visit kingston wa

Kingston (Washington)

• 1 Understand
• 2.2 By ferry
• 2.3 By boat
• 3.2 Local taxi services
• 3.3 Charter bus
• 5.1 Birdwatching
• 5.2.1 Kayak trails
• 10.1 By ferry
• 10.2 By car
• 10.3 By boat

Kingston is on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. Kingston, on the shore of Appletree Cove, is a 30-minute ferry ride from Edmonds for cars and walk-ons.

A rip-roaring lumber town 100 years ago, it's quieter now as the constant whine of the sawmill has given way to the occasional blast of a ferry whistle.

Known as the "Little City by the Sea", Kingston is the northern gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula and Olympic National Park & Forest.

Understand [ edit ]

An early settler named Michael King came to the area in 1878. He moved in along with 10 oxen and 10 men. They slowly logged the hills around Appletree Cove. Mr. King built many small buildings and shacks along the shore for his men and animals. In 1882, the trees were gone and King moved on. The shacks and bunkhouses were left behind and lived in by drifters, squatters and old loggers. People living in the area often referred to this as King's Town , probably as a joke. The name slowly evolved in to Kingston and stuck.

The Kingston townsite was platted on April 24, 1890 by C.C. Calkins and Samuel B. Brierly. Calkins dreamed of Kingston as a resort town for vacationers from Seattle. Calkins called it The Monterey of Washington. Calkins had drawings and designs for a giant hotel on the waterfront, with a boat launch, a church on the hill, along with a college. After Calkins and Brierly platted the town, a lower than expected number of people showed up to settle there. Calkins then gave up and left. The town slowly grew, but not at the pace that Calkins had dreamed and it eventually became the quaint harbor town we know today.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

By ferry [ edit ].

• Kitsap Transit operates passenger only catarman ferries directly to Pier 50 of Downtwon Seattle from Kingston. Passengers transfer to King County Metro buses ; and Sound Transit buses, trains and lightrail in downtown Seattle.

By boat [ edit ]

• Port of Kingston Marina , 25864 Washington Blvd ( VHF: Channel 65 ), ☏ +1 360 297-3545 . offers 49 guest slips ranging from 24 feet to 50 feet. They can accommodate larger vessels up to 80 feet. All 40 foot and 50 foot slips as well as fifteen 30 foot slips are reservable with 24 hours advance notice. They have four 20 foot slips and ten 30 foot slips that are first come first serve basis. Marina provides restrooms with free hot showers, laundry facilities, covered picnic shelters, WIFI, use of our small electric car, and 30 or 50 amp power service $1.00 per foot per day .  
• Kayak / Small Boat Facility , ☏ +1 360 297-3545 . This facility provides a step launch and retrieval system that is user friendly for the novice and experienced allowing safe access to the waters of Apple Tree Cove and Puget Sound.  

By bus [ edit ]

• Travel Washington Dungeness Line ( Operated by Greyhound Connect ), (bus stops) pick-up/drop-off at the Ferry Terminal for going towards Seattle and Henery Hardware Store (10960 SR 104, Suite 107) for going towards Port Angeles , ☏ +1 360 417-0700 . Connects Seattle and SeaTac Airport to Port Townsend , Sequim and Port Angeles . The bus goes across the Puget Sound on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. They also pick-up and drop off at the major Seattle hospitals, west of downtown, with an advance 24 hour reservation (Arnold Medical Pavilion, Harborview, Poly-Clinic Madison, VA, Swedish First Hill and Virginia Mason Buck Pavillion). One way: $39 from downtown, $49 from airport; Round trip: $69 from downtown, $79 from airport .  
• Jefferson Transit #14 goes up towards Haines P&R in Port Townsend from the Kingston Ferry Terminal via Gateway Visitors Center and 4 Corners P&R.
• Rocket Transportation , ☏ +1 360-683-8087 , toll-free: +1 877-697-6258 . M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM . offers door to door shuttles, by reservation, to Clallam, Kitsap and Jefferson Counties from Seatac, and Seattle. ( updated Dec 2020 )
• Kitsap Transit offers public transit services to Suquamish (302) and North Viking P&R in Poulsbo (307) from the Kingston Ferry Terminal. Passengers transfer from the 307 bus to other buses in the Poulsbo N Viking P&R to continue towards Bremerton (301); Silverdale (301, 332); Bainbridge Island (390); Port Angeles (123); Port Townsend (7), etc.

