Something for Everyone in Gig Harbor!

Gig Harbor, Washington

The Puget Sound touches an idyllic community just a few miles northwest of Tacoma, Washington. Welcome to Gig Harbor.

Leave the stress of the city and enter a small town on the Sound that features plenty of fun for the whole family, whether it be water activities, walking, great food, local markets, shopping, photography, or just relaxing. The view of the harbor is spectacular!

First up:

A Do-It-Yourself Food Tour on the Harbor.

Park your car near the Harbor and enjoy! Aperitif (That’s what the Italians call a drink before dinner!) Your choice: Bourbon? Vodka? Whiskey?

Choose Heritage Distilling Co., a tasting room on the corner of Harborview and Pioneer Way in the middle of downtown. Factoid: To qualify as a tasting room, a still must be on sight. This unassuming Craft Distillery, which started in 2012, has been the most awarded craft distillery in North America by the American Distilling Institute six years in a row (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019).

Their secret to success?  Hand-crafting, small batches.

Taste the Brown Sugar Bourbon—known as BSB, which was named the best-flavored whiskey in the world two years in a row by Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards two years in a row. (Need I say more?)

Beer Lover? Choose Seven Seas Brewing Company at 3006 Judson Street, just one long block up Pioneer from Harborview. No matter what your choice in beers, 7 Seas has it, from the light to the very stout. The varieties seem endless, with regular, stand-by choices as well as seasonal varieties.

Can’t decide? Enjoy four tasters and take home an exclusive pint glass for $5 per person. Their beautiful taproom features highly polished picnic tables, soft couches, and bar stools as well. The kids can join in for a can of cider or a root beer, and your dog can join you at the outdoor seating area. No loud TVs, except at Seahawk game times.

The Main Event:

Seafood, of course (This is Puget Sound after all):

Fish n’ Chips, anyone?

Choose Tides Tavern at 2925 Harborview Dr. From Seven Seas go back toward the waterfront along Harborview Dr. (Sorry, no kids allowed). Tides is a former general store (originally built in 1910), and refurbished into the restaurant you see today, with tables inside, or outside facing the Harbor. If you’re ordering fish and chips, go the extra mile and order halibut fish and chips. (Personal opinion.)

Have Kids?

Try the Trolley at the Boatyard—Again on Harborview Dr. at the Marina (3117 Harborview Drive). A funky food truck right at the Marina with easy seating outside that welcomes the kids and their furry friends. The tacos and burgers are favorites as well as the fish and chips.

Everyone restaurant?

Our family’s choice is Kelly’s (Just a few steps up Pioneer from the Harbor.) Don’t expect fancy here, just good food and friendly service. It’s our favorite for breakfast too.

Dessert:

Ice Cream, of course: Head to Kelly’s, just up Pioneer Avenue from Harborview.

Now, the perfect ending to a perfect day! … A Gondola Ride in the Puget Sound!  SAY WHAT? The newly created, Gig Harbor Gondola, is in its beginnings.  An offshoot of the gondola rides in S. California, the Gig Harbor Gondola uses authentic gondolas from Venice and for a reasonable price, up to 6 in the gondola, with singing and Salami, cheese, crackers, and fruit if you choose.  Tour the Harbor, and learn the history and the names of some of the boats.  Our daughter, who lives in Gig Harbor, provided us with a ride to celebrate our anniversary. 

Now you see the reason to spend a day or two at Gig Harbor, Something for Everyone!!