
Uptown Gig Harbor Washington
A charming waterfront destination with diverse retail, casual dining, and entertainment options, known for its picturesque setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Uptown Gig Harbor Washington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming waterfront destination with diverse retail, casual dining, and entertainment options, known for its picturesque setting.
"The store selections are great and restaurants/coffee shops are good, but there's not enough parking. "

🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or be prepared for a walk. Parking can be tight, especially near the theater. :parking:
🛍️ Explore Diverse Shops
Discover a range of boutiques and stores, though some may be on the pricier side. :shopping_bags:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Uptown Gig Harbor Shopping Plaza
Central Gig Harbor
A vibrant hub with diverse retail clothing stores and casual dining options, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Metropolitan Market
Uptown Gig Harbor
A popular local market known for its fresh offerings and deli sandwiches, a great spot for a quick bite.

Gig Harbor Gondola
Gig Harbor Waterfront
Experience the charm of Gig Harbor from the water with a unique gondola ride. Reservations recommended.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Parking Pains & Planning
Shopping & Dining Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or be prepared for a walk. Parking can be tight, especially near the theater. :parking:
🛍️ Explore Diverse Shops
Discover a range of boutiques and stores, though some may be on the pricier side. :shopping_bags:
🍽️ Casual Dining Options
Enjoy various restaurants and coffee shops, many with outdoor seating. :coffee:
🎬 Movie Theater Perks
The local theater offers comfortable seating, great food options, and even adult beverages. :movie_camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early or be prepared for a walk. Parking can be tight, especially near the theater. :parking:
🛍️ Explore Diverse Shops
Discover a range of boutiques and stores, though some may be on the pricier side. :shopping_bags:
🍽️ Casual Dining Options
Enjoy various restaurants and coffee shops, many with outdoor seating. :coffee:
🎬 Movie Theater Perks
The local theater offers comfortable seating, great food options, and even adult beverages. :movie_camera:
🌊 Waterfront Stroll
Take a pleasant walk around the area, enjoying the scenic views. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Uptown Gig Harbor is praised for its diverse shopping, good dining options, and a welcoming movie theater. However, the most significant drawback consistently mentioned is the severe lack of adequate and convenient parking, often leading to frustration for visitors.
"Lots of really great places here. It’s a must see when your in the area"
Wayne Martin
"I loved this theater 🎥. Everything felt welcoming and clean. The popcorn comes with a lid. Hellooo lol. Great idea. Their menu is overloaded with great options. Even adult drinks. The reclining of the chairs is perfect. Check out my photos."
Mrs. Michaela Hall
"Not enough parking!!!!!. Store selections are great and restaurants/coffee shops are good. But unless you want to walk from a side parking lot, there's just not enough parking to support a movie theatre and everything else."
A.L Page
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Uptown Gig Harbor is accessible by car. If coming from across the bridge, be aware of potential bridge tolls. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient. Parking can be challenging, so plan accordingly.
Information on direct public transportation routes to Uptown Gig Harbor can be sparse. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for Pierce County for the most up-to-date information. Driving is generally the most common method of arrival.
To avoid bridge tolls when traveling to Uptown Gig Harbor, ensure you have a 'Good To Go' pass or be prepared to pay the toll electronically. Some visitors prefer to plan their routes to avoid toll bridges altogether if possible.
While specific park and ride lots directly adjacent to Uptown Gig Harbor might not be abundant, exploring nearby transit hubs or larger parking areas could be an option. It's best to consult local transit maps for potential alternatives.
Uptown Gig Harbor is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Seattle, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Uptown Gig Harbor is an open-air shopping and dining area, so there are no tickets required for general entry. However, specific attractions like the movie theater or escape rooms may have their own admission fees and require booking.
Individual store and restaurant hours within Uptown Gig Harbor can vary. Most shops are typically open from around 10 AM to 7 PM, with restaurants often staying open later. The movie theater has its own showtime schedule.
