Home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton is the largest city on Washington’s Kitsap Peninsula. The area was originally inhabited by the Suquamish people before the city of Bremerton was laid out by a German immigrant, William Bremer. Today, Bremerton is home to a fascinating naval museum and beautiful parks, as well as historic neighbourhoods.
Things to do in Bremerton
Join a guided tour of the USS Turner Joy, which was first launched back in 1958 and now serves as a museum ship. The vessel was involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident, an international confrontation that resulted in the United States becoming more heavily involved in the Vietnam War. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you can explore its decks and cabins while learning about life at sea.
The Puget Sound Navy Museum details the maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest region within a historic building from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Highlights of the collection include a sail from a Sturgeon-class submarine, the USS Parche, and an exhibit dedicated to the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier.
One of Bremerton’s quirkiest attractions is the Bug & Reptile Museum, which features a range of family-friendly exhibits that include both live and preserved specimens. You can have your photograph taken with “Boris” the spider and meet his pet frog, then watch all of the action in the ant farm. Don't miss the aquariums filled with live snakes and lizards.
Getting around Bremerton
Bremerton is around 1.5 hours' drive from Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular ferries travel across Puget Sound from Bremerton to Seattle. Buses travel through Bremerton, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.