Craving an escape where adventure meets tranquility? Look no further than Gig Harbor, Washington.
This waterfront community sits just across the infamous Narrows Bridge (also once known as Gallopin’ Gertie) from Tacoma and the busy I-5 corridor.
In Gig Harbor, everything is a little slower with its quaint downtown nestled along the harborfront, where you’ll watch sailboats come and go, and shipwrights work on century-old wooden fishing boats.
From kayaking through the harbor’s calm waters to hiking trails with breathtaking views, this charming town offers the perfect blend of fun and relaxation.
What To Do in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor may be a small town, but there is no shortage of things to do during a weekend visit to this charming town.
Kayaking through the harbor, wandering around the boats tied up to the public dock, taking in the views from the many downtown restaurants, or even harvesting your own oysters on a local beach are just a few of the things that Gig Harbor offers.
Rent a Historic Wooden Boat
In downtown Gig Harbor, you’ll find the Gig Harbor Boat Shop. The boat shop is a community-run organization that helps to pass down boatbuilding and maintenance skills to the next generation of mariners.
Here, you can take a weekend-long wooden skiff-building class, take a charter on the historic and restored fishing vessel Veteran, or rent one of their meticulously restored wood power boats to explore the harbor.
Stop into their street-level gift shop to browse their nautical-themed gifts and inquire about current events at the shop. They may even let you wander down and tour the current projects inside the boatyard.
Kayak to the Harbor Entrance
Gig Harbor’s protected waters make it a perfect place for paddleboarding or kayaking. Even though the harbor does see a lot of boat traffic, especially during the summer months, the entire harbor is a no-wake zone, so waves shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Rent a kayak from Lee’s SUP at the far end of the harbor and paddle your way past the rows of docks, past Skansie Brothers Park, and out to the narrow spit of land that protects the harbor from the open waters of Puget Sound.
Here, you can beach your watercraft on the rocky shore and explore the small lighthouse. There is no road access to this lighthouse, so reaching it by water is the only way to get to see it up close.
Be careful of the currents near the mouth of the harbor, especially when the tide is going out, and they can sweep your board or kayak out into the sound.
Explore the Beach at Kopachuck State Park
Across the peninsula from downtown, you’ll find picturesque Kopachuck State Park nestled amongst the rural neighborhoods that dot this part of town.
The gem of the park is its trail system that leads down to a wide beach that is perfect for exploring, especially during low tide.
Note that the trails down to the water are generally steep but are well worth the trek.
During low tide, try to find the oyster beds that dot the beach. If you know the regulations and have your shellfish license, you can even try harvesting a few for a beachside snack.
Pay A Visit to the New Gallopin’ Gertie
One of Washington’s most infamous historical landmarks is the Narrows Bridge. Today’s bridge is the second iteration of a bridge over this narrow stretch of water after the first suffered a catastrophic failure during a wind event.
I’m sure you’ve all seen the video, but it is well worth watching if you haven’t!
Only 4 months after its completion in 1940, the bridge’s roadway began violently dancing during a wind event and eventually collapsed into the narrows below.
Today, the remains of the old bridge still lay on the bottom of the sound and are said to be home to the largest octopuses in the world.
Where to Stay in Gig Harbor
Gig Habor has one of the most unique selections of housing options you’ll find anywhere. These include traditional homes and inns, waterfront cabins only accessible by boardwalk, sailboats, and historic wooden fishing vessels!
Near Sunrise Beach Park, you’ll find a row of vacation homes that are only accessible by boardwalk. Most of these homes are set right out over the beach and offer stunning views of the sound and Mt. Rainier.
In downtown Gig Harbor, you’ll find numerous boats for rent, ranging from small sailboards to a 78-foot classic yacht.
While the boats aren’t allowed to leave the dock while you’re staying on them, it is still a fun experience to spend the night on the water.
Where To Eat and Drink in Gig Harbor
There are no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat in downtown Gig Harbor. Seafood obviously rules the dining landscape but you’ll find restaurants ranging from pizza to brunch to tacos scattered throughout downtown.
Netshed No. 9
This go-to brunch spot sits in a renovated netshed right in the heart of downtown Gig Harbor.
During warm summer mornings, there is no better place to enjoy a cup of coffee and breakfast than on one of their patio tables. You might even see a seal cruising by while you eat!
Try the stuffed biscuit with a fried egg. It may sound a little weird to eat a sausage-stuffed biscuit with tomato gravy for breakfast, but trust me, it’s delicious.
The sourdough ricotta pancakes and cinnamon rolls of the day are also must-tries.
Millville Pizza Co.
One of the best restaurant additions to downtown Gig Harbor in recent memory, Millville Pizza Co., serves incredible pizzas from its custom-built wood-fired oven.
Their salads are also a can’t-miss. This place is small, though, so expect a wait during prime dinner hours.
Tides Tavern
A Gig Harbor institution, this 21-and-over establishment is the perfect combination of everything you’d want in a cozy waterfront bar and restaurant.
As it is an adults-only restaurant, it is a right of passage for kids who grew up here to come back from college when they turn 21 and finally set foot inside this fabled place.
Tide’s Tavern even has its own dock, so you can pull up in your boat for dinner, which many residents do rather than drive over.
If beer-battered salmon and chips are on the menu, they are a must-order. However, they are usually only available during the spring and summer months.
7 Seas Brewing
Right next to Tides Tavern is the stunning 7 Seas Brewing taproom, which was built in the place of an old yacht brokerage.
Here, you’ll get some of the best sound and Mt. Rainier views from anywhere in town, and you can sip on their many delicious beer offerings.
Like Tides, 7 Seas has its own dock, so you can pull up by boat, kayak, or paddleboard!