Port Orchard

Like many towns in the area Port Orchard was originally only accessible by boat and the town grew around the harbor. It has since grown extensively and includes spread out suburbs and big box stores, however the downtown core has kept the original small town character and is accessible by foot from the harbor and is probably the primary area that tourists would be interested in. From the waterfront Port Orchard offers commanding views of the Sinclair Inlet and nearby Bremerton with its historic naval shipyard.
The city is very family-friendly, with child-friendly parks, library and neighborhoods, as well as a low - and continuing to decline - crime rate. Port Orchard's identity is anchored in its connections to the past, and its vision of the future. Originally a booming lumber town called Sidney, Port Orchard became Kitsap County’s first incorporated city in 1890. It wooed the county seat away from Port Madison on Bainbridge Island in 1893 and remains the center of county government.

By car

Main Highways to Port Orchard are WA Highway 3 from Shelton, north through the county to the Hood Canal Bridge near the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. From Tacoma and Interstate 5, take WA Highway 16 north from Tacoma across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, then follow highway 16 through Gig Harbor then take one of the several exits marked for Port Orchard.

By boat

Arriving by water, you'll find a large, destination public marina making Port Orchard a favored boating venue. Marina Park, with its boardwalk and covered gazebo, offers beach access and is the site of the summer outdoor Farmer's Market and the center of town is within steps of the marina. Please be aware of the 500’ buffer zone around US Navy vessels and facilities to the north.

• Port Orchard Marina

  phone: +1 360-876-5535
  address: 707 Sidney Pkwy
  This is the main guest moorage dock in the area and the guest dock is 3000 feet in length. There are 44 guest moorage slips available. The total estimated guest boat capacity is 180. Electrical hook up is available for a fee. Electrical power is available in 30 and 50 amps. It has been reported the minimum depth at mean low tide is 30. Fuel and pump out available.

• Port Orchard Railway Marina

  phone: +1 360-876-2522
  address: 405 Bay St
  All vessels staying at the guest moorage area overnight will be required to register at the marina office.

• Port Orchard Yacht Club

  phone: +1 360-876-9010
  address: 201 Bay St
  full facilities but reciprocal moorage only.

• Bremerton Marina

  phone: +1 360-373-1035
  address: 120 Washington Beach Ave Bremerton
  Centrally located in downtown Bremerton with room for 80-100 visiting boaters, this is a good alternative if you can't find a slip in Port Orchard and is conveniently connected via the foot ferry.

• Port Orchard Boat Ramp

  address: 535 Bay St
  The boat ramp facility has been significantly improved and reopened February of 2013 by the Port of Bremerton and can be used in most tidal conditions. Large parking lot designed for boats and trailers. Facilities: Floating concrete dock - Concrete ramp - Restrooms

By ferry

• Washington State Ferries

  phone: +1 206-464-6400
  Connects downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and Vashon Island, and connects West Seattle to Vashon Island and Southworth near Port Orchard. All ferries are for both vehicles and passenger except the ferry between downtown Seattle and Vashon Island and connections to buses can be made at all ferry terminals for walk on passengers. The Southworth terminal provides the best access to Port Orchard however be warned that lines can get long during the summers and holidays. Try to avoid peak times such as commuting peak hours heading towards Seattle in the mornings and leaving Seattle in the late afternoons. Friday late afternoon and Sunday late afternoon should also be avoided if possible or at least plan on arriving early to avoid congestion.

By foot ferry

• Kitsap Transit Foot Ferry

  phone: +1 360 373-2877
  shuttles passengers between Port Orchard, Bremerton and Annapolis ferry terminals using two passenger only ferries, 'Admiral Jack' and the 'Carlisle II' a historic Mosquito Fleet era boat that is nearly 100 years old. Foot ferry service is a great way to tour a historic boat and get an up close and personal view of the marinas and the harbor.

By airport shuttle

• Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter

  phone: +1 360-876-1737
  provides scheduled ground transportation to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to various locations on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Although Port Orchard is quite spread out and as a whole is mostly appropriate for car. The historic downtown shopping area is small and very accessible on foot or bike and includes easy access from the foot ferry and marina.

