The Pacific Northwest is under the summer’s spell; instead of the gloomy grey and heavy rainfall that falls from the leaves throughout the rest of the year, there are pleasant breezes and breathtakingly blue skies. It’s the perfect time to relax and be on vacation in a different breathtaking location, and Gig Harbor must be on your list of potential new travel destinations! If you are new and need a place to stay, browse through Gig Harbor vacation rentals for a better experience. Now, let us uncover where to go in this gateway to the Olympic Peninsula!
Downtown Gig Harbor
One top thing in Gig Harbor is a stroll along the shoreline. From either side of Skansie Brothers Park, this attractive area stretches out and links to the Finholm neighborhood, which has a rich history. It has a lovely walkway that meanders next to numerous marinas and is close to the water. This pedestrian-friendly region caters to all interests, whether you’re seeking dining, shopping, or beautiful moments during the day.
Gig Harbor is an attractive destination. There are breathtaking sights everywhere you turn, including various watercraft in every size and shape, old houses and buildings, expansive harbor views, and those breathtaking moments when “the mountain” towers in the distance. Just one hour south of Seattle, Gig Harbor provides a wide range of activities, including boating, excellent dining, paddle boarding, and gallery hopping.
Kopachuck State Park
Henderson Bay’s Kopachuck State Park has 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline and is a 109-acre marine and camping area. Cutts Island, also known as Deadman’s Island, is one park area that can only be accessed by boat, half a mile from the beach. Beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and sunsets are visible from the park. This lovely park has a western exposure, offering breathtaking sunsets, sandy beaches, and a broad view of the Olympic Mountains covered in snow. Only a private boat can get to Cutts Island, a park section half a mile from the park itself.
Finholm View Climb
With panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Gig Harbor Marina, the Finholm View Climb offers a great view of Gig Harbor. However, due to its location in the back of the parking lot across from Anthony’s restaurant, only a few locals are aware of this hidden gem. About 100 stairs connect the two streets. When climbing, be prepared to experience thigh pain, but take advantage of the viewing platforms and rest areas along the way. Parking is available along the residential Franklin Avenue for those who want a view without climbing. At the top of these stairs is an accessible platform.
Cushman Trail
There’s no need to stop practicing running when in Gig Harbor. The Cushman Trail is a 6.2-mile paved trail that winds through the town’s picturesque forests. Even the numerous slopes add some variety to your routine. Park benches allow runners and walkers to pause for a little break or stretching session. Additionally, a painted center line helps to maintain safe traffic flow.
On the west side of the town but east of State Route 16, the trail curves northwest. The path is accessible from several locations, and a few established trailheads provide parking. The Grandview Street parking lot is the most noticeable trailhead parking facility in Gig Harbor. Additionally, there is a flushing restroom at this trailhead. Although the route is mostly flat, there are a few spots where the grade can reach 10%. Additionally, trail users should be aware that the path crosses a few main city streets. Cyclists must be prepared to yield at these intersections.
Harbor History Museum
Visitors can take a tour of the museum to learn more about the past of the Gig Harbor Peninsula. The museum houses galleries for permanent displays, a Special Exhibitions Gallery with 4-5 exhibits each year, a one-room schoolhouse from 1893 that has been rebuilt, a 65-foot purse seine fishing boat, and the first Thunderbird sailboat ever constructed. There is a resource room and gift store at the museum. Free admission!
The Harbor History Museum features several exciting items, images, and elaborate displays. The main gallery has 7,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing the area’s extensive history. Learn about the tenacious shipbuilders who helped shape the peninsula’s early economies and the Indigenous civilizations that have long inhabited the area.
