Visiting Puget Sound

Puget Sound’s complex waterways and basins define life in Northwest Washington. The Washington State ferry fleet and system is the largest in the US. Ferries are a way of life for Puget Sound communities like Bainbridge Island, Orcas Island, Friday Harbor and Vashon Island. Others commute to Downtown Seattle by automobile over bridges including the I-90 Floating Bridge, Fremont Bridge and Aurora Bridge. The majority of Washington State’s residents live in the Puget Sound region from Stanwood in the north to Olympia in the south. Seattle, the largest city, sit near the center of the sound between Elliott Bay and Lake Washington.

Traveling the Puget Sound region of Washington, visitors are treated to amazing vistas of waterways and evergreen forests mixed with beautiful city skylines, no matter the destination. For a closer look and Puget Sound experience, there are whale watching and wildlife tours, sea kayaking for the active, as well as white water rafting. Visit a few of the Washington State wineries in the region, for a slower pace activity.

Bainbridge Island, an approximately 28 square mile island is a 35 minute ferry ride from Seattle. Once filled with strawberry fields, the Seattle suburb now is now home to over 20,000 residents. Dedicated to keeping their environment pristine, residents take great pride in preserving and maintaining the islands natural beauty and resources.

Bainbridge Island, a wonderful community, is ideal for a visit anytime, and especially fall. October brings the Harvest Fair, a Pumpkin Walk at Bainbridge Gardens and a Halloween Walk in downtown Winslow. The Bainbridge Island Downtown Association kicks-off the 2010 holiday season in November with a Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting. The Suquamish Tribe of Western Washington will also hold the Suquamish Cultural Celebration in November. Don’t miss Christmas in the Country featuring tours of open houses decorated for the holidays with crafts and gifts. Mochi Tsuki, Japanese New Year is also in December sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Japanese-American Community.

The Best Western Bainbridge Island Suites offers visitors award winning accommodations. With warm, friendly customer service, you also enjoy a location convenient to the attractions of the island. The hotel is nestled among the forested hills and beautiful harbors of Bainbridge Island. Enjoy your visit with Best Western Hotels.

The city of Gig Harbor in Puget Sound is called the Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. A popular tourist destination, west of Tacoma on the Kitsap Peninsula, Gig Harbor is accessed by the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Fall is a terrific time to visit the city and take part in a variety of events. The 10th Anniversary Gig Harbor Quilt Festival is held mid-October as well as the Gig Harbor Film Festival 2010. Gig Harbor High School will host TideFest 2010 early December. Gig Harbor has something for everyone. If you are visiting, the Best Western Wesley Inn of Gig Harbor is convenient, with comfortable rooms and affordable rates.

Puget Sound Hotel Map