By land or sea, Gig Harbor has much to offer

By Greg Johnson

Visitors unfamiliar with the quaint town of Gig Harbor may think it is popular with gig jobbers or musicians’ “gigs.”

In reality, Capt. Charles Wilkes’ expedition in 1841 named Gig Harbor name after seeking refuge in the harbor during a violent storm on the ship’s small boat, known as a gig.

Today, the growing town of 13,000 residents, located just west of Tacoma via the Narrows Bridge, is known for its proximity to outdoor recreation, cultural activities and creative events. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails in more than 20 parks, fish for salmon in local waters and cruise on a gondola in the scenic Puget Sound. In town, they can peruse art galleries, explore local festivals and perhaps catch a live performance at the Milton S. Boyd Performing Arts Center.

The star of Gig Harbor is the downtown waterfront, which boasts scenic public parks and docks and majestic views of Mount Rainier. Visitors can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the harbor waters, book a sightseeing tour with Destiny Harbor Tour or Riviera Cruises, or take a Gig Harbor Gondola tour, while land lovers can learn about local history and wildlife from volunteer guides with Waterfront Walking Tours. 

(View the waterfront wonders online at  GigHarborWaterfront.org/WalkingTourVideos.) 

Recreational activities abound in the Gig Harbor area. They include Ocean5 at the Olympic Towne Center, where the grandkids will love laser tag, bowling and new and retro arcade games. Families can learn about the region’s rich history through the interactive, hands-on Harbor History Museum. Thrill-seekers will find a 70-minute escape experience at Escape Hour, where they find clues and solve puzzles to get out of custom-made, elaborately designed escape rooms.

Gig Harbor’s eclectic mix of shops includes unique items and year-round Christmas décor at the Beach Basket, the Weathered Cottage and Sea Hag Fine Art. The downtown promenade has locally owned specialty food, fishing and outdoor outfitting stores. 

Popular spots include Kiss Café for breakfast overlooking the bay and Java & Clay Café, where visitors can glaze a clay pottery masterpiece while sipping an Italian-style espresso. And from June to mid-September, the Gig Harbor Waterfront Farmers Market takes over Skansie Brothers Park, featuring produce, local food items and artisan crafts.

Lodging options — all rated 4.0 or higher on Google — include the Inn at Gig Harbor, 10 minutes from the waterfront; boutique accommodations on the harbor at The Waterfront Inn; and the upscale Maritime Inn in the heart of downtown Gig Harbor.

For more information, check out the city of Gig Harbor’s comprehensive guide at www.visitgigharbor.com.

Greg Johnson is a travel writer for The Messenger.