Puget Sound is an amazing place. The biodiversity alone will set your imagination alight and keep you endlessly enthralled. Most visitors to Seattle and Olympic National Park have no idea that there are tiny pockets of nature to explore and wonderful little marine-side communities between these two major tourist areas.

The entire area experiences a temperate year-round climate, and the best times of the year to visit are late spring through early fall. I will take you north beyond Elliot Bay in Seattle and the remote wooded wonderland of the rainforest to points in between. Come along and enjoy the ride…

Kingston

Located on the shores of Appletree Cove, this is the “Little City by the Sea” and one of the main ferry terminals along Puget Sound with service to Edmonds, just 25 miles north of Seattle. North Kitsap Heritage Park is a great place for a nature walk, just south of town. For amazing peace and tranquility in an exquisite setting, be sure to visit Heronswood Garden.

When you get hungry, I highly recommend the Kingston Ale House. They have superbly-cooked and well-presented meals in a casual atmosphere, as well as a killer drink menu! It’s located conveniently in the quaint downtown area, just steps from the ferry terminal.

Hansville

A wonderful bedroom community with a surprising number of attractions given its tiny size. Point No Point Beach and Lighthouse with a great view of Whidbey Island to the north, great coffee shop bakery, Hansville Greenway is full of wonderful hiking trails and Buck Lake – good for fishing. A spectacular beach is located on the west side of town with a view of Hood Canal.

Port Gamble

This is a tiny waterfront town with a big historical draw, located on the Kitsap Peninsula. Driving through it at 5 miles per hour is a dream, as you’ll want to take in all of the New England-style homes along tree-lined streets. There is a good amount of parking and the Port Gamble General Store & Café, and two floors of shopping. Inside the shop towards the back is the tiny café serving the best sandwiches in the whole area! I freaking LOVE their sandwiches! How’s about that for an endorsement?

There is also a book store and antique store and even a tea room, which is another great place for lunch. Just few doors down from the general store is the Port Gamble Historic Museum. This is one of Washington State’s first towns, with artifacts dating back to the 1800s. Learn how early settlers first called this beautiful place home.

Port Ludlow

Start out at the Port Ludlow Marina, where you can rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) and take on its glassy waters. For golfers the scenic 18-hole Port Ludlow Gold Course does not disappoint. It offers just the right amount of challenge for all skill levels set amidst pristine natural surroundings. Or if trail walking is more your style, Port Ludlow offers 26 miles of them, featuring the beginner-friendly Teal Lake Loop, Hood’s Head Trail, and Ludlow Falls Trail.

This is also a great place to stop for dinner. The Fireside offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can savor the exquisite menu fresh from local farms featuring artisan meets and cheese. It is the quintessential farm-to-fork Pacific Northwest culinary experience.

Paulsbo

As a direct descendant of Scandinavians, this is my kind of town, as Paulsbo is also known as “Little Norway.” This is completely evident in its Arts District, where Norwegian flags fly proudly along the main drag of Front Street, and where you can explore boutiques, art galleries, eclectic gift shops, and a wide variety of places to eat or grab a treat. Everything from the freshest ice cream and chocolates, to a fine dinner with a waterfront view.

I’ve also heard the nickname “P’Bo” thrown around, which is kinda cute.

Fort Flagler Historical Park

Take a step into a bit of military history at this scenic state park located at the northernmost tip of Marrowstone Island. It was built way back in the late 1890s and manned during World War I as one of the more significant coastal defense forts, guarding the entrance to Puget Sound. Today, you can take either a summertime guided or (any time of year) self-guided tour of the gun emplacements, batteries, and other facilities still standing today. There is also a museum and gift shop.

But if history ain’t your thing, this scenic park also offers a great rocky beach with boating, kite-flying, saltwater fishing, clam digging, and crabbing opportunities. Trails are mingled around for you land lovers.

Port Townsend

Not to be confused with Port Angeles to the west (which is the “gateway to Olympic National Park” and also of Twilight fame) Port Townsend has a charm all its own.

I can never resist mentioning that there’s a lighthouse nearby, because I think they are just so darn wonderful. The Point Wilson Lighthouse marks an entrance to Puget Sound at Admiralty Inlet, at the edge of Fort Worden State Park (another must stop to make). It is one of 19 lighthouses still standing along Puget Sound.

Downtown Port Townsend embodies the perfect mix of Victorian-era structures, expansive gardens, and a bustling downtown area. Boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries are there to discover at your own pace, with all of it just a few steps from the majestic port. There’s too much here to list – the only wisdom I can impart to you is to wear comfortable shoes and get exploring!

Do the Cider Route 

While in Portland Townsend, if you are at all into hard cider, Washington State is the best place to sample some of the best in the world! This is, after all, apple country, is it not? So indulge! Go on the Olympic Peninsula Cider Route. You can easily do this in an afternoon, as there are only three on the list. So pace yourself!

Miller Peninsula State Park

Heading west and further towards Olympic National Park at Miller Peninsula, this is the state’s newest state park and is one that offers its own unique attractions overlooking the Salish Sea. Coming in at 2,800 acres, the park offers a gorgeous web of hiking trails, with some beach access for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.  Keep in mind you will need to purchase a Discover Pass to visit.