Get around [ edit ]

• Kitsap Transit , ☏ +1 360 479-6962 , toll-free: +1-800-501-7433 , [email protected] . Kitsap Transit offers transit services throughout throughout the area including pickup from all ferry terminals and connects with Mason Transit (Mason County), Pierce Transit (Pierce County), and Jefferson Transit (Jefferson County) offering connections outside of the area. full fare $2 and is part of the regional ORCA network system .  

Local taxi services [ edit ]

• A-Ward Taxi Towncar, +1 360 440-1517, +1 360 801-1235
• Bumblebee Taxi, +1 360 782-1966
• Red Top Taxi of Kitsap, +1 360 876-4949

Charter bus [ edit ]

• Janssen's Charter & Tours +1 360 871-2446

See [ edit ]

• Firehouse Theater , 11171 NE State Hwy 104 ( 4 blocks up from the Kingston Ferry ), ☏ +1 360 297-4849 . A theater in a former North Kitsap Fire and Rescue building.  
• Kitsap Regional Library Kingston , Community Center, 11212 State Hwy 104 , ☏ +1 360 297-3330 . Northwesterners are very proud of their libraries and Kingston is no exception, this branch offers many events for children and adults, including story time, writers' club, and kids' movies. See website for current events.  

Parks [ edit ]

• Arness Roadside Park ( in Kingston, turn south on S. Kingston Rd from Hwy 104 and proceed about 2 miles; the park is on your left ). one Acre - Saltwater beach access, picnic areas and viewpoint.  
• A Quiet Place Park ( from Highway 104 in Kingston turn left on Ohio Street; parking is just below the entrance to the trail ). 9.3 Acres - Walking trails, viewpoints.  
• Carpenter Lake/Nike Site/Saltmarsh - Park ( take Highway 104 in Kingston to Barber Cut-Off Road; the park site is behind Gordon Elementary School off of Barber Cut-off Road. ). 67.0 Acres - Walking trails, education center and view point Directions  

Do [ edit ]

• The Point Casino , 7989 NE Salish Ln , ☏ +1 360 297-0070 . This casino also has restaurant and bars and is between Hansville and Kingston.  

Birdwatching [ edit ]

The Kitsap Audubon Society has been actively meeting since 1972 and has a broad coalition of birders actively tracking and sharing sightings since then. They also maintain an active website with updates of the latest sightings, suggestions on areas for birders and even a regular newsletter. They also developed a checklist of birds likely to be seen birds in the area.

The state Audubon society developed 'The Great Audubon Birding Trail' which includes key migration flyways. Flyways are major north-south routes of travel for migratory birds and likely areas to see birds along the route extending from Alaska to Patagonia. Point No Point County Park near Hansville just north of Kingston at Kitsap Peninsula's northern tip is particularly important for birds migrating the Pacific Flyway. The Audubon Society designated it an IBA or an Important Bird Area and it is easily accessible from Kingston.

Sea kayaking [ edit ]

Sea kayaking can be a rewarding way to explore the Kitsap Peninsulas 371 miles of coastline allowing the paddler a closer and slower look at their surroundings and making Kitsap one of the most popular areas to kayak in Puget Sound. Thick forests of majestic pine and deciduous trees and hundreds of creeks and estuaries dot the coastline. Kingston has a small craft launch and is an excellent area to start a sea kayaking adventure. Harbor Seals, Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Blue Herons are common sites while the occasional viewing of an Orca or Grey Whale is not out of the question.

Kayak trails [ edit ]

Organized trails offer overnight camping options and maps of appropriate and scenic travel destinations.

• Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails . The National Parks Service Named the this 'Trail of the Month' in the entire USA for the month of December 2012, PDF copies of the water trails map are available  

Buy [ edit ]

• Kingston Adventures , 26050 Illinois Ave, Ste B , ☏ +1 360 860-1717 . Daily 10AM - 7PM . sea kayak and bike rentals, this is a great place to start an adventure in the area.  
• Kingston Farmers Market . Saturdays, May to Oct. 9AM-2PM . a lively, friendly market on a beautiful, grassy lawn at Mike Wallace Park at the Port of Kingston Marina where local farmers, producers, crafters, and artisans sell their goods.  

Eat [ edit ]

• J'aime Les Crêpes , 11264 NE St Hwy 104 , ☏ +1 360 297-5886 . Coffee & tea, ice cream & frozen yogurt, crepes.  
• The Grub Hut , 11130 NE State Hwy 104 , ☏ +1 360 881-0147 . Serious hamburgers. It’s also really busy during peak times, so expect to wait for food for up to 30 minutes.  

