Things to Do in Silverdale, WA: The Complete Local Guide
Silverdale is Kitsap County's commercial hub — the largest unincorporated community in Washington State. It doesn't market itself as a destination, but that's part of what makes it useful to know well. The waterfront, Old Town district, and surrounding trail network offer more than most visitors expect.
Here's what's actually worth doing in Silverdale.
Silverdale Waterfront
The waterfront is Silverdale's best asset and its most underappreciated one.
Silverdale Waterfront Park A well-maintained park on Dyes Inlet with a long boardwalk, picnic shelters, a boat launch, and a sandy beach area. The views across the inlet to the Olympic Mountains are legitimately excellent on clear days. Free parking. One of the nicest casual waterfront spots in North Kitsap.
Clear Creek Trail (Waterfront Trailhead) The paved Clear Creek Trail connects the waterfront park northward through riparian habitat and wetland areas toward Poulsbo. About 4 miles of flat, easy trail — good for walking, running, or biking. The boardwalk section through the wetlands is well-built and a good birding spot in spring and fall.
Dyes Inlet Paddling Dyes Inlet is a sheltered tidal bay — calm enough for recreational kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Launch from the waterfront park boat ramp. The inlet has minimal boat traffic compared to Puget Sound's main channels, making it accessible for newer paddlers.
Old Town Silverdale
Old Town sits along Byron Street, a few blocks from the waterfront. It's a modest district but worth a walk — independent shops, a few restaurants, and a neighborhood feel distinct from the big-box commercial strip on Silverdale Way.
Silverdale Farmers Market (seasonal) Runs on Saturday mornings through spring and summer in the Old Town area. Local produce, flowers, artisan goods. A good reason to visit on a weekend morning.
Local Shops Old Town has a cluster of independent retail — antiques, gift shops, a bookstore, and specialty food shops that don't exist on Silverdale Way. Worth browsing if you're in the area.
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Newberry Hill Heritage Park
A 1,100-acre forested park in the hills east of Silverdale — one of the largest undeveloped natural areas in Kitsap County. The trail network covers old-growth Douglas fir, wetland corridors, and ridge viewpoints. Multiple trailhead access points off Seabeck Highway and Newberry Hill Road. Popular with mountain bikers and trail runners.
Kitsap Golf & Country Club
Private, but several public golf courses are accessible in the Silverdale area if you're looking for a round. Call ahead for public tee times.
Scenic Beach State Park (nearby)
About 10 miles northwest of Silverdale via Seabeck Highway. A small, spectacular state park on Hood Canal with a beach, picnic shelters, and direct views of the Olympic Mountains across the water. One of the best beach parks in Kitsap County. Bring your own food — no concessions.
Anderson Lake State Park (nearby)
About 15 miles west on SR-3. A quiet fishing lake with boat launch and basic picnic facilities. Good for a relaxed afternoon.
Shopping & Everyday Stops
Silverdale is Kitsap County's retail center. The Kitsap Mall and surrounding commercial corridor on Silverdale Way has essentially everything you'd find in a mid-size city — major retailers, grocery chains, home improvement stores, and a wide restaurant selection. For visitors from smaller Kitsap communities, this is the go-to for supply runs.
Kitsap Mall The county's main enclosed mall. Standard anchor stores and a decent food court. Useful for practical shopping; not a destination in itself.
Food & Drink
Silverdale has strong casual dining options, particularly along Silverdale Way and near the waterfront.
- Myhre's Cafe — Silverdale institution. Breakfast and lunch, solid diner food, longtime local following.
- Yacht Club Broiler — Waterfront location with Pacific Northwest seafood. Good for a casual dinner with inlet views.
- Bremerton-Silverdale area breweries — Several craft breweries have opened in the Silverdale corridor in recent years. Check current openings — the scene has evolved.
- Gordon's on Blueberry Hill — Silverdale-area comfort food with local reputation.
For a broader restaurant view, see our Silverdale restaurants guide.
Annual Events
Whaling Days (late July) — Silverdale's biggest annual community celebration. Three days of carnival rides, live entertainment, a craft fair, car shows, and waterfront activities at Silverdale Waterfront Park. A family-oriented festival with strong local attendance.
Kitsap County Fair & Stampede (August) — Held at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Bremerton (about 10 minutes south). The county's premier agricultural fair — livestock shows, rodeo events, carnival, local food vendors, and entertainment. One of the longest-running events in the county.
Silverdale Farmers Market — Saturdays through the growing season, Old Town area.
Day Trip Tips
Location: Silverdale sits at the intersection of SR-3 and SR-303, making it the central hub for getting anywhere in Kitsap County. It's 10 minutes from Bremerton, 15 from Poulsbo, 20 from Bainbridge Island (via SR-305).
Parking: Free and plentiful throughout Silverdale — this is not a city with parking problems.
Best for: A practical half-day that combines outdoor time (waterfront park, Clear Creek Trail) with errands or dining. Not a destination stay, but a very useful base for exploring North and Central Kitsap.