11 Downtown Gig Harbor Gems Locals Don’t Want You to Miss
Quick overview
Find eleven of Gig Harbor’s best-kept secrets, from artisan galleries to waterfront trails
Learn why so many people are enjoying the live-work-play of the downtown waterfront
Discover walkable strolls and authentic community experiences tourists miss
With over 40,000 visitors from event attendance alone, downtown Gig Harbor often exudes a small-town charm while also offering the perks of a big city, thanks to its proximity to Tacoma and Seattle. For locals, however, the location offers many smaller gems that make it the perfect backdrop for anyone who has moved in to enjoy a little extra local culture. Where can you find these little treasures, though?
Below, we offer everything from off-the-radar boutiques to cozy cafes and scenic parks that locals swear by. They’re Gig Harbor’s secrets that you will never want to leave behind.
Our Top 11 Downtown Gig Harbor Favorite Places
1. For the Love of Spice Tasting Bar
Drop in to this immersive tasting bar to discover their extensive selection of unique flavors. Their range also includes:
Olive Oils
Balsamic Vinegars
Custom spice blends
Rare salts
Savory stocks
Their offering includes both local blends and regional varieties that you may not be able to find anywhere else in Washington state, underscoring the local cultural diversity. So, if you are a foodie who loves to make food for yourself or others, you don’t want to miss out.
2. Lost Star Tabletop Gaming Outfitter
With a small, rotating stock of board games and other enjoyable niche products, the local community clusters around Lost Star regularly to engage with many of the tournaments and story campaigns that crop up at this location. Ask inside when you can next expect to join in, and ask if any of the tables are likely to be able to introduce you to a new game.
You don’t know what you’re missing out on if you don’t drop into this often-overlooked retailer. The social event scene is thriving, and you'll always find people laughing along with the goings-on here.
3. Tickled Pink Gift Shop
When you are about to head home from a visit, or if you live here and plan to visit others, check out this bright and playful gift shop, boasting custom and artisanal:
Apparel
Jewelry
Greeting cards
Home décor
There’s plenty of creative purchases here you’ll feel like you’ve missed out on if you don’t peruse the shelves while you’re here.
4. Devoted Kiss Café
If you're looking for a cozy breakfast or brunch spot, stop by around 7 a.m. for some of their scratch-made waffles or seasonal fruit toppings. Perfect for starting a day, whether during the week or the weekend.
Be warned, however: It has a devoted fan base, and the first-come, first-served seating often runs out quickly. So, don’t dawdle.
5. The Gourmet Burger Shop
At the other end of the breakfast-dinner scale, find yourself taken in by this casual waterfront eatery with both indoor and outdoor seating. Choose from the Bacon Cheddar Burger, Gorgonzola and Avocado Burger, or one of many other options, and pair them with your preferred fries.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
6. Harbor History Museum
Enjoy the mix of permanent local galleries and rotating special exhibits, which showcase artifacts from the local area alongside those from further afield. Whether you want to learn more about indigenous culture or that of early European settlers, there’s something for everyone to learn here.
7. Treasures 4 Humanity Boutique
Those looking for ethically-sourced women’s boutique apparel will find something perfect for them in this small shop. The location underscores Gig Harbor’s commitment to philanthropy and local businesses, allowing socially conscious homebuyers an opportunity to find something they can use regularly without relying solely on big-name shops.
Treasures 4 Humanity also donates to local and global charities, which they discuss on their social media accounts. So, buy here to know you are doing that little bit of extra good in the world.
8. Birdnest Gallery & Framing
The location showcases dozens of examples of local art from regional artists, allowing you to learn more about the creative side of local culture. Their range includes:
Original pieces
Exclusive lithographs
Giclees
Metal sculptures
Many of them are nautical-themed, reflecting the local community's sensibilities, meaning you can either appreciate or pick up some art that truly holds meaning for the area. They also offer a custom framing service, so even if you don’t buy any of the art, you can get something of your own set up in a style that matches it to the rest of the area.
9. Java & Clay Café
It’s not often that you find a hybrid pottery-painting-studio-cum-coffee-lounge, but here one is. Drop in to start a small pottery project or enjoy table service while chatting over coffee with your friends. It’s the perfect activity for a day with parents or children, depending on your needs.
10. Cushman Trail
Take a stroll through Gig Harbor’s wilderness with this paved, albeit non-motorized, greenway. It has multiple trailheads running off of it, allowing you to choose future hikes and enjoy the rolling hills and tranquil wetlands that surround this perfect region.
11. Eddon Boat Park
Ok, we admit this one isn’t so much of a hidden gem, but sometimes you just want somewhere with a nice view. It’s the perfect spot for photography or simply enjoying the sight during a picnic or date. If anything, it underscores why the region’s property costs couldn’t be more worth it.
Ready to Discover More of Downtown Gig Harbor?
These eleven secrets of Gig Harbor culture and beauty really showcase the neighborhood’s aesthetic and personality. With a mix of walkability and boutique commerce, they prove why living here just feels like a perpetual vacation, and that’s without even mentioning the bay itself.
Partner with Schulte & Co. to learn more about how this downtown Gig Harbor would make the perfect location for your next home. Contact us to leverage our expertise and discover your next steps today.
