Silverdale, Washington: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!
Silverdale sits on Dyes Inlet, on the Kitsap Peninsula, and almost nothing here takes effort. The Clear Creek Trail is flat and well-maintained, running through dense forest and open meadow, and you can join it almost anywhere in town. Kitsap Mall has over 100 stores. Parking is free. Waterfront Park is a walk along the beach and nothing more demanding than that. The one thing that will take a real day is the Naval Undersea Museum, which covers submarines, undersea warfare and underwater robots properly.
Planning a trip to Silverdale, Washington raises the question of what to do first. Silverdale is a town in Kitsap County, known for its scenery, its outdoor activities and the odd things you find here. A relaxing day out or a full weekend, it covers both.
The waterfront park is one of the better things about Silverdale, and it takes a picnic or a walk along the beach. For outdoor time, there are miles of trails to explore in Kitsap Memorial State Park, and kayaking and hiking are both popular. For art and culture, there are several galleries and museums, the Kitsap County Historical Society Museum among them.
On food and drink, Silverdale carries a broad range, local favorites like the Silver City Brewery and the Whiskey Creek Steakhouse included. For shopping, the Kitsap Mall is where to go, with extensive stores from major chains such as Macy’s, Target, Pier 1, Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, Barnes & Noble and more. For entertainment and nightlife, All Star Lanes handles the bowling and the arcade games.
Key Takeaways
- Silverdale offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and beach walks.
- The Kitsap Mall is a popular shopping destination with major chain stores.
- Silverdale has a range of dining options, including local favorites like Silver City Brewery and Whiskey Creek Steakhouse.
The Delights of Silverdale
Welcome to Silverdale, the town on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State. There is enough here to fill a long weekend.
First, the Kitsap Mall. This is not an average shopping center. With extensive stores from major chains such as Macy’s, Target, Pier 1, Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, Barnes & Noble and more, you will find what you came for and a fair bit else. Take your time and work through it.
For something more outdoorsy, the Clear Creek Trail. Park in one of the many areas to start from, or pick up a random spot in town next to a stream. Walking the trail puts you in lush greenery with the sound of the water alongside. It is straightforward exercise and fresh air.
Antique people should check out the Silverdale Antiques. With five different shops to browse, the items in them are one-of-a-kind and you will not see them elsewhere. Vintage furniture through to retro clothing, the range is broad. You might find the piece your collection has been missing.
Last, visit the Tucker Distillery. The small-batch distillery produces handcrafted spirits worth the stop. Take a tour and watch how it is made, or sit in the tasting room and let someone else do the work.
That is a taste of what Silverdale carries. Get out there and explore the town.
Where to Eat and Drink
On eating and drinking in Silverdale, the options run wide. A fancy restaurant for a special occasion or a casual spot for a drink with friends, the town covers both. These are the places to eat and drink here:
Best Restaurants
For a decent meal, Silverdale has plenty of restaurants to work through. These are the ones to try:
The Curry House
Indian food people should not miss The Curry House. The menu runs flavorful curries, tandoori dishes and naan bread, and the kitchen knows what it is doing.
Silver City Restaurant & Brewery
This award-winning restaurant and brewery is a Silverdale staple. The menu covers classic pub fare and the craft beer selection is a broad one, which makes Silver City the easy choice for a group that cannot agree.
Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse
For entertainment with the meal, head to Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse. Skilled chefs prepare the food in front of you on a teppanyaki grill, and the show is half the reason to go.
Shopping Experience in Silverdale
Shopaholics do well in Silverdale. High-end stores through to unusual antique shops, this town has the range. These are the places to shop in Silverdale.
Kitsap Mall Shops
Kitsap Mall is the shopping destination in Silverdale. With over 100 stores, the range runs from clothing to electronics. The mall carries the major retailers like Macy’s, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, along with smaller specialty stores like Hot Topic and Spencer’s.
The employees at Kitsap Mall are genuinely helpful and recommend the mall without prompting. They will help you find what you came for, and probably a few things you did not know about. The mall also has plenty of food options for when you need a break.
