Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque harbors in Washington State, less than an hour from Seattle.  Gig Harbor was settled by European immigrants in the late 19^th Century, and became a thriving fishing village.  Evidence of this history is visible in the net sheds and boat yards along the waterfront district, however commercial fishing boats today out-number luxury pleasure craft.  

Gig Harbor’s popularity as a tourist destination has resulted in a proliferation of B&B’s, gift shops, wine bars and restaurants.  Some popular shops include Kit Kuhn Jewelry, Wild Birds Unlimited, Sea Glass Interiors, Gallery Row, and the Gig Harbor Gift Mall.

Driving to Gig Harbor

On your way to Gig Harbor you will cross the site of the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge that collapsed in 1940.  High winds across the Tacoma Narrows Straight created an undulating movement on the bridge that eventually led to it's collapse.  The bridge was nicknamed "Galloping Gerty".

Gig Harbor Restaurants

• Waterfront dining - Anthonys Gig Harbor or Green Turtle Restaurant
• Trendy downtown restaurant -  Brix 25
• Italian cuisine - Il Lucano Ristorante 
• Mexican cuisine - El Pueblito Gig Harbor
• Friendly cafes - Red Rooster Cafe and Java and Clay

Gig Harbor Inn

A list of accommodation is provided in the table at the bottom of the page.  Some options include the Inn at Gig Harbor, Wesley Inn, Maritime Inn, and Waterfront Inn at Gig Harbor.

Things to do at the Gig Harbor Waterfront

The key attractions along the Gig Harbor waterfront are on Harborview Drive.  You can either walk or drive to each of these places.  Total walking distance is approximately 2-miles one way from the “Old Ferry Landing” at Gig Harbor to “City Park at Crescent Creek”:

1. Old Ferry Landing, 2700 Harborview Drive:  Drive to the end of Harborview Drive for breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Point Defiance and Mount Rainier. This was the site of the old Ferry Landing from 1928-40 before a bridge was built over the Tacoma Narrows.   
2. Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Drive:  This small park houses a net shed owned by the Skansie brothers, an early boat building family.   There are picnic tables and a covered pavilion.
3. Gig Harbor Museum, 4121 Harborview Drive:  Learn about the daily struggles of the first settlers in the Gig Harbor area.  See an 1893 School House, and the original “Shenandoah Fishing Boat” built in 1925 at Gig Harbor.   
4. Donkey Creek, 1714 N. Harborview Drive:  Lush, lawned area with a creek and viewing platform.
5. Finholm View Climb, 8826 N. Harborview Drive:  Panoramic views of Gig Harbor, just across the road from Anthony’s Restaurant.
6. Crescent Creek - City Park, 3303 Vernhardson Place:  One of the best parks in Gig Harbor for a family picnic, featuring a baseball backstop, tennis courts, BBQ area, playground and creek.

Gig Harbor Boats

To view Gig Harbor by water, book a boat tour on Destiny Harbor Tours at Anthony’s Restaurant.  Boat Tours also cover the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Point Defiance, and Port of Tacoma.

Galaxy Theater - Uptown Gig Harbor

Visit the Galaxy Theater in uptown for latest movies.  This is also the location for the Annual Gig Harbor Film Festival in October.

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