Exploring Bremerton and the Kitsap Peninsula
A TWB Guide to What We Did, What We Loved, and How Comfortable It Felt As a Black Traveler.
The Kitsap Peninsula is one of Western Washington’s most charming regions, with beautiful nature, rich cultural history, and easy access from Seattle. Throughout our multi episode Exploration of the Kitsap Peninsula Series, we have visited basecamp towns, explored supernatural stories, uncovered history, and tested out fun activities. For the final chapter of our series, we headed to the Peninsula’s largest city: Bremerton.
This blog serves as a guide to everything we did in Bremerton, what we learned, and what we recommend if you visit.
Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn and Suites Bremerton
For this final visit, we basecamped at the Hampton Inn and Suites Bremerton. The hotel location is one of the most convenient on the Peninsula. If you walk onto the Seattle ferry, you can walk off in Bremerton and head directly to the hotel on foot. It is an easy, stress free way to arrive on the Peninsula.
Exploring Bremerton A City Shaped by the Navy:
Bremerton is deeply connected to the United States Navy. This connection exists because, in the late 1800s, the U.S. Government was searching for a place to repair its Pacific Northwest fleet. Navy Lieutenant Ambrose Wyckoff surveyed the region and recommended the Sinclair Inlet area due to its deep sheltered harbor, mild weather, and surrounding timber.
In 1891, Congress funded the establishment of Naval Station Puget Sound. The city of Bremerton was later founded in 1901 by William Bremer, who had advocated strongly for the naval presence. Historically, Bremer purchased the land for the town at about three dollars an acre and later sold it to the Navy for around fifty dollars an acre.
Today, Bremerton still reflects its Navy roots in both its culture and attractions.
Museums We Explored:
Bremerton offers several museums that connect visitors to the region’s stories, culture, and maritime legacy. During our broader Kitsap trip, we visited:
Both museums are great options whether you are visiting during spooky season for ghost stories or during any other time of the year for education and history.
Outdoor Spaces in Bremerton:
Evergreen Park
We wanted to experience Bremerton’s connection to nature, and Evergreen Park was a perfect stop. The park offers beautiful views, a paved walkway, picnic areas, sports courts, and plenty of open space. It is a great park for families, a relaxed walk, or a quiet moment by the water.
Harborside Fountain Park
Bremerton also offers a Navy inspired outdoor space with Harborside Fountain Park. The fountains, sculptures, and waterfront views make it a unique blend of art, water features, and naval heritage.
Elandan Gardens: A World Class Garden on Reclaimed Land
TWB with Dan Robinson, the co-owner of Elandan Gardens
One of the most memorable stops of our Bremerton visit was Elandan Gardens. The garden is owned by Dan Robinson, who many consider one of the pioneers of American Bonsai. The most surprising part is that the garden sits on what used to be a landfill.
After securing a lease with the city in 1993, Dan and his wife Diane began transforming the space into a landscape filled with world class bonsai and artistic natural design. We toured the garden with Dan himself and learned about his philosophy and style of American Bonsai, which challenges traditional rules and expresses artistry through rugged, expressive forms.
This is truly a must see experience on the Kitsap Peninsula.
Creative Activities in Bremerton:
Glass Fusion at Eastern Wind Glass
One of the best surprises of our visit was a glass fusion class at Eastern Wind Glass. We dropped in for a lesson where we created two Christmas themed holiday bowls that would be fired in the kiln. This activity is fun, creative, beginner friendly, and a great option all year.
Private Karaoke at Beyond Karaoke
Yes, we sang. And yes, the private rooms made it possible. Beyond Karaoke offers the only private karaoke rooms on the Kitsap Peninsula, making it the perfect spot for visitors who want a fun and comfortable place to let loose.
Community Events:
Bremerton First Friday Artwalk
Every first Friday of the month, Downtown Bremerton hosts the Bremerton First Friday Artwalk, a free community event celebrating art, music, food trucks, and local culture. It is a wonderful way to connect with the community, see local artwork, and experience Bremerton’s creative energy. The artwalk also reminded us of Bremerton’s connection to legendary music history.
Celebrating Quincy Jones
In 1943, Quincy Jones moved to Bremerton at age ten when his father began working at the naval shipyard. During his time in Bremerton, he was introduced to music. This early exposure set him on the path that would eventually lead to a world changing musical career.
Today, his legacy is honored at Quincy Square, which features a mural by KaDavien Baylor and other local artists. The square celebrates Jones, as well as Black trailblazers with roots in the region. Inside the Kitsap History Museum, you can also see the piano on which he learned to play.
Where We Ate in Bremerton:
Bremerton has a great mix of bakeries, breakfast spots, and delicious dinner options.
Our Evergreens spread before our pizza arrived
Breakfast and Coffee:
We also enjoyed Amelia’s Hangar, a breakfast restaurant located at the Bremerton airport. The aviation theme honors Amelia Earhart, and you can watch planes take off as you eat.
Dinner:
We visited Evergreen Pizza Co., which serves some of the best slices in the area. Their signature meatballs are also a must try. It is a perfect stop for an easy, delicious dinner.
Comfortability for Black People on the Kitsap Peninsula:
Throughout our series, we highlight our Comfortability for Black People Scale, which includes the following rating criteria:
Personal feelings during the visit
Visibility of signs and artifacts of inclusion
Prevalence of Black history
Black population numbers
Amount of Black people seen
During our exploration of the Kitsap Peninsula, we consistently felt welcomed and comfortable. To add more perspective, we also sat down with our friend Tristan, a Black resident who has always encouraged us to visit. His experiences aligned with what we felt during our travels.
Here is how each criterion measured up:
Personal feelings during the visit:
We give 2/2 points. We consistently encountered kind people, welcoming energy, and positive experiences.
Visibility of signs and artifacts of inclusion:
2/2 points. We saw artwork, tributes, and inclusive messaging throughout our visits.
Prevalence of Black history:
2/2 points. Exhibits at the Undersea Museum in Keyport highlight African American contributions. Quincy Jones Square and the accompanying mural also honor Black cultural history.
Black population numbers:
1/2 points. While the region has a small Black population, Bremerton increases the overall count.
Amount of Black people seen:
1/2 points. With smaller Black population numbers, we saw fewer Black residents, but the overall experience remained positive.
Final Score: 8 out of 10
This score reflects both our direct experience and the lived experience shared by Triston.
Final Thoughts:
Us with our friend, Tristan, a current Bremerton resident.
Our journey across the Kitsap Peninsula has been a memorable one. From history and culture to outdoor adventures, good food, and community events, the Peninsula offers something for every type of traveler.
Whether you are visiting for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or even considering a move, the Kitsap Peninsula is accessible, beautiful, and full of things to explore. It is also an easy ferry ride from Seattle, making it a perfect year round destination.
If you visit, tell them TWB sent you.