Drink [ edit ]

• Hood Canal Brewery , 26499 Bond Road Northeast , ☏ +1 360 297-8316 . W Th 2PM – 8PM, F Sa noon – 8PM, Su noon – 7PM, M Tu closed . try Dosewallips Special Ale,, Bywater Bay ESB, Dabob Bay IPA, Agate Pass Amber, Big Beef Oatmeal Stout and Breidablik Barley Wine.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

Edmonds north of Seattle is a 30-minute ferry ride to the east.

Many tourists use Kingston as a quick route to the Olympic Peninsula , coastal towns and Olympic National Park with perhaps a short stop at historic Port Gamble , however often overlooked is the area around Hansville with its wild natural beaches and historic lighthouse this is a side trip worth taking.

Kingston is well situated for exploring the northern half of the Kitsap Peninsula including giving good access to the nearby Hood Canal or a last stopping point on the way north to the San Juan Islands . If you are following the Kitsap Water Trails map Kingston is on the southern end of the run up to Foulweather Bluff near Hansville .

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Kingston

Things to do in kingston, tours near kingston.

Viator Exclusive Day-Tour From Seattle to Mt. Rainier

Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours

Seattle Harbor Cruise

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour

Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour

Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour

3 Hour Seattle City Tour

Forest Hike to Gorgeous Twin and Snoqualmie Falls

Top attractions in kingston.

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Things to do on the Kitsap Peninsula

Whether you are visiting our area or resident entertaining guests, you will find a wide variety of things to do in and around the Kitsap Peninsula. To get started, refer to the Quick Links on this page and click any of the Things-To-Do titles. Each category has its own  Search Filter making it easy to find the type of activity you want to enjoy on the Kitsap Peninsula.  Also, check out our Calendar of Event page for upcoming events happening on the Kitsap Peninsula with filters for type of event, location and dates. If you need assistance, please use the Inquiry & Comments form.

Enjoy shopping at local shops or visit them online

Many of our local retail businesses provide the opportunity to shop online and conveniently ship to your home. It's a great way to support our local retailers.  Click here to find local shops that provide online services. 

Parks & Trails

Check out our new Kitsap Peninsula Trail Maps page which provides weblinks as well as pdfs that you can view on your phone or print and carry along with you as you explore trails, parks and pathways on the Natural Side of Puget Sound. 

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In addition to our main VKP Visitor and Outdoor Recreation Guide, we also offer the following guides• Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails & Map • Nursery & Garden Guide • Museums, Galleries and Interpretive Centers • Farmer's Markets • Breweries • Wineries & Distillery • Kitsap Loves Kids  • Golf  • . Visit our special  brochure and guides page to view maps and printable pdfs.

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[vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”banner-overlay” css=”.vc_custom_1625152674469{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;background: #d1d1d1 url(https://kingstonchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/visit-kingston-banner.jpeg?id=3257) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1621866332625{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-2 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-2 vc_col-md-8″][vc_single_image image=”3259″ img_size=”60*60″ alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”Visit Kingston” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:40px|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:42px” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” el_class=”banner-heading”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1621867875365{padding-top: 35px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]On the shores of Appletree Cove, known as the “Little City by the Sea”, this charming waterfront community is the gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula and Olympic National Park. This busy port of entry offers vehicle and foot ferry service to Edmonds and Seattle.

Explore the downtown district and enjoy the cozy cafes, bakeries, unique retail, and appetizing restaurants. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer and local wines. Kingston’s shops and restaurants as well as the Kingston Public Market are popular with both locals and boaters.

Recently named one of the Best Northwest Getaways, Kingston and North Kitsap are an outdoors lover’s dream with breathtaking views and beaches, and numerous water, hiking and mountain bike trails.

Nearby amenities include the historic Point No Point Lighthouse, and the legendary Heronswood Botanical Gardens.

Kingston is a premier pacific northwest golf destination with nearby Whitehorse Golf Course. Visit the world class Point Casino and Hotel for gaming, live entertainment, and dining.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Day Tripper: Hop on the fast ferry from downtown Seattle for a midweek winter getaway to Kingston

With farm-to-table meals, mini doughnuts, inviting beachside trails and much more just a ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Kingston is the perfect place for a winter day trip.

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This is the first in an occasional series, Day Trippers, focusing on accessible, low-cost out-and-back trips throughout the region.

