Visit Washington’s prettiest maritime village with a picture-perfect view of Mount Rainier.

Gig Harbor in full color

Every cliché a travel writer tries to avoid when describing Gig Harbor invariably fits all too well: It is charming, extremely quaint and of course, a total hidden gem. We just can’t help ourselves. Gig Harbor is the kind of town that prompts casual visitors to start browsing real estate listings.

And for romantics like us, it’s the kind of town engaged couples decide they simply must get married in. My husband and I tied the knot in my parents’ Gig Harbor backyard in 2006.

Visit as a quick day trip from Seattle (no ferry crossing required!) or even better, make your trip to Gig Harbor an overnight romantic getaway.

Getting There

From Seattle, take I-5 South past downtown Tacoma. Exit at 132B for Washington Highway 16 West.  You will cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which is a toll bridge but there is no toll this direction (there will be a toll on the return trip). After you cross the bridge you are officially on the Kitsap Peninsula and almost to Gig Harbor. Exit at Wollochet Dr NW toward City Center. Make a  right onto Pioneer Way – this will take you through a residential part of town down to Harborview Drive, the city center.

If you want a ferry crossing in your trip, head to the Fauntleroy ferry terminal in West Seattle and take the ferry to Southworth. SE Sedgewick Rod (160) will take you to Hwy 16. Head south to Gig Harbor.

 

Things to Do

Where to Eat

  • The Tides Tavern Gig HarborWhether you arrive by sailboat or motorcycle, you’ll be welcome at The Tides Tavern, Gig Harbor’s friendly and much-loved waterfront restaurant. Their menu is standard pub fare like burgers and salads; I always get the fish and chips and a pint of IPA. Grab a seat on the deck if the weather allows. Note to families: The Tides is 21 and over only.
  • For fine dining, the place to go is Brix 25. Entrees include steaks to great Northwest fare like clams and rainbow trout. You’ll enjoy terrific service and their wine list is awesome. Worth the splurge.
  • Just want a refreshing beverage? Head to the source – the taproom at 7 Seas Brewing Company, serious makers of great craft beer. Grab a stool and order a pint of Cascadian Dark Ale or Ballz Deep Double IPA.
  • Eat like a local! From brunch with friends to dinner with family, you’ll love Kelly’s Cafe and Espresso. Oh, but especially breakfast, from biscuits and gravy to piles of pancakes, breakfast at Kelly’s is the best.
  • Thai Hut is in a little bungalow near Donkey Creek Park and serves solid, standard Thai food (great Pad Kee Mao) with some unexpected standouts, including many vegetarian dishes and unusual curries.


View Gig Harbor in a larger map

Don’t Miss

The first Saturday of every month hosts the Gig Harbor Waterfront Art Walk from 1-5pm.

Celebrate local craft beer at the Gig Harbor Beer Festival in May.

Gig Harbor kicks off summertime at the Maritime Gig Festival in early June.

In August, join the hundreds of watercraft that gather around Cutts Island for the annual Underwater Music Festival.

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Photos: The Shenandoah by Gexydaf, colorful floats by roswellsgirl, piled kayaks by roswellsgirl, Tides Tavern by wilddogz, Skanskie Pier by DTWPuck, foggy harbor by roswellsgirl, Gig Harbor sunset by Dylans Mom, lighthouse by Michael D. Martin, Gig Harbor marina by Remote Sky.

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