10 Best Things to Do in Poulsbo, WA

By VI Staff on January 9, 2020

Poulsbo, known as Little Norway, is one of the most popular destinations in Washington on the Kitsap Peninsula of the Puget Sound. There are dozens of activities to do in Poulsbo including taking a walk through the Arts District to explore local art galleries, boutiques, and museums or have a relaxing bite to eat at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

1.Central Market

Central Market is the largest store in the Town & Country family and one of three Central Markets. The grocery store features fresh, quality food, with more variety than your neighborhood grocery store. The Poulsbo Central Market is 69,000 square feet and touts itself as a destination food store with shoppers coming from all over the state. The building was the first significant commercial building in Washington state to build using recycled materials. Shoppers can also dine on the mezzanine or outdoor deck on the second floor.

20148 10th Avenue, Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-779-1881

2.Sea Discovery Center

The Sea Discovery Center is dedicated to educating visitors on marine and ocean life. The center began in the 1960s as an education center at Liberty Bay Marina and in the 1990s moved to downtown Poulsbo where it closed for a short time in 2005. The Center reopened under new ownership in 2006 with aquarium exhibits and seawater systems. A floating boathouse laboratory is still used for educational programs for children. Western Washington University has gifted the Sea Discovery Center in 2016 and operates today as a public aquarium and educational facility.

18743 Front Street, NE Poulsbo, Washington, Phone: 360-598-4460

3.Kitsap Memorial State Park

Romantics love taking a trip to Kitsap Memorial State Park, a favorite wedding spot on Hood Canal in Washington State. There are four cabins located on site that can be used for lodgings for wedding preparations. Camping and RV sites are also available which makes Kitsap Memorial State Park perfect for destination rustic weddings. There are several spots to fish in the 62-acre park where visitors can see unobstructed views of the Olympic Mountains. 1.5 miles of hiking trails and water activities, including oyster harvesting, clamming, and crabbing can be enjoyed as well.

202 North East Park Street, Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-779-3205

4.Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm

Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm is a 15-acre farm whose herds of alpacas and llamas is growing quickly. Daily barn feeding tours are available, and full farm tours are available on reservation. Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm also has an onsite farm store with handmade items, books, clothing, and gifts for the entire family. Guests can visit the Farm Store without paying admission for a tour. The farm is open year round.

25448 Port Gamble Road Northeast Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-286-9999

5.Poulsbo Historical Society and Museums

The Heritage Museum inside Poulsbo City Hall offers exhibits that educate on the history and culture of Poulsbo. An extensive research library is also within the museum which is managed and owned by the Poulsbo Historical Society whose offices are inside the museum. The Maritime Museum is also operated by the Historical Society offers a rich history of maritime in North Kitsap through interactive exhibits. The Maritime Museum is continuing to grow under the Historical Society leadership and has partnered with the Historic Downtown Association for expansion efforts.

200 Moe Street, Northeast Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-994-4943

6.Pho T&N

Pho T&N is a popular Vietnamese Restaurant that is family owned and operated. The restaurant opened in 2005 and features several different types of Pho, including Oxtail and Short Rib Pho, Vietnamese style sandwiches, Noodle Soups, Noodle Bowls, curries, and several vegans and rice dishes. Visitors also enjoy the bubble tea with over 25 flavors to choose from. Beer and wine are also available. Try a tasting dinner to try several small plates and take a tour of Vietnamese flavors through food.

19641 7th Avenue NE #135, Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-394-1601

7.Kachai Thai Kitchen

Kachai Thai Kitchen is a family own Thai restaurant that blends fresh local ingredients with bold Thai flavors to create dishes that are upscale and elegant. The restaurant began in 1992 with San and Lani Tran who operated the restaurant with the help of their nine children. The Bainbridge Island restaurant is famous in the Northwest for its exotic fusion of Thai and Vietnamese dishes. The current chef, Bihn Tu Tran, is the son of San and Lani and has worked with renowned chefs in the Pacific Northwest. Kachai Thai Kitchen is open daily.

19980 19th Avenue, NE Suite 104, Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-930-8947

8.Molly Ward Gardens

North of Poulsbo in a rural valley is Molly Ward Gardens. This picturesque, 5-acre garden is home to a restaurant inside of the restored barn and family home that is decorated with European antiques and found items. The fresh herbs and produce served in the restaurant are grown on site, and all organic gardens are a favorite venue for weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers, and holiday parties. The gardens are named after the Ward family dog—Molly, and the restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch. Reservations are recommended.

274 Big Valley Road, Poulsbo, Washington 98370, Phone: 360-779-4471

9.The Coffee Oasis Cafe

The Coffee Oasis Café is a faith-based nonprofit that offers community programs for homeless youth that are funded by their sustainable coffee businesses. The cafes all serve coffee that comes from direct-trade beans and several artisan blends. Iverson Café is located in Poulsbo, but there are three more locations in Washington. Iverson café is open Monday through Saturday and provides delivery. The food menu consists of paninis, sandwiches, breakfast items, wraps, soups, and salads at affordable prices. Seasonal specials are also available.

780 NE Iverson Street, Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-598-2031

10.Elmer’s Restaurant

Elmer’s has been a favorite Northwest diner since it was opening in 1960. The restaurant started then as Elmer’s Colonial Pancake House in Portland. The restaurant became a franchise in 1966, and the original pancake recipe is still used across all locations today. The menu now includes lunch and dinner items with Elmer’s being known as a steakhouse and breakfast diner. Breakfast is served all day, and the entrees are made with fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce and made from scratch.

760 NE Liberty Road, Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-697-2215