What better place to hang out on a beautiful summer day than a Kitsap Peninsula beach? The Kitsap Peninsula has 371 miles of saltwater shoreline, fresh water lakes and plenty of public beaches to hang out with family and friends. Whether you’re interested in beach walking, birding, lighthouses, historical buildings, nature preserves, fishing, swimming, kayaking, boat launches, or crabbing, it’s all here, just a fun ferry ride away.

Here are some stand-outs:

•  Kitsap Memorial State Park is a 62-acre camping park with 1,797 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Hood Canal with views of the Olympics and stunning sunsets. There are 39 camp sites, 4 cabins and two moorage buoys, grassy fields and a playground provide plenty of space for families. Discover Pass* required for vehicle access.  For info or reservations

  • On the shores of Rich Passage, Manchester State Park‘s main attraction is its 3,400 feet of shoreline. Visitors to this beautiful 128-acre park with stunning panoramas can camp, play volleyball, throw horseshoes, hike 2 miles of trails, kayak, swim and dive. Explore a large brick structure that was once a torpedo warehouse and is now a charming place for weddings and reunions. Discover Pass* required for vehicle access. For more info/reservations

•   Scenic Beach State Park in Seabeck is exceptionally scenic. A campground with 1,500 feet of saltwater beachfront on the Hood Canal, the historic Emel House to stage your wedding and reception, groomed trails, and picnic spots with astonishing views of the Olympic Mountains. This former resort is resplendent with wild rhododendrons and giant trees. There are 52 tent spaces and 18 RV sites. Discover Pass* required for vehicle access.   For details and to reserve a camp site.

*Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page or Check out Washington for a free pass in select areas

• Anderson Point County Park in Olalla has 66 acres offering a walk through a remnant forest to one of the best beach walks on the Kitsap Peninsula. Looking across the water, you’ll see the shores of Vashon Island. On a clear day, Mount Baker can be seen. Watch for marine life both in the water and in the air. This is a great beach for families to run with the dog and the kiddos. Parking is challenging, get there early.   Directions

•  Eglon Beach Park is off the beaten track with a beach that rules in stunning views. Sunrises are spectacular off Cascade peaks, another birding paradise and a steady parade of marine traffic. Borrow a life jacket at the beach and wade in or launch your boat. There’s a cool picnic area with a fire pit. Info

• The Nature Conservancy’s Foulweather Bluff Preserve is northwest of Hansville at the north tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. At low tide, this sandy beach 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. Discover a cache of sea anemones, sea stars and sand dollars. It’s pristine preserve – no restroom facilities, pets allowed or driftwood or shells to be removed. More info

• Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve near Seabeck has forested trails leading to a beach with breathtaking views of the Olympics and many, many water fowl and raptors to watch. There are no restroom facilities in this rustic 184-acre park, so plan accordingly. One of the trails leads to the historic Stump House made from a gigantic hollowed out cedar stump. Learn more

•  Marina Park at Port Orchard is a waterfront park on the south end of Sinclair Inlet with beach access, performance area, playground and views of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and the Washington state and Kitsap Transit ferries. The Saturday Port Orchard Farmers Market is located in the adjacent parking lot. Info

• Constructed in 1879, Point No Point Lighthouse in Hansville has a great sandy beach to wander around low tides. Fishing from the shore, a birdwatcher’s paradise and a cool place to launch your kayak are other activities that make Kitsap Peninsula’s northern most point so special. Plus, there are picnic areas and plenty of parking. The US Lighthouse Society is headquartered here along with a small maritime museum. They conduct tours weekends, April through October. And, added bonus, getaway and spend a few days in the Keepers Quarters. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.uslhs.org  Directions

•  Salsbury Point County Park just north of the Hood Canal Bridge is on the Kitsap Peninsula marine water trail and offers saltwater beach access, public boat launch, picnic shelter, playground, picnic areas, restrooms and parking.  More info

• Silverdale Waterfront Park and Old Mill Park are at the head of Dyes Inlet in Silverdale. Both have breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, marine life to discover, beaches to explore, restrooms and picnic tables. Waterfront Park also had a playground and shelter with water and power that can be reserved. Details/reservations for Waterfront Park  The adjacent Port of Silverdale has one of the deepest boat launches in the area, plenty of parking and a pier with transient moorage available. Port info. The 7-acre Old Mill Park has saltwater beach access, nicely groomed trails and a historic saw mill. Directions

You have many lodging options for your stay on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula. From romantic waterfront view suites to affordable, family and pet-friendly inns as well as guest houses, B&Bs, Airbnbs and cabins and campgrounds—you’ll find a wide variety of lodging accommodations that will meet your needs and budget.

Getting here is scenic – just a short ferry ride or drive across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. In no time, you’ll find yourself launching your kayak, picnicking or watching the kids and dogs run up and down the beach.

Boating, Camping, Families, Lodging, Nature, Outdoors, Recreation