The Best Things To Do In Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor WA has often been called the prettiest harbor town in Washington. This charming town stretches for a mile and the harbor was made for sailing. One of the most common activities is strolling along Harborview Drive. This 2.5 mile walk begins at Old Ferry Landing Park and winds throughout the harbor until reaching the Crescent Street Park. Every autumn, the coho and chinook return here to spawn. The sensational landmarks in this area include the Fisherman Memorial, the Harbor History Museum, the Eddon Boatyard and the harbor filled with sails fluttering in the breeze.

Naturalists at Harbor WildWatch have made all the arrangements for touch tanks available in Skansie Brothers Park. Unlike the typical aquarium, there are no crowds or fess and the kids will enjoy playing with the seastars and crabs just beneath the dock. There is also the Pier into the Night program for a sensational evening. Undersea lights enable the audience to see many of the cool creatures lurking under the surface.

The Eddon Boatyard has been newly renovated and is a must see in Gig Harbor. This small town made a commitment to save the boatyard from the wrecking ball and preserve the big maritime heritage. The Gig Harbor BoatShop can be heard humming away as young and old salts team up to restore the vessels built and designed at Eddon during the 1950’s. There are even free tours offered for an exceptional afternoon.

One of the favorite hangouts for the locals is The Tides Tavern. The clam chowder here has been described as to die for. There are always crowds talking while waiting for a table on the waterside. Do not miss out on the amazing fish and chips and a bowl of that legendary chowder. The halibut with homemade tartar sauce is beyond delicious and the kitchen will make deliveries to the boats.

The Minterbrook Oyster Company enables visitors to taste Puget Sound by way of the fabulous oysters. This trip is just a couple miles from Gig Harbor and is worth the small amount of time it takes. There are jars of tender, fresh-shucked oysters, smoked salmon and specialties such as Ocean Pearls and Yearlings.

There are several affordable and convenient ways to get into the water for anyone who does not own a boat. The locals offer a tour called Paddle the Harbor for 2 1/2 hours by kayak so guests can enjoy the views of the harbor. There are also rentals available for kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, power boats and rowboats.

The Gig Harbor Sailing Club & School offers lessons in basic sailing skills such as trimming and steering. Guests can relax and enjoy the peaceful sensation of propelling all over Puget Sound. There is nothing quite like the feel of the wind and the waves.

The Navy Liberty Boat is an open-air excursion once used by United States sailors when they took shore leave. Captain Tom Drohan is incredibly entertaining as he shares his passion for history and the waters. This is the place for the Narrows Bridges, bald eagles and a lot of pictures.