More than 100 commuters walked off the new fast ferry linking the quiet hamlet of Kingston on the North Kitsap Peninsula with downtown Seattle. Only five of us were in line to go the opposite direction.

While more Kitsap County commuters have been using the new passenger-only ferry each week since Kitsap Transit launched the service in November, few take advantage of the “reverse commute” — sailing from Seattle to Kingston in the morning and back to Seattle in the late afternoon or evening.

“There have been plenty of times when one person has pretty much had the boat to themselves,” says Seth Harris, a marine service ambassador for Kitsap Transit who handed us our boarding passes on a brisk January morning.

My husband and I and the three others all had the same idea. Why not take advantage of the 40-minute crossing over the Puget Sound to spend a day in Kingston, a picturesque waterfront town previously reached mainly by driving 17 miles from Seattle to Edmonds, and taking a 30-minute ride aboard a Washington State Ferry.

For Elizabeth Sully and Tim McGoldrick, the new ferry meant they could plan a day visiting friends in Kingston without the hassle of driving to Edmonds and parking their car. Like us, they took a bus downtown from their house in Greenwood in time to catch the 9:35 a.m. ferry at Pier 52, arriving in Kingston at 10:15 a.m.

Chances are more Seattleites will discover Kingston once Saturday fast ferry service begins in May. (The ferry currently runs Monday-Friday.) Until then, Kingston makes a budget-friendly midweek winter getaway.

Here’s an itinerary to try.

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Show up at Pier 52 on the Seattle Waterfront, and board the Finest, a ferry that operated between Manhattan and New Jersey, and was named after the New York City Police Department.

Kitsap Transit bought and refurbished the boat with revenue from a sales-tax increase passed to fund a fleet of new passenger ferries, including the walk-on Bremerton/Seattle service launched in 2017.

Buy tickets from machines, use your ORCA card or bring exact change. (One-way fares are $2 eastbound, $10 westbound and $1 and $5 for seniors and youth.) Settle in for a scenic ride with views of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker.

Coffee break

Exit the ferry though the walkway next to the Washington State Ferry terminal, and find Aviator Coffee ( aviatorcoffeesandteas.com ) in a wooden shed called the Hangar. Burlap coffee bags cover the ceiling, and mini-donuts sizzle in a pan near a walk-up window. The Bainbridge Island roaster offers free doughnut samples, and a 15 percent discount on the “drink of the month,” (an English toffee latte the morning we stopped by).

10:45 a.m .

Farmhouse brunch.

Most of Kingston’s independently owned restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries and shops are along Highway 104, all within walking distance of the ferry.

Open early on weekdays is Lacey and Kory Anders’ Borrowed Kitchen Bakery and Farmhouse Cafe ( borrowedkitchenbakery.com ). The “borrowed” comes from a time when they borrowed commercial kitchens to sell their first baked goods at the Poulsbo Farmers Market in 2010. The “farmhouse” refers to the 1890s farmhouse where they live in Kingston.

We found seats at a big communal table, and split an order (pacing ourselves for a day of grazing) of sweet potato hash, roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, spinach and onions, topped with feta and eggs over easy.

11:45 a.m .

Retail therapy.

Some businesses close or keep shorter hours in winter. The eclectic Paisley Whale vintage shop ( facebook.com/ThePaisleyWhale ) wasn’t open the day we visited, but we found surprise treasures at Kingston Mercantile & Marine ( kingstonmercantileandmarine.com ) next door to the Borrowed Kitchen. Crammed into this small-town “everything” store are crab pots, rubber boots, jars of local honey and colorful Yak Wool blankets brought home by a local teacher to support a Tibetan refugee family in India.

Used paperbacks are stacked floor-to-ceiling across the street at the Kingston Bookery ( kingstonbookery.com ). Metalsmith Makenzi Wrinkle makes handcrafted jewelry and sells the work of other local artists at Mak. W Designs out of a shop inside a house at 11133 N.E. Maine Ave.

The sweet life

Inspired by “Chocolat,” a romantic comedy-drama about a woman who opens an unusual chocolate shop in a small French town, Methia Gordon runs Sweet Life Cakery ( sweetlifecakery.com ) out of a 1930s cottage painted aqua blue inside and out. Drop in for “Cake Slice Happy Hour” Tuesday-Friday, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., or try her signature Sweet Bliss, a gourmet Ding Dong-style confection of chocolate cake and whipped cream.

