For its sheltered bay, Gig Harbor became a sanctuary for early mariners of Puget Sound, and today it celebrates its maritime heritage, which is very much alive today. The setting of the protected harbor, the city streets tracing the shoreline and climbing the hillsides surrounding the harbor, and the thriving restaurant and shopping scene make Gig Harbor a charming destination for a weekend getaway.
Book a room at the Maritime Inn, right across the street from the harbor in the thick of the action. Begin your weekend with a visit to the Harbor History Museum, where you will learn all about Gig Harbor’s history and its significance as a small port city.
Then, weather permitting, book a tour with Destiny Harbor Tours to get out on the water to see this charming town from a duck's-eye view. The tour cruises the harbor and goes out into the broader waters of The Narrows for more expansive views of Puget Sound and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the possibility of spotting some marine wildlife.
Just a short walk from the inn, visit the tasting room at the award-winning Heritage Distilling Co. for a craft cocktail, and then head to dinner at Brix 25 for locally sourced Northwest fare. For breakfast, brave the line at the popular Netshed No. 9; for lunch, the iconic Tides Tavern is a must.
Gig Harbor is located right across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma, only about 45 miles from Seattle. Plan your weekend in Gig Harbor, Washington, at visitgigharbor.com.