Things to Do in Gig Harbor
Get out and explore Gig Harbor. Spend time on the harbor and the trails, catch live music and local art, find family-friendly fun, and see what's happening around town.
There is no shortage of ways to spend a day in Gig Harbor. Start on the water with a kayak rental, paddleboard outing, or a walk on the Cushman Trail, then wander downtown for local restaurants and coffee and the shops along Harborview Drive.
After dark, catch live music, theater, and gallery nights, or keep it easy with family-friendly spots the whole crew will enjoy. Check the events calendar for what's happening around town, and book your trip on the Places to Stay page.
Explore by category
Three ways into everything the area has to offer, from the water and the trails to the stage and the playground.
- Outfitters & Gear5
- Guides & Tours9
- Boat & Watercraft Sales/Rentals16
- Ski & Snowboard Shops1
- Bike Shops2
- Fishing & Hunting16
- Golf Courses4
- Parks & Trails11
- Climbing & Adventure5
- Theaters & Performing Arts4
- Art Galleries19
- Comedy Clubs4
- Arcades & Family Entertainment5
- Music Lessons & Schools13
- Childcare & Daycare18
- Preschools1
- Private Schools4
- Tutoring & Learning Centers8
- Kids' Activities & Classes2
- Kids' Clothing & Toys7
- Birthday Parties & Entertainment14
Places to go
Browse allA sampling of local spots to get you started, from outfitters and galleries to family attractions.
AR Workshop Gig Harbor
AR Workshop Gig Harbor offers hands-on classes to create personalized wood signs, canvas projects, and other home decor. It is a boutique DIY studio designed for all ages and skill levels.
Adam Tallman Park
Adam Tallman Park is an 11.84-acre wetland nature preserve offering passive use walking trails, wildlife viewing platforms, and interpretive signage. It provides a quiet outdoor experience for those seeking a natural escape.
Adventure Angling
Adventure Angling provides guided fly fishing trips for salmon and sea-run cutthroat trout in South Puget Sound, launching from nearby ramps including Gig Harbor. They also offer a fly shop and casting lessons.
Allstar Guitar & Academy
Allstar Guitar & Academy offers music lessons, instrument sales, and repairs in downtown Gig Harbor, Washington. They provide both in-person and virtual instruction for various instruments.
Ancich Waterfront Park
Ancich Waterfront Park offers panoramic views of Gig Harbor and Puget Sound. It provides access to the water for human-powered craft and honors the city's commercial fishing heritage.
Animal Crackers Consignment
Animal Crackers Consignment offers both new and gently used children's clothing, toys, and baby gear in Gig Harbor, Washington. Families can find apparel from preemie to youth size 16, maternity wear, and a range of equipment.
Apprentice Academy
Apprentice Academy in Gig Harbor, Washington, offers art lessons, workshops, and camps for youth and adults.
Arabella's Landing Marina
Arabella's Landing Marina offers premier permanent and guest moorage in the heart of Gig Harbor, Washington. Boaters find secure docks, comprehensive amenities, and easy access to downtown attractions.
Arletta Montessori
Arletta Montessori in Gig Harbor, Washington offers preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten programs using the Montessori method. The school provides a prepared environment where children learn at their own pace and develop practical life skills, language, math, and an appreciation for the natural world.
Beautiful Brains LLC
Beautiful Brains offers K-12 tutoring and enrichment programs, providing personalized academic support, especially for students with disabilities.
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods on Harbor Hill Drive offers a wide selection of fishing and hunting equipment, along with general sporting goods, apparel, and footwear. They are a licensed FFL dealer and provide fishing licenses.
Boatsetter- Gig Harbor
Boatsetter connects you with a variety of boats available for rent in Gig Harbor, Washington, offering options with or without a captain.
What's happening
View allFestivals, markets, live music, and more coming up around town.
FAQs
Quick answers for planning your visit.
What are the best things to do in Gig Harbor?
The harbor is the centerpiece. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard, take a boat out from one of the downtown marinas, and walk the waterfront. Ride or walk the Cushman Trail, then browse the shops and restaurants downtown.
Explore outdoor recreationWhat can you do in Gig Harbor for free?
Plenty. Walking the Cushman Trail, relaxing at Skansie Brothers Park or Donkey Creek Park, strolling the downtown waterfront, and spending the day at Sunrise Beach Park or Kopachuck State Park all cost nothing.
What is Gig Harbor known for?
Gig Harbor is known for the harbor it's named for, the historic netsheds along the waterfront, and a walkable downtown that wraps right around the water.
What is there to do in Gig Harbor in winter?
Winters here are mild and wet rather than snowy. Downtown lights up for the holidays, and the Lighted Boat Parade brings decorated boats through the harbor in December.
Is Gig Harbor good for families?
Yes. Families gather at Donkey Creek Park, Skansie Brothers Park, and the downtown waterfront, plus the easy stretch of the Cushman Trail. Indoor options for rainy days are a short drive away in Tacoma.
See family & kidsHow many days do you need in Gig Harbor?
A weekend covers downtown, the harbor, and a walk on the Cushman Trail. Three or four days leaves room for a day trip out to the Key Peninsula or across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to Tacoma.