J’aime les Crepes ( jaimelescrepes.com ) provides sidewalk tables for customers ordering sweet or savory French-style crepes from its walk-up storefront near the ferry. Lisa and Rob Maxwell stock old-fashioned lemon and horehound drops, licorice, penny candy, and their own homemade fudge at Little City Candy Co. ( littlecitycandy.com ).

Walks in the parks

Pick up a map at shops around town or at the visitors information center, and you’ll find locations for several wooded parks and hiking trails.

Take a beach walk along Saltair Park when the tide is out, or hike up the hill on Ohio Avenue to a Quiet Place Park, nine acres of walking trails through second-growth forests, named and donated to Kitsap County by Naomi M. Libby Elvins in 1993.

Keep an eye out around town for Kingston’s “Big Chairs,” giant Adirondack-style seats painted in bright colors. A local businessman came up with the concept to promote Kingston as a place to relax.

With the last ferry leaving at 5:55 p.m., there’s plenty of time to end the day with a beer, glass of wine or early dinner before returning to Seattle.

Filling up fast on warm days are the outdoor tables with water views on the back deck of the Kingston Ale House ( thekingstonalehouse.com ). Next door, d’Vine Wines offers wine by the glass and small bites ( dvinewineshop.com ).

It’s worth the quarter-mile walk from the ferry terminal to visit kid-friendly Downpour ( downpourbrewing.com ), where owner Dan Williams keeps 17 taps flowing with local brews, ciders, root beer and Kombucha. We sipped $4 schooners of Stout and snacked on salmon smoked by Poulsbo’s Crimson Cove while Dan tipped us off on what was perhaps the best discovery of the day — an early dinner at Mossback (mossbackcafe.com /new-index ), a small farm-to-table restaurant popular with locals.

Set back on a side street (you’ll pass it on your way to A Quiet Place Park), the restaurant occupies an old farmhouse that could be mistaken for a private home. Tucked in back is a cozy bar with a few tables reserved for happy hour from 4-6 p.m. The owners source everything, from wine to oysters, from Northwest producers. Our bill came in under $30 for a glass of wine, a homemade cranberry soda, a bowl of borscht and a deli spread of cheeses, sausage, pickled fruits and veggies, homemade garlic crackers, and onion jam.

It was the perfect ending to a day of new discoveries, capped off with a leisurely walk back to the ferry dock to join six other passengers for the return trip to Seattle.

Kingston Fast Ferry information : See kitsaptransit.com/service/fast-ferry/kingston-fast-ferry  for schedules, fares, bus connections and other information. Ferries currently leave Seattle’s Pier 52 for Kingston Monday-Friday at 6:15 a.m., 7: 55 a.m. and 9:35 a.m., returning at 2:35 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 5:55 p.m. Plans call for adding Saturday service in May. The trip takes about 40 minutes.

Tourism info: See visitkitsap.com/kingston  or pick up maps and other information at the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, 25923 Washington Blvd. N.E. ( kingstonchamber.com ).

Coming up : The Kingston Farmers Market runs Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., May-October at Mike Wallace Park next the ferry terminals.

Best things to do in US cities

Kingston wa.

Take a short ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle or Edmonds to the township of Kingston, and enjoy restaurants along it's beautiful main street!

The small town of Kingston WA has a population of 2,000 people, and is the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. Walk off the ferry to a bustling main street, and explore two blocks of restaurants, bars, shops and cafes.  

Kingston is also a 10 minute drive to popular attractions like the Heronswood Garden , and 1950s-themed  My Girl Drive-in & Museum .

It's also a 20 minute drive to charming towns like  Port Gamble  and  Poulsbo , or places of interest like the  Naval Undersea Museum  and  Point-no-Point Lighthouse .

Hotels:  Kingston's only hotel is 10 minutes away from the ferry terminal, and is the The Point Casino and Hotel .  The other nearest hotels are 20 minutes away in Poulsbo .  You can also find vacation homes to rent in Kingston, many with waterfront views.

5 best things to do in Kingston WA

1. Kingston ferry.

Enjoy a stunning ferry ride from Seattle or Edmonds  across Puget Sound to Kingston, with soaring views of the Olympic Mountains.  

• Seattle to Kingston ferry  (40 minutes, pedestrian only,  schedule ).
• Edmonds to Kingston ferry  (30 minutes, car ferry,  schedule ).

2. Kingston WA restaurants 

Kingston has a charming main street, just off the ferry arrival area. Walk or drive off the ferry, then explore two blocks of restaurants, bars and shops.

