Things To Do
in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is a charming waterfront city located in the state of Washington, United States. It is known for its picturesque harbor filled with boats and surrounded by scenic forests and mountains. The city offers a mix of outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, and hiking, as well as a vibrant downtown area with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Gig Harbor's small-town feel and natural beauty make it a popular destination for visitors and a sought-after place to live for residents.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the scenic waterfront. Enjoy the fresh air and catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
Visit the Harbor History Museum to learn about the area’s rich maritime history. Grab lunch at a nearby café with views of the Puget Sound.
Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood. Watch the sunset over the harbor for a picturesque ending to your day.
Hike along the scenic trails at nearby Kopachuck State Park. Enjoy the sounds of nature and take photos of the stunning landscapes.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the park. After lunch, explore the beach areas, looking for tide pools and sea creatures.
Return to Gig Harbor for dinner at a local eatery. Consider visiting a cozy coffee shop afterward for dessert and relaxation.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful waterfront views and access to Puget Sound.
- Strong sense of community and small-town charm.
- Various recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Good schools and family-friendly environment.
- Close proximity to larger cities like Tacoma and Seattle.
- Higher cost of living compared to some surrounding areas.
- Traffic congestion can occur during peak hours.
- Limited shopping and dining options compared to larger cities.
- Weather can be overcast and rainy for a significant part of the year.
- May lack some cultural amenities like theaters or museums compared to urban areas.
Best Activities in Gig Harbor
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful waters of Gig Harbor by renting a kayak or joining a guided tour. The picturesque views of the harbor and surrounding landscape make for a wonderful experience.
Enjoy a scenic hike along the Cushman Trail, which offers well-maintained paths through lush forests and beautiful views of the Gig Harbor area.
Gig Harbor is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. You can fish from the shore, rent a boat, or join a local charter to catch salmon and other fish.
Take a ride along the waterfront or through the town on one of the local biking trails, which offer stunning views and a chance to explore the area.
Join a whale watching tour to see orcas and other marine life in their natural habitat. This is a memorable experience for nature lovers.
Spend a day at Jarrell Cove State Park, where you can picnic, hike, and explore the beaches while enjoying the serenity of nature.
Play a round of golf at one of the local golf courses that offer challenging holes and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Rent a stand-up paddleboard and enjoy a fun day on the water, perfect for all skill levels and a great way to see the sights.
Learn about the rich history of Gig Harbor and its maritime culture by visiting the Harbor History Museum, which often features outdoor exhibits.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic at Skansie Brothers Park, which features beautiful waterfront views, trails, and playgrounds for kids.
Tours
Uncover the best of Gig Harbor with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Gig Harbor
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque spot offering stunning views of the harbor, boats, and the surrounding hills. Ideal for sunset photography.
Located a short drive away, this park offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, perfect for panoramic shots.
This waterfront park provides an excellent backdrop of the marina and is great for capturing local wildlife and docked boats.
Features scenic trails and beautiful creek views, making it a lovely spot for nature photography.
A peaceful park with beach access that offers views of the water and nearby islands, ideal for sunrise photography.
Located near the downtown area, it provides great views of the harbor along with historical elements for unique shots.
The bridge offers a vantage point for stunning shots of the harbor and the surrounding landscape, especially at dawn or dusk.
This historic lighthouse offers great photo opportunities with the iconic structure set against the backdrop of the water.
Food in Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy, hearty chowder featuring tender chunks of fresh Pacific Northwest salmon, potatoes, and a rich blend of herbs and spices. Best enjoyed at Tides Tavern.
Must-Try!
This unique local delicacy showcases thinly sliced geoduck sashimi, known for its sweet and briny flavor with a crisp texture. Savor this dish at J’s Fish and Chips.
A regional favorite, these crab cakes boast generous portions of succulent Dungeness crab meat, delicately seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection. Try them at Brix 25° or Anthony's HomePort.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Gig Harbor better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held on Thursdays, this market showcases an abundance of locally grown produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat treats, including gourmet sandwiches and pastries.
A haven for foodies, this quaint store offers delectable snacks and street food options such as freshly made sandwiches, organic juices, and specialty coffee blends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Gig Harbor residents have a strong appreciation for the natural environment. It is important to engage in outdoor activities responsibly, such as keeping public parks clean and following local fishing and boating regulations.
Participating in local events and supporting local businesses is valued. Engaging with the community through events like festivals, farmers markets, and volunteer opportunities shows respect for the local culture.
