Need a scenic day trip or coastal weekend escape in Western Washington? Head to Port Orchard! Nestled on the shores of Sinclair Inlet, Port Orchard charms visitors with waterfront views, small-town warmth, and ferry access to Seattle. Whether you’re into maritime history, boutique shopping, or relaxed strolls by the bay, Port Orchard offers a quiet getaway with Pacific Northwest soul.
Port Orchard, WA Highlights:
- Stroll the Port Orchard Waterfront: Walk the marina boardwalk, shop local, and take in views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Explore the Historic Downtown: Browse antiques, sip coffee, and visit quaint local galleries and gift shops.
- Take the Foot Ferry to Bremerton: Enjoy a quick and scenic ride across Sinclair Inlet with access to more shops and museums.
- Visit Manchester State Park: Hike forest trails, picnic by the water, or explore historic military bunkers.
- Relax in South Kitsap Regional Park: Enjoy wooded trails, BMX tracks, disc golf, and family-friendly play areas.
Best Time to Visit Port Orchard, WA
The best time to visit Port Orchard is from late spring through early fall (May to September). Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and waterfront festivals make it a perfect time to explore outdoors. Summer offers the best ferry views and vibrant community events.
How to Get to Port Orchard, WA
- If you are traveling by car: Port Orchard is about 1 hour and 15 minutes west of Seattle via WA-16 and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, or 1 hour via Seattle-Bremerton ferry and a short drive.
- By Ferry: Take the Washington State Ferry from Seattle to Bremerton, then hop on the Kitsap Transit Foot Ferry to Port Orchard.
- By Bus: Kitsap Transit offers service between Port Orchard and neighboring towns like Bremerton, Gig Harbor, and Silverdale.
Where to Stay in Port Orchard, WA
- Comfort Inn On the Bay – Waterfront hotel with marina views, breakfast, and easy walking access to downtown.
- Cedar Cove Inn – Historic bed and breakfast offering elegant rooms and panoramic views of the inlet.
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bremerton – Just across the inlet, convenient for ferry riders seeking more amenities.
Best Things to Do in Port Orchard, WA
1. Manchester State Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Manchester State Park is a gateway to the Puget Sound from the Kitsap Peninsula, WA. The park is home to a former torpedo warehouse, and visitors to the park can still see a concrete casement used for firing triggers to military underwater torpedoes. The original fort was built in the early 1900s to protect the Bremerton Shipyards and was used as an underwater minefield during World War II. There are more than two miles trails and a beautiful, saltwater shoreline spanning 3,400 feet. Visitors to the beach can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and diving. A large campground with 35 camping sites and shower houses is available with limited RV hookups.
7767 E. Hilldale Road, Port Orchard, Washington, 98366, Phone: 360-871-4065
2. Long Lake Park
Visitors to Long Lake Park will enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, volleyball, picnicking, swimming, and boating. A baseball field is also located at the park and restrooms are available near the parking lot along with life jacket kiosks. A community building with a kitchen, private bathrooms, and seating for 70 is available for rent and the perfect place for family reunions, weddings, birthday parties, and other private events. Long Lake Park is only open during daylight hours and spans 27 acres.
5100 Long Lake Road SE, Port Orchard Washington, 98366
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Howe Farm Park
Howe Farm Park is a historic farm with walking trails and an off-leash dog park covering 83 acres in the South District of Port Orchard. Parts of the historic Howe and McPherson family homesteads remain including a formidable barn that is still structurally sound. A restoration project began in 2015, and the farm roads, as well as outdoor structures, were improved and original materials salvage during rebuilding. Visitors can look forward to future improvements, including more picnic shelters, trails, and additional restrooms. These projects are funded through Local Parks grants.
Long Lake Road SE, Port Orchard, Washington, 98366
4. Sidney Gallery and Museum
The Sidney Gallery and Museum is a National and State Historic Site built as a Masonic lodge in the late 19th century and remains one of the few fraternity halls left in Port Orchard from the time. Taking several years to finish, the two-story hall was completed in 1908 and was used by the masons until 1956 when it became an Eagles Lodge, and then was purchased by the Sidney Museum and Arts Association in 1972. The museum features exhibits showcasing the history of early Kitsap County and includes replications of a general store, doctor’s office, school room, and hardware store.
202 Sidney Avenue, Port Orchard, Washington, 98366, Phone: 360-876-3693
5. Log Cabin Museum
The Log Cabin Museum is owned by the Sidney Gallery and Museum. The cabin was constructed in 1914 by a Civil War veteran and retired Indian Agent. The cabin was left vacant for a time, and in 1970 Port Orchard city officials condemned the building. The Sidney Museum purchased the property, saving it from demolition, and began work on restoration. Today, visitors can visit the family of mannequins that live in the cabin, affectionately called “The Orchard Family,” to see how life would have been during the turn of the 20th century. The cabin is open seasonally from May through September.
416 Sidney Avenue, Port Orchard, Washington, Phone: 360-876-3693
Where to Eat:
6. Bay Street Bistro
Italian and Mediterranean flavors are married with traditional Northwest dishes at Bay Street Bistro where the atmosphere is intimate, and service is unrivaled. The exceptional dining experience is provided in a casual and warm setting, with rustic features and decorated with local artworks. Ceiling fans and a lovely gas fireplace help create the cozy ambiance that has helped Bay Street Bistro earn several recognitions including Best Seafood, Best Italian, Best Romantic Spot, and others. Entrees are accompanied by seasonal vegetables and potatoes, and the restaurant is only open for dinner.
834 Bay Street, Port Orchard, Washington, 98366, Phone: 360-602-0310
7. Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar at McCormick Woods
The Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar at McCormick Woods is a favorite restaurant featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pristine ninth green of the golf club. During the summer, guests can dine on the outdoor patio with views of North Lake during an intimate dinner for two. Larger tables to accompany families and groups are available in the main dining room. The American food menu at Clubhouse serves everything from pizza to burgers, steaks, and seafood. All dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and American raised beef. The full-service wine menu is the most extensive in the Puget Sound.
5155 McCormick Woods Dr. SW, Port Orchard, Washington, 98367, Phone: 360-895-0142
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