By bus

• Kitsap Transit

  phone: +1 360 479-6962
  Kitsap Transit offers transit services throughout the area including pickup from all ferry terminals and connects with Mason Transit (Mason County), Pierce Transit (Pierce County), and Jefferson Transit (Jefferson County) offering connections outside of the area.

By taxi

• A-Ward Taxi Towncar

  phone: +1 360-440-1517, +1 360-801-1235
  address: Port Orchard based

• Bainbridge Island Taxi

  phone: +1 206 842-1021
  address: Bainbridge Island based
  locally owned and operated, serving Bainbridge, Poulsbo, Kingston. Silverdale, Bremerton and the Olympic Peninsula

• Best Darn Taxi

  phone: +1 360-782-2378
  address: Bremerton based
  Serving Kitsap County.

• Bumblebee Taxi

  phone: +1 360 782-1966
  address: Silverdale based
  A full service Taxi company serving Kitsap County And Beyond. Services all Military Bases And offer flat rates and military discounts.

• First Choice Taxi

  phone: +1 360 373-7903
  address: Bremerton based
  services Bremerton, Kitsap County and Seatac Airport. Bremerton Ferry pickups can be prearranged.

• KnM Transport

  phone: +1 360 479-2273
  address: Bremerton based
  transporting mobility challenged clients in specially equipped vans.

• Pleades Transportation

  phone: +1 206 618-9630
  address: Bainbridge Island based
  limousine service on Bainbridge Island.

• Redtop Taxi of Kitsap

  phone: +1 360 876-4949
  address: Port Orchard based

• Taxi and Tours

  phone: +1 206-842-7660 (Bainbridge Island), +1 360-698-7660 (Kingston - Silverdale - Poulsbo), +1 360-377-9393 (Bremerton), +1 360-876-9393 (Port Orchard)
  24 hour serving Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, Suquamish, and Port Orchard.

• White Blitz Taxi

  phone: +1 360 516-0271
  address: Bremerton based

By charter bus

• Janssen's Charter & Tours

  phone: +1 360-871-2446
  address: 1623 Woods Rd E

• The Sinclair InletThe name of the body of water that extends out from Port Orchard. It is an arm of the Puget Sound and a busy shipping channel with state ferries coming and going from Bremerton, the water taxis, the Naval Ship Yard and the busy local marinas make it an interesting place to watch boat traffic.

Museums

Port Orchard has several small museums all within walking distance from downtown and the marinas. This is a great way to explore some local art or learn more about Port Orchards maritime history.

• Log Cabin Museum

  phone: +1 360 876-3693
  address: 202 Sidney Ave
  just up the street and only open seasonally and selectively, this quaint museum located in a historic log cabin features changing exhibits of home life in South Kitsap during the past 100 years as well as items typically used and tells the ongoing story of the Orchards. Worth watching for seasonal happenings like santa visiting at Christmas.

• Sidney Art Museum

  phone: +1 360 876-3693
  address: 202 Sidney Ave
  located in one of Port Orchard's historic buildings, the Gallery features a monthly exhibition of works of Northwest artists.

• Veterans Living History Museum

  address: 825 Bay St.
  this tiny museum along main street is a labor of love from its curator who has collected and displays an amazing array of military memorabilia he has collected or been donated to him over the years. Not much space is available to navigate this tiny museum but its worth a stop on your way exploring downtown.

City Parks

• Central Park

  address: 915 Dwight St
  basketball court, large field for informal games, playground, picnic areas, restrooms, this is a popular sunny park for kids and their families.

• The Commonssmall grassy area with benches and view of Port Orchard Marina and the ongoing ship traffic, this popular downtown park is the hub of many activities downtown.

• Marina Park

  address: 901 Bay St
  this popular waterfront park is receiving a facelift and expansion and is scheduled to reopen May 2013. With its boardwalk and covered gazebo and upcoming beach access this area is central stage for many events in Port Orchard including the summer outdoor Farmer's Market

State Parks

• Blake Island State ParkPort Orchard is a popular launching point for this nearby state park that was the birthplace of Chief Seattle and still offers Native American dancing for visitors.

