Photo: Dicklyon / CC BY-SA 4.0 Budget Guide
Free things to do in Gig Harbor
If you're visiting on a budget, here's the full no-spend list — plus where to eat for under $20 a person.
Free attractions
All of these have free admission and free parking nearby.
Photo: rdcalldude / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia) trail
Cushman Trail
6.2-mile multi-use paved trail running the length of the Gig Harbor peninsula — flat, family-friendly.
Photo: Gene Daniels · NARA Documerica 1973 · Public Domain viewpoint
Maritime Pier & Anthony's Beach
Public fishing pier and small public beach on the harbor's west side — sunset spot for locals.
Photo: Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia) park
Gateway Park
39-acre community park with splash pad, off-leash dog area, and large playground.
Free experiences (not "attractions" but worth doing)
- Watch the harbor seal at Maritime Pier — Free. The seal lives at the dock. Best 11am-2pm.
- Walk the Cushman Trail — 6.2 miles paved, free, multiple trailheads
- Sunset at Skansie Brothers Park — Free, public, Mt Rainier framed across the water on clear days
- Saturday farmers market — Free entry, May-October at Skansie Park
- Concerts at Skansie Park — Free, every Wednesday in July-August
- Window-shop downtown — Harborview Dr + Pioneer Way, ~30 min walking circuit
Eat for under $20 a person
- Devoted Kiss Cafe — breakfast under $15, espresso $5
- Hops n Drops — entrees $14-18, kid-friendly
- The Galley — quick fish & chips, $14-16
- Marketplace Grille — sandwiches and salads, $12-15
- Butter Chicken Indian Kitchen — generous portions, $15-18
- Multiple cafés on Harborview Dr — coffee + pastry under $10
What to skip if you're on a budget
Skip the gondola ($75/person, 45 min) and skip Brix 25 ($120+ per person). Both are wonderful, both will blow your day budget. Save them for a return trip or a weekend stay.