Unique Antique Shops
Silverdale also has some unusual antique shops worth checking out. Silverdale Antiques is where to start. The stock covers furniture, jewelry and collectibles across a broad range. It is where you find the one-of-a-kind piece that makes a room.
For something specific, try the Antique Marketplace. Over 60 dealers work out of there across a broad range of items, so what you are after is probably in the building. The staff know the stock and will point you at it.
Silverdale’s shopping covers all tastes and budgets. High-end items or unusual antiques, both are here. Grab the wallet and go.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor time in Silverdale, the options are good. There is plenty here to keep you active. These are our picks:
Hiking Trails
Nature and wildlife people should walk the Clear Creek Trail. The trail covers exercise and fresh air with the Pacific Northwest in front of you the whole way. Park in one of the many areas to start from, or pick a random spot in town next to a trailhead. The trail is well-maintained and the scenery changes as you go, from dense forest to open meadows. Watch for the local wildlife, deer, rabbits and the occasional bear.
That is the outdoor list in Silverdale. A challenging hike or a slow picnic, both are covered. Grab the hiking boots or the picnic basket and head outside.
Art and Culture
For art and culture, Silverdale carries more than its size suggests. These are the places to check out:
Local Art Galleries
Silverdale is home to several local art galleries showing work by artists from the area. Modern art or more traditional pieces, both are represented.
The Kitsap Art Gallery is the popular one, showing a range of work by local artists. Paintings, sculptures and other pieces hang there, and the local art scene is stronger than you would expect.
The Collective Visions Gallery is the other option, with rotating exhibits from local and regional artists. What is on the walls changes, which is reason enough to look in.
Naval Undersea Museum
Naval history and technology people should find the Naval Undersea Museum. The museum covers the history of undersea exploration and technology, with exhibits running from submarines to underwater robots.
The exhibits cover the history of undersea warfare and where the technology is going next. There are plenty of interactive displays, which makes it work for every age.
Art or naval history, Silverdale covers both. Work through these local art galleries and the Naval Undersea Museum for the culture and history side of the town.
Silverdale grew up as a small town on the Kitsap Peninsula and the mall is what put it on the map. Kitsap Mall sits at the middle of it, with the restaurants and the antique shops around it. Waterfront Park is on Dyes Inlet, at the bottom of town. The Clear Creek Trail runs north from there. It is small. Wildcat Lake and Newberry Hill Heritage Park are further out. The Navy museums, the Naval Undersea Museum among them, are a short drive across the peninsula, which is where the region’s whole history sits.
Entertainment and Nightlife
For Silverdale after dark, the options are here. These are the entertainment and nightlife spots in the area.
Movie Theaters
Movie people are in luck. Silverdale has two theaters. The first is the Regal Cinemas, running the latest blockbusters with a strong snack counter. The second is the Tracyton Movie House, a smaller independent theater showing a mix of new releases and classic films. Either one covers an evening and some popcorn.
Arcade Games
For old-school fun, check out Quarters Arcade. The selection covers classic games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong alongside newer ones like Mario Kart and Dance Dance Revolution. Pinball machines and air hockey tables are in there too. They serve beer and wine, so you can drink while you play.
Whatever your idea of a good time, Silverdale has it. Grab some friends and head out.
Accommodation Options
Planning a trip to Silverdale means finding somewhere comfortable and convenient to stay. There are plenty of accommodation options in the area.
Best Hotels
Silverdale has a range of hotels covering every budget and preference. These are a few of them:
Oxford Suites Silverdale
This hotel sits near the Kitsap Mall and has spacious rooms with the amenities to match, a fitness center, an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast among them.
Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel
For a beachfront stay, this hotel is the choice. The views take in Dyes Inlet and the Olympic Mountains, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking start close by.
Wherever you stay in Silverdale, the area gives you plenty to work through.
Customer Services
Sometimes you need a little extra help while you are out exploring Silverdale. The customer service in this town is genuinely strong, so that is rarely a problem.