• Manchester State Park

  phone: +1 360 871-4065
  is a 111-acre camping park with 3,400 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rich Passage in Puget Sound between Southworth and Port Orchard. It was at one time a harbor defense installation for the protection of nearby Bremerton, then a fuel supply depot and Navy fire-fighting station. The park contains a former torpedo warehouse built in 1901, a mining casement and a gun battery which are open for exploring. The park has 35 tent spaces, 15 utility spaces and two restrooms/showers. Maximum site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability). One dump station is located near the entrance. To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Campsites are only available first come, first served between Sept. 16 to May 14. There are three hiker/biker campsites available only to hikers and bikers and only on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites include a picnic table. Braziers are not provided.

• Square Lake State Park

  address: P.O. Box 338, Manchester, WA 98353
  don't let the Manchester address fool you, this 7.9 acre park is actually located south west of Port Orchard along Lake Flora Rd. Popular with sport fisherman with limited parking and access, a small pit toilet is available. Best suited for hand launched boats.

County park

• Howe Farm County Dog Park

  address: Long Lake Road Southeast
  when Fido needs to stretch his legs and play with other dogs, this is the park to be in. Lots of room to run and meet other dogs.

• Wynn-Jones Nature Preserve54 acres of saltwater access and hiking trails offering views of Puget Sound and ship traffic passing through the area.

Library

• Kitsap Regional Library Port Orchard

  phone: +1 360 871-3921
  address: 87 Sidney Ave
  more that just a community library, this branch located near downtown and the waterfront offers many events for children including story time, kids movies and for adults book clubs and visiting authors. See website for current events, might offer a nice break from other activities and a chance to learn more about the area .

Annual events

• April -Port Orchard Farmers Market Opens
• May -Kitsap Harbor Festival: Bremerton.Port Orchard Marina
• May -Annual Seagull Calling Festival - Port Orchard Waterfront Park
• May- Concerts on the Bay (usually Thurs. evenings)-Port Orchard Waterfront Park
• June/July

  Fathoms O’ Fun Summer Festival

• June- Fathoms O’ Fun Grand Parade- Downtown
• July 4th- Fathoms O’ Fun Grand Fireworks- Sinclair Inlet
• July -Chris Craft Rendezvous- PO Marina
• August - The Cruz Classic Car Show and Festival by the Bay
• August - Olalla Bluegrass Festival- Olalla
• Sept- Taste of Port Orchard- Port Orchard Waterfont Park
• December- Festival of Chimes & Lights

• Dragonfly Cinema Movie Theater

  phone: +1 360 519-4333
  address: 822 Bay St
  a selection of indie, foreign, classics, and new movies with strong stories, this cinema in downtown Port Orchard only shows films on the weekends and offers a VIP option. Rumor has it that this vintage theater is haunted.

• Kitsap Live Steamers

  address: 3100 SE Marbeth LN
  scale outdoor railroad enthusiasts operating a non-profit 7 1/2 inch gauge railroad take visitors on a tour of the park.

• Paradise Theatre

  phone: +1 253 851-7529
  address: 9911 Burnham Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
  Founded in May of 2000, Paradise Theatre was created to serve the Arts Community by providing both theatre education and Professional grade entertainment to the Puget Sound Area.

• Rodeo Drive-In Theatre

  phone: +1 360 698-6030
  address: 7369 State Hwy 3 Bremerton, WA 98337
  Not located in Port Orchard proper but Port Orchard is the closest neighbor, a well loved and awesome classic drive in movie theater.

Birdwatching

The Kitsap Audubon Society has been actively meeting since 1972 and has a broad coalition of birders actively tracking and sharing sightings since then. They also maintain an active website with updates of the latest sightings, suggestions on areas for birders and even a regular newsletter. They also developed a checklist of birds likely to be seen birds in the area.
The state Audubon society developed 'The Great Audubon Birding Trail' which includes key migration flyways. Flyways are major north-south routes of travel for migratory birds and likely areas to see birds along the route extending from Alaska to Patagonia. The Sinclair Inlet north of Port Orchard is one of only a handful of locations in the area along the trail and an excellent area for birdwatching.