If you're looking for a casual meal, enjoy beer, wine and burgers at the rustic Kingston Ale House , with patio dining for summer days.  You can also pick up delicious burgers, salads, milkshakes and more at The Grub Hut , with a laid-back patio area.  

J’aime Les Crepes serves delicious sweet and savory crepes, coffee and ice-cream all day, with outdoor seating with water views. However, the best water views are across the road at  Sourdough Willy’s Pizzeria. Eat inside the modern dining room , or take-out one of their scrumptious Sicilian, New York or Detroit pizzas.

3. Kingston WA coffee

Trendy Aviator Coffees and Teas  (pictured above) has a small booth just near the ferry, overlooking the waterfront Mike Wallace Park .  If you'd like to sit down, the  Over the Moon coffee shop is just up the street, and perfect for a pastry and latte.  

4. Kingston ice-cream and bakery

Island Cool Icecream  (above) serves small batch ice-cream in a sleek shop, with more than 40 flavors to choose from. 

The Sweet Life Cakery (above) is a boutique bakery housed inside a charming cottage, serving quiche, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies and scones.

5. Mike Wallace Park

The waterfront  Mike Wallace Park overlooks the Ferry Terminal and marina. Follow the waterfront path that flanks the marina for gorgeous Puget Sound views, and watch the ferries gliding in. The large grassed area at the park is used for summer concerts and the public market.

6. Check the events calendar

Kingston WA is bustling with year-round events!!  These include a Farmers Market , Kites over Kingston , Wine & Brew Walk , Arts Festival, Summer Concerts , Art in the Woods , and Kingston Cove Christmas (check calendar of events ).

7. Stroll down to Saltair Beach Park

If you'd like to get away from the crowds, stroll down to Saltair Beach Park for a wide expanse of sandy beach with views of Mount Rainier.  Take the Saltair Beach Access Pathway that zigags down the hill, north of the Kingston Ferry Terminal on First Avenue.

8. The Heronswood Garden

The Heronswood Garden is a 10-minute drive northwest of Kingston. Trails wind through both a stunning formal garden with hedges, and a re-creation of a forest logging camp with wetlands, logs, ferns and red cedar. 

9. My Girl Museum and Drive-In 

The  My Girl Museum and Drive-In  is a replica of a 1950s drive-in restaurant, housed inside a 10,000 square foot museum.  It has a retro diner with jukebox, bandstand, dance floor, movie theater classic cars, Rock and Roll memorabilia, and authentic 1957 gas station. So much fun!  There’s even a movie trailer that Elvis once used.

You can rent out the facility with live music, bartender, catering, and Elvis and Marilyn impersonators.  

Check hours .

10. Arness Roadside Camp

The Arness Roadside Camp is a few minutes drive from downtown Kingston, and is a lovely viewpoint park with a sandy beach, where you can watch the Kingston Ferry. 

Parking in Kingston WA

Kingston can get very busy in summer months, especially when cars are driving off the ferry along the main street (Hwy 104). Here's a map to help you find parking.  

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The 10 Best Things to do in Kingston, Washington (WA)

Location: Kingston

Top things to do in kingston, top restaurants in kingston.

• 1. J AIME LES Crepes
• 2. The Grub Hut
• 3. The Cup and Muffin
• 4. Borrowed Kitchen Bakery
• 5. Starbucks
• 6. Mossback
• 7. The Kingston Ale House
• 8. Smitter's Jitter Espresso
• 9. MORA Iced Creamery
• 10. The Filling Station
• Republic of Macedonia

Kingston (formerly Appletree Cove) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kitsap County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,099 at the 2010 census. Kingston is along the shores of Appletree Cove and the Puget Sound, and is home to a major Washington State Ferry terminal linking it to Edmonds. Restaurants in Kingston

1. Hood Canal Brewery

Overall ratings.

5.0 based on 4 reviews

2. Firehouse Theater

5.0 based on 10 reviews

3. Kingston Bookery

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Carrying on a tradition of 15 years serving our community providing used books and courteous service.

4. North Kitsap Heritage Park

5. heronswood garden.

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Reviewed By zoffcorp - Playa Coronado, Panama

Dan Hinkley has restored his Heronswood Garden with help from the new stewards (Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe) who bought the property after Burpee et al failed to keep the garden thriving. Hinkley has populated this garden with plants from far-flung places that thrive in our climate. As a dedicated plant nerd I t is shocking to walk through the many spaces being unable to identify the many species. Truly a treat for the novice as well as the hardened plantaholic.

