Exploring Downtown Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is an adorable little town just across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. While much of the town consists of quiet residential neighborhoods and homes tucked along the water, the Harbor or "downtown" is an excellent spot to check out—especially on a warm summer day. Explore galleries and antique shops, walk along the water, or even go beer and wine tasting.
More Things to Do:Things to Do in Pierce County | Walking the Narrows Bridge | Tacoma's Waterfront
One of the best things to do in Gig Harbor is totally free—walking around near the harbor. There's a pathway along Harborview Drive, which follows the water’s edge and takes you past most of the things to do in the area. You'll pass by shops and restaurants, Skansie Brothers Park, kayak and SUP board rentals, marinas and more—all set against a backdrop of marinas and sailboats and green hills.
Skansie Brothers Park is not a large park, but its location right by the water makes it a great place for a picnic. Grab a snack at Kelly's Cafe or bring your own food and you can sit in the grass or at a picnic table.
Location: 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor
Dotting the Harbor and surrounding streets are several restaurants, ranging from casual to nicer sit-down places. For casual, look to Kelly's Cafe where you can get a burger, sandwich, cup of soup or ice cream on summer days. For mid-range, Tides Tavern has been a long-time Gig Harbor mainstay and has great breakfast and happy hour menus. For a more upscale dinner, Morso wine bar and Anthony's are both right on the water.
Shopping in the Harbor is not a big box store kind of experience (not that there aren't big box stores here, but they're not located downtown). Located on Harborview Drive are dozens of small, locally owned shops, galleries and antique stores. Highlights include Gallery Row, a co-op featuring several artists all in one space; Gig Harbor Book Company and Mostly Books—both indie bookstores; and plenty of shops and boutiques with everything from kitchen wares to pet shops.
Just a couple of blocks from the heart of downtown Gig Harbor is the 7 Seas Brewery. If you enjoy well-hopped beers, head over to the tap room where you can relax not only with a beer, but with food from the food truck just outside the door (that you're welcome to bring in). 7 Seas brews Rude Parrot IPA, Life Jacket Session IPA, Ballz Deep Double IPA and 253 Pilsner.
Location: 3006 Judson Street, Gig Harbor
If beer isn’t your thing, never fear. Visit Heritage Distilling Co. at the corner of Pioneer and Harborview to taste small-batch whiskey, gin and vodka. You can tour the distillery’s main location at 3207 57th St Ct NW, or you can enjoy a tasting experience in the downtown tasting room.
Location: 3118 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor
Walking along Harborview Drive is a great way to see the water and marinas, but an even better way is to get out onto the water. There are kayak rental and stand up paddle board rentals located along Harborview. Even if you’re a beginner, the rental shop can offer a few tips to set you on your way. Just a couple options for rentals are Gig Harbor Rent a Boat (8829 N. Harborview Dr.), which has kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and more. Also Emerald Yachts (3419 Harborview Drive) has kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
More Things to Do:Things to Do in Pierce County | Walking the Narrows Bridge | Tacoma's Waterfront
Walking the Waterfront
One of the best things to do in Gig Harbor is totally free—walking around near the harbor. There's a pathway along Harborview Drive, which follows the water’s edge and takes you past most of the things to do in the area. You'll pass by shops and restaurants, Skansie Brothers Park, kayak and SUP board rentals, marinas and more—all set against a backdrop of marinas and sailboats and green hills.
Skansie Brothers Park
Skansie Brothers Park is not a large park, but its location right by the water makes it a great place for a picnic. Grab a snack at Kelly's Cafe or bring your own food and you can sit in the grass or at a picnic table.
Location: 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor
Restaurants
Dotting the Harbor and surrounding streets are several restaurants, ranging from casual to nicer sit-down places. For casual, look to Kelly's Cafe where you can get a burger, sandwich, cup of soup or ice cream on summer days. For mid-range, Tides Tavern has been a long-time Gig Harbor mainstay and has great breakfast and happy hour menus. For a more upscale dinner, Morso wine bar and Anthony's are both right on the water.
Shopping
Shopping in the Harbor is not a big box store kind of experience (not that there aren't big box stores here, but they're not located downtown). Located on Harborview Drive are dozens of small, locally owned shops, galleries and antique stores. Highlights include Gallery Row, a co-op featuring several artists all in one space; Gig Harbor Book Company and Mostly Books—both indie bookstores; and plenty of shops and boutiques with everything from kitchen wares to pet shops.
7 Seas Brewery
Just a couple of blocks from the heart of downtown Gig Harbor is the 7 Seas Brewery. If you enjoy well-hopped beers, head over to the tap room where you can relax not only with a beer, but with food from the food truck just outside the door (that you're welcome to bring in). 7 Seas brews Rude Parrot IPA, Life Jacket Session IPA, Ballz Deep Double IPA and 253 Pilsner.
Location: 3006 Judson Street, Gig Harbor
Heritage Distilling Co.
If beer isn’t your thing, never fear. Visit Heritage Distilling Co. at the corner of Pioneer and Harborview to taste small-batch whiskey, gin and vodka. You can tour the distillery’s main location at 3207 57th St Ct NW, or you can enjoy a tasting experience in the downtown tasting room.
Location: 3118 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor
Kayak and Other Rentals
Walking along Harborview Drive is a great way to see the water and marinas, but an even better way is to get out onto the water. There are kayak rental and stand up paddle board rentals located along Harborview. Even if you’re a beginner, the rental shop can offer a few tips to set you on your way. Just a couple options for rentals are Gig Harbor Rent a Boat (8829 N. Harborview Dr.), which has kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and more. Also Emerald Yachts (3419 Harborview Drive) has kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.