5 Best Kitsap County Beaches for a Family Session
5 Best Beach Spots in Kitsap County for a Family Session
As a mom of three chaotic and lovely children, ranging from toddler to tween, finding accessible and fun spaces can be tricky! Thankfully, the northern corner of Kitsap County offers the best Kitsap County beaches for a family session, with shorelines that are not only gorgeous but also super family-friendly. Here are five beach locations that will be a hit with you and your crew for a family photo session in Kitsap County:
I highly recommend checking wind and tide forecasts to plan for the best timing. My favorite apps are WINDY and Tide Time. Many beaches can become inaccessible when the tide is high.
Point No Point
No surprise with this one. Itโs a favorite for a reason! Point No Point is a historic lighthouse park that offers stunning views of Puget Sound. The sandy beach is filled with some of the best fort-grade driftwood I have ever seen. The walking trail goes past the lighthouse and into the forested area sidles along the shoreline, providing a scenic backdrop for family photos. While visiting, you might spot seals, moon snails, and sand dollars. Seasonal flora adds a touch of color to your pictures, making them even more special. After your session, you can stop at The Hansgrill for a drink and snacks.
- Creatures You Can See: Seals, otters, sand dollars, seasonal flora
- Water Activities: Paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming
- Pros: Beautiful views, great driftwood, walking trails
- Cons: It can get super busy on sunny days and can be very windy
- ADA Accessible/Stroller-Friendly: Partially
- Discover Pass Required: Yes
- Parking: Rough when busy
- Sandy or Rocky: Sandy
Scenic Beach
Scenic Beach State Park is a gem with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains. The beach has sandy and pebbly areas, making it perfect for various family activities and photo opportunities. You can expect to see seals, starfish, and crabs while exploring the shoreline. The diverse landscape offers plenty of options for unique and beautiful family photos. Additionally, the park has picnic areas and a playground, making it a great spot for a full day of fun.
- Creatures You Can See: Seals, starfish, crabs
- Water Activities: Kayaking, swimming
- Pros: Stunning views, picnic areas, playground
- Cons: Limited parking
- ADA Accessible/Stroller-Friendly: Yes
- Discover Pass Required: Yes
- Parking: Available
- Sandy or Rocky: Rocky
Saltair Beach
Saltair Beach is a secluded spot that offers a mix of sandy and rocky shoreline. It’s a great place for beachcombing, with plenty of driftwood and shells to discover. This beach is particularly good for tidepooling at low tide, where you can observe starfish, crabs, and various shells. Watching the Kingston-Edmonds ferry pass by adds a unique element to your photos. The steep path leading down to the water’s edge and the lack of bathrooms make this beach less ADA-friendly, so plan accordingly.
- Creatures You Can See: Starfish, crabs, seals
- Water Activities: Beachcombing, tide-pooling
- Pros: Secluded, great for tide-pooling, and ferry watching
- Cons: No bathrooms, stairs to access
- ADA Accessible/Stroller-Friendly: No
- Discover Pass Required: No
- Parking: Limited
- Sandy or Rocky: Mostly sandy
Kitsap Memorial Park
Kitsap Memorial Park is a large park offering a killer view, walking paths, and a playground, making it an excellent choice for a family photo session. The park is ADA-friendly, with a paved path to the water’s edge. Bathrooms are available on-site, which is a big plus for families. You might see birds, small fish, and seaweed along the shoreline, adding natural elements to your photos.
- Creatures You Can See: Birds, small fish, seals
- Water Activities: Walking, playground activities
- Pros: ADA-friendly, public bathrooms, and a great view
- Cons: Can be busy during weekends
- ADA Accessible/Stroller-Friendly: Yes
- Discover Pass Required: Yes
- Parking: Available
- Sandy or Rocky: Rocky
Fay Bainbridge Park
Fay Bainbridge Park is a beautiful park that offers stunning views of Puget Sound. The beach is perfect for driftwood fort building, a fun activity for kids during your photo session. The park is ADA-friendly, with paved paths to the beach and picnic areas. Bathrooms are available on-site. There are many different sitting areas, making it convenient for families.
- Creatures You Can See: Seals, sand dollars, the neighborhood dogs
- Water Activities: Paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking
- Pros: ADA friendly, bathrooms available, picnic areas
- Cons: It can get crowded during peak times
- ADA Accessible/Stroller-Friendly: Yes
- Discover Pass Required: No
- Parking: Available
- Sandy or Rocky: Sandy
For all your beach adventures, check out my beach gear recommendations to ensure you have everything you need for a perfect day out. By following these tips and checking the tide and wind forecasts, you will have a memorable family photo session at the best Kitsap County beaches for a family session. Happy beachcombing!