Residents of Gig Harbor often value politeness and friendly interactions. Greeting people with a smile, saying 'thank you', and being courteous in conversations are all part of maintaining good social relationships.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Gig Harbor with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Gig Harbor
Ensure a smooth experience
In Gig Harbor, tipping practices are similar to those in other parts of the United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and other service personnel around 15-20% of the total bill. For services like hairdressing or personal grooming, tipping is also encouraged, often at a similar rate. In restaurants, customers may also leave tips in cash or add them to their credit card payments. Tipping is seen as a way to reward good service and is an important part of the income for many service workers.
Payment practices in Gig Harbor predominantly include the acceptance of cash, credit cards, and mobile payment options (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay) at most establishments. Many restaurants and shops in Gig Harbor have adapted to modern payment technologies, allowing for quick and convenient transactions. Additionally, some local businesses may offer online payment options for services or products purchased through their websites. Overall, the payment landscape is geared towards providing flexibility and ease for residents and visitors alike.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Gig Harbor.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) in Gig Harbor brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking, as the weather starts to warm up. Expect fewer crowds compared to the summer months, making it ideal for enjoying local parks and coastal areas.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Gig Harbor, characterized by warm temperatures, long days, and vibrant community events. Visitors can enjoy festivals, waterfront dining, and boating activities. This is the best time for outdoor adventures, but be prepared for larger crowds and higher hotel rates.
Fall (September to November) offers crisp air and colorful foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit Gig Harbor. Crowds begin to thin out after the summer, and the weather remains pleasant for outdoor activities. It’s also an excellent time for harvest festivals and enjoying the local cuisine.
Winter (December to February) in Gig Harbor is cool and wet, with temperatures often dropping. While it may not be the best time for outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy cozy indoor experiences, such as local art galleries and shops. The holiday season brings festive events and beautiful decorations, adding charm to the town.
Gig Harbor at Night
Hiking in Gig Harbor
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking trail that provides views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding forests. It's great for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
A beautiful coastal park offering trails that wind through uplands and along the shoreline, perfect for hiking and enjoying views of the water.
Features forested trails that lead to waterfront areas, providing a peaceful atmosphere and stunning Puget Sound views.
Offers accessible trails through diverse habitats, perfect for nature walks and spotting local wildlife.
A unique park with trails that include a mix of terrain, offering beautiful views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Gig Harbor through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Gig Harbor by plane.
Located approximately 35 miles north of Gig Harbor, SEA serves as a major gateway for international and domestic flights.
Located approximately 130 miles south of Gig Harbor, PDX is another significant airport serving the Pacific Northwest region.
Situated about 30 miles north of Gig Harbor, BFI primarily handles cargo and some passenger operations.
Located approximately 50 miles north of Gig Harbor, PAE is a regional airport servicing commercial flights.
Located across the Strait of Juan de Fuca approximately 65 miles northwest of Gig Harbor, YYJ serves flights to the US and Canada.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 87.6% of the population identifies as White, making it the largest demographic group.
This group represents around 6.4% of the population.
Approximately 3.0% of the population identifies as Asian.
This demographic group comprises about 1.6% of the population.
Individuals identifying as two or more races make up roughly 1.4% of the population.
This group represents a small percentage, approximately 0.4%.
Approximately 0.2% of the population identifies as Pacific Islander.
The Soul of Gig Harbor
Discover the essence of Gig Harbor through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is widely played in Gig Harbor, with local leagues and youth programs thriving in the community.
Basketball is a popular sport among local schools and community leagues, with community courts available for public use.
Baseball has a strong presence in Gig Harbor, with youth teams and leagues, as well as adult recreational leagues.
Given Gig Harbor's coastal location, fishing is both a popular sport and pastime among residents, with various competitions and community events.
Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular among locals, taking advantage of the harbor's scenic waterways.
American football is popular at the high school level, with enthusiastic support from the community.
Cycling is a favored activity, with many scenic routes available for both casual and serious cyclists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gig Harbor.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Gig Harbor's dining scene is accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with many establishments offering plant-based alternatives and inventive vegetable-centric dishes. Notable options include The Green Turtle’s vegan sushi and Netshed No. 9's creative plant-based entreés.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can indulge in a range of gluten-free options at select eateries such as Devoted Kiss Café, which provides a dedicated gluten-free menu featuring their popular quinoa bowls and gluten-free baked goods.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Gig Harbor with these cultural adventures.
