There are many sights and
activities that abound on Kitsap Peninsula.
Located between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain
ranges near Seattle, the Kitsap Peninsula lies
in the heart of Puget Sound surrounded by over
300 miles of saltwater shoreline. The area
offers an eclectic collection of quaint and
unhurried communities and endless recreational,
cultural and scenic wonders.
The combination of Native
American, Scandinavian, military and pioneer
attractions, all within a one-hour radius, makes
Kitsap an easy-to-tour destination rich in
history and diversity. It's easy to see why
we're one of the region's favorite getaway
destinations.
For more information, please
visit the
Kitsap Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau
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Golf - World-class courses and
uncompromising scenery; the Kitsap Peninsula
offers golfers of all levels affordable and
challenging golf vacations. Among your
choices - three of Washington State's top
five courses. Take your best shot at
Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club, Gold Mountain
Golf Complex, McCormick Woods Golf Course,
and Port Ludlow Golf Club.
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Hiking & Biking - Stroll through an
estate garden, walk a quiet beach at low
tide, or take on the challenge of a hike on
the endless trails on timber company
property or in State Forests. The Kitsap
Peninsula offers walks and hikes for all
levels of condition, and all time
commitments. Whether you're looking for a
weekend challenge or an afternoon stroll,
you'll find something on Kitsap to meet your
needs. The Kitsap Peninsula offers
opportunities for both touring and off road,
mountain bike riding. Quiet backroads, small
communities, and a wide variety of
festivals, fairs and outdoor markets makes
Kitsap an interesting place to explore on a
bike. The timber company lands and
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
properties give mountain bikers a challenge
along with scenic rides.
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Fishing - By boat or from shore,
saltwater or fresh water, there is some
terrific fishing available on the Kitsap
Peninsula. Lake Fishing: Large-mouth bass is
excellent in Long Lake, Kitsap Lake, Island
Lake and Buck Lake. Long Lake has been the
most consistent producer of Lunker Bass.
Most county lakes contain rainbow trout,
including Mission, Tiger, Panther and
Wildcat Lakes. For additional information on
lake fishing, visit washingtonlakes.com
Saltwater Fishing: Visit the Washington
State Department of Fish & Wildlife web site
or call them at (360) 902-2000 for
regulations regarding popular Peninsula
fishing locations.
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Antiquing - The Kitsap Peninsula,
with its winding back roads connecting the
unique waterfront communities, is fun to
explore and the diverse cultural history
makes it a rewarding place to find antiques
and other treasures. Just about every
community on the peninsula has opportunities
for antiquing, to make for the perfect day
adventure.
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Kayaking - Beginner or advanced,
you'll find the appropriate kayaking
challenge on the Kitsap Peninsula. With over
350 miles of saltwater shoreline, numerous
bays and inlets, the beautiful Hood Canal
and many small lakes, Kitsap is the perfect
place to learn, or to plan a week-long
kayaking adventure.
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Scuba Diving - Octopus, crab, sea
slugs -- a plethora of marine life lies just
underwater off the Peninsula's miles and
miles of shoreline. Diving is best during
the winter when the water is clearer. Puget
Sound boasts one of the richest marine
ecosystems in the world and the geography
around the Puget Sound basin fosters an
extremely rich and unique underwater
environment. Only those who take the plunge
will see the vast variety of marine life and
abundant color that is just off our beaches.
Favorite dive spots include Manchester,
Harper Pier, Illahee Dock, Fort Ward, Port
Washington, the Narrows and Hood Canal.
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Shellfish Gathering - Shellfish
abound on the Kitsap Peninsula; Oysters,
clams, and crab can be gathered as easily as
picking them up off the beach, doing a
little digging or perhaps setting out a trap
- it's knowing where to find them. Shrimp,
goeducks and others may take more work or
skill, but whatever you go after, be sure to
check the Washington State Department of
Fish and Wildlife website for rules,
regulations, health warnings and closures.
The web site also has maps showing some of
the suggested locations for shellfish
gathering. Shellfish HOTLINE: 800-562-5632.
Be sure to respect private property when you
gather shellfish, or access shellfish
beaches. Some may be accessible only by
boat.
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Shopping - Shopping on the Kitsap
Peninsula ranges from the Kitsap Mall, a
single level, enclosed regional shopping
center, housing 110 specialty shops,
services and restaurants and large national
chains to arts districts and antique shops.
Many communities have "old town" areas on
the water, filled with specialty shops and
dining opportunities. Come stroll our many
shopping areas - you'll find what you
"need", that perfect souvenir, or gift.
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Museums - The Kitsap Peninsula and
its many communities are proud of their
diverse history. Our museums range from
military to local history, from bicycles,
natural history and wine to logging and
native tribes. Each community has a unique
story to tell and welcomes you to come visit
and explore their story . . .
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Wildlife Viewing - Watchable Wildlife
includes a wide array of animals from a bird
at a backyard feeder to rarely-seen species
that provide the dedicated viewer with a
reward for hours of patient waiting.
Raccoons, cougars, otters, deer, black bears
and coyotes make their homes on the Kitsap
Peninsula, but you're not likely to see them
unless you go looking. You may see a deer or
two, but you are far more likely to see our
many bird populations, both resident and
those that migrate through the area. We
offer many parks where bird watching is
likely to be successful, but just looking up
you may see a Bald Eagle or Osprey soar
overhead. Looking down, on the beach at low
tide, you may see sea stars, sand dollars,
clams, oysters and small microcosms caught
in the tide pools. A variety of salmon
return to area bays and streams each year
and a rather large supply of sea lions spend
hours sunning themselves, or fishing, along
our shores. On occasion we are visited by
Orcas (aka Killer Whales), both the local,
salmon eating, resident pods that spend most
of their time further north around the San
Juan Islands, and on occasion, the
transient, meat eating, pods that come in
from the ocean. A few Gray Whales wander
into Puget Sound each year and an occasional
Humpback Whale has been seen.
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Wineries & Breweries - Washington
State is well known for its wines and
microbrews and the Kitsap Peninsula is no
exception. With award winning wineries,
locally grown grapes, and locally brewed
beer, you'll find some fun places to tour,
eat and purchase your favorite beverage.
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Drives & Itineraries - By car,
bicycle, horseback, motorcycle or on foot -
you'll find a variety of itineraries and
ideas for trips around the Kitsap Peninsula.
Some are themed, such as history tours,
others take advantage of our many ferry
routes or include surrounding areas. Long or
short, high energy or relaxing, you'll find
a suggested way to see the Kitsap Peninsula.
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