“Gig Harbor is steeped in maritime history with boat building and commercial fishing at the core of the development of the area…Our unique [Main Street] district hugs the shoreline of beautiful Gig Harbor Bay for a mile and a half and includes a handful of businesses that line Pioneer Way and Judson Street, immediately up the hill from Harborview Drive, our ‘Main Street’.”
Mary DesMarais, Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance
Conference Details
Featured community day: Tuesday, September 28
Platform Opens: 8:30 am-9:00 am
Sessions: 9:15 am-3:00 pm
We hope you can use our recommendations on your next road trip to visit Gig Harbor and nearby Main Street communities.
Recommended Lodging
- The Maritime Inn
- http://www.maritimeinn.com/
- 3212 Harborview Dr | Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- (253) 858-1818, 888-506-3580
- Waterfront Inn
- https://waterfront-inn.com/
- 9017 North Harborview Drive | Gig Harbor, WA 98332
- (253) 857-0770
- Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites
- https://www.wesleyinn.com/
- 6575 Kimball Drive | Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- (253) 858-9690
- Pleasure Craft Houseboat Rentals
- https://www.pleasurecraftrentals.com/
- 3215 Harborview Dr | Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- (253) 549-6639
Sightseeing and Day Trips
Explore downtown Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor boasts a unique Main Street district, located primarily along the shoreline of beautiful Gig Harbor Bay. Characterized by historic fishing netsheds, this vibrant main street is full of restaurants, shopping, tasting rooms, museums, and more. Learn more with this guide from the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance.
Historic driving tour from Skokomish to Tacoma
Learn more about the history of the South Sound, visit landmarks such as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and enjoy beautiful views of the shoreline with a 1.5 hour driving tour from Skokomish to Tacoma (or vice versa)! This RevisitWA tour will guide you through 20+ points of interest, historical context and photos, and optional side trips.
Gig Harbor historic sites and netsheds
“Gig Harbor is steeped in maritime history with boat building and commercial fishing at the core of the development of the area,” says Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance Executive Director Mary Desmarais. Learn more about Gig Harbor’s maritime heritage and iconic netsheds with this RevisitWA guide.
Nearby Main Street Community: Puyallup
Visiting downtown Puyallup today you’ll notice a blend of the community’s rural farming heritage and its growth as a bustling urban community. The Puyallup Main Street Association hosts one of the state’s largest farmers markets, carries on the tradition of Meeker Days, and proudly promotes the many family-owned businesses that make up the heart of this community.
Nearby Main Street Community: Olympia
Washington leads the pack for best state capital city, thanks to the energy and diversity you can experience in downtown Olympia. Great food, fresh brews (coffee and beer!), and some of the most unique shops and experiences you will find in any downtown, anywhere. The Olympia Downtown Alliance does a fantastic job of helping you find your way around – you’re going to love Oly.
Nearby Main Street Community: Kent
If you haven’t been to Kent lately, you’re in for a real treat. Downtown Kent is coming into its own – not only is the district a mix of historic buildings and new development, but the community has embraced multiculturalism like never before. You’re going to want to spend some time exploring and eating all the food here. Let the Kent Downtown Partnership show you around this vibrant district!