Family Itinerary for Vancouver, WA Families Exploring Kitsap Peninsula

Day 1: Arrival and Evening Fun

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Arrival and Check-In

• Arrive in Kitsap Peninsula from Vancouver, WA.
• Check into your hotel by 4 PM at Oxford Suites in Silverdale.

6:00 PM: Dinner at Axe & Arrow

• Enjoy a delightful dinner at Axe & Arrow, located right across the street from your hotel. They offer a delicious menu and are renowned for their Honey Cake.

7:30 PM: Evening Activity at Quarters Arcade, Bremerton

• Head over to Quarters Arcade in Bremerton for a fun-filled family evening. The kids will love the variety of arcade games available. Open until 10 PM.

Day 2: Adventure and Exploration

8:00 AM: Breakfast at Saboteur

• Start your day with delicious pastries at Saboteur. Their croissants are reminiscent of Paris, and they offer protein-packed pastries with ham, eggs, etc. It’s a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from the hotel.
• Alternative: Daily Reggae Cafe for a hearty breakfast or Cafe Corvo for more coffee options in Bremerton.

10:00 AM: Kayaking in Liberty Bay, Poulsbo

• Enjoy a kayaking adventure in Liberty Bay via the Olympic Outdoor Center. Two double kayaks are reserved under Emily Corak for 10:00 AM. A safety talk will be provided. Park and walk to the rental center.
• After kayaking, explore Historic Downtown Poulsbo. Bring an extra pair of clothes and shoes if needed.

12:30 PM: Lunch at Oxalis Kitchen, Poulsbo

• Head to Oxalis Kitchen for a fresh and hearty lunch, just a 5-minute drive from Historic Downtown Poulsbo.
• Alternatives: Caffe Cocina, JJ’s Fish House, The Loft in Historic Downtown Poulsbo.

Afternoon Activity: Rest and Explore Downtown Bremerton

• Rest and explore downtown Bremerton. Some nearby attractions:
  • Kitsap History Museum (free, closes at 4 PM)
  • USS Turner Joy
  • Puget Sound Navy Museum (free, closes at 4 PM)
  • Harborside Fountains (free)
  • Ballast Book Co.
  • Beyond Reality
  • Bremerton boardwalk

6:30 PM: Dinner at Evergreen Pizza Co., Bremerton

• Enjoy delicious pizza at Evergreen Pizza Co., a perfect spot for the whole family. It’s a drive from the hotel.
• After dinner, walk around Evergreen Rotary Park and check out the farmers market if it’s still open.

Day 3: Morning Hike and Departure

8:00 AM: Breakfast at Amelia’s Hangar Restaurant

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Amelia’s Hangar Restaurant.

9:30 AM: Morning Hike at Guillemot Cove

• Head to Guillemot Cove for an easy family hike and visit the stump house. The hike starts downhill and goes uphill on the return. Pack snacks; you can grab some at Bremerton Mercantile, just down the street from the hotel.
• Directions to Guillemot Cove:
  • From Hwy 3, take Newberry Hill exit; travel to Seabeck Holly Road; turn right. Drive to Miami Beach Road; turn right. Veer left onto Stavis Bay Road at the “Y”. Drive 4.5 miles to the entrance and parking lot.
• Optional Stop: Visit the tiny town of Seabeck and Scenic Beach State Park for beach exploration during low tide.

12:30 PM: Lunch at Olalla Bay Market & Landing

• Have lunch at Olalla Bay Market & Landing. They offer great menu options and a nice view of the Colvos Passage, where you might see Orcas. For those interested in true crime and ghosts, check out the story about Starvation Heights while you’re there.

Getting Here

Driving from Vancouver, WA to the Oxford Suites in Silverdale, WA can be a scenic journey through the Pacific Northwest. Here’s how to plan your trip:

By Car

1. Start from Vancouver, WA:
   • Head north on I-5 North from Vancouver. This major interstate will be your primary route for the initial part of your journey.
2. Continue on I-5 North:
   • Stay on I-5 North for about 100 miles until you reach Tacoma.
3. Merge onto WA-16 West:
   • Near Tacoma, take exit 132B for WA-16 West toward Bremerton. You will cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which offers stunning views of Puget Sound.
4. Continue on WA-16 West:
   • Follow WA-16 West for approximately 26 miles.
5. Merge onto WA-3 North:
   • Take the exit onto WA-3 North toward Silverdale/Poulsbo. Continue on WA-3 North for about 6 miles.
6. Exit Toward Silverdale:
   • Take the Newberry Hill Road exit toward Silverdale. Turn right onto Newberry Hill Road, then continue straight onto Silverdale Way NW.
7. Arrive at Oxford Suites:
   • Follow Silverdale Way NW, and you will see Oxford Suites Silverdale on your left at 9550 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA 98383.

Traffic Information

• Tacoma Narrows Bridge: Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). Plan your departure to avoid these times if possible.
• Tacoma Area: Traffic around Tacoma can be congested. Use real-time traffic apps to check conditions and consider alternate routes if necessary.

Silverdale: Local traffic in Silverdale can be busy, particularly near shopping centers and during weekends.

Potential Stops Along the Way

• Tacoma:
  • Point Defiance Park: A great place to take a break, enjoy a walk, or visit the zoo and aquarium.
  • Museum of Glass: Explore unique glass art exhibits and live glass-blowing demonstrations.
• Gig Harbor:
  • Waterfront District: Enjoy a meal or coffee with views of the harbor.
  • Harbor History Museum: Learn about the local history of Gig Harbor and the surrounding areas.
• Bremerton:
  • Bremerton Boardwalk: Take a stroll along the waterfront.
  • USS Turner Joy Museum Ship: Explore this historic naval ship.

By following these directions and considering traffic conditions, you’ll have a smooth and enjoyable drive from Vancouver, WA to the Oxford Suites in Silverdale, WA. Safe travels!

Enjoy your family adventure on the Kitsap Peninsula!