A Guide to Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor, Washington
Just an hour south of Seattle, nestled on the shores of the South Puget Sound, holds the small town treasure of Gig Harbor, where you'll find postcard-perfect views, fine dining, boat tours, activities for the entire family, and irresistible small-town charm.
Gig Harbor's Waterfront Activities
Whether you are looking to rent or buy kayaks or paddle boards, book an all-day tour, take a fly fishing course with one of Gig Harbor's most knowledgeable fishermen, or learn more about wildlife in the area, Gig Harbor Fly Shop is here to fulfill all of your watersport dreams! As the top-rated watersport supply shop in the area, Gig Harbor Fly Shop will be sure to provide a day filled to the brim with complete relaxation on the water.
Join Pilot Jay Perrycook on a once-in-a-lifetime scenic flight to your dream destination! Perrycook Flight Services offer various trip options, including flights from Gig Harbor to Seattle's Space Needle and back, flying to beautiful Lake Cushman for the day, or taking your family to a lake of your choosing for a picnic. With over 2500 flight hours, extensive knowledge of the area, and a true passion for flying, Pilot Perrycook is sure to take your adventures to the next level!
Known as Gig Harbor's little slice of Italy, Gig Harbor Gondola takes you on an immersive experience around the harbor with dreamy views, lovely serenading, refreshing wine, and a selection of cured meats and cheeses. Come along with gondoliers John and Greg on their authentic Italian gondola as they recount their time in Italy and provide the most romantic and unique experiences in all of Gig Harbor. Reviewers describe this as a "must-do" when visiting Gig Harbor.
Watch the sun set over Mt. Rainier with Captain Tom as he takes you on an unforgettable boat ride around South Puget Sound and Gig Harbor. For years, passengers have raved about Captain Tom's enthusiasm and unique knowledge of the area, the abundance of wildlife they encountered, and the breathtakingly beautiful sunsets. Join Captain Tom on this remarkable adventure to conclude your day in Gig Harbor.
Strolls Worth Slowing Down For
Penrose Point State Park is a 237-acre marine and camping park on the shores of Puget Sound with convenient beach access. From the beach, majestic panoramic views of Mt. Rainer can be seen just above the calm water. The fairytale-like trail with its rich forest runs 2.5 miles and makes for a leisurely hike or biking trail. After your walk or bike ride, wind down at a warm campfire and enjoy a filling shellfish feast or a fun game of horseshoes!
Because of its size, historical markers, low traffic levels, and many rest stops, it is no surprise that this Cushman Trail is the most popular paved trail in the Gig Harbor area. The Cushman Trail makes up 6.2 miles of a non-motorized public course with a 16-foot wide paved asphalt surface to accommodate walkers, rollerbladers, and bicyclists with room for everyone. The park is well kept and shows the seasons beautifully with its plethora of vibrant flowers, colorful berries, and small wildlife. Whether you want to take a stroll while breathing fresh, clean air or get an energizing workout, Cushman Trail is a perfect option for the entire family. Conveniently, it's only a 7-minute drive from Downtown Gig Harbor!
Gig Harbor's First Saturday Art Walk is one of the most culturally celebrated events in the area! It features a variety of local art vendors working in mixed media, pottery, painting, photography, glass, jewelry, sculpture, and more. This event is free to enjoy from 11 AM to 6 PM on the first Saturday of each month. Because of the event’s convenient location on the waterfront, visitors can also admire Gig Harbor's charming architecture, relax by the docks, or grab a bite to eat.
Most visitors use the term "stumbled upon" when referring to their discovery of Kopachuck Park. This park is incredibly underrated, making it a must-see in the area. A quick 12-minute drive from Gig Harbor and home to a dreamy forest with sun-kissed beaches, Kopachuck State Park will undoubtedly steal your heart. Though the park offers 2 miles of shaded hiking trails, most of the activities take place on the beach, where families can be found swimming, oyster harvesting, kayaking, and saltwater fishing.
Brews, Bites, & More
This fine-dining waterfront restaurant is owned and operated by chef, Thad Lyman, who takes pride in his authentic Pacific Northwest cuisine, inventive cocktails, and a memorable experience for all to come. After starting with a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider, you'll meet their impressive menu that offers an array of locally caught seafood, ravishing red meats, Northwestern wines, and other local favorites.
What was once a general store built in 1910 is now home to award-winning and local favorite, Tide's Tavern: a waterfront pub for anyone 21+ with authentic seafood, sandwiches, soups, and more. One customer who has been returning to Tide's Tavern since the early 1970s tells Trip Advisor that coming here is an easy choice! Tide's Tavern is the perfect way to unwind after a day on the water with its breathtaking views and irresistible North American cuisine.
Where fine dining meets a cozy and comfortable setting, Gertie and the Giant Octopus is undoubtedly the most loved restaurant in the Gig Harbor area. With their unique Mediterranean cuisine, fresh and local ingredients, carefully curated selection of wines, and impeccable service, Gertie and the Giant Octopus is sure to impress and have you dreaming of coming back.
This comfortable bistro and wine bar strives to be your home away from home with their creative North American cuisine that changes with the seasons, extensive wine list, and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a quiet dinner with calming views of the harbor while snacking on small bites and a refreshing glass of wine. Many locals recommend their daily specials and shareable herb and ricotta meaatballs.
Nestled in Finholm Marketplace, Anthony's provides some of the best dining views in town overlooking the harbor. This family-owned restaurant prioritizes its fresh seafood and produce. All of their seafood is locally caught by their very own seafood company! Experience Northwestern freshness at its finest while relaxing on their outdoor patio.
It's no surprise that Heritage Distilling has been the most awarded craft distillery in North America for nine years running. Their impressive menu offers various flights, seasonal spirits, innovative cocktails, and even some lite bites. Try something you can't live without? Heritage Distilling offers 750ml bottles at retail price! Don't forget to pick up some recipe cards so you can make the same delicious cocktails in the comfort of your own home.
For the Family
Referred to as one of Gig Harbor's hidden gems, Discovery Village is here to ignite your child's imagination with various activity stations and classes. Reviews rave about their open indoor playgrounds, children's grocery store, children’s veterinary clinics, large Lego area, and more. Discovery Village's daily summer classes include cooking and art lessons, S.T.E.M., sensory play, and music classes. These classes are highly affordable and perfect for children ages 0-9.
Indulge in some quality family time as you work together as a team to break out of one of Escape Hour's themed rooms! Each of the four rooms is filled to the brim with puzzles, riddles, and undiscovered mysteries that will take dedicated teamwork to solve. Escape Hour aims to be more than a typical escape room, offering never-before-experienced levels of immersion, engagement, and wow factor. Before your family can become mystery-solving experts, book your tickets online, as Escape Hour doesn't offer in-store purchasing!
Gig Harbor may be a small town, but it has significant history! Harbor History Museum offers 7000 square feet of artifacts showcasing the richly unique Gig Harbor heritage. They have various exhibits, including the 65-foot fishing vessel: Shenandoah, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1893, a 45-minute artifact and architecture tour, and 'Little Boats: Homegrown Innovation" featuring a range of full-size, model, and toy boats for younger children.
Locals review this playground as "everything a park should be!" with its jungle gym equipment, multiple playing fields for football, soccer, and baseball, a basketball and tennis court, hiking trails, and more! Depending on the season during your visit, you may come across pumpkin patches, Easter egg hunts, and outdoor theater productions. Sehmel Homestead Park is ready to greet you with any season and activity. There is something for everyone and great for all ages.