10 Best Short Road Trips from Bremerton, Washington (Kitsap County)

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips From Bremerton, WA

If you live in (in Kitsap County) and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours’ drive, you can reach mountain lakes, famous markets, quiet beaches, and quirky small towns in Island, Jefferson, King, Mason, Pierce, and Snohomish County. These are all out-of-county road trips from Bremerton, so nothing in Kitsap itself. Most are perfect for a day trip, and a few are even better if you stretch them into a relaxed weekend.

1. Seattle & Pike Place Market (King County)

If you haven’t done a full day trip yet, this is the easiest “big city” escape from Bremerton. You can either:

Drive around through Tacoma (about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic), or
Take the Bremerton–Seattle ferry and walk or Uber around

Once you arrive, make your way to Pike Place Market. Yes, it’s touristy. It’s also fun. Don’t miss:

The fish-throwing stand near the main entrance
Fresh donuts, chowder, and local coffee shops
Lower levels with antiques, comic stores, and random little shops

I like to grab a coffee, wander the market, and then just follow whatever catches my eye. If the weather’s clear, walk down toward the waterfront and enjoy the view of and the ferries coming and going. Tip: If you’re coming with kids or don’t love busy streets, try weekday mornings. Weekends can feel packed shoulder-to-shoulder.

2. Mount Rainier Views from Sunrise or Paradise (Pierce County)

If you want that classic Pacific Northwest postcard view, head to Mount Rainier National Park in . It’s a longer drive from Bremerton (often around 2.5–3 hours depending on route and traffic), so start early and plan for a full day. There are two main visitor areas people from Bremerton tend to hit:

Paradise: Famous wildflower meadows in late summer, panoramic views, and lots of short trails.
Sunrise: Slightly quieter, with big open views of the mountain and the surrounding ridges.

You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy Rainier. There are plenty of short, paved or well-marked trails you can do in under an hour. What to bring:

Layers (it can be chilly even in August)
Snacks and water
A full tank of gas

It’s one of those drives where you look out the window and think, “Wow, I actually live near this.”

3. Olympia & Tumwater Falls (Thurston County – Optional Bonus)

While Thurston County wasn’t on your original list, many Bremerton travelers naturally swing down this way when they’re exploring Pierce and Mason Counties. If you’re open to a tiny “bonus” side trip, it’s worth it. Just south of Tacoma, the state capital of Olympia makes an easy, laid-back day. Things to do:

Stroll downtown Olympia’s waterfront and shops
Visit the pretty Capitol Campus and grounds
Walk the short, scenic loop at Tumwater Falls Park

The Tumwater Falls trail is only about a half-mile loop, but you get views of the rushing through the falls, plus interpretive signs about the area’s history and salmon runs. This is a simple, stress-free kind of day when you want to get out of Bremerton but not work too hard.

4. Bainbridge Island & Beyond: Rolling Toward Poulsbo and the Peninsula (Kitsap Adjacent, but Exit the County)

While Bainbridge Island itself is in Kitsap, many people use it as a stepping stone to leave the county and keep going toward other nearby areas. If you want a “road trip feel” with a short start, this can be a nice warm-up. Drive across the and instead of stopping, continue on toward the and out of Kitsap toward () or (, , etc.). Think of this as your “gateway route” rather than a final destination. It’s a relaxed, tree-lined drive that reminds you why the Pacific Northwest is so green.

5. Port Townsend: Victorian Harbor Town (Jefferson County)

For a charming small-town road trip, point your car toward Port Townsend in Jefferson County. From Bremerton, it usually takes around 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic and the Hood Canal Bridge. Port Townsend is one of those places where you park the car and just wander. Highlights:

Downtown waterfront: Victorian buildings, bookstores, cafes, and galleries
Fort Worden State Park: Old bunkers, beaches, and great views across the water
Seafood spots with fresh chowder and fish and chips

If you like photography, this town is a dream—old brick walls, painted storefronts, boats in the harbor, and wide views of the . On a sunny day, it feels like you’ve flown to a different era, but it’s just a quick road trip from Bremerton.