There are no entrance fees to simply walk around and explore the Uptown Gig Harbor shopping and dining area. Fees only apply to specific ticketed attractions or for parking in certain lots.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets for the Gig Harbor movie theater in advance, especially for popular showtimes or new releases, to secure your preferred seats.
Uptown Gig Harbor occasionally hosts community events and festivals. Checking local event listings or the official Uptown Gig Harbor website is the best way to stay informed about upcoming happenings.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Uptown Gig Harbor features a variety of retail stores, including clothing boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores. Some visitors note that prices can be on the higher side, reflecting the upscale nature of the area.
You'll find a range of dining options, from casual eateries and coffee shops to restaurants with outdoor seating. Metropolitan Market is a popular spot for deli sandwiches and fresh items.
While some stores and restaurants are on the pricier side, there are casual dining spots and coffee shops that offer more budget-friendly choices. Exploring the various eateries will help you find something that fits your budget.
Yes, many restaurants in Uptown Gig Harbor offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal while taking in the atmosphere of the area.
The Gig Harbor movie theater is noted for its extensive menu, which includes more than just popcorn. They even offer adult beverages and have received praise for their food options.
♿ 🚗 Parking & Accessibility
Yes, parking is frequently cited as a major challenge at Uptown Gig Harbor. Spaces can be small and are often full, especially when the movie theater is busy. Visitors often have to park in adjacent lots and walk.
While most retail parking lots are generally accessible during business hours, some areas may have specific restrictions, especially if they are reserved for movie theater patrons. It's wise to observe posted signage.
Accessible parking spots are typically available within the parking lots. However, due to the overall parking scarcity, finding these spots can also be challenging during busy periods.
Yes, Uptown Gig Harbor is designed to be walkable, with shops and restaurants clustered together. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll around the area, especially if you find convenient parking.
Overnight parking is generally not permitted in the Uptown Gig Harbor retail lots. It's best to adhere to posted parking regulations to avoid any issues.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
While Uptown Gig Harbor is more of a commercial area, the waterfront views and charming streetscapes offer pleasant photo opportunities. The Gig Harbor gondola also provides unique shots.
Uptown Gig Harbor offers views of the surrounding Puget Sound area and the picturesque waterfront. A walk around the area can provide lovely photographic moments.
Generally, taking photos inside shops is permissible for personal use, but it's always polite to ask for permission from the store staff, especially if you plan to use flash or take extensive photos.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for photography in and around Uptown Gig Harbor, especially if you're capturing the waterfront.
The Gig Harbor gondola and the general waterfront area are popular subjects for photos. The architecture of the shops and the bustling atmosphere also contribute to the visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking at Uptown Gig Harbor
To mitigate parking frustrations, arriving early, especially on weekends or during popular movie showtimes, is highly recommended. Visiting during weekday mornings or evenings when crowds are typically thinner can also lead to a more relaxed experience. Pay close attention to posted signage regarding parking restrictions and reserved spots to avoid any issues. While accessible parking is available, finding these spots can also be difficult during peak times due to the overall demand.
The Shopping and Dining Experience
When it comes to dining, Uptown Gig Harbor provides a good range of options. From quick bites at coffee shops to more substantial meals at restaurants, there's something for various tastes. Metropolitan Market is frequently mentioned as a go-to spot for fresh deli sandwiches and quality groceries. Many establishments also offer outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy the pleasant Pacific Northwest atmosphere while they dine. The local movie theater also boasts an impressive menu, going beyond typical cinema fare with a wider selection of food and even adult beverages.
Beyond the Shops: Activities and Views
The presence of a movie theater adds to the entertainment options, with comfortable seating and a good selection of films. While not a primary focus, the picturesque waterfront and the general charm of Gig Harbor can provide some nice photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. For those interested in local history, the Harbor History Museum is a nearby attraction worth exploring.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit