South Kitsap Regional Park

This popular regional park has batting cages, a skate park, soccer fields, and picnic areas. But hikers love it for its extensive network of trails that crisscross the forest behind the athletic fields. Kids especially enjoy the Explorer Trail, which offers interactive attractions along the walking path.

Less than a mile from Comfort Inn on the Bay, you can find scenic waterside walks, fun playgrounds, and a farmers market. Plus, you can shop at iconic local antique stores. This is a fantastic article to read.

1. Go Mountain Biking

If you’re into mountain biking, you’ll find plenty to do at this sizable park. The 636-acre forest contains trails with names like Wally World, Lizard King, Roller Coaster, and Oh Crap that can be linked together for hours of biking or walking. The park is popular with mountain bikers but hikers and equestrians are allowed as well.

There are also unpaved forest roads that are open to everyone. These wind through an airy forest of fir and salal with some old-growth hemlock trees thrown in.

The trails are well maintained, but there is some loose gravel and roots, and the terrain can be steep at times. This is a great place for beginner mountain bikers to hone their skills and build confidence. It’s also a fun place for families to ride bikes.

2. Take a Hike

At 209 acres, this regional park has a lot to offer, from mountain biking trails for advanced riders to family-friendly hikes that include the Forest Explorer Trail (designed to help kids interact with nature and exercise). The park also features a playground, picnic areas, 3 ballfields (baseball, softball, and multi-use), a skate park, a scale outdoor railroad, and batting cages operated by Casey’s Batting Cages.

The park’s trail system escorts hikers through coastal forest past a marsh and Hood Canal to a beautiful beach, providing breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains in the background. It’s a great alternative to day trips to Olympic National Park, which is farther afield and more difficult for families with little ones. Check out the Pacer App for more hiking trails near you! Discover more exciting places here.

3. Visit the Farmer’s Market

There’s something for everyone at the farmers market. Guests can pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal cheeses. Families with little ones in strollers or kids on bikes can explore the trails. For those who want to get a bit more exercise, the park has a skate park, batting cages, and soccer fields.

Shoppers will enjoy the local boutiques, and antique and specialty stores. Josephine’s Mercantile offers a great selection of books, as well as home goods and cute stickers. The Western Washington Center for the Arts hosts performances year-round.

Manchester State Park is a short drive from Port Orchard and has gorgeous hiking trails. Bring a picnic for a day trip, or camp overnight in the spacious campsites. The park also has a playground, kayak launch, and beach access.

4. Visit the Marina

There is always something to do at the Port Orchard Marina. Take a stroll down the pier, relax with a snack and drink at the marina cafe, or watch local artists paint and sculpt at the nearby gallery.

Manchester State Park is about a 10-minute drive from Port Orchard proper and features gorgeous tree-lined hiking trails and waterfront access. The park also offers four cabins that can be reserved year-round.

There are also a number of other activities at the park including a skate park, batting cages, soccer fields, and more! Check out the website for more details. Hike the 2.3-mile Dickerson Falls hike, rated easy on AllTrails, to see a beautiful waterfall in the forest. A small museum is also on-site to learn more about the city’s history.

5. Go Shopping

Whether you’re looking for world-class antique shopping or great local restaurants, Port Orchard is the place to go. This small cluster of waterfront and inland neighborhoods has a strong sense of community and plenty to do.

For those who have visited Qaqad Park (the stormwater park across from Manchester Grill), you may notice the new metal salmon art gracing the fountain feature in the northwest corner of the park. These stunning sculptures were created by Kitsap County Public Works employees Adrian Eckstrom and David Lind.

Stop by the tiny Sidney Art Gallery Museum to learn about Port Orchard’s history on the top floor and peruse artwork from creative locals, many of which are for sale. Then, take a stroll on Boomer’s Explorer Trail, which features interactive elements that teach about nature and encourage physical activity, including a compass course and a stepping stones maze. Continue reading about Evergreen Rotary Park.

Driving directions from Cornerstone Cleaning to South Kitsap Regional Park

Driving directions from South Kitsap Regional Park to Evergreen Rotary Park