Bremerton, Washington, is the largest city located on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington with just under 40,000 residents. Bremerton is the home of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Bremerton Annex of Naval Base Kitsap. The city is connected to downtown Seattle by a 55-minute ferry, which carries both vehicles and walk-on passengers along a 15.5 mile route to and from Seattle.
As a visitor or tourist in Seattle, one of the best ways to see the city is to take a ferry ride away from it. Hundreds of islands litter Puget Sound and are quite spectacular to view from the ferry’s decks. A grand view of the Seattle skyline can be had while motoring to and from the ports, and on a clear day you will spot Mount Rainier just south of the city.
You might be wondering what’s in Bremerton once you get there, but there are plenty of options. There are several dining choices for fresh seafood, burgers, Belgian fries, soups, or salads. Fritz European Fry House came highly recommended, as did Anthony’s, a waterfront restaurant with a great view and many seafood options. Both had outdoor seating overlooking the sound, but Fritz’s was on the lower end in cost and time.
For history and military buffs, the highlight of this port is touring the USS Turner Joy, one of 18 Forrest Sherman-class destroyers of the United States Navy. On March 1st, the museum reopened for the visitor season. Space on the boat can be rented for special occasions and anyone can tour the boat during the day. For more information, visit www.ussturnerjoy.org.
My group enjoyed wandering through several unique water features and parks all within a mile of the ferry terminal. Ferry schedules make it easy to take a ferry in the morning, stay for lunch and explore, then return to Seattle before sundown. It is a great day away from the big city.
travel. eat. hike. 