Golf

Port Orchard is blessed with several of the top golf courses in the state some of which offer shuttle service to their courses from the marina for those arriving by boat.

• McCormick Woods

  phone: +1 360 895-0130
  address: 5155 McCormick Wods SW
  The course is known for being equally beautiful and challenging.

• Trophy Lake Golf & Casting

  phone: +1 360 874-8337
  address: 3900 SW Lake Flora Rd
  expensive and very well maintained golf course and fishing lodge-style clubhouse.

• Village Greens Golf Course

  phone: +1 360 871-1222
  address: 2298 Fircrest Dr SE
  affordable 19 holes golf course that is well designed, Caddy shack has hotdogs, soda and coffee. There is also a small driving range.

Sea kayaking

Sea kayaking can be a rewarding way to explore the Kitsap Peninsulas nearly 400 miles of coastline and Port Orchard is a popular place to launch with its convenient downtown boat launch giving paddlers an closeup look of the harbor and the nearby naval ship yard. Be forewarned that there is a 500' buffer around military vessels and that this is also close to ferry traffic. That being said there is plenty to see and do in this area and the shipping lanes are easy to avoid by boating close to shore. Port Orchard is also home to the Port Orchard Paddle Club organizing many local kayaking events.

Kayak trails

Organized trails offer overnight camping options and maps of appropriate lengths and scenic travel destinations.

• Kitsap Peninsula Water TrailsPort Orchard is centrally located on this trail and gives many options for exploring the local waterways, PDF copies of the water trails map are available

Scuba diving

Scuba diving the cold waters of Puget Sound takes a bit more gear and training than other warm water locations, but the rewards are incredible. The area contains some of the best diving in the world and many areas are accessible from the Port Orchard via boat. The state has offers a guide to parks with launch sites HERE

Dive areas

Watermans Wall is a well know advanced dive accessible by boat near Port Orchard. When rounding Point Glover, you will see a very prominent navigational marker on a large concrete foundation on the shore to your left (mistaken for a lighthouse by some). Find the wall with a depth sounder on a straight line between this navigational marker and a little red house on the far shore that is situated all by itself. This puts you just south of the marker, with the wall starting in about 75 yards off shore. Anchor in about 40 feet of water on the shelf above the wall, about 10 yards from the wall. The wall starts in about 50 feet of water.
The wall has some shear faces, lengthy ledges, boulders, rock piles and some large crevices. Here you can find most of the famous marine creatures that make Puget Sound the marine-life Mecca that it is. Lots of little Pink Scallops and some big Rock Scallops, Giant Barnacles, a wide assortment of sea stars including Sunflower Stars. Brown Rockfish and Quillback Rockfish, Lingcod, Buffalo Sculpins and Orange, purple, and yellow sponges are in abundance, as are yellow Sea Lemons nudibranchs. Wolf Eels and Giant Pacific Octopus can be seen here also. However the steep terrain and currents make this an advanced dive.

Conservation areas

• Well-known to regional scuba divers, Orchard Rocks Conservation Area is located north east of Manchester State Park in the waters and bedlands of Rich Passage within a 400-yard radius of Orchard Rocks day marker and accessible by boat from Port Orchard. The natural bedrock and boulders provide habitats for rock associated fish and invertebrate species. Copper rockfish and quillback rockfish once were common at this site but now are rare. Brown rockfish are common as are lingcod, red Irish lord, buffalo sculpin, striped seaperch, and pile perch . Kelp greenling, painted greenling, cabezon are consistently present in the reserve. Dominant invertebrates include red rock crab, spider crabs, red sea cucumber, and orange sea cucumber. Harbor seals frequently visit the site and are often seen hauled out on the exposed rocks at low tide. California sea lions are also commonly observed at the site and may be seen hauled out on nearby navigational buoys.

