For First-Time Visitors & Families | 2-Night Itinerary | Estimated $315–$515 per familyWhere ferry rides become part of the adventure, art is around every corner, and nature invites you to slow down and savor spring.
The trip begins not with a highway, but with a horizon. As your family boards the Washington State Ferry or Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry, the city skyline fades and the sparkling waters of the Puget Sound open wide. Kids press their faces to the windows. Seagulls swoop. Mountains stand proud in the distance. You haven’t even arrived yet—and already, it feels like a vacation.
Step off in Bremerton and wander the Harborside Fountain Park, perfect for a little splash-and-play or picnic with a view. Pop into the Puget Sound Navy Museum (free!) to learn about maritime history with hands-on exhibits. If it’s a Thursday, you’re in luck—Bremerton Community Farmers Market is open in the afternoon and evening with local goods, flowers, and family-friendly fun.👉 Farmers Market Schedules – 2024
Grab a treat or coffee at Saboteur Bakery, then head toward your overnight home.
🛏️ Budget-friendly hotels in Bremerton, Silverdale, or Port Orchard offer comfort without the splurge. Many include breakfast and are close to trails, shops, and waterfront views.💡 Lodging Estimate: $170–$275 total for 2 nights🚢 Ferry Cost (car + family): ~$35–$45 round trip
Port Gamble Heritage Trail – Photo by Inspire Creative Co.
Wake up to birdsong and the scent of evergreens. Head out early for an easy hike or family-friendly mountain biking adventure at Port Gamble Heritage Trails. If you prefer a more relaxed start, explore the Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale—flat, peaceful, and stroller-friendly.
If you’re visiting over the weekend, don’t miss a Saturday farmers market—Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, and Port Orchard, all offer colorful markets bursting with fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats. The kids will love the flower booths and food trucks; grown-ups will love the artisan finds and community vibe.
In the afternoon, wander historic downtown Poulsbo, where Nordic charm meets Northwest spirit. Stroll along the marina, pop into indie shops, and visit Verksted Gallery to see local art. If your trip includes a Creative Mornings Friday in May or June, attend the free event for coffee, conversation, and creativity in motion.
Cap off the day with a casual dinner or pack a picnic to enjoy with a waterfront sunset.
🥪 Food/Markets/Meals: $100–$150 for the weekend🎟️ Farmers Market: Free entry | Shopping: $10–$25
Suquamish Museum
On your final morning, explore Kitsap’s rich cultural roots. Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (free and family-friendly) or the Suquamish Museum to dive into Indigenous history and storytelling.👉 Explore Local Museums👉 Learn More About History & Culture
Before you catch the ferry home, stop by Old Man House Park, the sacred site of the largest Coast Salish longhouse, and soak in the stillness of Agate Pass.
Grab a last brunch or coffee and return with fresh flowers, new memories, and stories worth sharing.
➡️ Estimated Total: $315 – $515 +/- per family➡️ Per Person (family of 4): $78 – $129 +/-
Because where else can you island-hop on a budget, stargaze in a small town, and learn from cultures as old as the tide? The Kitsap Peninsula invites you to slow down, wander farther, and be inspired—without overspending.