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Neighborhoods: Gig Harbor

This maritime city offers great shopping and more

Harbor views of boats and great shopping await you across the Narrows Bridge. Photo credit: Christina Butcher

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Gig Harbor, "the maritime city" is a quaint waterfront city located nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). This beautiful town makes for a perfect weekend getaway or even a short daytrip.

Getting There

Gig Harbor is a quick and beautiful drive within half an hour from JBLM. Take I-5 north and take exit 132 to WA-16 W toward Gig Harbor. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Once you're there, park and take the Gig Harbor Trolley between the Uptown shopping district and the historic waterfront.

Where to Stay

You can find hotels like Best Western and the Inn at Gig Harbor or quaint lodging spots like the Waterfront Inn and Beachside Bed and Breakfast. For a true Washington experience book a houseboat through Pleasure Craft Houseboats. The Gig Harbor RV Resort offers a camping alternative.

Eating Out

Gig Harbor's waterfront boasts a variety of eateries, mostly all within walking distance of each other from the gorgeous waterfront.

Head to Tides Tavern, built in 1910 for steamed clams or the Maui burger.

For a more intimate setting, try the pan-fried rainbow trout at Brix 25, hailed as one of the best restaurants in the Northwest.

Do you like oysters? Minterbrook Oyster Company offers the tastiest and freshest freshwater oysters around.

Getting thirsty? Have a local pint of beer at the 7 Seas Brewery.

Top Tourist Attractions

History buffs should head to the Harbor History Museum. Spend the day learning about the town's history and the preservation of the historic sites dwelling in the harbor area.

For a more unique experience, visit the Heritage Distilling Company (HDC) to make your own special brew. Heritage Distilling Company is among the top premier craft distilleries in the United States, making a variety of whiskeys, vodkas, gins and rums from as many local ingredients as possible. HDC is one of the largest craft distilleries on the West Coast and is the largest independently owned craft distillery in Washington.

If you're more of the adventurous type, check out Escape Hour Gig Harbor. Escape Hour Gig Harbor is an exhilarating real-life escape experience where you and your friends -- or like-minded individuals -- will be locked in elaborately designed rooms forcing all to work together to escape. This makes for a fun family, date night or girlfriends night out.

Spending a romantic weekend in Gig Harbor? Take a gondola ride on the only Venetian gondola in the Pacific Northwest. John "Cinque" Synco will be your gondolier and serenade you through the harbor on a gondola shipped from Venice, Italy.

Families will enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the Gig Harbor community, as well as the scenic drive along the bridge and waterways. If you would like to learn more about the community and the events throughout the year, check the City of Gig Harbor website at gigharborguide.com/

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Gig Harbor Gondola

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