6. Lake Cushman & Staircase Area (Mason County)

When it’s hot in Bremerton and you’re craving cool water and forest air, head to Lake Cushman in Mason County. It’s typically about a 1.5–2 hour drive, depending on your exact route and stops. The lake sits up against , and the water is an unreal blue-green on clear days. Things to do:

Find a lakeside spot to swim or just dip your toes
Pack a picnic and hang out on the shore
Continue to the Staircase area in Olympic National Park for easy hikes along the river

If you’re not a big hiker, don’t worry. Even a slow walk along the river trail lets you soak in mossy trees, rushing water, and that deep-forest quiet you just don’t get in town. Tip: Cell service can be spotty in parts of this area, so download maps ahead of time.

7. Gig Harbor: Harborfront Charm (Pierce County)

Just over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Pierce County, Gig Harbor makes for a gentle, low-stress day trip. The town has a postcard-style waterfront with boats bobbing in the harbor and Mount Rainier showing off in the background on clear days. What to do in Gig Harbor:

Walk the harborfront sidewalks and pop into boutiques
Grab lunch at a waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating
Rent a kayak or paddleboard if the weather cooperates

This is a perfect option if you don’t want a long drive or a big hike. It’s more about strolling, eating, and enjoying the view.

8. Whidbey Island: Deception Pass & Coupeville (Island County)

For a classic Washington island getaway—without needing a long ferry ride—drive up to Whidbey Island in Island County. From Bremerton, plan on about 2–3 hours depending on which route you take. The star of the show is Deception Pass State Park at the northern end of the island. At Deception Pass:

Walk across the narrow, dramatic bridge (hold onto your hat if it’s windy!)
Check out the beaches and coves below
Take short, easy trails through the forest

Farther down the island, the town of Coupeville offers a slower pace:

Historic waterfront buildings that stretch out over the water
Quiet streets with small shops and cafes
Views across Penn Cove

It’s the kind of place where you can spend half the day just wandering and looking at the water from different angles.

9. Snohomish: Antique Hunting & Small-Town Strolls (Snohomish County)

If your idea of a good time is browsing shops and poking around old buildings, the town of Snohomish in Snohomish County is a fun day trip from Bremerton. You’ll drive up through the Seattle area and then head east. Depending on traffic, it can take around 2–2.5 hours, so this is a good one for an early start. Why people love Snohomish:

Historic downtown lined with antique shops and boutiques
Casual restaurants and bakeries where you can refuel between browsing
Scenic views over the Snohomish River from the edge of town

If you’re thinking about a home project or just love finding unique pieces, you can easily lose track of time here. I’ve gone “just to look” and somehow ended up driving home with an old mirror and a lamp I didn’t know I needed.

10. Mukilteo & the Ferry Vibes (Snohomish County)

For a mellow, water-focused getaway, head to Mukilteo in Snohomish County. The drive takes you north of Seattle, then over to the coast of Possession Sound. In Mukilteo, you’ll find:

A peaceful waterfront park where you can watch ferries come and go
Views across to Whidbey Island
Nearby cafes and restaurants within a short walk of the water

You can even hop the ferry to Clinton on Whidbey Island if you want to turn the day into a two-stop adventure. Or just sit on a bench, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the sound of the waves and ferry horns. It’s an easy, low-effort road trip that still feels like you’ve escaped your normal routine.

Road Trip Tips for Bremerton Locals

To make these out-of-county day trips from Bremerton smoother, keep a small “go bag” handy so you’re ready for last-minute plans:

Light jacket and extra layer
Reusable water bottles
Snacks (nuts, granola bars, fruit)
Printed or downloaded directions in case cell service drops

Also, always glance at:

Ferry schedules (if you’re using them)
Traffic apps for Seattle/Tacoma areas
Park alerts for spots like Mount Rainier or Deception Pass

A quick check before you leave can save you from long delays or surprise closures.

Where Will You Go Next From Bremerton?

The nice thing about living in Bremerton is that you’re close to so much variety—mountains, islands, harbors, and historic downtowns are all within a few hours’ drive in counties like King, Pierce, Island, Jefferson, Mason, and Snohomish. Which of these road trips would you try first? Are you more into:

Big-city exploring in Seattle?
Mountain views at Mount Rainier?
Quiet harbor towns like Gig Harbor or Port Townsend?

I’d love to hear your favorite getaways from Bremerton. Drop a comment and share:

Your best out-of-county road trip near Bremerton
Any hidden-gem spots I should add next time
Your go-to scenic drive when you just need to clear your head

And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” A simple share might be the nudge they need to discover their new favorite day trip.

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