Send Nodes Plant Shop in Poulsbo, Photo of interior by Send Nodes
Start the day in a place that brings the outdoors indoors, at Send Nodes Plant Shop you’ll enjoy views of Liberty Bay while sipping on fresh coffee and browsing a new houseplant! Stretch your legs and enjoy unique finds at Viking City Bricks & Rockin’ Ruby’s Records located right next to each other and perfect for a little treasure hunting! When you’re hungry, this popular Vietnamese restaurant has received Best Asian and Best Vegetarian Restaurant for 10 years, do not miss out on a warm bowl of soup to comfort your soul at Pho T & N. When the weather calls for fresh air, head to Liberty Bay Waterfront Park for a misty stroll along the water. Watch boats drift across the bay and take in the views of Liberty Bay before wandering back into downtown Poulsbo for a warm bite to eat. If you have the energy, the new Escape Gallery is a great Viking-themed escape room to solve!
U.S. Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport
With an easy local drive through, I’d recommend Latte on Your Way, Cafe Cocina off Finn Hill, or The Cup & Muffin to grab coffee as you head toward Keyport and the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, where admission is free! Learn about submarine technology, undersea exploration, and naval history of Puget Sound. Looking for lunch near the highway exit, Bongos Cafe provides delicious Caribbean food! Then head to Suquamish for your afternoon at the Suquamish Museum. Exhibits share the history, culture, and continuing traditions of the Suquamish Tribe, offering a deeper understanding of the land and waterways surrounding you. If time and weather allows, stop at Old Man House Park, a significant cultural site along the waterfront with views of Agate Pass Bridge. You’ll sleep well after a full day of museums, so don’t forget to get dinner next to Suquamish pier at Sully’s Bistro and Bar.
Firehouse Theater in Kingston
Ease into the morning at J’aime Les Crêpes, where sweet and savory crêpes make a cozy start to the day. Before heading out to explore, stop by Argensol for Argentinian empanadas and traditional alfajores—perfect road-trip treats to save for later.
If the rain lets up, take a stroll along the Kingston waterfront and watch ferries cross Puget Sound through the mist. On a milder day, make time for Heronswood Garden, where winding paths and thoughtfully curated plant collections offer a peaceful escape. As evening settles in, catch a film at Firehouse Theater, a neighborhood movie house tucked inside a converted historic firehouse. Finish the day with a stop at Sourdough Willy’s Pizzeria for its signature pizza made with a 130-year-old sourdough starter.
Port Gamble General Store & Cafe, Photo by Tim Davis Images
Pack a rain jacket and a few layers for a day of small-town history and rugged coastal views. Begin in Port Gamble, where the Port Gamble General Store & Café is a welcoming first stop for browsing gifts, grabbing a snack, and discovering its upstairs shell collection. Then step into the Port Gamble Historic Museum to learn how this former mill town helped shape the region before wandering the preserved buildings and quiet streets of the historic district.
From there, head north to Point No Point Lighthouse & Beach in Hansville. When the weather cooperates, explore the shoreline, look for wildlife, and take in sweeping views of Puget Sound. As the wind picks up or the rain rolls in, settle into Hansgrill for a casual meal while watching the waves. It’s a fitting finish to a North Kitsap getaway—one that leaves room for history, fresh air, and a little coastal weather.
Check opening hours before visiting, especially for smaller museums and historic sites, and keep a rain jacket handy. The goal isn’t to avoid the weather—it’s to find the places that make you glad you went out anyway.
About the author:
As a transplant from the Bay Area, Lin Hino now proudly calls Poulsbo home, where she and her growing family are putting down roots and embracing everything Kitsap has to offer. With a background in marketing, community engagement, and event planning, she enjoys sharing stories that celebrate Kitsap’s waterfront towns, vibrant arts scene, local businesses, and unforgettable experiences. Whether she’s planning a weekend adventure with her family or crafting an itinerary for Visit Kitsap, Lin hopes to inspire others to slow down, explore with curiosity, and discover the warmth, beauty, and welcoming spirit that make Kitsap a special place to visit.