6. The Paisley Whale

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Reviewed By GourmetMagazine - Kingston, United States

Great little collectibles shop with a wide variety of interesting "stuff"! This young lady is trying very hard to have something for everyone, including good prices. There is some beautiful vintage clothing, glassware, very nice vintage jewelry, original vinyl records, glassware, antiques & an AWESOME antique telephone operator's switchboard!!. You'll even find some "guy stuff" here including military. Very clean & well lighted, inventory changes frequently. A great place to look for a gift. Introduce yourself to Marie, the owner, while you are there & then go across the street to Majestic Mountain Coffee for a great cup of coffee or lunch. All of this just less than a half a block from The Washington State Ferry dock. A fun shop to peruse while you are waiting for the ferry & a must see if you are walking over from Edmonds.

7. Saltair Beach Park

8. white horse golf club.

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Reviewed By K3868NLmarkl - Savannah, United States

Made four visits to White Horse over the past seven months or so, great course and worth the drive from Tacoma. Have booked direct with the pro shop and thru Golf Now...no issues at all, friendly staff with a great facility. The only knock I have is that the restaurant opens much too late on the weekends...should open early to catch the breakfast crowd, they are a captive audience after all. The golf course itself is a great track with a variety of elevation and direction...and very well maintained. Would definitely visit again.

9. Little City Candy

4.5 based on 7 reviews

10. CB's Nuts

4.0 based on 1 reviews

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Kingston lies along the shores of Appletree Cove and the Puget Sound. It is a small, picturesque town that is home to a major Washington State Ferry terminal, Edmonds-Kingston Ferry, which links to Edmonds. Visitors can explore Kingston Cove for fishing, crabbing, and multiple water sports during the warmer months.

Heritage Park offers great hiking and biking adventures. Unique Kingston experiences include: Saturday Kingston Cove Farmer’s Market, Concerts on the Cove, Wine and Art Walks, and more.

WASHINGTON STATE FERRY INFORMATION:

CLICK HERE for the Washington State Ferry Schedule

Nearby road trips:

https://www.scenicwa.com/whidbey-scenic-isle-way

https://www.scenicwa.com/pacific-coast-scenic-byway

CONTACT INFO

Phone: (360) 297-3813 Website: VISIT WEBSITE Address: 25923 Washington Blvd. , Kingston , WA 98346 Follow Us:

Washington Park

Wallingford

Central Ave NE

Things to Do in Kingston, WA

1. Puget Sound Express

"Amazing and once in a lifetime experience! The boat is modern, clean, and warm and m..." more

2. Port Gamble General Store & Café

"This is a store in Port Gamble that carries a lot of different items. There are souve..." more

3. Canopy Tours Northwest

"Had the best experience here. I've never been ziplining and we went for my friend's B..." more

4. Argensol

"This place is great. The one drawback is its limited hours. It's hard enough to fin..." more

5. Haunted History Ghost Tours of Seattle

"This tour was a lot of fun. I learned so much about the dark history of Seattle. Th..." more

6. The Kingston Ale House

"Amazing Bacon Blue Cheeseburger! Nice little spot to meet up with visitors when they ..." more

7. Underground Tour

"I love history and museums and had heard about the Seattle underground tours for year..." more

8. The Saucy Sailor

"Saucy sailor is a spectacular addition to downtown Kingston. The food is hot, delicio..." more

Best Restaurants in Kingston, WA

The Saucy Sailor

"Kids a picky eater and they offered a rice version of their Cottage Pie which he loved." See all The Saucy Sailor reviews

"We also got a delicious tortilla de papa and ended up having the leftovers with eggs and a bit of chimichurri for breakfast." See all Argensol reviews

Ono Poke Too

"One has to ride the ferry across to Edmonds to find their competition who happens to be their original location." See all Ono Poke Too reviews

"Totally blown away by the bacon jam on the Ruth Bacon Ginsberg ." See all Sunny Up reviews

The Smoked Asian

"The perfect mix of East Asian and Kansas City BBQ - we had the Lumpia and BBQ Ribs and I couldn't stop eating them." See all The Smoked Asian reviews

Butcher & Baker Provisions

"If your ever in sport Gamble, grab a coffee from the coffee stand, get a fried chicken sandwich , and a desert." See all Butcher & Baker Provisions reviews

d'Vine Wines

"I feel like I was faded to miss the 3 o'clock ferry, and for that I stopped by d'Vine Wines, and met a sweet angel named Micki ." See all d'Vine Wines reviews

