I dig “The Gig.”
As in, Gig Harbor, Washington. It’s a quaint seaside village on the Kitsap Peninsula that hugs a tiny harbor on three sides, and faces Mount Rainier which looms as a beautiful backdrop to this picturesque town.
First off, I was married there, in my parents’ backyard. And because my parents live just outside Gig Harbor and have a guest room, I’ve never had the occasion to actually stay overnight in town. However, I happen to know of a great place for you to stay.
If you’re looking for some maritime immersion this spring, mixed up with some art galleries and harborside dining, put Gig Harbor at the very top of your destination list. It’s got incredible scenery, gorgeous gardens, plenty of galleries, good restaurants and coffee shops, and hundreds of boats. You can hike in nearby state parks, walk and people-watch along the harborside bike path, or rent a kayak. Definitely plan for a hungry stop at the internationally-known Tides Tavern, where a good beer and fish & chips on the waterside deck is a must while watching a parade of boats enter and leave the harbor. And don’t be surprised if a boisterous bunch of Harley riders shares the table next to you – everyone stops at the Tides.
Where to Stay? Here’s just one option, a vacation rental. The Snug Harbor Hideaway is a charming, spacious suite just a few minute’s walk from downtown Gig Harbor. It’s decorated “country-style” and has a separate patio entrance in a beautiful view home. The suite is fully furnished, with linens for the queen-sized bed, a full living room, and a well-stocked kitchen with dishes, spices, pans, coffee maker, etc. The bathroom has a claw foot bathtub with French shower ring. The Snug Harbor Hideaway is a comfy, charming base from which to explore Gig Harbor and its environs.
Winter rates are $65 a night / $350 a week and summer rates (May though September) are $75 a night / $400 a week. To reserve, call Suzanne at (253) 853-6379 or email her here.
Gig Harbor and Mt. Rainier by Evan S. Photography.
29 Responses
I kayak pretty regularly at my Dad’s house on a small, man-made lake in Bonney Lake. Hardly white-water canyon-shooting, but always fun nonetheless. Thanks for the giveaway! -mike
I can’t remember if I’ve ever been in a kayak… I don’t think so? I know I’ve been in a canoe a bunch of times, and I may have been coaxed into a kayak once… but if I did, it wasn’t very memorable.
Anyway, I would love to go to Gig Harbor during my annual trip to WA this summer!
Never, but i will be next week!
Yes, I’ve been in a kayak a few times. It’s a wonderful vessel in which to feel “at one with the water”! I would love to visit Gig Harbour, as I explore Washington State….
Yes I have been in a kayak before. I was a little kid and my dad had one that even had a sail on it. He had everything in that thing as he was suppose to drive down the California and wanted to kayak back to Seattle in it. To this day he never did.
I have indeed been in a kayak and enjoy it every time.
Paddled through the Narrows once from Point Definance to Titlow Beach, with a side trip into Gig Harbor. This was back before the second bridge but still generally terrifying. A must-do if you paddle around Tacoma.
Never been in a kayak before, but it looks like great fun!
I have never been in a kayak but have been thinking about taking lessons for about two years now. It’s on my list of stuff to try for sure! Hate to say that I’ve never been to Gig Harbor since I just live “down the road” in Portland, OR but all the photos I’ve seen of it–including the ones in this post–sure make it look fantastic. My husband and I love to travel, especially locally (OR/WA/CA) and being photographers we would no doubt truly love a visit to Gig Harbor!
I have been river kayaking, but not sea kayaking. From what I’ve read/heard, the experience is fairly different.
Never been kayaking… Would love to!
Yes, I’ve been in a kayak! At Agua Verde on Lake Union, and then, we ate lots of Mexican food, of course.
I have never been kayaking though I’ve lived in the Puget Sound area all my life. It sound like fun to slip through the water in that peaceful manner. I’ll bet you can see a lot of water fowl and marine life that close to the water!
I’ve canooned… I’ll have to try kayaking someday. I’ve heard it’s great.
I’ve never been in a kayak before. Not sure if I’d be brave enough… I guess I’d try if I had the opportunity!
I haven’t been Kayaking but I love canoeing. Are they very different?
I kayaked once when I stayed in South Lake Tahoe for the summer in 2002. It is a beautiful lake to kayak on and the water is so clear! The second time was on my honeymoon in Kauai last fall. We went on a river kayak/hike tour. We were in a two person kayak and it was so fun! One part of the river was narrow and all these trees were hanging over the river…it felt like the Amazon! I really want to kayak in the Northwest is the perfect place to kayak! The sound is beautiful and there’s so many rivers and lakes.
I have been in a kayak once and loved it! That was quite a few years ago…not sure why I haven’t made it back in one….
Thanks for the great give away!
Never been in kayak.
For those of you who commented about canoeing, do try kayaking. I primarily canoed in the Midwest before moving to Puget Sound and thought nothing would top it. But for our climate, kayaking rocks. On a rainy day, your lower half stays dry inside the cockpit, and your top is covered with spray skirt, PFD (“life jacket”), and raincoat, so you don’t get that hapless, hopeless wet rat feeling. Plus, unlike a canoe where you’re perched above the water, in a kayak you sit level with the water, making for a more, well, intimate experience.
Have I ever kayaked? No. It is on my bucket list! My husband and I are planning a trip to the NW in June to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We hope to stay in Gig Harbor.
Yes, I’ve kayaked with my husband in many areas of Puget Sound. I love being close to the wildlife on the water.
I’ve never been kayaking, but would love to! The Snug Harbor Hideaway looks like the perfect romantic getaway…so charming. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve been rafting many times – never been kayaking. I would certainly like to try, though! Thank you, Lauren, for your great article about Gig Harbor – my mom grew up there and it’s a wonderful town. I was linked to the article from your Tweet!
Would love to check out Gig Harbor! I used to work in Olympic National Park. Unfortunately, never made it to Gig Harbor though.
I have kayaked before and really enjoy being on the water.
Gig Harbor is a beautiful area and has grown tremendously over the past few years. I have never stayed there myself and would love the opportunity to explore the shorelines and town.
I own a 14 foot Dagger Kayak and I paddle as much as I can. I paddled among the San Juans once, many years ago, PK (pre-kids) and loved it. Mainly, I paddle on the rivers and lakes near Bend, OR where I live. Paddling gives me a sense of peace I can’t find anywhere else. It’s an escape from noise and people and complication. : )
Thanks, everyone, for participating! The lucky winner is commenter #24, Kitri McGuire. Congratulations, Kitri! I hope you enjoy your stay at the Snug Harbor Hideaway.
I have to put in another plug for the Snug Harbor Hideaway. I visited a few weeks ago and the suite is fabulous – charming, really nicely decorated, fully stocked kitchen, great views, and a terrific location. What a deal at $75 a night!
I have been in a kayak a couple of times. And on I did dig the gig on my few visits to town.