Quaint and coastal, Poulsbo, WA, is packed with ultimate charm, tasty restaurants, hoppin’ craft brews, and adventures of all styles. It’s a boater’s paradise, and the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula–if you’re looking to buy, Poulsbo would be a prime basecamp for all your hiking, surfing, boating, paddling, and snowshoeing dreams.

Read on for nine of the best things to do in Poulsbo, WA, and the Olympic Peninsula, including the best Poulsbo restaurants, cafes, bakeries, shopping, hiking trails, and more.

Huge thanks to Tri Pointe Homes for sponsoring this post. All opinions are always my own.

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At a Glance:

Native Lands: Coast Salish, Suquamish

Population: 11,891 (2021)

Established: December 18, 1907

A Quick History

This cozy waterfront town boasts major Scandinavian vibes–it’s almost as if the Washington State Ferry brought you across the Atlantic instead of Puget Sound, and I was excited to hear that today’s “Little Norway” is years of history in the making. Poulsbo’s Viking roots run deep. Let me explain:

Norwegians were the first white settlers to paddle into the bay (as early as 1821), and a local historian described it as, “an ideal place with a promise of a great future. A place that would serve as a magnet to the Norwegians.” (Soreboe, "The Soreboe Story," 150). He was right.

As Norwegian family, friends, and friends of friends joined the founding family, the town began to take shape. Norwegian was even the official language for a solid amount of time, and the town’s rich, Nordic heritage can be seen in present-day Poulsbo’s architecture, on the menus, on the street signs, and everywhere in between.

9 Things to Do in Poulsbo (and the Olympic Peninsula)

What to Do, See, Eat, and Experience in Poulsbo, Washington

Kayaking in Liberty Bay, Poulsbo Washington — Liberty Bay

1.Kayak in Liberty Bay

Liberty Bay’s calm waters and coastal charm make it the perfect place to paddle out. Rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard from the Olympic Outdoor Center or bring your own for a beautiful day on the Bay!

My recommendation? Go at sunset for ultimate dreamy vibes. Then paddle up to the Brass Kraken for a beer.

2. Taste the Town

Poulsbo is packed with delicious restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and tasty treats. Here are my favorite Poulsbo restaurants:

Sluys Bakery is an all-time favorite–their freshly baked pastries, breads, and desserts are enough to send anyone into a state of ultimate sugar-coated happiness. Try their Viking Cup for a Sluys’ classic and pick up a loaf of cinnamon bread for later.

Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse is my all-time favorite spot to get a hot cup of coffee with a view. In the colder months, grab a seat indoors in front of their big Liberty Bay-facing windows to feel close to nature without compromising cozy comfort. Or, in the summer, head over to their side patio for a bit of fresh air with a side of coffee.
Climb the stairs to The Loft at Latitude Fort Seventy Seven for some delicious seafood overlooking Liberty Bay–the best view in town! I enjoyed some ahi tuna tacos–harbor seals make pretty good company if you ask me!

The Brass Kraken Pub–just below The Loft–has the same beautiful waterfront location but with a casual atmosphere. Order a draft craft beer or fresh cocktail and head out to their overwater deck to watch sunset, or if it’s chilly, partake in some of their weekly events indoors. Trivia, anyone?
Sip on margaritas in a quaint alleyway at Casa Luna. The vibe is on point, and who doesn’t love some scrumptious Mexican food?

For the chocolate lovers, Boehm’s Chocolates of Poulsbo has an impressive collection of sweets. From old-school candies to dainty truffles, and a homemade ice cream bar that’s to die for, it’s impossible to try them all, but you bet I’ll try!
Embrace Poulsbo’s Nordic heritage with a visit to Valholl Brewing, “where everyday warriors come to rest.” This local watering hole has some delicious craft brews and a great atmosphere.
End the day with a scoop of Mora’s legendary ice cream. Order lavender to try a local favorite. After one lick, it instantly became my go-to. First time there? You can’t go wrong with their classic Mora (blackberry) ice cream. YUM.

