From saltwater beaches to peaceful lakes, from walking through the second growth forest at the state parks to walking the city sidewalks, from skate boarding at the skate park to kayaking in the bay, Gig Harbor has recreation for everyone's personal style.

There are many state parks that take reservations for camping in the near area. Boat launch ramps are located near the major bays or bodies of water.  There are public boat launches in Gig Harbor Bay, Horsehead Bay, Fox Island Public Beach, Wauna, Vaughn Bay, Longbranch and Home.  

PenMet Parks is an organization founded on a vote by Gig Harbors residents in 2004 that devotes its resources towards the support of parks and recreation. For a complete map of PenMet Parks in Gig Harbor visit: PenMet Map

Main City Parks are:

• Adam Tallman Park
• Ancich Waterfront Park
• Austin Estuary
• Bogue Viewing Platform
• City Park at Crescent Creek
• day use only
• Civic Center (Greens and Skate Park)
• Donkey Creek
• Eddon Boat Park
• Finholm View Climb
• Grandview Forest
• Harbor Hill Property
• Kenneth Leo Marvin Veterans Memorial Park
• Maritime Pier
• Old Burnham Property
• Skansie Brothers Park and Jerisich Dock
• Wilkinson Farm Park

Main County Parks in the area are:

• Cushman Trail
• Fox Island Fishing Pier
• Hales Pass Park
• open field, tennis courts
• rustic meeting building
• Harbor Family Knight Forest
• McCormick Forest
• 122 acre natural area
• 3 miles trails
• Narrows Park
• 1000ft saltwater beach, 36 acres
• Bridge viewing, kayak launch
• Rosedale Park
• Rotary Bark Park
• Sehmel Homestead Park
• 98 acres
• wetlands, ponds, forests
• sports fields, community garden
• Sunrise Beach Park
• 2400 ft saltwater beach, 82 acres
• picnic tables, walking trails, swimming

There are also some state parks nearby:

• Cutt's Island
• Kopachuck
• 5600 feet saltwater beach, 109 acres
• 92 picnic tables
• hiking-2 miles trails, swimming, boating
• Cutt's Island accessible by boat
• Penrose Point
• 2 miles saltwater beach
• camping, 62 picnic tables
• swimming, boating, hiking-2.5 miles trails, fishing
• Joemma Beach
• 3000ft saltwater beach, 122 acres
• camping, 8 picnic tables, picnic shelter
• boating, fishing, swimming, boat ramp

Eight golf facilities offer year-round golf for all abilities in or close to Gig Harbor.        

• Canterwood Golf and Country Club
• Gig Harbor Golf Club
• Madrona Links Golf Club
• Gold Mountain Golf Club
• Trophy Lake Golf Club
• Horseshoe Lake Golf Club
• McCormick Woods
• Performance Golf Center

Gig Harbor Guide provides more information on golfing in the Gig Harbor area.

The Gig Harbor Peninsula area is ideal for enjoying water-related recreation. Whether you prefer water skiing, power or sail boating, kayaking, fresh or salt water fishing, scuba driving, windsurfing, clamming, beachcombing, stand-up paddling or swimming, the secluded harbors provide excellent moorage and docking facilities.

Several professional and semi-pro sports teams are located in the area - Seattle Seahawks (football), Seattle Mariners and Tacoma Rainiers (baseball).

Youth and adult baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, dance, and soccer programs are provided through several community organizations. Two local pools provide swimming opportunities for the community and swim clubs. Or head down to the beach for a pick-up game of beach volleyball!

The nearby Tacoma Dome is an all-weather facility utilized for concerts, tradeshows and recreational events.

Check out my Culture page for a ton of great activities to stay entertained in this wonderful city!