Two communities, each just ferry ride away from downtown—but they each feel like a whole other world.

A metal silhouette sculpture of a person stands on a wooden deck overlooking Bremerton's scenic marina, with sailboats and clear blue water in the background. A tree branch extends slightly into the scene from the right, capturing Bainbridge Island’s enchanting maritime essence.

Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial

Bainbridge Island

Enjoy a relaxing ferry ride to visit this laid-back island with engaging eateries, wineries, boutiques, and parks.

Explore

You can drive, bike, or catch a bus to explore the quiet, pastoral side of the island, including serenely scenic Bloedel Reserve (7571 NE Dolphin Dr), which is especially inviting in the spring when its colorful gardens are abloom, and the moving Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial (4195 Eagle Harbor Dr NE), whose signs and trails commemorate the tragic incarceration of nearly 300 island residents during World War II. Near the ferry terminal, you’ll find two excellent museums in the main village of Winslow, the touch-friendly Kids Discovery Museum (301 Ravine Ln NE) and the free Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (H550 Winslow Way E).

Eat and Drink

With its rustic-contemporary interior, Restaurant Marché (150 Madrone Ln N) is a romantic spot for a dinner of French-meets-Pacific Northwest cooking. Chef Brandon McGill packs a one-two punch with his casually upscale Café Hitchcock (129 Winslow Way E) and celebrated seafood restaurant Seabird (133 Winslow Way E). Dine on modern versions of Vietnamese food, like pork wontons in spicy truffle oil, at trendy Ba Sa (101 Winslow Way E). Head to the convivial Harbour Public House (231 Parfitt Way SW) for tasty gastropub fare and views of the water, and Madison Diner (305 Madison Ave N) for a meal inside a stainless-steel retro diner with comfy red booths.

Shop

Longtime independent bookseller Eagle Harbor Book Co. (157 Winslow Way E) anchors the lively downtown shopping district on Winslow Way. Calico Toy Shoppe (290 Winslow Way E) is an old-timey emporium specializing in puzzles and games for kids, while Wildernest (310 Winslow Way E) sells the kind of outdoorsy clothes and hiking gear that inspires great Northwest adventures.

Scenic riverside view of a park with pathways and two large conical water features, reminiscent of Bainbridge Island. People stroll along the paths, surrounded by trees and shrubs, with a body of water and Bremerton's forested shoreline in the backdrop under a clear blue sky.

Harborside Fountain Park

Bremerton

The Insta-worthy one-hour ferry ride from Seattle is part of the fun of visiting this family-friendly Navy town.

Explore

Get to know Bremerton’s vibrant seafaring heritage by viewing the fascinating displays at the Puget Sound Navy Museum (251 First St) and the impressive USS Turner Joy (H300 Washington Beach Ave), a former naval destroyer that served in the Vietnam War and now operates as a waterfront museum. Nearby at the Harborside Fountain Park (251 First St), breathe in the fresh sea breezes from a park bench overlooking Sinclair Inlet and admire the fanciful whale-inspired copper fountains. Just outside town you can walk amid the waterfront greenery of Elandan Gardens (3050 Hwy 16) and explore its world-class bonsai collection.

Eat and Drink

Near downtown museums, dine on wood-fired pies at Evergreen Pizza Co. (1223 McKenzie Ave) and enjoy a pint of beer and occasional live music at friendly Dog Days Brewing (260 Fourth St). Take in splendid water views while sampling fresh-caught local seafood at Anthony’s at Sinclair Inlet (H20 Washington Ave). Across the historic Manette Bridge from downtown, Khao Soi (2003 E 11th St) serves first-rate Thai specialties, the Boat Shed (101 Shore Dr) serves up tasty chowders and cioppino, and James Beard-recognized Saboteur Bakery (2110 E 11th St) turns out enticing almond brioches, herb quiche, and ham-and-cheese croissants.

Shop

Downtown Bremerton offers an array of interesting shops, including Collective Visions Gallery (331 Pacific Ave), where you can buy works by more than 20 Puget Sound artists, and the Bremerton Mercantile (402 Pacific Ave), a modern general store stocked with whimsical gifts and artwork. F.R.O.G. Soap (707 Pacific Ave) uses Pacific Northwest pine, lavender, and calendula in its body creams and shampoo bars. On Saturdays year-round, the Bremerton Vintage Flea (816 Pacific Ave) draws bargain hunters for antiques and retro treasures.