3. Hike the Poulsbo Wilderness Trail

How about a little forest bathing? The Poulsbo Wilderness Trail is a beautiful 1-mile, out-and-back trail just a 5-minute drive from downtown that meanders between big, gorgeous pines, across a footbridge, and along a stream. If you hadn’t just had a delicious Viking Cup at Sluys just 10 minutes before, you might think you were smack in the middle of the Olympic Peninsula’s wild forests!

4. Shop Local

Antiquing in Poulsbo, WA — Red Plantation

Antique shops, galleries, boutiques and more: Poulsbo has a quaint collection of top-notch shopping, including some of my favorite antique shops in the State!

Saltwater Vintage is an adorable cafe/antique shop inspired by the sea.
I love me some Pacific Northwest swag, and Northwest Land & Sea has an awesome collection from brands like Vissla, The Great Pacific Northwest, and more.
Experience the work of local and regional artists at the contemporary fine art gallery, Carrie Goller Gallery. Oil, encaustic, egg tempera and mixed media are a few of the mediums you’ll find here.
A vintage-inspired marketplace, Red Plantation is divided into sections where local thrifters, antiquers, and artists sell their finds and creations under one roof. It’s a must-visit. Trust me.
For cute home goods and gifts, check out Better 2 Gether boutique at the north end of town.

5. Visit the SEA Discovery Center

Get up close and personal with your underwater neighbors at the SEA Discovery Center! 6,000 gallons of water split between various tanks highlight some of the coolest fish, invertebrates, and other undersea life from Liberty Bay, local lakes, and the greater Puget Sound. Swing by for a free visit Saturdays and Sundays between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and leave with a newfound love for your coastal waters.

Olympic Peninsula Adventures

Poulsbo has the entire Olympic Peninsula at its fingertips. Epic surf spots, tall peaks, rainforest, and ocean are just a few hours’ drive away. Have a weekend to spare? Here are my favorite Olympic Peninsula adventures (less than two hours away).

Crescent Beach, Salt Creek Recreation Area

6. Surf at Salt Creek

Salt Creek Recreation area is a beautiful coastal park with hiking, tide pooling, and a sheltered bay primed for surfing. Rent a board from North by Northwest Surf Shop (open seasonally) or bring your own and paddle out for some choice waves.

7. Swim at Lake Crescent

The beautiful blue, crystal-clear lake is the perfect spot for an after-hike cool-off. Think alpine-lake-level water but close to home! Ideal.

8. Hike Mt. Storm King

If you’re up for a challenge, Mount Storm King offers impressive views over Lake Crescent and the Olympic Mountain Range. It’s a steep 4-mile out-and-back hike, but the reward is worth it, promise.

Wait! Read my guide to Mount Storm King before you go.

Deer at Olympic National Park — Grand Ridge Trail, Olympic National Park

9. Drive to Hurricane Ridge

Hurricane Ridge is one of the few places you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree mountain range views year-round. In the winter, snowshoe trails and skiing attract snow lovers from all over the Peninsula, and in the summer, hikers can enjoy tons of trails for all levels and interests, winding their ways through the Range. Not a hiker? No worries! Bring up a snack and enjoy the view from the parking lot. They’re that impressive!

About Tri Pointe Homes and Their New Poulsbo Community

In the market for a home base for all your adventures? Tri Pointe Homes has new Poulsbo homes for sale. The 3-6-bedroom, 2,584 - 4,387-square-foot homes are stylish, functional, and simply beautiful. High ceilings, natural light, and surrounded by evergreens, each home brings the outdoors in, celebrating everything the Peninsula has to offer. You can even custom select design fixtures to truly make the space your own!

Need a few more reasons to move to Poulsbo? I gotchu:

“Little Norway” is incredibly charming with boutiques, cafes, delicious restaurants, waterfront parks, and more, but we knew that.
The Olympic Peninsula is your big backyard. Things we also know.
You’re just a ferry ride away from Seattle. Prime location if you ask me.
Ample elbow room. There’s plenty of space to spread out, breath deep, and enjoy nature.
There are so many outdoor activities within arms reach! You can walk out of your new home to go kayaking, hiking, and more!

Read more about the Blue Heron community and Tri Pointe’s Poulsbo homes for sale here.

9 of the Best Things to Do in Poulsbo, Washington (and the Olympic Peninsula)