Gig Harbor is the name of both a bay on Puget Sound and a city on its shore in Pierce County, Washington, United States.
Gig Harbor has been named #1 by Coastal Living Magazine as The Top 10 Harbors to live in. Here in Gig Harbor we take that accomplishment very seriously and are very proud to have been chosen number one. They had nothing but great things to say about this charming town that I’ve learned to love and enjoy. This is just a taste of what they had to say: This lovely, slightly rustic town at the south end of Puget Sound lets you stay overnight in the harbor―on a docked houseboat. Once a busy center for commercial fishing, boat building, and lumber, Gig Harbor lives a quieter life these days. It draws steady recreational-boat traffic, so lots of restaurants, shops, and land-based lodging cluster within walking distance of the docks.
Many who come to visit Gig Harbor usually don’t want to leave. You have all of your senses opened up when you walk down the streets of downtown. From the smell of the fresh sea air to the coffee brewing around the corner. We have restaurants that should be in New York City. Some of the top chefs flock to this area for their fine culinary attributes. JW Restaurant is one of the best in town. With it’s quaint atmosphere and great service you will want to come back for more.
The shopping scene has also established itself here in Gig Harbor. We are encouraging more fashion forward stores to come into Gig Harbor so that the residence don’t have to go across the Narrows Bridge into Tacoma to get their basic shopping done. We are all still keeping our fingers crossed for a Nordstrom, but I’m sure that is a long way to come. Be sure to stop by Galaxy Theaters to catch a flick in style. They offer a VIP theater where you can have drinks and special food choices brought right to your chair. The amenities here in Gig Harbor are not lacking that’s for sure.
Gig Harbor is one of several cities and towns that claim to be “the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula”. Due to its close access to several state and city parks, and historic waterfront that includes boutiques and fine dining, it has become a popular tourist destination. Gig Harbor is located along State Route 16, about six miles from its origin at Interstate 5, over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. A 1.2 billion dollar project to add a second span to the bridge was recently completed. During off-peak traffic times, Tacoma can be reached in five minutes and Seattle in just under an hour. It’s great to have two major cities so close by. You can enjoy the small town feel Gig Harbor offers, but take in the big city whenever you like because they are both so close.
Parks in Gig Harbor are very plentiful as well. Enjoying all that nature has provided us in this elequant harbor town is one of my favorite things. There are parks for sports, walking, and just sitting and taking in the view. Gig Harbor has waterfront parks and forest parks. Whatever you are in the mood for I know Gig Harbor has it. You can take a journey to any of these parks year round to enjoy the different outdoor seasons that Gig Harbor has to offer. Be sure to bring your camera to capture some of Gig Harbor’s mysteries. I seem to find one where ever I go.