Places to stay in Puget Sound

[Wolfboy]

We are getting close to checking out our new R27 next week. I've heard a few suggestions of places to check out for the weekend, but I'm curious if any of the Puget Sound locals know of a good place to stay that's close to a marina where we could park for the night? We will be doing the orientation Thursday and Friday, then we will be let loose until Monday morning. I've googled accommodations and came up with things like Poets Cove Resort and the Edgewater in Seattle but it's hard to tell from adds about where the best hotels/resorts are. Any suggestions? Would Victoria be too far to go and is getting into Canada a hassle these days?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dbsea]

Canada is relaxing the testing requirements for US citizens as of 4/1, so you might be in luck there. San Juan Islands would also be nice if you're planning to go as far north as Victoria. Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, etc. There's so many choices. The weather is also going to be really nice next weekend, as it stands today. Sounds like a good weekend to take delivery of your boat.

 

[Brian98133]

Congratulations on your new R-27!! It's an exciting time, to be sure!

Unless there's another Poet's Cove, the only one I know is in Canada. So, unless you're looking for places on your northward journey, that might be a bit of a stretch for a shakedown weekend trip. :mrgreen:

Are you looking to stay in the Puget Sound for the weekend, then trailer home to AK? If so, then the Everett Marina is a nice place. There are a few restaurants within walking distance, and I believe the new hotel is up and running...

Edmonds is nice, and good places to eat nearby. Not sure on lodging.

Poulsbo is a personal fav. Great marina, great food (amazing bakery!), and I believe there's lodging nearby as well. 😀 It's on the west side of Puget Sound, but if you were to park at Des Moines and motor over, it's about 25 miles. Beautiful trip!

Good luck!

 

[FlyMeAway]

Bell Harbor is right in downtown Seattle, has transient moorage, and is walking distance from a number of (relatively inexpensive) luxury hotels, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and other attractions.

If you want to take your new boat through the locks to Lake WA (which is always fun!) you can try mooring at The Woodmark which is a luxury hotel on the waterfront in Kirkland.

 

[Feisty1]

You should check out Gig Harbor after orientation. It is 12 miles from Des Moines. Arabella’s is a nice marina near Food and drink establishments. Hotel? You will have your R27! We will be in your shoes early May with our R-29S delivery.
Congrats!

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

Congrats on your new R27OB. You're getting a great boat!

You didn't mention anchoring, and with your brief time, marina hopping, where you get a feel from the water as well as exploring associated towns, will give you a good feel for the PNW.

I second Feisty1 for Gig Harbor (Arabellas Marina) and others mentioning Poulsbo. You can take a short detour south from Gig Harbor and see the Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge. Afterwards YouTube "Galloping Gertie"... lots of history!

Heading north you can detour again to check out the town of Bremerton before arriving in Poulsbo... you will thoroughly enjoy this northwest town.

Safe travels, and have fun!

Bob
Kimberly Dawn

 

[linedoctor]

For the shakedown, with hotel, I recommend gig harbor too. It’s a short ride from Des Moines where I assume you’re doing orientation. Its close to Ranger should you have any issues. There is a hotel on the water plus some house boats for rent ( or used to be) and several places to eat within easy walking distance.

 

[SJI Sailor]

+1 to all of the above, especially Poulsbo and Gig Harbor. And would specifically recommend against trying to shoot for Canada. It is wonderful but very complex on several dimensions, and would present a high risk of being stuck (the Straits present weather obstacles and magnified risks that Puget Sound does not).

Kingston, Edmonds, Everett, Blake Island, and Tacoma Dock Street are also great destinations for a list. Still, for shakedown I’d probably put Poulsbo #1, all considered.

 

[Brian98133]

You can take a short detour south from Gig Harbor and see the Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge. Afterwards YouTube "Galloping Gertie"... lots of history!

:mrgreen: Emphasis on the word "Afterwards"! I would recommend NOT watching this video whilst underway, near, or especially under the bridge! :lol: :lol:

I always enjoy showing this video to locals that haven't heard of it!

Gig Harbor is a destination I have yet to visit... but now I think it's next on the list!! 😀

 

[Wolfboy]

I lived in Tacoma back in the 90's so I know about Galloping Gertie, though I'd still be looking up constantly while we pass under. 😉 I'm sure things have changed a lot since then. Since we don't have the bedding yet, I'm debating about bringing sleeping bags or staying on shore. I'm looking forward to nice views and good food, and I'll take any recommendations folks have as we run around the sound.

 

[mlclem]

I would also recommend Gig Harbor, which has the aforementioned Arabella's marina, plus an inexpensive park dock where you pay by credit card at the head of the dock. It's a charming, small walkable town down near the water. You could also leave Gig Harbor, go through the Narrows (hopefully WITH the current, turn right inside of Fox Island, and go up to Kopachuck State Park (one mooring buoy) or just a bit further to Cutt's Island State Park (several mooring buoys) It's a little more than an hour to get to either park from Gig Harbor, I think. Enjoy.

 

[TwoFootitis]

Lots of places to stay near SeaTac Airport and places to get good food as well. The Des Moines Marina is just down the hill.