Most people miss this part of the Puget Sound
Many visitors only get as far as Winslow on Bainbridge Island. What locals know is that beyond its ferry terminal are lesser-known and equally impressive destinations along the Kitsap Peninsula and South Puget Sound.
Explore our guide to the places many travelers miss, and discover the other side of the Pacific Northwest before everyone else does.
Poulsbo, Kitsap Peninsula
Disembark after the 35-minute ferry to Bainbridge Island, then drive 25 mins, over the Agate Pass Bridge to the historic coastal town known as “Little Norway.” Nestled along the shores of Liberty Bay, you’ll find unique shopping, plenty of craft breweries, a quirky vibe and the best Norwegian festivals.
Poulsbo has a lively old town marina and desirable residential neighborhoods. East of Poulsbo, we suggest searching for land in the Lemolo Shores area or a bit north along Big Valley Road.
Eat: Sogno-di-Vino
Sweets: Sluey’s
To Do: Poulsbo
Suquamish, Kitsap Peninsula
Quiet, unhurried, and 20 miles per hour as you drive the winding road down into Port Madison. An 18 minute drive from the Bainbridge ferry, Suquamish is one of the Puget Sound's most peaceful waterfront communities
Home to the final resting place of Chief Seattle and the historic site of Old Man House, once the largest winter longhouse in the Salish Sea. Stroll the public pier and park, eat at the water view restaurant, and visit the Suquamish Museum to learn about the stories of the Suquamish people.
For buyers seeking land value, consider expanding your search north along NE Miller Bay Road and along Port Gamble Road you'll find larger rural parcels, farm properties, and acreage.
To Do: Tribal History Museum
Eat: Sullys Bistro
Stay: Clearwater Casino
Kingston, Kitsap Paninsula
Nicknamed the “Little City by the Sea,” Kingston sits along the shores of Apple Tree Cove, 40 minutes from Seattle by fast ferry or a 30 minute drive from the Bainbridge ferry terminal. Kingston town offers a relaxed, slow-paced atmosphere with a marina, walkable downtown, local shops, and plenty to eat. Be sure to stop at the Lounge for local wine, food and water views from the back patio.
A growing port town with rural acreage, residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to Seattle. South of Kingston in the Jefferson Beach area or north of town along Lindvog Rd is our suggested areas for value in land.
Drink: The Lounge
Coffee: Over the Moon
To Do: Golf
Hansville, Kitsap Peninsula
35 minutes from the Bainbridge ferry, a fresh bakery, country store with coffee, scoops of ice cream and a wide stretch of sandy beach, makes Hansville one of the Kitsap Peninsula's most relaxing destinations. Stroll the white sandy shoreline, watch sailboats drift across the Puget Sound, and keep an eye out for seabirds and marine wildlife as you make your way to the historic Point No Point Lighthouse. Most likely the beach will be entirely to yourself.
For buyers seeking value, we recommend looking a bit south of Hansville in the Eglon neighborhood. This quiet coastal area offers a mix of NW forested parcels, beach access, and larger farm properties.
Visit: Telve Vineyards
Gig Harbor, South Puget Sound
About an hour from Seattle, or a casual drive from the Bainbridge ferry terminal, Gig Harbor is a charming sailor's town known as the “Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.” Explore waterfront dining, hillside parks, galleries, and local art shops throughout its historic downtown, or simply find a bench along Liberty Bay and watch the sun go down.
A highly desirable harbor town with luxury homes, marinas, and excellent amenities. Land is scarce around Gig Harbor. We suggest searching west of town closer to Artondale or a little north around Maplewood.
To Do: Gig Harbor
Port Towsend, Jefferson County
About an hour's drive from Bainbridge Island, Port Townsend feels like a step back into an older, saltier version of the Pacific Northwest. Old-school sailing, Victorian architecture, historic restaurants, waterfront bars, cozy hotels, and down-to-earth locals give the town a character that's hard to manufacture.
Wander the old streets, duck into hidden alleys and historic tunnels, and strike up a conversation. You'll quickly discover that some of Port Townsend's best stories aren't written on plaques, but passed down by the people who've called this waterfront town home for generations.
Port Townsend also has a colorful bootlegging past and a creative community of artists, musicians, boat enthusiasts, and longtime family-run shops. Surrounded by water and steeped in maritime history, it's the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon without much of a plan.
Anderson Island, South Puget Sound
Often called the “Secret Island,” Anderson Island sits quietly at the southern end of the Puget Sound, approximately 30 minutes from Tacoma, 1.5 hours from Seattle, and about 2 hours from Portland. Accessed by a short and scenic state ferry from Steilacoom.
As developable land across the Puget Sound becomes increasingly scarce and pricey, Anderson Island continues to offer a rare opportunity to invest in the island region.
Most Affordable. A peaceful island known for forested lots, freshwater lakes, and excellent opportunity for first-time land buyers. We suggest staying close to Lake Josephine and the golf course for your best value on Anderson Island.
To Do: Anderson Island
Eat: Lakeside Restaurant
Ferry: Pierce County Ferry
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