Gig Harbor is not just a lovely little city in Washington state; it’s also the name of the bay off Puget Sound where it’s located. Its moniker, the Maritime City, is all you need to tell you that Gig Harbor lives and breathes boats, docks, and seaside delights. And it’s only 50 minutes away from Seattle, which is great for commuters.

To truly experience the maritime atmosphere, you  must visit the waterfront, where you’ll find all manner of docks, boutiques, restaurants, and museums to make you fall in love with this beautiful spot. 

Below is our guide to the top 10 things to do on the waterfront in Gig Harbor, WA.

1.   Stay At The Waterfront Inn
 

How does waking up in the morning to a beautiful sunrise on the bay sound? That’s exactly what you’ll get when you stay at the Waterfront Inn. Whether you’re a visitor or a long time resident, you need to check this place out. It has a charming, homey atmosphere coupled with all the modern amenities you could wish for - including a river rock gas fireplace, a jetted tub, and your own private entrance. 

Stay at the Waterfront Inn for a romantic weekend getaway or as your homebase for your fun-filled Gig Harbor vacation.

2.   Sample Local Produce At The Waterfront Farmers Market
 

Get a taste for homegrown fruits and vegetables, and homemade baked goods, artwork, and apparel at the Waterfront Farmers Market. This spot on the bay is always hopping with vendors from all over Washington state. Get the freshest ingredients for cooking your own meals, or a painting or accessory that you’ll look at and always remember Gig Harbor by.

3.   Quench Your Thirst At Tides Tavern
 

In the early 20th century, Tides Tavern began life as a general store. Then in the 1970s, it was taken over, renovated, and renamed, and it hasn’t changed much since. The wooden furniture and warm panelling, combined with the friendly atmosphere and water views, will make you feel right at home. You can quench your thirst with a fleet of alcoholic drinks, including wines, beers, and liquor. The appetizers and meals made with locally sourced seafood are also to die for. 

Don’t ship out of Gig Harbor without visiting Tides Tavern and trying their delicious fare!

4.   Go Shopping At Uptown Gig Harbor
 

Experience high end shopping at beautiful boutiques when you visit Uptown Gig Harbor. This outdoor marketplace is the best place in Gig Harbor to find a new outfit, grab an ice cream cone or a cup of boba tea, stock up on tchotchkes, and savor fine dining. Be sure you bring your credit card with you because this is the place to live loud and spend lavishly. 

5.   Eat Local Seafood At Anthony’s
 

Satisfy your craving for seafood at Anthony’s Restaurant. Anthony’s selects the finest seasonal seafood from Alaska and the Northwest region to serve delicious meals year round. Salmon is one of their specialties - they serve three different varieties of salmon during the summer - but you can also try the calamari, shrimp, clams, and whatever other type of seafood strikes your fancy. 

Embrace the spirit of the Maritime City and be sure to dine at this exquisite bayside restaurant. 

6.   Climb The Finholm View For Fantastic Harbor Vistas
 

The Finholm View Climb is the best way to take advantage of Gig Harbor’s situation by the bay. If you follow the 0.5 climb of wooden stairs to the summit, you’ll find stunning panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the harbor, and the city itself. It’s a wonderful spot to take pictures and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

7.   Enjoy The Sunset At Old Ferry Landing
 

For watching the sunset on the horizon, there’s no better place to go than Old Ferry Landing. This park features picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee, and observe the harbor. Here, you can sit and think, meditate, take photos, journal, draw, or simply take in the swirling palette of the Pacific Northwestern evening sky.

8.   Have A Picnic By The Sea At Ancich Waterfront Park
 

Ancich Waterfront Park has all the amenities you need for a lovely picnic lunch. It gives you access to the beach where you can spread a blanket down, squish your toes in the sand, and wade in the brisk water of Puget Sound. You can also lay your spread out on the picnic tables. With public restrooms nearby, you can stay in the park for a long time, soaking in the sun, surf, and salty sea air.

9.   Break For Breakfast At NetShed No. 9
 

NetShed No. 9 is a locally owned cafe that serves breakfast and lunch, and dinner two times a week. They serve yummy fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and other early morning delights. For lunch and dinner, you might want to try their cheeseburger or any other of their savory dishes. Then you can wash it all down with a mug or bottle of a local beer. 

To support small businesses and Gig Harbor owners, as well as a scrumptious menu served by a hardworking crew, be sure to stop in at NetShed No. 9. 

10.                Learn About Local Heritage At The Harbor History Museum
 

Eager to learn more about Gig Harbor, either as a tourist or a future resident? Then you must visit the Harbor History Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving the city’s maritime heritage for future generations. Here, you’ll find hands-on exhibits, vintage photographs, replicas, and videos showing you the long, rich chronicles of the harbor. You can also attend special events, such as the Gig Harbor Literary Society. 

If Gig Harbor, WA is not on your list to visit or scope out for a new home near Seattle, then be sure to add it. This is a truly unique town unlike any other near Puget Sound, and you may need to move here to experience all its attractions.

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