The Puget Sound Island chain offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle and Tacoma. Visitors are drawn to the 30 island archipelago for its lush landscapes, relaxed pace, fresh cuisine, and world famous outdoor activities. The climate here is mild year-round and with easy ferry access from the cities, have the best of both worlds and find your perfect coastal town along the waters of the Salish Sea. The Puget Sound is the second largest estuary in the United States, characterized by glacier-carved channels and diverse wildlife. These waterways are fed by freshwater from 19 different river basins originating in the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Long before Captain Puget's arrival, the Salish People inhabited this region and still do. The term "Salish Sea" honors these indigenous cultures.
Hop on the ferry from Anderson Island for a 20-minute ride to the mainland. Visitors and locals who want a quick shopping trip, dinner out, or just a stroll along historic downtown can leave their car at home and sail away for the day. Famous for its historic military forts and Native Indigenous culture - natural history is the center of one of Washington's oldest incorporated Northwest port towns. You should definitely eat at the old historic Bair Drug and Hardware store restaurant, Topside Grill for water views, and visit waterfront lookout park.
Under an half hour drive from Steilacoom or 30-minute boat ride from Anderson Island - don't pass up this delightful maritime village just past the Tacoma Narrows bridge. This fancy and slow paced harbor town combines culture and outdoor activities, celebrating a rich maritime heritage. Stay at charming, locally-owned hotels, try freshly caught seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants, or relax at a small wine bar. Feel like waliking, explore Gig Harbor's history along its waterfront, adorned with galleries, boutiques, and the Harbor History Museum. Our go-to’s include, Gig Harbor Gondola boat tours, Tides Pub on the water, Heritage Distilling Company, the Kiss Cafe along the harbor‘s north end, or just find any waterfront bench and watch a sunset.
An hour's drive north from Anderson Island winding along the Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island stands as the gem of the Kitsap Peninsula. Known for its lush forests, stunning waterfront views, high-end homes, and vibrant hip community. The main hub is charming downtown Winslow, with its quaint shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table eateries. Miles of hiking trails and pristine beaches offer outdoor seekers plenty to do. Our honorable mentions include the Streamliner Diner for breakfast, Amy's Veg House, Pegasus Coffee for a morning cup of Joe or Friday evening live music, and overlooking Eagle Harbor, we highly recommend Winslow's one and only Public House!
Poulsbo's historic “Little Norway” is a small, quirky, and beloved getaway along the shores of Liberty Bay in Kitsap County. Wander down Front Street to look at galleries, museums, shop for unique Norwegian trinkets or grab some wine in Poulsbo's vibrant Arts District. Waterfront restaurants are scattered around town with some of the best views of the marina and boats sailing back and forth. For the later evening crowd, bars, the famous fish house, and the locals favorite 6-stop brewery crawl is so fun! Don't miss the Kraken waterfront restaurant, the Slippery Pig Brewery, Sluys famous bakery (the line is worth the wait), the Poulsbohemian Coffee House, and find the decorated secret alley leading to Casa Luna Mexican restaurant.
Off the beaten path between Bainbridge Island and Kingston and tucked along the protected shores of Port Madison, you can easily miss the tiny fishing village of Suquamish, Washington. Home to Chief Seattle's historic and sacred burial grounds, Old Man House beach, and the most peaceful public dock you will find on the Puget Sound. Suquamish offers a glimpse into the natural history and quiet solitude of the old Pacific Northwest. Enjoy a meal at the waterfront restaurant, pick up essentials at the country store, attend a ceremonial salmon smoke, or check out the cedar dugout canoes. But don’t come to Suquamish for too much excitement, better to visit for a lesson in the ways of life of the Suquamish Native Americans. Highly recommended is the Tribal History Museum.
Head 1-hour north of Anderson Island over the Tacoma Narrows bridge and you will find the quiet town of Kingston, Washington, wrapped around the shores of Apple Tree Cove. Kingston is a quintessential Pacific Northwest port town with locally crafted cozy brewpubs, homemade ice cream, local boutique wineries, and some of the best coffee shop experiences around. Direct high speed ferry access to Seattle make this town a central crossroads. During high tide, grab your kayak and paddle under the Arness Park bridge for a wetland adventure. The Kingston Ale House, Over the Moon Coffee Roasters, Island Ice Creamery, and Willy's Sourdoiugh pizza are our local hangouts.
About an hour's drive from Anderson Island, or a quick ferry ride from Bainbridge Island or Kingston, lands you in one of the West Coast's most iconic cities: The Emerald City. Seattle is a vibrant metropolis with a blend of culture, history, and culinary diversity. Begin your journey at Pike Place Market, buy fresh wild Alaskan salmon, explore local artisan shops, and smell fresh-cut farm flowers. Along the cobblestone road, visit the famous first Starbucks store or stroll down to a Mariners game - don't miss out on trying the Seattle hot dog, topped with cream cheese and grilled onions. Our must-visit suggestions include Palace Kitchen and Edgewater Restaurants, Pike Bar and Grill, and Zig Zag Cafe for a local artisan craft cocktail.
Less than 30 minutes from Steilacoom sits the hilly city of Tacoma Washington overlooking Commencement Bay and under towering Mt. Rainier. The resurgence of Tacoma's downtown, Theatre District, and Marina has landed it on real estate market's hottest lists for the past few years. New light rail, refurbished restaurants, quaint neighborhood boroughs, and some of the oldest historic Victorian architecture on the West Coast add to its charm. When you experience the food, culture, entertainment, and absolutely gorgeous natural landscapes, you will see why so many people are headed this direction. The once rugged industrial port town is now a hip modern Pacific Northwest city. The secret is out and Anderson Island is just a few miles south.
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