In Gig Harbor, breathtaking scenery and exciting attractions are a part of daily life. Easily accessible from Seattle and Tacoma via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, this picturesque town feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Known for a relaxed lifestyle and beautiful walkable waterfront, Gig Harbor is a sought-after destination for homebuyers in search of natural wonders and one-of-a-kind-charm.
Please note that many attractions are temporarily closed to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19, but we’ve listed them here so you can plan future outings!
8 a.m.
Kick off your day with a delectable breakfast. Local favorites Netshed No. 9 and Devoted Kiss Café offer tranquil waterfront views and mouthwatering culinary creations, from banana-bread French toast to Hot! Hot! Honey Chicken and Waffles. Craving some creativity along with your coffee? Check out Java & Clay Cafe, where you can paint pottery while you sip local roasts.
9 a.m.
Now that you’ve powered up with a hearty breakfast, take advantage of the abundance of beautiful trails available in and around Gig Harbor. Just 15 minutes from town, Kopahchuk State Park offers sun-warmed sands and towering woodlands, along with two miles of shaded hiking trails and 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline. Sehmel Homestead Park boasts an incredible array of outdoor amenities, including baseball and softball fields, an artificial turf soccer field, tennis courts and four miles of trails, while Skansie Brothers Park is home to a summer concert series and a seasonal farmer’s market.
11 a.m.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite again, head to The Tides Tavern, an iconic waterfront eatery located directly next to the Gig Harbor Pier. This 21+ restaurant has racked up awards since its founding in 1973—try their clam chowder and you’ll understand why. Or, grab a delicious woodfired pizza at Millville Pizza Company, where the menu is packed with flavorful options like the Pacific Raider pie is a local favorite.
1 – 6 p.m.
Dive in: Spend the afternoon on Gig Harbor’s sparkling waters! Kayaking, sailing and fishing are a part of the local lifestyle, and there are abundant opportunities for maritime adventures. Destiny Harbor Tours offers daily boat outings showcasing the spectacular sights of Narrows Bridge, Salmon Beach and Mt. Rainer, along with sea otters, harbor seals and the occasional gray whale. For those that prefer to captain the boat, a variety of rentals are available from Gig Harbor Boatshop. At Gig Harbor Fly Shop, visitors can join guided fishing tours “from the famed rivers of the Olympic Peninsula to the best beaches in the Sound,” or hone their skills with the popular fly-fishing education program.
Tee up: For golfers, Gig Harbor offers several top-rated courses, including the 18-hole championship course at Canterwood Golf and Country Club and award-winning Chambers Bay, home of the 2015 U.S. Open.
Kid-friendly fun: Located in the popular Peninsula School District and boasting a wealth of exciting activities, Gig Harbor is a fantastic place to raise a family. At the admission-free Harbor Wild Watch, kids can learn about protecting and preserving the Puget Sound, play with sea stars and crabs in “touch tanks” and take a plunge with the “Pier into the Night” program, which uses lights to attract and illuminate underwater creatures. The Harbor History Museum is also free of charge, and offers 7,000 square feet of thought-provoking artifacts, hands-on exhibits and video displays to bring local maritime history to life.
For an entertainment-packed afternoon, head to Uptown Galaxy Luxury IMAX, which boasts leather recliners in place of typical theater seats. It’s just around the corner from Ocean 5 Entertainment Center, where you’ll find a bowling alley, an interactive arcade and a state-of-the-art laser tag arena.
Shop & more: Locals enjoy close proximity to both big box stores and one-of-a-kind shops. Downtown Gig Harbor is home to dozens of unique boutiques, offering everything from antiques to upscale fashion. Further retail therapy awaits at Uptown Gig Harbor, a premiere shopping destination showcasing more than 35 restaurants and specialty stores.
Gig Harbor’s vibrant art scene includes Gallery Row, which represents the work of 16 local artists, spanning mediums from watercolor to wood turning. The gallery is open year-round and is a wonderful place to find unique gifts like ceramics, original oil paintings and stained glass.
6:30 p.m.
Gourmands will be impressed with Gig Harbor’s abundance of fine-dining restaurants, many of which offer stunning waterfront views and locally-sourced cuisine. At Brix 25°, seasonal, Northwest-inspired dishes take center stage, while authentic European fare and elegant ambiance is on the menu at Gertie and the Giant Octopus.
8 p.m.
Finish your day with a relaxing stroll along Harborview Drive, a 2.5-mile path that winds around jewel-like waters and local landmarks.
Gig Harbor, here we come!
Ready to pack a bag and move to Gig Harbor? We don’t blame you! Perfectly situated between the waterfront and the conveniences of the big city, our new North Creek community offers eight distinctive floor plans, each with hundreds of design and structural options. It’s the perfect place to discover your Gig Harbor dream home!
More about North Creek
- Two-story floor plans from the $500s
- 3 to 6 bedrooms and up to approx. 3,540 sq. ft.
- Gourmet kitchens included*
- Open layouts and versatile design
- Hundreds of ways to bring your style to life
- Complimentary consultation at the Home Gallery™
- Next to the popular Cushman Trail
To learn more about North Creek, use the link above or call 253.235.4570.
Square footage is approxiamate.
*Standard items and included features are subject to change without notice. Availability may vary by community, plan, build status, elevation and/or location.
