A day trip to Bremerton: Exploring the fast ferry route from Seattle
A Kitsap Transit bus crosses the Manette Bridge in Bremerton.
Escape Seattle and come aboard the Kitsap Fast Ferry for a day trip to Bremerton. A comfortable and scenic journey awaits across the Puget Sound.
Twice as fast as a normal ferry, the Bremerton Fast Ferry takes you on a 30-minute voyage across Puget Sound, offering breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and the snow-capped Olympics in the distance. The time you’ll save on the journey will let you explore even more of Bremerton’s best. Once you arrive, you'll find that the ferry terminal is conveniently located near many of the city's top attractions, making it easy to explore on foot.
Before you step off the ferry, you'll sense the energy – Bremerton is a place where time slows down. Located across the Puget Sound from Seattle, Bremerton has become a vibrant city and a hidden gem of historical significance for visitors of all kinds. As a city with a rich naval heritage and a strong sense of community, Bremerton is well-known for aircraft carriers and battleships, as well as its charming, walkable downtown.
A collection of unique local brands and small businesses, galleries, bars and cafes mingle with naval history and delicious dining along Bremerton’s streets. Stroll around the ferry terminal and beyond for museums, waterfront views and a bustling boardwalk.
Jump-start your visit with these recommendations to get the most out of your time in Bremerton:
9:10 am: All aboard! Depart Seattle at Pier 50 Ferry Dock for Bremerton.
9:40 am: Welcome to Bremerton!
10:15 am: Stroll* across the Manette Bridge to Saboteur Bakery for coffee, incredible pastries and perhaps a slice of quiche.
The Manette Bridge is a pedestrian-friendly bridge that spans the Port Washington Narrows and connects Bremerton with the endearing neighborhood of Manette. The bridge offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding area. Whether you prefer to walk, run or ride your bike (you can bring yours on the ferry), the Manette Bridge is a must-visit destination and a staple of the city footprint.
Saboteur is a French-inspired bakery and café owned by Michelin-star-rated pastry chef Matt Tinder, which offers a range of pastries, bread and savory dishes – all made from scratch using first-rate ingredients. For years, this buzzing outpost was what drew refined palettes from all over Seattle to Bremerton. The croissants are a must-try, as is the quiche.
*You can also catch the 10 a.m. Route 225–Sheridan Park bus from the ferry terminal for a one-minute ride over the Manette Bridge. Get off at the Wheaton Way and Harkins Street stop and then walk three minutes to the bakery. Pro tip: Buy a day pass on the Transit GO Ticket app to ride Kitsap Transit buses as much as you want or use your ORCA card.
11 am*: Head back toward the ferry terminal to visit the Puget Sound Navy Museum.
Bremerton has a rich naval history, and the Puget Sound Navy Museum is the perfect place to learn about it. The museum features exhibits on the history of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the Navy in the Pacific Northwest and the role of submarines in maritime conquest. Enriched by friendly, knowledgeable staff, admission is free but donations are welcome.
*Again, you can use the bus to get back. Hop on the #225 at 10:42 a.m. to return. It comes back to the ferry terminal at 10:57 a.m.
12:30 pm: Grab some chowder nearby at Anthony’s Seafood
You can’t go wrong with their award-winning clam chowder, but check out what’s on the “Today’s Seafood” menu for a special treat.
2:00 pm: Explore downtown and visit the Bremerton Vintage Flea Market.
The Vintage Flea Market is a Bremerton favorite for treasures and one-of-a-kind finds on Saturdays year-round from 10 am to 4 pm. The market features a variety of vendors selling vintage clothing, furniture, oddities, and other secondhand, repurposed goods. Featuring a rotating selection of food trucks, the Flea Market is based out of The Dusty Pug vintage shop. Souvenirs await!
Alternative 2:00 pm: Get on board the USS Turner Joy
If naval history is your thing, the USS Turner Joy will be the perfect extension to your Bremerton visit. This 418-foot destroyer has been restored to her Vietnam War configuration. She is handicap accessible on part of her main deck. Tours are two hours in length. Ticket sales end at 3:30 p.m.
5:00 pm: Happy hour gaming at Another Castle Arcade.
Another Castle Arcade is a great place to relive your childhood memories. This lively bar features classic arcade games and pinball machines alongside modern titles. Grab a cocktail and game to your heart’s content – loser buys the next round.
6:30 pm: Dinner and dessert at Axe & Arrow Gastropub.
