Kitsap Summer Resource Guide: Explore, Play & Discover
Kitsap County comes alive in the summer — trails open up, tide pools sparkle, and communities host everything from festivals to food tours. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventures or looking for local events and hidden gems, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.
This guide pulls together some of the best online resources to help you explore, connect, and enjoy every corner of Kitsap. Let’s make it a summer to remember.
Visit Kitsap Peninsula
Website: visitkitsap.com
Looking to explore all the natural beauty, charming communities, and hidden gems around Kitsap County? Visit Kitsap is your go-to guide for planning day trips, weekend outings, and spontaneous summer fun.
Highlights:
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????️ Interactive Map – Use their handy map tool to find cities, neighborhoods, and “mini stops” worth checking out all across the Kitsap Peninsula.
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???? Itineraries – Whether you’re into coastal views, food tours, or hiking trails, the curated itineraries are perfect for planning themed adventures.
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???? Things to Do – From kayaking and beachcombing to shopping local and grabbing a bite, this section is packed with activity ideas for every interest.
It’s like having a local tour guide in your pocket!
Love Kitsap
Website: kitsap.love
If you want the inside scoop on what’s happening around Kitsap this summer, Love Kitsap is a colorful, community-driven guide to local events, experiences, and culture.
Highlights:
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☀️ Seasonal Guide – Check out their summer section for curated lists of activities, events, and places to visit during the sunny season.
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???? Events Calendar – Stay in the loop with concerts, festivals, markets, and more — all in one easy-to-browse page.
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????️ Interactive Maps – These aren’t your average maps! Discover themed guides like the Donut Map, Soup Map, Pumpkin Patch Map, Gardens & Nurseries, and even Pet-Friendly Places.
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???? Explore Like a Local – Discover Kitsap through a local lens with themed guides and their Secret Summer articles — which spotlight lesser-known gems, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and under-the-radar spots you won’t want to miss.
Perfect for anyone wanting to feel more connected to the Kitsap vibe — whether you’re new to the area or a long-time local!
Kitsap Regional Library
Website: krl.org
The Kitsap Regional Library is way more than books — it’s a summer destination packed with free events, creative programs, and community connections for all ages.
Highlights:
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???? Summer Learning Program – Join the library’s annual Summer Learning tradition! Kids, teens, and adults can dive into fun challenges, win prizes, and stay engaged all season long.
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???? Events Calendar – From storytimes and teen hangouts to Dungeons & Dragons, therapy animals (yes, even kittens!), and hands-on craft nights, the library’s Events tab is packed with fun, free activities happening at branches all across Kitsap County.
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???? Celebrating 80 Years – This year, Kitsap Regional Library celebrates 80 years of community connection and learning! As part of the festivities, check out their special Passport to Explore program — a fun, interactive way to discover library resources, local history, and exciting activities all summer long. Collect stamps, earn rewards, and make your summer adventure unforgettable.
Whether you’re picking up a beach read or exploring a hands-on workshop, the library is your passport to a well-rounded Kitsap summer.
Washington Trails Association (WTA)
Website: wta.org
For anyone looking to explore Kitsap’s incredible hiking trails and connect with nature, the Washington Trails Association is the ultimate resource for outdoor adventure.
Highlights:
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????️ Hike Finder Map – Easily search for trails by location, trail features, accessibility, pet or kid friendly, entry fee, rating and more using their interactive hike finder map — perfect for planning your next outdoor trip.
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???? Hiking Guide – Detailed trail descriptions, photos, and user reviews help you prepare and make the most of every hike.
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???? WTA Trailblazer App – Take the trails with you! The Trailblazer app lets you find and navigate hikes on the go, even offline, making it easier than ever to explore Kitsap’s wild places safely. Available for iOS and Android.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, WTA helps make every step memorable.
Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails
Website: kitsappeninsulawatertrails.com
If you’re dreaming of a summer spent on the water, exploring Kitsap’s beautiful bays, inlets, and shorelines, the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails site is your essential guide.
Highlights:
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????️ Interactive & Printable Maps – Plan your next paddle with detailed maps showing launch points, routes, and points of interest, available both online and as easy-to-print PDFs.
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???? Events – From guided paddle trips and bioluminescence kayak tours to community cleanups, check the events calendar for water-based activities that are fun and educational for all skill levels.
NOAA Tides & Currents Map
Website: tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov
Planning a paddle, beach walk, or waterfront activity? Maybe you just want to catch the water at its most scenic or hit the low tide for tide pooling. This tool helps you show up at just the right moment. The NOAA Tides & Currents Map is a must-have tool for checking real-time tide levels, currents, and marine conditions across the Kitsap region.
Highlights:
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???? Interactive Map – Pinpoint tide stations, current flow data, and water levels throughout Puget Sound and beyond. Ideal for kayakers, boaters, clammers, and anyone who wants to time their outing with the safest and smoothest conditions.
Explore the shore, soak up the views, and make the most of every tide.