Port Orchard has expanded over the years to include strip malls, big box stores and chain fast food, however through these changes the historic downtown core which is accessible by foot from the marina has kept its small town character intact and is well worth exploring.

• Bay St Custom Picture Framing and Fat Cat Gallery

  phone: +1 360 876-1031
  address: 839 Bay St
  not only a great local framer located downtown, but also an art gallery featuring local art and of course a fat cat for a mascot.

• Candy Shoppe

  phone: +1 360 874-2576
  address: 833 Bay St
  a favorite for children that will bring out the children in adults as well. Many kinds of candy and over the top fudge.

• Olympic Enterprises Bike & Skate

  phone: +1 360 895-2127
  address: 744 Bay St
  old school bike shop and repair, worth peeking in just to see the crazy variety of bikes.

• Port Orchard Farmers Marketto help preserve the agricultural identity and quality of rural life by providing a place for our local farmers to market their produce & farm products to the communities of the Kitsap Peninsula

• Maggies Attic

  phone: +1 360 895-2505
  address: 825 Bay St
  Vintage Costume Jewelry, Antique Handbags and Vanity Items

• Olde Central Antique Mall

  phone: +1 360 895-1902
  address: 801 Bay St
  A mixed bag of vendors means a large selection and many different price levels, a great place to treasure shop.

Like the rest of the area Seafood is a specialty so look for seasonal specials and locally sourced ingredients. Dungenes crabs, clams, oysters, mussels and of course Salmon can all be found in abundance but look also for fresh produce from local farms. Blackberry season towards the end of summer usually means these tasty local berries will find their way into local dessert menus. Port Orchard offers a variety of dining options, including seafood, Italian, gourmet hot dogs and hamburgers and of course, pizza.

• Morning Side Bakery

  phone: +1 360 876-1149
  address: 707 Bay St
  located dangerously close to the marina for anyone on a diet, this is a great place to start the morning.

• Bay Street Bistro

  phone: +1 360 602-0310
  address: 834 Bay St
  a popular Port Orchard destination for both tourists and locals, this place for everything from Pork Chops to martinis.

• Hiro Japanese Restaurant

  phone: +1 360 895-8591
  address: 920 Bay St
  a nice mix of Japanese and American (California) Sushi in a pleasant atmosphere.

• Amy's by the Bay

  phone: +1 360 876-1445
  address: 100 Harrison Ave
  seafood and all American burgers served with a great view of the water.

• La Palapa

  phone: +1 360 443-2272
  address: 150 Harrison Ave
  a great Mexican restaurant close to the marina with fresh food and good drink specials.

• Jj's On the Bay

  phone: +1 360 876-1445
  address: 833 Bay St
  in a great location by the Port Orchard foot ferry dock, and has good views with outdoor seating and a nice, clean interior and expansive menu.

• Hideaway Cafe

  phone: +1 360 895-4418
  address: 807 Bay St, Ste B
  small and a little difficult to find despite its downtown location, this family owned business serves great breakfast, lunch and dinners.

• Pizza Factory

  phone: +1 360 874-8100
  address: 1800 SE Mile Hill Dr
  pizza with salad bar and also does delivery.

Coffee

Like the rest of Puget Sound, Port Orchard takes its coffee pretty seriously. Chain shops like Starbucks are prevalent but try these coffee shops for some local flavor.

• Chug-A-Tug Espresso

  phone: +1 360 874-2273
  address: 110 Bay St
  boat themed drive through coffee on Tuesdays you can get 50 cents off your beverage for correctly answering their trivia question.

• Creme Cafe

  phone: +1 360 990-6525
  address: 174 SW Sedgwick Rd
  another locally owned espresso shop with a creative variety of coffee combinations. Try starting your morning with a 'Rockstar Mimosa' which is a watermelon energy drink and orange drink combo.

• The Crow's Nest

  phone: +1 360 876-4008
  address: 701 Bay St
  yet another boat themed coffee shop, this little one is located downtown close to the water.