A can’t-miss spot for beer lovers and foodies alike, Axe and Arrow is a sophisticated space known for elevated pub fare, shareable plates and locally sourced Northwest specialties. This cozy, warm atmosphere is the perfect place to wrap up another day of adventuring.
7:20 pm: Cool off and await the ferry at Harborside Fountain Park.
Loved by locals and visitors alike, the Harborside Fountain Park is located just steps away from the Bremerton ferry terminal. The park is known for its unique fountains that are perfect for splashing on a warm afternoon.
7:40 pm: ‘Til next time! Depart Bremerton Ferry Dock for the evening cruise to Seattle.
It's hard to imagine a more scenic way to end a Saturday than catching the fast ferry back to the big city. A picturesque way to regroup and reminisce, enjoy views of the sparkling skyline and a winding route home as you leave Bremerton in your wake. When will you be back?
More time to spare? Add these to your agenda:
Located inside the Kitsap History Museum, the Valentinetti Puppet Museum is a quirky space that showcases over a thousand puppets from around the world. This free exhibit offers a look into the past as visitors explore the history of puppetry.
The Admiral Theater is a historic, beautifully restored space featuring a packed calendar of live music, comedy and classic movies. A cozy space with nautical paintings and quality seating from every vantage point, check the online calendar of events to catch a performance during your visit to Bremerton.
The Bremerton Farmers Market is a must-visit destination for farm-to-table fanatics and curators of community. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, locally sourced treats and homemade finds. The market is open on Thursday evenings at Evergreen Rotary Park – a twenty-minute walk from the ferry terminal – April through September. If you’d rather not walk, ride the #24, #212, #215 or #217 bus, get off at 11th Street and Pacific and walk six minutes to the park.
Port Orchard Foot Ferry + Waterfront
Extend your travels with a connection to Port Orchard's downtown collection of eclectic boutiques, pocket parks, restaurants and antique shops – all within easy walking distance of the ferry. Port Orchard is also home to one of the oldest and largest farmers markets in Western Washington, located on the waterfront, and open Saturday morning until 2 p.m. April 21 through October 21st. Kitsap Transit operates foot ferry service between Bremerton and Port Orchard. On this trip, you may be in luck and get to travel on the Carlisle II, a floating museum that is the oldest continuously operated boat from the Puget Sound's famed "Mosquito Fleet" of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Things to Eat
With a prime location on the Bremerton waterfront, Anthony's Seafood is known for serving fresh, local seafood dishes that are expertly prepared and beautifully presented. From the classic clam chowder to their signature Northwest oysters on the half shell, Anthony’s offers a range of options from local waters that’ll satisfy any seafood lover's cravings.
Another waterfront gem, the Boat Shed offers casual, family-friendly dining with stunning views of the Puget Sound from a well-appointed outdoor deck. The menu features classic American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, steak and seafood dishes.
This cozy cafe and deli offers a variety of craveable sandwiches, salads, paninis and espresso drinks made with locally sourced ingredients.
This Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant offers a unique dining experience with dishes that blend flavors and techniques from both cuisines. The menu features sushi, ramen, bibimbap, and other Asian-inspired dishes.
Fritz has perfected the art of Belgian style fries and is known for their variety of yummy dipping sauces and delicious burgers.
This traditional ramen house has a huge sake collection and devoted following for their richly flavored ramens and Japanese fare.
This beloved hole-in-the-wall serves up El Salvadorian and Mexican food that locals have come to worship. If there’s a line, it’s worth the wait!
Evergreen Pizza Co. & Sapling Gelato
Across the street from Evergreen Park, this wood-fired pizza joint is the perfect place for a cold beer and a slice or two. Downstairs, Sapling Gelato has desert handled and makes for the perfect park treat!
Places to Stay
Stay overnight in Bremerton and keep the good times going. A number of lodging options are accessible by foot from the ferry terminal. Make the most of your stay by catching a morning cruise back and watching the sunrise over the Seattle skyline.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Located just a few minutes' walk from the Bremerton ferry terminal, this hotel is a convenient option for those arriving by ferry. The hotel features well-appointed guest rooms with modern amenities, complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi.
The Hampton Inn & Suites
Located next door to the Kitsap Conference Center, this hotel is just a short walk from the ferry terminal and waterfront views. The hotel offers spacious rooms where guests can start their day with a complimentary breakfast or a morning swim.
Airbnb and VRBO
For those seeking alternative lodging options near the ferry terminal, Bremerton hosts a variety of vacation rental options on Airbnb and VRBO. Whether you're looking for a cozy studio apartment or a spacious family home, you're sure to find lodging that suits your preferences, your style and your budget.