Gig Harbor, Washington

Gig Harbor, Washington, a small maritime city with a population of 6,465, (Census 2000 data), boasts a panoramic view of the mountains, Gig Harbor lies just across the bridge from the bright lights of Tacoma and all the amenities of a major metropolis, while retaining its own small-town ambience.

Considered one of the most picturesque small cities in the United States, Gig Harbor lies on the shores of lovely Puget Sound, with the Narrows Bridge connecting it to Tacoma.  Washington State’s premier city of Seattle lies only 49 miles beyond that, with the international Sea-Tac Airport (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport), the hub of transportation in the Northwest, only 33 miles distant.  The Capital City of Olympia is 45 miles away. The 4.14 square miles of Gig Harbor claims a growing reputation as a wonderful vacation spot trading hectic city life for the serene and beautiful waterfront community.

Gig Harbor, WA blooms with color through most of the year, due to the mild Pacific Marine climate. Held each June is the Gig Harbor Garden Tour, where eight private residences invite patrons to stroll through their gardens, glimpsing true Gig Harbor living. Excellent nurseries such as the Peninsula and Rosedale Gardens offer plants, saplings and creative ideas to Puget Sound Region residents.  Specialty shops such as Wild Birds Unlimited and The Creative Gardener add to this colorful festival, drawing patrons back each year.

Gig Harbor is a magnet for artists and craftsmen. Ranked by Sunset Magazine as having one of the top five small-town “Art Walks”, Gig Harbor Art Walk occurs each Saturday, in the historic waterfront Downtown District. Over one hundred businesses await patrons, including galleries, boutiques, antique dealers and fine seafood restaurants. Visitors delight in this "Salmon-Chanted Harbor";, where sculptors display numerous salmon artworks, which the community raffles off each year, with proceeds going to environmental and arts education activities. The Gig Harbor Quilt Festival, Tidefest and Winterfest are more arts and crafts related events.

Gig Harbor supports the performing arts as well, with two live theater companies in residence. The Paradise Theatre offers indoor performances year-round, as well as classes in singing, acting, dance and Summer Theater. The Encore Theater provides indoor entertainment also, along with summer outside performances of music, drama, and comedy, and a summer camp for kids focusing on dance and theater. Gig Harbor also houses several outstanding museums, which carefully preserve the community’s rich cultural heritage.

Gig Harbor, Washington is a strong, stable, and charming community, with a wide range of activities to offer.