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Get Your Fun On: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bremerton, Washington!

It is worth being clear about why Bremerton is here at all. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard was established in 1891 and has been the major employer ever since. The USS Turner Joy is docked downtown, the Navy Museum is free, and the Memorial Plaza names the people who died working the yard. Everything else on this page sits around that one fact. Understand the shipyard and the town stops being a ferry stop.

Looking for a getaway with something in it? Bremerton, Washington is the answer. This small city, a short ferry ride from Seattle, runs a broad spread of activities and attractions that suit visitors of all ages.

Working through the outdoors, eating properly on local cuisine, or getting into the city’s history and culture, Bremerton covers all three. From nautical adventures and outdoor escapades to entertainment and nightlife, the things to see and do here are plentiful.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready for an adventure in Bremerton, Washington that stays with you.

Bremerton: A Brief Overview

You have heard of Seattle, but have you heard of Bremerton? In Kitsap County in the Pacific Northwest region of Washington State, Bremerton is a small city sitting on the Kitsap Peninsula, a short ferry ride across the Puget Sound from Seattle.

Bremerton is a city with a real naval history, and it is home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, which has been a major employer in the area since it was established in 1891. But there is more to Bremerton than its naval history.

The city is surrounded by the country of the Pacific Northwest, with the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in view. You can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk at Harborside Fountain Park, or work through the many hiking trails in the nearby Olympic National Forest.

If you are a history buff, you will get on with the Bremerton Historic Ships Association, which runs several decommissioned naval vessels you can tour, including the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship. And if you want a family activity, the Bremerton Ice Center is a strong place to go ice skating.

Bremerton is also a strong destination for anybody serious about food. You find a range of restaurants serving Pacific Northwest cuisine, from fresh seafood to locally sourced produce. And if beer is your thing, check out the many local breweries in the area.

Bremerton is a Pacific Northwest town that nobody sends you to, and it is worth the visit. History, the outdoors, or simply a good time, you will find plenty to do and see in this city on the Puget Sound.

Nautical Adventures in Bremerton

Ahoy matey. If you want nautical adventures, Bremerton has you covered. From naval history to warships, there is plenty to work through.

Start at the Puget Sound Navy Museum, in the historic Building 50 near the Bremerton Ferry Terminal. It is completely free and runs exhibits that open up the area’s naval history. You get a window into life aboard aircraft carriers and submarines. And who knows, you might even spot a sea monster.

Next, check out the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship. This vessel is one of the popular tourist attractions in Bremerton. Before being decommissioned, the USS Turner Joy Ship was dispatched in 1958 and spent many years at sea. Now it is docked in Bremerton and open for tours. You get to see what life was like on board a naval ship and maybe even pretend to steer it yourself.

If warships are your thing, head over to the Bremerton Historic Ships Association. They run a collection of historic ships, including the USS Turner Joy, that you can tour. It is a good way to take what life was like on board a naval ship.

For a more somber experience, visit the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza. It is a tribute to the men and women who lost their lives while serving at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Take a moment to pay your respects and mark their sacrifice.

Bremerton is where anybody nautical ends up. With naval museums, warships and historic ships, the range covers everybody. So grab your captain’s hat and set sail.

Outdoor Escapades

Bremerton is where anybody who wants to be outdoors ends up. From scenic walking areas to activities with more in them, the things to do outdoors here are plentiful.

One of the popular destinations is the Evergreen Rotary Park. This park runs a playground, picnic tables and a walking trail along Sinclair Inlet. It is where to spend a lazy afternoon with your family or friends.

If you want a harder hike, head to Green Mountain State Forest. With over 6,000 acres of forest, this area runs some of the stronger hiking trails in the state. The view from the summit is the reason people climb it, and it goes on for a long way.

For a more relaxed experience outdoors, visit the Illahee State Park. This 82-acre park runs a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating and swimming. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the beach with the Olympic Mountains in view.

If you are in the mood for gardens, check out the Albers Marovina Vista Gardens. This botanical garden runs over 20 acres of planting and walking trails. You can spend hours working through the different areas and looking at the flowers.

For an outdoor experience you will not get elsewhere, visit the Kitsap Forest Theater. This outdoor theater sits in the heart of the forest and runs a range of plays and musicals through the year. It is a good way to be outdoors and take in some culture at the same time.

Whatever your outdoor interests are, Bremerton has something for you. So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic and get out into it.

Bremerton’s Culinary Scene

You might not expect it, but Bremerton’s culinary scene is genuinely strong. From small coffee shops to family pancake houses to upscale restaurants, the range covers every taste and budget.

Start the day properly with a stack of pancakes at the family-owned and operated Hi-Lo’s 15th Street Cafe. You will get on with their fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon, and the friendly staff will make you feel at home.

If you want caffeine, head over to Pegasus Coffee House. Not only do they serve good coffee, but they also run classes on everything from Direct Trade to roasting and grinding. You will be a coffee connoisseur in no time.

