Things to Do in Gig Harbor, WA
Gig Harbor has the same temperate climate as the rest of the region, so there isn’t necessarily a bad time to visit: in late autumn, winter, and early spring you might get rained on. No matter when you plan a trip, it shouldn’t be miserable.
Any time between April and October is ideal for a trip to Gig Harbor. Even on my most recent visit in early April, what started as a grey day became stunningly nice and warm by the mid-afternoon. It’s the Pacific Northwest: pack layers, make sure you have an umbrella or raincoat, and you’ll be fine.
Harbor History Museum
If the weather isn’t cooperating, be sure to check out the Harbor History Museum near Donkey Creek Park. This small-town museum boasts an impressively large collection of items that help bring the history of Gig Harbor to life. They’re also currently working on a boat restoration in the back of the museum.
Cushman Trail
There’s no reason to abandon your running workouts while in Gig Harbor. Head to the Cushman Trail, a 6.2-mile paved trail that runs through the town’s scenic forests. It even has numerous hills to mix up your routine a bit! There are park benches for walkers and runners to stop and enjoy a quick rest or stretch.
Gig Harbor Gondola
Gig Harbor is truly enchanting from the water, but it looks even more spectacular from a Venetian gondola. Gig Harbor Gondola offers rides on the harbor aboard their authentic Venetian gondolas. Your guide is a charming gondolier who will share the history of the area and even sign a few Italian classic songs as you meander along the water.
Water Sports
On a nice why not head to the harbor and try your hand at stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. The calm waters of the harbor make it perfect for beginners and allow for a nice leisurely paddle.
Water Activities
If you would rather not chance getting wet then experience the Puget Sound with various harbor tours and charter boats available for your enjoyment. Smell the sea air, experience sea birds, seals and other marine wildlife in the Sound.
Just some of the businesses in Gig Harbor to make your time enjoyable!
Cruise Hobbes - A Chartered sailboat with a full crew, your own personal “Below Deck,” with overnights for two, or cocktail cruises and afternoon expeditions for up to six.
Destiny Harbor Tours - Gig Harbor chartered boat and group tours, departing from the dock below Anthony’s in downtown Gig Harbor.
Gig Harbor Boat Shop - Take your pick from vintage classics for an afternoon rental - skiffs, restored wooden canoes, 1941 electric boats, available Saturday and Sunday.
Gig Harbor Boat Works - Builders of small custom boats for rowing and sailing, and reproductions of traditional working boats.
Gig Harbor Electric Boat Rental - An ideal way to spend a relaxing couple of hours on the water exploring beautiful Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor Fly Shop - Rent a Hobie Kayak from these masters of outdoor pursuits.
Gig Harbor Gondola - Two authentic Venetian gondolas that seat up to six — prepare to be serenaded in Italian, and view Gig Harbor from a unique vantage point. Appetizers from Harbor General are available for pre-purchase, BYOB encouraged.
Lee's SUP - At the mouth of the harbor, this is a great vantage point. Start and stop at Morso Bistro, or Anthony’s Shorline (yup, there’s no “e”) with kayak and canoe rentals.
Riviera Cruises - Chartered cruises available through Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Seattle. Book a sunset cruise through the calm waters and intimate passages among South Sound islands and exclusive bays, under bridges grand and small. Gig Harbor, Narrows Bridges, Point Fosdick, Cromwell, Fox Island Bridge, Henderson Bay into Horsehead Bay.