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. I enjoyed taking a walk through the Arts District to explore local art galleries, boutiques, and museums. Another personal favorite was waterfront dining.
Poulsbo, WA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak or paddleboard on Liberty Bay
- For History Buffs: Explore the Poulsbo Heritage Museum
- For Shoppers: Browse Front Street’s boutiques and galleries
- For Couples: Watch the sunset from the marina boardwalk
- For Families: Visit the SEA Discovery Center –
Best Time to Visit Poulsbo, WA
The best time to visit Poulsbo is from May through September when the weather is pleasant for strolling, kayaking, and outdoor dining. Summer months bring sunshine, festivals, and boat parades.
How to Get to Poulsbo, WA
- If you are traveling by car: Poulsbo is about 1.5 hours from Seattle, including a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound. You can also drive via Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula.
- By Ferry: Take the Bainbridge Island Ferry or Seattle–Bremerton Ferry and drive ~20–25 minutes to Poulsbo.
- By Bus: Kitsap Transit offers routes from Bainbridge, Bremerton, and Kingston to downtown Poulsbo.
Where to Stay in Poulsbo, WA
- GuestHouse Inn & Suites Poulsbo – Comfortable and affordable
- Poulsbo Inn – Local favorite
- Hotel Scandi – Minimalist boutique hotel
Best Things to Do in Poulsbo, WA
1. Central Market
Rating: ★★★★★
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, website
2. SEA Discovery Center
Built by the community to serve the community, the SEA Discovery Center first opened its doors to the public in the 1960s at its original location in the Liberty Bay Arena. Even then, the center was already a strong advocate of marine protection and stewardship and regularly shared its knowledge and conservation efforts with the Kitsap community’s public and school districts. The center relocated to its present location in the 1990s, and while much has changed, its mission still stays the same. Today, the SEA Discovery Center’s aquarium is celebrated for its diverse aquarium and conservation practices and is managed by Western Washington University.
SEA Discovery Center, 18743 Front Street NE, Poulsbo, Washington 98370, 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.
Kitsap Memorial State Park, 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.
Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm, 25448 Port Gamble Road Northeast Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-286-9999
Attractions for Couples
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.
Poulsbo Historical Society and Museums, 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.
Pho T&N, 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.
Kachai Thai Kitchen, 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.
Molly Ward Gardens, 27462 Big Valley Rd NE, Poulsbo, WA 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.
The Coffee Oasis Cafe, 780 NE Iverson Street, Poulsbo, Washington, 98370, Phone: 360-598-2031
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