Los Tres Compadres

"We ordered the California burrito, the veggie burrito, and a kid's meal, and all were very good!" See all Los Tres Compadres reviews

J'aime Les Crêpes

"Many people will time it so they can take their crêpes onto the ferry , and eat while cruising across the water ." See all J'aime Les Crêpes reviews

The Cup & Muffin

"I am currently moving from ballard to the peninsula in which i must take the edmonds kingston ferry ." See all The Cup & Muffin reviews

Port Gamble General Store & Café

"We stopped by the little cafe in the back before continuing on with our trip to grab a coffee." See all Port Gamble General Store & Café reviews

The Kingston Ale House

"We put in our order just before the arriving ferry unloaded and it was ready in time to make that ferry crossing!" See all The Kingston Ale House reviews

The Grub Hut

"Kinda greasy but hit the spot as we were looking for something to eat before taking the ferry back to Seattle." See all The Grub Hut reviews

Sourdough Willy’s Pizzeria

"The Pizza: Wesley told us before we even tried the Detroit style pizza that we would be changed.." See all Sourdough Willy’s Pizzeria reviews

Little Boston Bistro

"The Bistro in The Point Casino is one of the top of the line dining places in Kitsap." See all Little Boston Bistro reviews

Westside Pizza

"I left my purse accidentally in the ladies bathroom and realized it when my ferry was just about to leave." See all Westside Pizza reviews

Nightlife in Kingston, WA

Seattle Guitar Teacher

" Pascal helped with proper ergonomics both in playing guitar and at a work and wrist pain is a thing of the past." See all Seattle Guitar Teacher reviews

Absolute Karaoke Entertainment Group

"I don't know most of the hosts that well, but they're all cool and Pat Clark is MF'n G!" See all Absolute Karaoke Entertainment Group reviews

House 11 Taproom

"I like cider , my partner likes beer and there's always something new and fun on tap for both of us to try." See all House 11 Taproom reviews

Carbon Mexican Steakhouse

"The bone marrow was excellent as were the Doraditos ." See all Carbon Mexican Steakhouse reviews

The Filling Station

"My husband and I took the ferry from Edmonds over to Kingston for my birthday, and stopped in here for lunch." See all The Filling Station reviews

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Welcome to Port Gamble, WA, a historic town nestled on the Kitsap Peninsula. Known for its well-preserved New England-style architecture and rich logging history, Port Gamble offers a unique glimpse into the past. Explore its quaint streets, visit the local museum, and enjoy the natural beauty of this peaceful waterfront town. Ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, Port Gamble is a serene escape with much to discover.

Getting Here

Washington State Ferry Edmonds-Kingston Route Kingston Fast Ferry to Seattle Kingston Ride Local Bus Service

Attractions

Port of Kingston Marina Historic Firehouse Theater North Kitsap Heritage Park The Point Casino & Hotel

Local Dining

The Kingston Ale House Downpour Brewing The Grub Hut Sourdough Willy’s J’aime Les Crepes d’Vine Wines Borrowed Kitchen Bakery

Accomidations

Phoenix Bed & Breakfast Airbnb Options in Kingston

Community Links

Kingston Chamber of Commerce Kingston Facebook Page Kitsap Regional Library – Kingston

Kingston Events Calendar Outdoor Activities and Trails

Visitor Center Contact Details Local Emergency Services

Information on this site is for general purposes and is subject to change. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the content.

• [email protected]
• 1-360-860-2239

Kingston Chamber Hours

• Monday - Friday:
• 11:00AM - 3:00PM
• 4:30PM - 10:00PM
• Saturday - Sunday:

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Solar eclipse 2024: Photos from the path of totality and elsewhere in the U.S.

Images show the Great American Eclipse, seen by tens of millions of people in parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada for the first time since 2017.

Millions gathered across North America on Monday to bask in the glory of the Great American Eclipse — the moment when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. 

The path of totality measures more than 100 miles wide and will first be visible on Mexico’s Pacific coast before moving northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and upward toward New York, New Hampshire and Maine, then on to Canada.

Total solar eclipse 2024 highlights: Live coverage, videos and more

During the cosmic spectacle, the moon’s movements will temporarily block the sun’s light, creating minutes of darkness, and will make the sun's outer atmosphere, or the corona, visible as a glowing halo.

Here are moments of the celestial activities across the country:

Breaking News Reporter

Elise Wrabetz is a Senior Photo Editor for NBC News digital

Chelsea Stahl is the art director for NBC News Digital