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Time Out
25-06-2025
- Time Out
13 small towns near Seattle that are absolutely worth a visit
Seattle offers visitors mountain-water view combos over fresh seafood, a thriving indie art scene close to nature, and some of the best coffee in the country. However, there is so much more to the Evergreen State than the big(ish) city. If the urban traffic and crowds make you crave something a bit different after a few days, consider one of these small towns! Poulsbo Nineteenth-century Scandinavian settlers put down roots in the Pacific Northwest due to the familiar terrain, climate and industries (fishing, logging and farming). Poulsbo provided a central location on Puget Sound, and to this day, it is known as 'Little Norway.' (The town even hosts an annual Vikingfest each May.) Sluy's Bakery, a local institution, bakes regionally famous lefse (Norwegian potato crepes), bread and Nordic baked goods. The free-to-enter Maritime and Heritage Museums provide history and context. Additionally, make sure to visit the nearby gravesite of Chief Sealth (Seattle's namesake) and the Suquamish Museum for the indigenous history. Winslow Commute like a Washingtonian and take an iconic ferry ride across Puget Sound to Winslow. Once rural Bainbridge Island's main hub, these days the trendy town serves as Seattleites' go-to day trip for waterfront brunch and shopping. Have a crab Benedict at Cafe Hitchcock, purchase baked goods at Blackbird Bakery, grab coffee at Pegasus Coffee House and wander down to the waterfront. For a more educational experience, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is an essential stop to learn about the darker side of the island's history. North Bend Rattlesnake Ledge, Mailbox Peak and Big/Little Si are some of the most popular day hikes from Seattle. Nearby North Bend (one of the main filming locations for Twin Peaks) makes for the perfect post-trail lunch stop. Favorites include South Fork, North Bend Bar & Grill or Twede's Cafe. The Northwest Railway Museum is a fun, informative stop in town and will delight train enthusiasts of all ages. If you still have some energy, the famous Snoqualmie Falls are just a 10-minute drive away and round out an ideal PNW day. Kingston The Kingston fast ferry now makes a scenic trip to the Kitsap Peninsula easier than ever. The area comprises just a couple of streets, clustered above the ferry terminal and marina, with a consistently laid-back vibe. Must-visit spots to eat include Island Cool Ice Cream, the Kingston Ale House and J'aime Les Crêpes Crêperie. Edmonds This walkable suburb is located 20 minutes north of Seattle and is situated right on Puget Sound. The wonderful weekend farmers' market features local products from around Washington between May and October. Additionally, whale watching tours depart from the marina, saving you a longer trip to Anacortes or the San Juan Islands. Kirkland Located right on Lake Washington, Kirkland is an eastside hub for those who love lake access in a walkable town with amazing restaurants and cafes. Waterside walking paths, public beach access and a seasonal farmers' market all provide respite during the summer. Woodinville Woodinville has been Western Washington's primary wine destination since Chateau Ste. Michelle opened a tasting room back in the 1970s. Historically, Washington vineyards have been located east of the Cascade Mountain range (which divides the state) due to its sunnier, better wine-growing climate. However, following Ste. Michelle, many have opened westside tasting rooms and event centers featuring summer concerts and other fun happenings here. Langley Whidbey Island's cutest town is perfect for a weekend getaway. Take a kayak tour, admire the well-maintained historic buildings and take in views of Camano Island across the way. If you want a good cup of coffee, head to Salty Sea Coffee, or for bookish visitors, the Commons Cafe & Books. Coupeville Another charming Whidbey locale, Coupeville's recently refurbished pier features the new Native women-run coffee shop, Beaver Tales Coffee. It's also close to Ebey's Landing, one of the most breathtaking hikes on the island, with jaw-dropping views of the sound and distant Olympic Mountains. Port Townsend This adorable town sits at the very tip of the Quimper Peninsula (part of the larger Olympic Peninsula across the sound from Seattle). Visitors can relax in Victorian mansions that now serve as B&Bs, wander the beach and peruse the many antique shops and quaint cafes. Want to extend your trip? Just take the Coupeville ferry across to Whidbey. Anacortes This beautiful waterside spot is worth an overnight stay before hopping on the ferry to the nearby San Juan Islands. Anacortes is also a great spot to go whale watching. Whether you're scouting for marine life or not, take in the view at the Sares Head Viewpoint or from a rooftop bar. La Conner La Conner makes for an easy detour en route to Anacortes. You'll be rewarded with a historic riverfront, with a walkway right over the water and great food and drink options like the La Conner Brewing Company and Nell Thorn. Bellingham
National Geographic
22-05-2025
- National Geographic
The Pacific Northwest county primed for adventure lovers
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. Stump houses were commonplace in the early logging days of the late 19th century, when enormous trees were cut down and resourceful settlers repurposed the stumps for storage and shelter. Photograph by Aljolynn Sperber What to do 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. The Kitsap Peninsula provides fishers, restaurants and diners access to some of the freshest seafood in the Pacific Northwest, including oysters, clams, salmon, Dungeness crab and mussels. Where to eat 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. Great dining and entertainment meet fascinating maritime history in Bremerton. Photograph by Visit Kitsap Peninsula Illahee State Park is home to an impressive old-growth forest, including towering Douglas firs. Photograph by Visit Kitsap Where to stay 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. More than 150 vendors gather to celebrate all things blackberry on the Bremerton Boardwalk for the annual Blackberry Festival. Photograph by Isaak Hammers When to go 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). Direct flights are available to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Cars are available to rent for the 75-minute drive to Kitsap Peninsula, or take a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle to Bremerton. For more information, head to 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).
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
The Pacific Northwest county primed for adventure lovers
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).
