Gig Harbor, the southern gateway to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, lies just across the dramatic Tacoma Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. This tucked-away town sits on a scenic inlet framing a postcard-perfect view of Mount Rainier. Its strong Scandinavian and Croatian heritage has always influenced its nautical lifestyle and fishing-village character. Today specialty shops, creative boutiques, art galleries and waterfront restaurants add to its appeal and make it a wonderful get-away.

Dining

 • A trip to Gig Harbor isn't complete without a stop at The Tides Tavern, a Gig Harbor institution for many years. The smoke-free environment set on pilings over the harbor is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine or beer, a tasty meal from a pretty extensive menu, and enjoy looking at some of the wildlife in the Sound, boat traffic, and locals coming in and out of The Tides.
 • Anthony's Restaurant is part of a chain of Northwest-centric restaurants in the Puget Sound area and Gig Harbor's is one of the jewel's in the chain's crown. Fairly upscale seafood fare shares the menu with traditional beef, chicken, and salad items. The restaurant's location is fantastic ... at the head of the harbor with a drop-dead gorgeous view of the marinas, the homes clinging to the sides of the hill, and Mount Rainier. A bar downstairs features 1/2 price appetizer options and the same spectacular view.
 • Brix 25* is a fairly new dining establishment in the Harbor, but has quickly become one of the favorites. While this eatery doesn't have a view of any sort or even a very nice structure to call home, the menu and presentation is fantastic. Meals are exquisitely prepared and feature daily specials. The fare is primarily continental with a Northwest twist. Expect halibut, salmon, some shellfish, along with a filet mignon, or a duck breast on the menu most nights. They also have an excellent wine selection.
 • The Beach House at Purdy is outside of the downtown Gig Harbor area, but well worth the trip. Set on the beach overlooking Henderson Bay and out towards the Key Peninsula, the Beach House has become known area the entire region as one of its finest restaurants. In the warmer months, you can dine outside with your feet in the sand or enjoy the air conditioned indoors. Fare is typically Northwest influenced casually-elegant from a rather short, but impressive menu. A substantial wine collection and fantastic desserts round out meals at the Beach House quite nicely. Plan ahead and make reservations, especially on the weekends.

Lodging

There are several lodging choices in Gig Harbor from hotels, to bed-and-breakfasts, to motels, to vacation rentals.
 • One of the newest and most well known choices is the Inn at Gig Harbor. The Inn features upscale lodging close to the city center with many amenities within the hotel. The construction is of a Northwest lodge style. One of the drawbacks to this lodging, though, is its location. It is a bit outside of the loop for exploring the area by foot and is set right against busy Highway 16.
 • The Maritime Inn is a small hotel right in the center of town, an excellent location to enjoy the many restaurants, galleries, and shops by foot. This is Gig Harbor's only major lodging choice right along the waterfront. Rooms have fireplaces and many enjoy views of the harbor.
 • The Best Western Wesley Inn is not your typical Best Western. This is quite a nice lodging choice perched above the center of the town, convenient to some restaurants and freeway access. Rooms are nicely appointed including some with fireplaces and bay windows.
 • The Waterfront Inn is a small B&B right on the water in downtown. This is a perfect spot from which to explore this maritime village. The Inn was built in 1918 as a private residence and retains much of its exterior charm. There are three rooms in the waterfront area and three "Captain's Quarters" rooms that are not waterfront. Each room is outfitted with modern conveniences and is clean and uncluttered, unlike so many B&Bs.

Mixed anemones, Puget Sound Region

Get In

By car
A car is really quite requisite to see the Gig Harbor area as a whole. Gig Harbor is easy to get to by car from the rest of the Puget Sound area. From Interstate-5 take the Washington State Hwy. 16 west across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The first four exits after the bridge are all Gig Harbor exits.

Attractions

Must-see areas in Gig Harbor include the Maritime town center itself, Kopachuck State Park, Joemma State Park, the Tacoma Narrows Bridges (one currently under construction), and Horsehead Bay.

Get around

While there is public transportation provided by Pierce County Transit, Gig Harbor visitors will need to do most of their exploring by boat, car, or on foot.

The town name suggests that this is a harbor town. Boaters can moor in the harbor itself, a part of Puget Sound, and explore the many shops, cafes, and galleries in downtown.

Those coming in on four wheels can struggle to find parking in downtown, but once they do, exploring the town by foot is well worth it.