The Kitsap Peninsula is located a 30-minute ferry ride away from downtown Seattle. In 2009, we branded the region as the “Natural Side of Puget Sound” (TM) and promoted the region’s natural assets to attract visitors from across the water, the region, and around the world. The Kitsap Peninsula is home to the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails, designated as part of the US National Water Trail System by the US Dept. of Interior in 2015, the only official US Water Trail in WA State.
What is your destination most known for?
The Kitsap Peninsula is a favorite getaway for local urbanites and visitors to Seattle for outdoor recreation activities that start with a scenic ride aboard an iconic WA State Ferry. The region is home to the 371 mile Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails, the only national water trails in WA State.
During this time, how can we enjoy your destination?
Outdoor recreation and nature-based activities make it easy for people, including families, to get a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise while following guidelines. We also have acres of open space and miles of forested trails; Our 371 miles of shoreline includes dozens of bays, inlets, beaches, public docks, perfect for launching a kayak, and beach walks. Every city and nearly every small community is located on the waterfront providing easy access to shops that may be open. We are blessed that our best tourism assets are courtesy of nature.
What hidden gem should not be missed when visiting your destination?
Right now, a favorite is driving tours around our beautiful shoreline that offer amazing views of Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, and Canada with stops along the way to grab something to-go to enjoy while taking in the views.
What’s one feature that can’t be missed when visiting your website?
To encourage folks to be safe in the great outdoors, we created a special page about all the local parks and provided links to trail guides and maps www.visitkitsap.com/public-parks. We also created a special website, KitsapBites.com, that features and promotes independently owned, hometown favorite eating places, and bakeries offering to-go services.
How did you hear about NATJA, why did you join?
I heard about it from another member and appreciate the organization’s mission to keep members connected and informed. It’s also inspiring to see what other tourism organizations are doing to adapt and support their communities during the pandemic and these profoundly uncertain times.
Is there anything else you feel travel media should know about your destination?
We are always looking for ideas on how visitors can safely explore the region and recently created a new self-guided walking and/or driving tour to Discover Outdoor Artwork On the Kitsap Peninsula. It features a Google map and is a big hit among locals.
