A waterfront city in Washington with a large naval shipyard and maritime museum. Located on the Kitsap Peninsula, it connects to Seattle via ferry service.
From Seattle, take an hour-long ferry ride to Bremerton, a waterfront city on Washington's Kitsap Peninsula. Walk through the USS Turner Joy destroyer museum to see the command center and crew quarters, cool off near the dancing fountains at Harborside Park, or watch a performance in the 1942 Art Deco Admiral Theatre. Along the waterfront boardwalk, you'll find naval museums, local art galleries, and craft breweries. Each September, the Blackberry Festival fills the streets with vendors selling pies, wines, and treats made from the region's wild blackberries.
Getting to Bremerton
The Washington State Ferry system connects Bremerton to downtown Seattle with both car and passenger-only ferries. By car, you can reach the city via Highway 3 from Shelton or Highway 16 from Tacoma across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Kitsap Transit runs regular bus service throughout the city and to neighboring communities.
Downtown Waterfront District
Five copper-ringed fountains create water displays throughout the day at Harborside Fountain Park. Walk the waterfront boardwalk from the ferry terminal to the marina, where you'll pass cafes and shops. The Bremerton Marina has 220 permanent slips and 100 guest moorings for both residents and visitors.
Arts and Entertainment
Watch live music and performances at the Admiral Theatre, which maintains its 1942 Art Deco architecture. In the downtown Arts District, visit Collective Visions Gallery to see works by local artists. Within one block of the ferry terminal, three museums tell stories about regional history and maritime culture.
Naval History and Museums
Since 1891, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard has been central to Bremerton's growth. At the Puget Sound Navy Museum, examine more than 18,000 objects documenting Pacific Northwest naval history from 1840 to present day. Step aboard the USS Turner Joy, a Vietnam-era destroyer docked at the waterfront, to explore crew quarters, command centers, and weapon systems.
Events and Festivals
During Labor Day weekend, local vendors line the waterfront boardwalk for the Blackberry Festival, selling blackberry pies, ice cream, wines, and berry-based treats. Watch the Armed Forces Day Parade in spring, one of the largest military parades nationwide. From May through September, shop at the Bremerton Farmers Market at Evergreen Rotary Park every Thursday afternoon.
Parks and Recreation
Play a round at Gold Mountain Golf Course's two 18-hole championship courses, or try disc golf at NAD Park. Walk along the waterfront paths at Evergreen Rotary Park and visit the 9/11 Memorial. Take your dog to the Bark Park, or explore any of the 35 public parks spread across nine neighborhoods.
