is by visiting the free Puget Sound Navy Museum. One of only ten museums operated by the U.S. Navy, it’s housed in historic Building 50, a beautifully preserved structure dating back to 1896 that once served as an administrative hub.

Inside, the museum’s exhibits are as engaging as they are educational. Here’s what you can explore:

• The history of the U.S. Navy in Bremerton (first floor): Learn how the Navy’s presence has shaped the city since the late 19th century.
• Life aboard the Navy’s nuclear aircraft carriers (second floor): Experience the day-to-day challenges and adventures of sailors at sea.
• Military fashion’s influence on pop culture (second floor): Discover how staples like bomber jackets and wide-leg pants originated with sailors and became iconic trends.

All of the exhibits were incredibly fascinating! It’s mind-boggling to imagine pilots landing on a moving aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean. And the fashion exhibit? Pure fun! It even gave me Museum of Pop Culture vibes. As someone who loves styling white wide-leg pants, it was so cool to see how this timeless style got its start with sailors.

Tour the U.S.S. Turner Joy

Another one of the most popular things to do in Bremerton is explore a retired famous naval destroyer from the Vietnam War that has been converted into a museum. Docked at the northernmost part of the marina, this impressive ship is impossible to miss—it’s the kind of sight that instantly sparks curiosity as you take in the waterfront views.

For those eager to step aboard and take a closer look, guided tours are available and typically last 1–2 hours. Admission is $22 per adult, with discounts for active and retired service members. It’s an opportunity to walk through history and experience life on a legendary naval vessel!

Explore Downtown Bremerton

Downtown Bremerton is a vibrant hub brimming with diverse cuisines—from Filipino, Indian, and Mexican fare to local shops filled with charm and creativity. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and soak up the local flavor. Here are some of our favorite spots to check out:

Cups Espresso & Cafe

First things first: coffee! For a pick-me-up, head to Cups Espresso & Cafe. This cozy spot serves up delicious seasonal drinks, smoothies, and a tasty selection of breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Want to linger a little longer? They’ve got comfy seating by the windows where you can relax and soak up the sunshine.

{RELATED POST: Best Coffee Shops in Portland Oregon}

Ballast Book Co.

Next door, don’t miss the town’s independent bookstore. They have fun seasonal displays (we saw a collection of Krampus books and holiday romance novels), a generously-sized kids section, and lots of fun add-ons like stickers.

Check out staff picks for a preview of what you can find!

F.R.O.G. Soap

If you’ve never been to F.R.O.G. Soap then you are in for a sensory treat! Besides serving up natural, handcrafted body care items, this shop smells like heaven.

We visited during the holidays, and were impressed by their gift options (pre-packaged bundles wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree!)

You’ll find whipped body butter, shampoo bars, and so much more at F.R.O.G. Soap! We left with gifts for many loved ones (and also ourselves haha).

Stroll Through Idyllic Manette

Across the bridge from the heart of downtown is the charming neighborhood of Manette. It is full of beloved local businesses. Here are a few favorites:

Life in Mauve

If boho vibes and everything pink is your style, then you will be obsessed with Life in Mauve. This jewelry and lifestyle shop owned by Nayeli Rivera is the perfect place to treat yourself or grab gifts for the girlies.

In particular, I loved their handmade jewelry and left with gold Christmas bow earrings!

The Boat Shed

Of all the fun things to do in Bremerton, dining on the water needs to be at the top of the list! Undoubtedly, the best place to do this is The Boat Shed. For over 40 years, this restaurant has served fresh seafood, seasonally-inspired cocktails, and excellent views. They also have a wide wine selection.

Bestie Tip: This dining option is on the pricier side, so I would recommend it for celebrating special occasions.

Saboteur Bakery

When asking locals what their favorite places to visit in Bremerton are, the most common response I heard was Saboteuer Bakery. Known for their artisan breads and croissants, this is a place worth getting to early (because they do sell out!)

Expect to find sweet and savory pastries like danishes (the apple one is amazing) and scones.

Note that there isn’t seating, so plan to eat on-the-go.

Manette Bridge

Last but not least, while in Manette you must catch sunset from the Manette Bridge! Street parking is available on 11th street near the Whitney Dumsted Plaza. From here, take the stairs up to the bridge for a birds-eye view looking at downtown Bremerton from across the water.

Get Crafty at Eastern Wind Glass

One of the most unique things to do in Bremerton is to make glass art! They have a variety of offerings like stained glass classes, fused glass classes for kids, and private studio time.

Even if you are a beginner, you can learn how to make Christmas ornaments, wind chines, garden stakes, and more out of fused glass.

Bestie Tip: Note that finished projects will be available for pickup ~1 week later, as they must spend hours in the kiln. When they’re ready, you will receive a phone call.

This post was all about the best things to do in Bremerton.