With miles of beaches and trails, a picturesque lighthouse and glorious Puget Sound views, Hansville is one of the Kitsap Peninsula’s most spectacular destinations.

And there’s no better time to visit than on a sunny summer day, when the water sparkles, cruise ships dot the horizon and shore birds dart along the water’s edge. The community is tiny, but there are ample recreation activities, including hiking, biking, fishing and birding. Here are the highlights:

Point No Point Lighthouse and Park – More than 60 acres of sandy beach, panoramic views and a well-preserved lighthouse make this county park and national historic site a can’t-miss destination. Pack a picnic and come for the day. You’re likely to see fisherman trying their luck as kids build sand castles and play with driftwood. The lighthouse is open noon-4 on weekends and docents offer tours at 1 and 3 on Saturdays. The park is also a stop on the Washington State Audubon Society’s great birding trail.

Foulweather Bluff – If you want to get off the beaten path, explore this 100-acre nature preserve 2.8 miles northwest of Hansville. A quarter-mile path leads through second-growth forest to a marsh filled with wildlife and a pristine beach on the Hood Canal. When the tide is out, look for sand dollar beds, clumps of anemones, crabs and other sea life. You must pack your trash out and there are no restrooms. Because it’s a nature preserve, pets are prohibited, as are fires, camping and removing anything from the beach. Find out more.

Buck Lake County Park – This quiet park offers lake access, a swimming area, picnic shelter, playground, ball field, basketball and volleyball courts, restrooms and trails. The natural 20-acre lake is stocked with rainbow trout and attracts deer and dozens of bird species. Fishing is permitted and there is a boat launch, but motorized watercraft are prohibited.

Hansville Greenway and community trails – Explore Hansville on foot or bicycle via 10 miles of trails. One of the most popular routes, the Sid-Knutson trail takes visitors from Hood Canal to Puget Sound, passing several ponds and Buck Lake along the way. More info.

Norwegian Point – This undeveloped park is another great place to access the Puget Sound shoreline, look for birds and watch marine traffic.

Hansgrill and Hansville Grocery and Provisions Co. – No trip to Hansville is complete without a stop at the charming general store and cafe. Open daily, the shop is a popular ice cream stop after a day at the beach. It also stocks snacks, beer, wine, bait and tackle. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with stellar views and classic diner food.

Visit our website to plan your trip and find lodging options.