For lunch or dinner, check out The Curry. This Indian restaurant runs some of the strongest masala chai in town, and their curries are the part people talk about. You will get on with the small room and the friendly service.

If you want something more upscale, make a reservation at Anthony’s at Sinclair Inlet. This waterfront restaurant serves fresh seafood with the Puget Sound in front of it. And do not miss their famous clam chowder, which is the one to order.

Wherever you go in Bremerton, you will find something worth eating. So go ahead and order properly. You will not regret it.

Entertainment and Nightlife

You have had a full day working through Bremerton, but the night is still young and you are not ready to stop. Bremerton runs plenty of options to keep you occupied well into the night.

If you follow music, head over to Brother Dons Bar & Grill. With Jeff’s Showcase running strong local musical talent, you will have a good evening. And if bluegrass is your thing, check out The Hillbenders. They will have you tapping your feet in no time.

For a more laid-back evening, head over to Tracyton Public House. With plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, you will find something that suits your taste. And if you are feeling adventurous, try Beyond Reality. This virtual reality center runs an experience you will not get elsewhere.

If you want outdoor fun, head over to Kitsap Playland. With a playground and plenty of attractions to choose from, you will have a good time. And if you want something lower-key, catch a movie at one of Bremerton’s movie theaters. The drive-in is the classic option, but if you want something indoors, check out the Kitsap Conference Center.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Bremerton has something to offer. So go ahead, let loose and have a good night out.

The town reads from the water inward. The ferry terminal, the Navy Museum and the Turner Joy all sit on the waterfront within a short walk of one another. Harborside Fountain Park and the boardwalk run along the same edge. The restaurants sit behind. The parks and the forest are further out, and Green Mountain State Forest runs over 6,000 acres of it. Start at the ferry and work inland, because that is the order the town was actually built in.

Historical Landmarks and Museums

So you want to get into the history of Bremerton? You are in luck. This town is full of historical landmarks and museums that take you back in time.

Start with the Kitsap History Museum. Here you find the story of Kitsap County, from its early Native American inhabitants to its current role as a center of naval activity. The museum runs interactive exhibits, artifacts and photographs that bring the past back.

If you follow puppets, do not miss the Valentinetti Puppet Museum. This museum is dedicated to the art of puppetry and runs a range of puppets from around the world. You even get the chance to see live puppet shows and learn how to make your own puppet.

But there is more. The Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum is the other stop for puppet lovers. This museum is named after the late Aurora Valentinetti, a renowned puppeteer and Bremerton resident. Here you find an extensive collection of puppets, including marionettes, hand puppets and shadow puppets.

Last but not least, there is the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship. This historic naval destroyer served in the Vietnam War and is now open to the public as a museum. You can work through the ship’s decks, see its weapons and equipment, and learn about life on board during wartime.

So there you have it, the historical landmarks and museums in Bremerton. A history buff or somebody simply after something different to do, these attractions will entertain and educate you.

Day Trips from Bremerton

Congratulations, you have worked through the fun things to do in Bremerton. But there is more. You can take a day trip from Bremerton to the areas nearby.

First up, Seattle. We know Seattle is a big city, but hear us out. You can take a ferry from Bremerton to Seattle and be in the Emerald City inside the hour. Check out the Space Needle, visit the Pike Place Market, and take a stroll through the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. And if coffee is your thing, do not miss a visit to the original Starbucks.

If you want a more laid-back day trip, head to Poulsbo. This small town is known as “Little Norway” and sits a short drive from Bremerton. Walk the streets, check out the local shops, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. And if the timing is right, you might catch a glimpse of the famous Viking statue.

Another day trip option is Winslow. You can take a ferry from Bremerton to Winslow and be on Bainbridge Island in 30 minutes. Winslow runs a walkable downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants to work through. You can also visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art or take a walk through the Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre public garden.

And of course, there is the ferry itself. Taking a ferry from Bremerton is an experience in its own right. Take the Puget Sound as it goes past and keep an eye out for wildlife such as seals and eagles. And you can grab a bite to eat or a drink on board.

So there you have it, the day trip options from Bremerton. Get out there and work through them.

Exploring the Local Art Scene

Bremerton runs a working art scene that will hold even a well-travelled art enthusiast. Contemporary art or traditional work, this small city covers both.

One of the recognizable landmarks in Bremerton is the Manette Bridge. This bridge is not only a feat of engineering, because it is also a piece of work in its own right. The bridge looks out over the city and the surrounding waterways, which makes it a popular spot for photographers and artists alike.

If you want the top attractions in Bremerton, do not miss the Washington Beach Avenue. This street is lined with galleries and studios showing local art. Take a stroll down the avenue and find pieces you will not see anywhere else.

