Things to Do in Gig Harbor, WA: The Complete Local Guide
Gig Harbor is one of the most scenic small cities on Puget Sound — a protected harbor with a working waterfront, a walkable historic downtown, and quick access to trails, kayaking, and some of the best waterfront dining in the South Sound region. It's an easy day trip from Kitsap County or Tacoma, and worth more than a quick stop.
The Waterfront & Harbor
Gig Harbor's identity is inseparable from its harbor. The protected cove off Puget Sound is where the town started — as a commercial fishing hub in the late 1800s — and the waterfront is still the center of activity.
Jerisich Dock Park The main public dock and waterfront park. A long boardwalk with views of the harbor, moored boats, and Mount Rainier on clear days. Benches and picnic tables make it a good spot for an hour's sitting. Kayak launches available nearby.
Skansie Brothers Park A waterfront park at the north end of the harbor loop. Features a historic netshed (one of the remaining commercial fishing outbuildings), picnic areas, and water access. Good for watching the boat traffic in and out of the harbor.
Harborview Drive Loop A 1-mile loop walk that takes in both parks, the restaurants, galleries, and shops along the harbor front. Flat, paved, and entirely walkable. The best introduction to Gig Harbor you can get in 30 minutes.
Outdoor Activities
Cushman Trail
A 14-mile paved multi-use trail running from downtown Gig Harbor northwest toward the Tacoma Narrows Bridge area. Excellent for cycling, walking, and jogging. Flat to gently rolling. Connects to the Narrows Park area.
Sehmel Homestead Park
A 240-acre park east of downtown with walking trails, sports fields, and a community garden. One of the larger parks in the Pierce County Gig Harbor area. Good for a family outing.
Kopachuck State Park
About 5 miles west of downtown. Camping, forested trails, and a pebble beach on Carr Inlet with views of the Purdy Spit and Colvos Passage. Kayak-friendly launch area. One of the better state parks near Gig Harbor.
Kayaking the Harbor
Gig Harbor is an excellent kayaking destination. The enclosed harbor is calm and sheltered; paddling the harbor perimeter takes about 1–2 hours at a relaxed pace. Several outfitters offer rentals seasonally, typically launching near Jerisich Dock.
Henderson Bay Trail
A newer addition to the Gig Harbor trail network, running along Henderson Bay south of downtown. Good waterfront walking with less foot traffic than the main harbor loop.
Arts, Culture & Shopping
The Harbor History Museum A well-designed local history museum covering the story of Gig Harbor from Puyallup and Nisqually tribal history through the Croatian fishing families who shaped the town's character in the late 1800s. The commercial fishing exhibit is particularly good. Modest admission; free for children under 5.
Gig Harbor Art Shuttle A self-guided gallery tour that connects multiple art galleries and studios in and around downtown Gig Harbor. Several galleries cluster near the waterfront. Free to walk; individual galleries have varying hours.
Downtown Boutiques Gig Harbor's Harborview Drive and the cross streets have a solid mix of independent boutiques, home décor shops, and local gift stores — better than most small cities of similar size. Worth browsing without a specific purchase goal.
Harbor Greens Market A local specialty grocery and deli that functions as a community hub. High-quality local produce, good prepared foods, and a better cheese selection than you'd expect in a small-town market.
Annual Events
Maritime Gig Festival (June) — Gig Harbor's signature annual festival. Waterfront celebration with live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and a boat parade. One of the most-attended community events in Pierce County.
Gig Harbor Film Festival (October) — An independent film festival that has been running for several years, bringing regional and national independent films to the Harbor History Museum and other venues.
Gallery District Open Studio Tours — Periodic open studio events where local artists open their working spaces to visitors. Check local arts organizations for dates.
7 Seas Brewing Events — The brewery hosts regular events including beer release days, live music, and seasonal festivals that draw visitors from across the South Sound.
Day Trip Tips
Getting here: Gig Harbor is accessible via SR-16 over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. From Kitsap County, it's about 20 minutes from Bremerton and 45 minutes from Bainbridge Island. Ample free parking off Harborview Drive and in city lots.
Best time to visit: Summer (June–September) for the waterfront and outdoor activities. The Maritime Gig Festival in June is the peak event. Fall is excellent for the film festival and quieter waterfront walks.
Combine with Kitsap: Gig Harbor sits at the southern edge of the Kitsap Peninsula. A day trip that starts in Port Orchard, crosses the Narrows to Gig Harbor for lunch and a harbor walk, then returns via the bridge makes for a full South Sound day.