There’s no better place to hang out on a gorgeous day than a Kitsap Peninsula beach. And with more than 370 miles of shoreline, we’ve got a lot of beaches to choose from. So whether you want to visit a lighthouse or a nature preserve, go camping or play at a city park, we’ve got a beach for you.

Here are a dozen stand-outs you won’t want to miss:

  • Point No Point Lighthouse and Park, Hansville – It doesn’t get much better than this. The historic lighthouse overlooks a wide sandy beach on both sides of the point. You can fish for salmon from the shore and watch the cruise ships go by. The area is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. There are picnic areas and plenty of parking, plus lighthouse tours on weekends. More info.
  • Anderson Point County Park, Olalla – This 66-acre park offers one of the best beach walks on the Kitsap Peninsula, with views of Colvos Passage and Vashon Island. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place for you. Learn more.
  • Silverdale Waterfront Park – Close to Silverdale hotels, restaurants and shopping, this park offers a newly updated play area, plenty of picnic tables and a beach on Dyes Inlet. Details. The adjacent Port of Silverdale has one of the deepest boat launches in the area and a pier with transient moorage available for up to three days. Port info.
  • Scenic Beach State Park, Seabeck – The name says it all. This camping park has 1,500 feet of saltwater beachfront on the Hood Canal and astonishing views of the Olympic Mountains. A former resort, the park is known for its wild rhododendrons and huge trees. There are 52 tent spaces and 18 pull-through campsites for RVs up to 60 feet. Discover Pass required for day use. For details and to reserve a camping site.
  • Salsbury Point County Park, Poulsbo – In addition to a beach, this lovely park offers an up-close view of the Hood Canal Bridge, a wide lawn, play area, picnic shelter and tables, a boat launch and floating pier. Learn more.
  • Eglon Beach Park – Between Kingston and Hansville, this small out-of-the-way beach offers views of Cascade peaks and marine traffic. There’s a boat launch and grassy picnic area with a shelter and tables. Info.
  • Lions Park, Bremerton – This community park offers 1,900 feet of shoreline and stellar mountain views. There’s also a .7-mile loop walking path, playground, shelter, picnic tables and plenty of parking. Details.
  • Foulweather Bluff Preserve, Hansville ­– At low tide, this sandy beach two miles northwest of Hansville goes on and on, making it a perfect place for kids to play and parents to relax. A short woodland hike leads visitors to a bird marsh and 3,800 feet of beach. Look for sea anemones, sea stars and sand dollars. There are no restroom facilities and all trash should be packed out. No pets allowed and no driftwood or shells should be removed from the beach. More info.
  • Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve, Seabeck – Forested trails lead to a beach with breathtaking views. There are no restroom facilities, so plan accordingly, and pack out all trash. One of the trails leads to a historic Stump House made from a gigantic hollowed out cedar stump. Learn more.
  • Port Orchard Marina Park – In addition to beach access, this park offers a covered performance area, children’s playground and views of Bremerton, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the Seattle ferry. The Saturday Port Orchard Farmers Market is located in the adjacent parking lot. Info.
  • Kitsap Memorial State Park, Poulsbo – This park on the Hood Canal offers a beach with tide pools and views of the Olympics. There are 39 reservable camp sites, 4 cabins and two moorage buoys. Grassy fields and a playground provide plenty of space for families to play. Close to amenities in Poulsbo and Silverdale. Discover Pass required for day use. For info and to reserve a camping spot.
  • Arness Roadside Park, Kingston – This small beach at the head of Apple Tree Cove offers sweeping views of the Port of Kingston, Edmonds ferry and the Cascades. It has a picnic area, lots of driftwood and is a great place to launch a kayak. Details.