For anybody who wants to be outdoors, the boardwalks in Bremerton are the stop. These wooden walkways look out over the water and the city skyline, and they suit a leisurely stroll. You might even catch a local artist painting en plein air.

If you want to learn more about the local art scene, check out the points of interest in Bremerton. The city is home to several museums and cultural centers, including the Puget Sound Navy Museum and the Kitsap Historical Society & Museum. These institutions open up the history and culture of the region, and they often run rotating exhibits from local artists.

Bremerton is a strong destination for art lovers. Working through the galleries on Washington Beach Avenue or standing in front of the Manette Bridge, either way this small city will leave you thinking.

Unique Bremerton Experiences

Bremerton is full of experiences you will not find anywhere else. The shipyard workers, the fall, the piers, the lavender farm, the WWII history and the tourist attractions, this small city covers all of it.

One of the experiences in Bremerton you will not get elsewhere is visiting the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. You can take a tour of the yard and see how the workers repair and maintain the Navy’s ships. It is a real look into a world that most people never see.

If you want something slower, head to the Purple Scent Lavender Farm. This farm sits just outside of Bremerton and is where to slow down properly. Take a stroll through the lavender fields, breathe in the scent of the flowers and let the quiet do its work.

Fall is a strong time to visit Bremerton. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the city runs plenty of fall activities. Take a hayride, pick pumpkins at a local farm, or take a warm cup of cider at one of the many cafes in town.

Bremerton’s piers are also an experience in their own right. Take a walk along the waterfront with the Puget Sound in front of you. You can also visit the USS Turner Joy, a retired Navy destroyer that is now a museum. It is a good way to learn about WWII and the part Bremerton played in the war.

Lastly, do not miss the many tourist attractions in Bremerton. Visit the Bremerton Bug Museum, the Harborside Fountain Park or the Kitsap Historical Society Museum. There is always something new to find in this small city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bremerton worth visiting if I’m not a fan of ferries?

You might want to reconsider your stance on ferries, because Bremerton is only reachable by ferry. But fear not, because even if ferries are not your thing, Bremerton has plenty to offer. From good parks to museums you will not find elsewhere, the range covers everybody.

What’s the best way to spend a day in Bremerton without spending money?

Who says you need to spend money to have a good time? Bremerton runs plenty of free activities. Take a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk, work through the parks, or check out the art galleries in the city. You can also visit the Naval History Museum, which is free to enter and opens up the history of the US Navy.

Are there any quirky or unusual attractions in Bremerton worth checking out?

One of the attractions in Bremerton you will not get elsewhere is the Bug Museum, which runs over 6,000 specimens of insects from all over the world. If you follow vintage cars, check out the Admiral Theatre’s Classic Film Series, which screens classic movies and runs vintage cars in the parking lot. And if you want something genuinely strange, head to the Manette Saloon, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former owner.

Can you recommend any unique shopping experiences in Bremerton?

If you want something you will not find elsewhere, check out the Bremerton Farmers Market, which runs local produce, handmade crafts and artisanal foods. You can also visit the Bremerton Letterpress Co., which sells handmade paper goods and runs letterpress printing classes. And if you follow vintage clothing, check out the Kitsap County Historical Museum’s Vintage Clothing Sale, which happens on a regular schedule.

What’s the best time of year to visit Bremerton for festivals and events?

Bremerton has something going on year-round, but if you want festivals and events, summer is the season to visit. The Bremerton Blackberry Festival in August is the one to catch, running live music, food vendors and plenty of blackberries. And if you follow classic cars, check out the Cruzin’ to Colby Car Show in July.

Is there a secret beach in Bremerton that the locals love?

It is not exactly a secret, but Illahee State Park is a favorite among locals. This park looks out over Puget Sound and runs hiking trails and a sandy beach that suits swimming and picnicking. So pack a picnic, grab your sunscreen and head to Illahee State Park for a day in the sun.

Frequently asked questions about Bremerton, Washington

Which Bremerton museum is worth an hour and costs you nothing?

The Puget Sound Navy Museum, in the historic Building 50 near the ferry terminal, which is free to enter and covers life aboard carriers and submarines. The USS Turner Joy is docked nearby and open for tours of the decks. Kitsap History Museum runs the county from its Native American inhabitants right forward to now. The Puppet Museum is odd.

Which Bremerton park suits a family for an afternoon outdoors?

Evergreen Rotary Park, which has a playground, picnic tables and a walking trail running the whole length of Sinclair Inlet. Illahee State Park covers 82 acres with fishing, boating, swimming and a beach at the bottom of it. Green Mountain State Forest is the hard one at over 6,000 acres of forest. The gardens run over 20 acres.

Which Bremerton festival is worth timing the whole visit around?

The Bremerton Blackberry Festival in August, which runs live music, food vendors and a genuinely large amount of blackberry. Cruzin’ to Colby is the classic car show and it lands in July. The farmers market runs local produce, handmade crafts and artisanal food besides that. Summer, then.

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