Things To Do
in Silverdale

Silverdale sits in Kitsap County along the Puget Sound, blending suburban comfort with easy waterfront access. As a commercial hub, it anchors a network of parks, shops, and family-friendly attractions just across the water from Bremerton. The surrounding landscape is defined by evergreen forests, golf courses, and miles of shoreline, offering quick gateways to the Olympic Peninsula and ferries to the islands.

Visitors will find a relaxed pace, strong outdoor culture, and a base for exploring the broader Puget Sound region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Silverdale and settle into your hotel. Spend the morning exploring the quaint downtown area, where you can enjoy local cafes and shops. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront to soak in the scenic views of the Olympic Mountains.

afternoon
:

Visit the Kitsap Mall for a shopping spree or catch a movie at the local cinema. Take a break for lunch at one of the mall’s many dining options. Afterward, explore nearby parks like Silverdale Waterfront Park, where you can stroll through green spaces and enjoy some outdoor activities.

evening
:

Dine at a waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and local cuisine. Enjoy the sunset views on the bay, creating a romantic and tranquil atmosphere. Consider an evening walk along the shore to complete your opening day in Silverdale.

day 2
Bainbridge Island Day Trip
morning
:

Take an early ferry from Silverdale to Bainbridge Island. Start your day with a visit to the Bloedel Reserve, a beautiful garden that showcases the region's native plants. Spend some time immersing yourself in the peaceful surroundings.

afternoon
:

After exploring the gardens, head to the charming town of Winslow for lunch at a local eatery. Spend the afternoon at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, where you can appreciate contemporary artworks. Don't forget to visit the local shops for unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Return to Silverdale and enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant. Reflect on your day while enjoying a glass of local wine or craft beer. If you're lucky, catch a live music performance at a nearby venue to end your day with some entertainment.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city center)$1,600-2,200/month
🧺Grocery costs (weekly)$60-120
🚗Gasoline (per gallon)$4-5
🎬Movie ticket$12-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Great outdoor access and water views
  • Safe, family-friendly communities
  • Proximity to Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula
  • Limited nightlife within Silverdale itself
  • Higher fuel and grocery costs compared to some inland areas

Places to Visit in Silverdale

Visit one of these nice places.

Dyes Inlet Waterfront Vista

Wide water views with golden-hour light, ideal for sunset silhouettes against the inlet.

Silverdale Community Park Bridge

A peaceful spot with trees framing the water, perfect for golden-hour reflections.

Clear Creek Trail Bridge

Wooden bridge over a forested creek—great for macro and landscape shots.

Port Gamble Historic District

Historic timber architecture and harbor scenes with retro charm.

Culinary Guide

Food in Silverdale

The local cuisine emphasizes seafood, farm-to-table fare, and a vibrant coffee culture, all rooted in the Puget Sound bounty and Pacific Northwest produce.

Silverdale Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grilled Northwest salmon with seasonal berries

A seasonal Seattle-area favorite featuring alder-smoked salmon paired with local berries and a light herb glaze.

Must-Try!

Dungeness crab cakes

Tender crab cakes served with a lemon-dill aioli, commonly found at coastal-style eateries around Silverdale.

Smoked salmon bagel

Cream cheese, capers, red onion, and sliced smoked salmon on a fresh bagel from local bakeries.

Berry cobbler

A warm dessert using locally harvested berries, best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kitsap Fresh Market

Seasonal farmers market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and local crafts on weekends.

Harbor Market & Food Trucks (near Bremerton waterfront)

Casual stalls and trucks offering seafood bites, burgers, and street-food-style options.

Poulsbo Waterfront Market

Nearby market with seafood, bakery goods, and regional produce just a short drive away.

Climate Guide

Weather

Silverdale has a marine west coast climate with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. Rain is common year-round, with the wettest months typically from November to January.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Quiet respect in residential areas

Keep voices down in mixed-use neighborhoods; observe posted rules in parks and preserve natural spaces.

Prepare for rain

It's common to carry a light jacket or rain layer even on mild days.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay mindful of water-related hazards along the shoreline, and watch for slick sidewalks after rain. Use common-sense precautions in parking lots and crowded areas, especially during events.

Tipping in Silverdale

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a standard 15-20% tip for good service is customary; some tables may include a service charge for larger groups.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for street vendors and smaller establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Dry, mild days with pleasant evenings; pack light layers and sun protection; water activities are popular.

Fall

Crisp air and vibrant foliage; expect increased rainfall and shorter days.

Winter

Cool and wet; rain is common, with occasional chilly spells; layers and waterproofs are essential.

Spring

Rain showers mixed with sunny spells; flowers begin to bloom and trails stay green.

Nightlife Guide

Silverdale at Night

The nightlife in Silverdale is low-key, featuring casual bars and local breweries. For more vibrant options, residents often head to Bremerton or Poulsbo for live music, trivia, and waterfront venues.

Hiking in Silverdale

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Clear Creek Trail

A wooded, family-friendly trail along Clear Creek with easy to moderate sections.

Port Gamble Historic District Trails

Scenic routes around a preserved historic town with water views.

Olympic National Forest trails (short drives away)

Several day-hike options within a short drive, including wooded paths and coastal overlooks.

Airports

How to reach Silverdale by plane.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Major international hub about a 40–60 minute drive depending on traffic; frequent flights worldwide.

Bremerton National Airport (KPWT / PWT)

Smaller regional airport offering domestic flights and general aviation access.

Paine Field (PAE) in Everett

Another major regional airport with domestic service; about a 60–90 minute drive.

Getting Around

Walkability

Silverdale offers a walkable town center with sidewalks and compact amenities, but driving is often the easiest way to reach parks and neighboring towns.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Suburban neighborhoods with schools and parks; many households with kids.

Retirees

Active seniors attracted by outdoor amenities and tranquil communities.

Young Professionals

Commuters to Seattle/Bremerton for work in tech and services.

Native and Multiracial communities

Growing diversity and local cultural contributions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Water sports (kayaking, paddleboarding)

Common in Puget Sound; rentals and lessons available locally.

Hiking and trail running

Popular due to proximity to Olympic Peninsula and Kitsap trails.

Fishing

Coastal and river fishing around Dyes Inlet and nearby waters.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during peak commute hours in the Puget Sound region. Public transit options include Kitsap Transit and the community's ferry access to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton; driving in winter requires caution after rain or snow.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Silverdale.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many spots offer vegetarian-friendly plates; look for seasonal vegetable dishes, salads, grain bowls, and seafood-free curries. Inform staff of dairy-free needs and ask for olive oil or vegetable-based dressings.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Kitsap County is accessible via Bremerton and Port Orchard hospitals and clinics; Silverdale has several clinics and urgent care centers, with larger facilities in Bremerton and nearby cities.

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