Directions to the nearest attraction or a recommendation for somewhere to eat, the staff at Silverdale’s businesses will help. They are friendly, they know the area and they are happy to be asked. You get the VIP treatment here, which is more than the town’s size suggests.
If something goes wrong, reach out to the owner. They take pride in the business and want every customer looked after. They will do what they can to put it right.
The customer service in Silverdale is exceptional. From the moment you walk in you are greeted properly and treated well. Ask for the extra side of ranch or the special request; the staff will accommodate it.
Planning Your Visit
You have decided to visit Silverdale, Washington. It is a fine place to spend a weekend. These are the things worth keeping in mind while you plan.
Best Time to Visit
Silverdale is a year-round destination and the window between June and August is the one to aim for. The weather is mild and the outdoor activities are all running. The rain also mostly stays away, which is not nothing in this part of the country.
Prices
Silverdale is budget-friendly and having a good time here does not cost much. Most of the attractions are free or close to it. A day at the beach or a hike costs nothing at all. For anyone who wants to spend, the Kitsap Mall is right there.
Parking
Parking in Silverdale is not a problem. Most of the attractions have ample parking and it is usually free. In peak season it gets tighter, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Silverdale rewards a visit. Keep these things in mind when planning and the trip works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any hidden gems for outdoor activities in Silverdale?
Yes. Silverdale has the well-known outdoor spots like the Clear Creek Trail and Waterfront Park, and it has the quieter ones too. Wildcat Lake is one, a lake surrounded by trees that takes swimming, fishing and picnicking. Newberry Hill Heritage Park is the other, with hiking and mountain biking trails and views out to the Olympic Mountains. Both are worth finding.
Can I find any quirky or unusual attractions in the area?
Silverdale is a small town and it carries its share of odd attractions. The Silverdale Antiques Mall is the first, a massive antique store with over 200 vendors and stock that turns over constantly. The USS Turner Joy Museum Ship is the second, a decommissioned Navy destroyer you can walk the decks of. And for something more active, the Kitsap Great Escape, an escape room where you solve puzzles and clues to get out of a themed room.
What are some of the best free things to do in Silverdale?
There are plenty of free things to do in Silverdale. The Clear Creek Trail is the popular one, a walking and biking trail winding through forests and wetlands. The Silverdale Waterfront Park is the other, with a playground, picnic areas and views across Dyes Inlet. History readers should check the Puget Sound Navy Museum, which is open to the public at no charge and covers the Navy’s history in the Pacific Northwest.
Is Silverdale big enough to have a downtown or is it more of a small town?
Silverdale is more of a small town and it does have a downtown area. The Kitsap Mall is the centerpiece of it, with over 100 stores and restaurants. Other shops and businesses sit around it, along with a few parks and public spaces. It is not a metropolis and it has what you need for a day out.
Is Silverdale a good place to live or just to visit for a day trip?
That depends on what you are after. Silverdale works as a place to live if you want a laid-back pace with outdoor activities and landscape close at hand. It is also close to larger cities like Seattle and Tacoma, so the big-city fix is an easy drive. And for a day trip it carries plenty, with the parks, the odd attractions and the friendly locals covering the day.
Frequently asked questions about Silverdale, Washington
What is the Naval Undersea Museum in Silverdale, Washington?
A museum of undersea exploration and technology, covering the history of undersea warfare and where the technology is going. Submarines through to underwater robots. The interactive exhibits mean it works for every age, and it will hold you for a full afternoon.
Is the Clear Creek Trail worth walking?
Yes, and it is easier than most trails on the Kitsap Peninsula. It is well-maintained, it runs from dense forest into open meadow, and there are enough parking areas that you can join it wherever suits you. Deer and rabbits are common, and the occasional bear is not unheard of.
How many stores does Kitsap Mall have?
Over 100. Macy’s, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond are the anchors, with smaller specialty stores like Hot Topic and Spencer’s alongside them. It has been the center of Silverdale for as long as anyone here bothers to remember, and the parking is free.
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