S O UTH S O UND B O UND
GIG H A RB O R
Rain-or-Shine Adventure Awaits in Gig Harbor Head south to the city where ‘postcard-perfect views meet small-town charm’ By Kari Hanson Tacoma Narrows Bridge
The vibe
Just across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge lies one of the Kitsap Peninsula’s hidden gems, Gig Harbor. A city where “postcard-perfect views meet smalltown charm,” Gig Harbor has dozens of parks, fabulous restaurants, quaint shops and as many events throughout the year as a town twice its size. In short, this charming day-trip destination has something for everyone. Keep reading for some of our favorite places to eat, shop and play in what one local describes as “the Dawson’s Creek of Washington.”
Getting there
Getting to this coastal town of just over 10,000 people takes about an
hour from Seattle, and only about 20 minutes from Tacoma. If you approach from Interstate 5 and Tacoma, be sure to tell the kids the tale of Gallopin’ Gertie as you drive over the stunning, and much safer, Tacoma Narrows Bridge. If you’re coming from the north, hop on the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and drive south to enjoy a very scenic route.
Take a cultural trip
Get your play on Start your day with a delectable mochi doughnut from Milkvue Handcrafted Donuts + Coffee — local-fave flavors include black sesame, blueberry pie and teriyaki ramen. If you need a little more fuel in the tank, head to Devoted Kiss Café (devotedkisscafe.com). (Only
So, come along with me and I will show you A place where all of nature is in tune A cozy little town where love is all around Under a Gig Harbor moon “Under a Gig Harbor Moon,” the official song of Gig Harbor
open 7 a.m.–2 p.m., the café tends to be quite busy, so we recommend skipping peak mealtimes.) Enjoy a quick five-minute stroll down North Harborview Drive and you’ll arrive at the Harbor History Museum (harborhistorymuseum.org). Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., the museum’s 7,000 square feet of galleries showcase the rich maritime history of Gig Harbor. The museum is also home to the 1925 65-foot purse seiner Shenandoah, which is currently being restored. The best part? Admission to the museum is free — can’t beat that! Keep heading south on Harborview Drive and you’ll arrive at the Skansie Visitor & Interpretive Center. Inside you’ll find the Harbor WildWatch exhibit (harborwildwatch.org), which includes a 100-gallon marine touch tank, augmented-reality sandbox, marine mammal skull displays and more. Spend a few minutes or an hour at this all-ages experience. Be sure to check this environmental education organization’s website to learn where and when other public programs
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