Summer’s officially here, Kitsap County, and unless you’ve got a pool, it’s necessary to find a way to cool off. We’re so lucky to have such fantastic beach parks in all directions. Here’s a list of 8 of the best beach parks in Kitsap County.
I love taking my kids to the beach. There’s so much to do-play in the water, build in the sand, and collect rocks and other beach creatures. They’re a perfect place to cool down and let the kids run wild and enjoy a day in the sun.
Gather up the sunscreen, pack a few snacks, and don’t forget the towels (this is a reminder for myself!), and head to one of these 8 fantastic beach parks in Kitsap County, WA.
Kitsap County’s Best Beach Parks
- Anderson Point County Park
This 66-acre park offers something for everyone, including your four-legged friends. Be prepared to walk about a mile down to the waterfront. But it’s worth every step.
The trail takes you through the forest with beautiful trees covered in moss and ivy. Once you get to the waterfront, enjoy a rarity in the Puget Sound-a soft sandy beach. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a seal, bald eagle, or even an orca.
- Address: 8401 SE Millihanna Rd, Olalla
- Important to note there aren’t bathrooms available to the public.
- For directions, amenities, and more park info, visit their website.
- Wildcat Lake Park
If you enjoy paddleboarding, this park is perfect for you because motorized crafts aren’t allowed on the water. It’s so much more enjoyable to paddleboard without dealing with the wake of a boat.
Wildcat Lake Park has bathrooms, picnic benches, and a safe swimming area and they even have loaner vests if you forget yours. A real lifesaver in more ways than one. Be prepared for a rocky beach. This isn’t exactly the beach for sand castle building, but there are plenty of other ways to stay entertained.
- Address: 9245 NW Holly Rd, Bremerton
- Fishing is open from the last Saturday of April through October 31st.
- For information about getting a fishing license, directions, and more park information, head over to their website.
- The Narrows Park
Get off the beaten path and head to The Narrows Park in Gig Harbor. Yes, this beach isn’t in Kitsap County, but it’s got so much to offer I had to include it on this list.
Enjoy 1,000 feet of waterfront access on a 36-acre site. Take in unbelievable views of the bridge and Puget Sound. Teach the kids to skip rocks or visit when the tide is low and check out the amazing sea creatures.
- Address: 1600 Lucille Parkway, Gig Harbor
- If you consider porta-potties decent bathrooms, then yes, they have bathrooms.
- For more information, visit their website.
- Salsbury Point County Park
If you’re looking for a beach park with fantastic views of Hood Canal Bridge, a playground for the kids to run wild on, and lots of walkable trails, Salisbury Point Park’s for you. And that’s just the tip of all this park has to offer.
There’s a dock installed every year between April and October, allowing for boat access to the water and fishing. This park even has showers available.
- Address: 3160 NW Wheeler Street, Poulsbo
- Fishing and crabbing aren’t allowed from the floating pier.
- For more park information, including directions and amenities, head to their website.
- Illahee State Park
Illahee State Park checks a few boxes, and two of these include water access and a great place to go camping. The beaches are perfect for walking and sand castle building.
If you’re in need of a little downtime from the water, head to one of the many trails throughout the lush forest. Be sure to check out the grove of Old Growth trees. It’s one of the last places you’ll find them in Kitsap County.
- Address: 3540 NE Sylvan Way, Bremerton
- Illahee State Park also has a playground, softball fields, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court.
- For directions, camping and shelter reservations, and more park information, check out their website.
- Buck Lake County Park
Make a day of exploring the beautiful parks, forests, wetlands, meadows, and lakes at Buck Lake County Park. There are also lots of trails, a large playground, and a picnic area.
This clean and pristine park even has a beautiful native plant garden. And for a real adventure, head to the Hawk’s Pond platform for bird watching. Take in nature at its finest.
- Address: 6959 Buck Lake Rd NE, Hansville
- Restrooms are available from April through September.
- Check out their website for more information on boating, fishing, and other park amenities.
- Long Lake County Park
Long Lake County Park’s a perfect spot to bring the little kids and pets. Your toddler will love the swings and warm lake to splash and play in, and your pup will love running around on the trails and big open fields.
Spend a day fishing from the pier or on your boat. Or on a windy day fly kites in the open grassy field.
- Address: 5100 Long Lake Rd SE, Port Orchard
- Fishing is open on the lake from April 1st through September 30th by canoe, kayak, or small boats without a motor.
- Head over to their website for directions, boating and fishing restrictions, and park rental information.
- Fay Bainbridge Park
Take in the views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains as you relax on this sandy beach with over 1,400 feet of saltwater shoreline. And if you visit on a clear day, you’ll see Mount Rainier and Mount Baker.
Escape from the business of life and head to this quiet park nestled in the corner of Bainbridge Island. This is a great place to bring your RV and become one with nature for a few days.
- Address: 15446 Sunrise Drive NE, Bainbridge Island
- Learn more about booking a campsite at Fay Bainbridge Park.
- For more park information, including directions, head to their website.
And because we live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, there are always those summer days that aren’t quite warm enough for the water. Here’s a list of some of the best parks in Kitsap County.
If you’re a resident of Kitsap County and want to stay in the loop with upcoming events and activities, join our newsletter. Every other week get an email delivered to your inbox with all things Kitsap County.
Tap the link below and join the community.