• Cutters Point Coffee

  phone: +1 360-876-4216
  address: 4720 Bethel Rd. SE
  this small chain was founded in nearby Gig Harbor and is named after a nearby landing point of the 1792 exploration of the area.

• Dippity Donuts & Espresso

  phone: +1 360 443-2977
  address: 1540 Retsil Rd

• Lighthouse Espresso

  phone: +1 360 871-5700
  address: 6300 SE Mile Hill Dr
  a bit off the beaten path for most tourists, this drive up lighthouse themed espresso stand is conveniently located on the route to the Southworth ferry.

• Whiskey Gulch Coffee Company

  phone: +1 360 871-1985
  address: 2065 Bay St
  Whiskey Gulch was the name given to the area that once was home to an illegal moonshine operation that flourished based on its proximity to Puget Sound shipping routes. Now they serve more than just coffee but soup and sandwiches and an occasional band might play there as well.

• The Grey House

  phone: +1 360 876-5695
  address: 1130 Bethel Ave.
  Not just coffee, but delicious tea and a broad food menu as well served in a fancy pink Victorian house.

Bars

Bars are scattered across the area, however there are enough of them downtown close to the marina to be able to perform a mini bar crawl.

• Bethel Tavern

  phone: +1 360 876-6621
  address: 3840 Bethel Rd SE
  probably a bit off the beaten track for most tourist, but if your looking for the classic dive bar full of colorful locals complete with peanut shells on the floor, than this is your place. Older than anyone can remember they also have music on the weekends.

• Lighthouse Restaurant & Lounge

  phone: +1 360 874-2075
  address: 429 Bay St
  lighthouse themed lounge close to downtown with a view of the water.

• MoonDogs Too

  phone: +1 360 895-2300
  address: 714 Bay St
  great food and family friendly pub.

• One Ten Lounge

  phone: +1 360 895-3079
  address: 110 Harrison Ave
  popular jazz and blues lounge downtown known for their extensive drink menu.

• Rendezvous Tavern

  phone: +1 360 443-2545
  address: 1750 Village Lane SE

• Slaughter County Brewing Company

  phone: +1 360 329-2340
  address: 1307 Bay St
  hand crafted beers in a maritime, pirate themed pub with views of the water. The name comes from the original name of the county before it was switched to Kitsap.

• Tommy C's Sports Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 360 443-2050
  address: 1501 Piperberry Way #201

Hotels

• Comfort Inn

  phone: +1 360 895-2666
  address: 1121 Bay St
  on the waterfront and close to downtown this hotel is a popular option.

• Days Inn

  phone: +1 360 895-7818
  address: 220 Bravo Terrace
  located far from downtown this hotel is close to a freeway exit.

• Vista Motel

  phone: +1 360 876-8046
  address: 1090 Bethel Ave
  small local motel with friendly staff.

Bed and Breakfasts

• Cedar Cove Inn

  phone: +1 360 876-6196
  address: 228 Seattle Ave
  this well restored 1909 home has several guest rooms with private baths and overlooks Port Orchard Bay, Sinclair Inlet and the Olympic Mountains.

• The Vintage Inn

  address: 703 Kitsap St
  a bed and breakfast set up in a historic house that used to be the home of the town treasurer, even has a walk-in safe where all of the records used to be kept.

• Little Clam Bay Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 360 871-0619
  address: 7801 E. Jessica Way
  near Manchester and overlooking Little Clam Bay this small bed and breakfast offers a wonderful location and privacy.

Camping

Nearby Manchester State Park offers 35 tent spaces, 15 utility spaces and two restrooms/showers. Several campsites are reserved for non-motorized campers such as kayakers or bicyclists.

By car

Olalla and Gig Harbor is to the south, Manchester and Manchester State Park is to the east and Bremerton is to the north via highway 3 to the west by driving around the inlet.

By boat

Located on the Sinclair Inlet, Port Orchard is an excellent starting point for exploring the area by water. Bremerton and its historic Naval Shipyard and convenient marina are directly across the water via boat or foot ferry. Bainbridge Island, Manchester State Park and Blake Island State Park are also nearby to the east.